FOR HIM, MAGIC IS MORE THAN TRICKS By GLENN COLLINS Published: February 13, 1983 Some of the ”Merlin” magic, like the horse and rider that vanish in midair, or the monster robot that mysteriously comes to life on stage, is new. Other illusions are updated variants of necromantic classics, like the elegant disappearing-duck stunt, based…
Tag: Doug Henning
Canadian Walk of Fame TV Event
The above segment was broadcast on Canadian television in 2010 in honor of Doug’s induction into the Canadian Walk of Fame. While the sync and picture quality are off, the segment itself is really well done and the narration by David Copperfield is truly rare indeed. Doug’s legacy is not something that is always recognized, and events…
Erix Logan, Doug Henning, and Mousetrap!
The following email was sent to me recently by renowned magician Erix Logan. It’s a fascinating read that gives us an insight into a famed Doug illusion that took on another life of its own, long after he retired. I have always been a huge fan of Doug and the way he thought about magic….
Original Unicorn Costume and Pin
Daniel Guerrero was kind enough to pass on these photos from his collection. If anyone can help fill in the gaps on where this costume was originally featured I would greatly appreciate it. Another point of interest is the close-up of the pin featuring Doug and Debby in the second picture. I think the world…
A Little “Magic Show” Music!
This 2010 clip is from a concert series called “If It Only Even Runs a Minute.” The series itself explores obscure and often overlooked Broadway shows such as, you guessed it, 1974’s “The Magic Show.” The play, if you already didn’t know, was Doug’s big break into the public spotlight and reignited the public’s fascination…
From the Collection of Michael Grandinetti
Well, the last few weeks have certainly been fun haven’t they? It’s still amazing to me how much of Doug’s life is left to be explored, and on the rare occasions I’m not quite what to put up something magically (pardon the pun) finds its way to me email.No better example of this are these…
Fan Mail Mystery!
Magician Pat Darienzo of Long Island shared with me this article he wrote soon after Doug passed away. What you are about to read is truly a Doug Henning mystery…and living proof that our mail system may be a little slow. The Greatest Trick Doug Henning Never Did By Pat Darienzo Doug Henning, to whom…
Even More Rare Photos from Ken McCreedy!
Ken McCreedy’s collection continues today with these great shots of Doug with his early assistants, his childhood home, and his high school (which unfortunately has seen better days). The one thing “The Doug Henning Project” loves to do is post rare pictures. Feel free to send them my way if you uncover some hidden gems!…
Vintage After Performance Photos!
Recently I had the pleasure of having magician Ken McCreedy send me some candid photos that he snapped in the 1970s and 1980s. Since I started the website, I’ve really enjoyed having Doug’s fans send me after performance photos. No two are ever the same, and they really speak volumes to how available Doug was…
Genii Online Interview
Hey Everyone! Are we all rested from the weekend? I wanted to let you know that I was recently interviewed by “Genii Online” regarding “The Doug Henning Project.” “Genii Online” is the online version of the esteemed magazine of the magic industry called, you guessed it, “Genii.” David Roberts did a great job with questions,…
Trunk Illusion Disclaimer
Dear Readers, Recently, some visitors to the site have expressed concerns about this week of Trunk Illusion posts, and whether I am exposing magic secrets. I just want to be clear to everyone that this was made with the full approval of John Gaughan who built the illusion in 1978 and currently owns it. He was very much…
A Concluding Chat with John Gaughan
As the day concluded, John and I went into his collection room which houses a vast and impressive array of magic artefacts stretching back over two hundred years. As you read this short interview, it’s important to note that Doug worked with the true best of the best in magic. It certainly was a team…
John Gaughan: More Trunk Illusion Videos
Hasn’t this been great? If you’ve been enjoying it so far, be sure not to miss tomorrow’s concluding sit down interview with John. See you then. Once again thank you for Jeffrey Chang for all his help!
John Gaughan: Trunk Illusion Insights
There’s really not too much that I can add to these proceedings, so I think its best if I just let John continue to do the talking. Collapsed Trunk under Tabletop
Brooke Shields Trunk Illusion
On December 14, 1978 Doug Henning presented his fourth special “World of Magic” live on NBC. While this special is memorable for many reasons, one of the highlights was the reveal of his co-host for the evening Brooke Shields. For those who need a refresher please check out the first two minutes of the special…
Seeking Article Submissions!
Welcome back everyone! So, here we are after 4 1/2 months and the website is still going strong. Can you believe it’s