Happy New Year everyone and welcome to 2019! Without further ado, let’s get right down to it! In looking for a unique way to start a new year of posts, I came across a You Tube clip that may fill that bill perfectly. Published in 2012, this permanent tribute to the man and his work…
Tag: Doug Henning
A Holiday Hiatus!
As Christmas Eve is fast approaching, it’s time for “The Doug Henning Project” to take a much needed vacation. As I head to New York City over the holidays, you can be rest assured that I will have more exciting and rare Doug articles for you in 2019. It is truly because of you,…
“Magic on Broadway” Disembodied Head Illusion
Featured above is one of the more amusing moments from Doug’s “Magic on Broadway” special. The banter between Doug and Debby is heavily scripted, but pops with their usual chemistry! Needless to say, I’m skeptical that that was Doug’s real head featured throughout the whole illusion. But, who am I to say? Enjoy!
Doug Henning’s World of Tattoos
There are a lot of lengths that fans of Doug will go to for their hero. But, this picture sent to me by Michael Butt surely takes the cake. This tattoo, preserved on Michael’s arm forever, is a lasting testament to the idea that, when it comes to Doug fandom, sometimes you can take it…
Doug Henning: “Cult Radio A-Go-Go” Interview in Full
As I mentioned last week, I appeared on the popular “Cult Radio A-Go-Go” this past Saturday night. It was a lot of fun discussing Doug’s career, as well as “The Doug Henning Project” and the feature length documentary I’ve been working on. Give it a listen won’t you? CRAGG RADIO: Doug Henning Interview Link …
1970s Hilton Marquee Photo Slide
The above image is from the collection of Michael Whitecar, and shows the famous Las Vegas Hilton and its marquee in its 1970s former glory. What’s that in the second billing? Oh yeah, some guy named Doug Henning. Anyway, the Hilton is legendary in terms of its stature in old Vegas and the level of…
S.E. Giesbrecht Flaming Hoop Print
Today’s item resides, well, right above my writing desk. Now I can’t claim I have anywhere near the Henning collections that some people have. However, this S. E. Giesbrecht print was given to me this year while conducting an interview for my upcoming documentary on Doug’s life. From what was told to me, these were…
Doug on the Disney Easter Parade
First of all let me say that I know the quality of these clips is well, really lacking, but hey it’s Doug and Debby performing on the Walt Disney World Easter Parade. What choice do I have? There’s some really good stuff to be had here. From the Zombie Ball to Metamorphosis, it’s really a…
Neil McNally on “Cult Radio A-Go-Go” this Saturday Night!
Hello Everyone! I will be appearing on the internet’s own “Cult Radio A-Go-Go!” this Saturday, December 15th from 9-9:30pm PST. We will be discussing of all things, Doug Henning’s life and career! I’m really happy to be a part of it, and hope you can tune in for the live broadcast. If you can’t, I…
“World of Magic I” Press Releases
The following press releases are in anticipation of the first “World of Magic” special broadcast originally on December 26th, 1975. Each one is interesting in that while he had already appeared on Broadway, Doug was not yet the proven television commodity he would become. Oh, how one night would change all of that? Special…
Restored Zig-Zag Woman Cabinet
Collector Chip Romero recently sent this fantastic image over of Doug’s original “Zig-Zag” cabinet restored and ready for service! The illusion itself is a valuable piece of Doug Henning history, and it couldn’t have a more perfect permanent home. Special Thanks to Chip Romero
Complete Merlin Video Recording
While “Merlin” may not exist as a proper cast album or have a professional video recording, there are “other” less magical copies out there if you know where to look. Case in point, no one would claim that this recording that recently sprung up on You Tube is of the highest quality. But, it gives…
Farewell Illusion Sale Price List
The above item comes from Michael Whitecar, and is the price list that was given to all interested buyers from Doug’s farewell auction in 1989. It’s interesting to note how the general common misconception is that Doug gave away his illusions for very little to nothing. My apologies for the small print in the document,…
And Another Potter & Potter Auction Item!
This one’s for for all those Henning collectors out there, and yes I know who you are! Take a look at this neat window card that will be featured in the Potter & Potter Winter auction being held on Saturday, December 15th. While we’ve all seen the picture before, what makes this one unique is…
Farewell Auction: Letter/Item Breakdown
The following advertisement appeared in “Genii” in March of 1989. In a lot of ways, this letter and item breakdown signaled what was the true end to Doug Henning as a magician and performer. As is widely known, Doug’s devotion to Transcendental Meditation had overtaken his interest in magic as a whole. In keeping with…
Peter DePaula Playbills and Magazines!
Today’s post is dedicated an unsung hero in the history of “The Magic Show.” When the time came for the production to tour, it was obvious to everyone that Doug wasn’t going to be the one to do it. Enter touring understudy extraordinaire, Peter DePaula. While a tour of Australia never panned out, DePaula (handpicked…
The Chip Romero Collection: Fan Mail Postcard Response
In our continuing exploration of Chip Romero’s vast Henning collection, Chip talks about a common way Doug would answer his fan mail. However, what comes across as a simple postcard becomes much more on closer inspection. “I’ve never seen any of these before I bought this collection, and I haven’t seen one since. I’ve got…
Various TV Guide Listings and Art
Hey, remember when “TV Guide” was a thing? I know, I know, it pains me to say it, but younger generations will never know the thrill of getting that week’s newest issue, and circling a week’s worth of network delights. So, what better way to celebrate that bygone era than highlighting some of the more…
Ricky Jay Tribute
I’m sure the majority of you heard the sad news of Ricky Jay’s passing over the weekend. Jay’s contribution to the art of close up magic is immeasurable, and his loss to the art form will be felt for some time. While Doug and Ricky weren’t alike on the surface, both shared an innate appreciation…
Happy Thanksgiving from “The Doug Henning Project!”
Just a quick note to let you know that I will be traveling in Ireland over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and will be taking a break from the site until Monday, November 26th. Until then, Happy Holidays and try not to eat too much turkey! With Magic and Wonder, Neil McNally
Doug Live in Omaha (1981) Footage
For all those who weren’t around to see Doug perform live (like yours truly,) this footage is a nice, nearly fourteen minute slice of Doug in his 1981 prime in Omaha. As always, sorry about the picture and sound quality. But hey, it’s Doug, and his stage presence and energy brilliantly shine through thirty-eight year…
The Chip Romero Collection: “Hendoo” Business Card
We all have to come from somewhere don’t we? Featured above, is an exceptional find in the history of Doug Henning. You see, way, way before Doug Henning was Doug Henning, he was “The Astounding Hendoo!” For more on this early phase in Doug’s career, here’s an except from John Harrison’s 2009 biography on Doug’s…
Natural Law Party Campaign Article
Today’s article comes from the collection of Joe Fox, and highlights a unique time in Doug’s life: his attempted political career. Not many magicians to my mind have successfully run for political office and won and, unfortunately, Doug was no exception. Under the TM based “Natural Law Party,” Doug attempted to bring peace to Canada…
Doug on “The Tonight Show”…Again
The reaction to last week’s Tonight Show clip was so positive that, well, let’s do it again shall we? In this clip, Doug again shows off a myriad of illusions all before the coveted interview with Johnny. Eagle-eyed viewers will notice Steve Martin on the couch as well. The world of 1970s talk shows truly was…
Merv Griffin Appearance
I apologize for the poor quality of this clip, but the close-up illusions are well worth the price of admission. So, please stick with it! Now, I know we’ve most likely seen these illusions before. However, I like seeing how Doug would adapt and present his illusions in different settings and contexts. Needless, to say…
The Chip Romero Collection: Henning Handwritten Notes
In another extremely rare find from Chip Romero’s collection, we have hand written notes from the pen of, drum roll please, Doug Henning! These three simple pages really show you the genius of Doug’s mind in meticulously plotting out every element of the second “World of Magic” special. As usual, let’s got to Chip himself…
Doug Award Show Appearance and Speech
This clip is really fun to watch because it really serves as a half performance/half award acceptance speech for Doug. First up, is the classic “Sands of Egypt” illusion with actress Lee Meriwether (Time Tunnel, Batman) serving as Doug’s assistant. This classic illusion is a firm fan favorite, and Doug’s natural onstage delivery with it…
Doug on the Tonight Show (1984)
What better way to ease into the work week than with this 1984 appearance of Doug on Johnny Carson’s legendary Tonight Show? As Johnny explains, Doug was in LA for two weeks of shows at the Ahmanson Theater in preparation for a later run on Broadway. As having never seen this clip before, I was…
Doug and Dinah Shore Interview
While this clip includes yesterday’s performance at the start, it’s the sit down interview that begins at 5:53 that’s worth your price of admission for today. What I find fascinating about this chat is that it deviates from the usual talk show banter, and allows Doug to be, well, Doug. His views on science versus…
Doug on the “Dinah Shore Show:” Part One
This fantastic performance clip comes from when Doug was a guest on Dinah Shore’s appropriately named talk show “Dinah.” It’s a great sampling of some of Doug’s greatest hits, and well worth the four minutes and fifty seconds of your time. I’ll feature the interview segment itself tomorrow. Enjoy!
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 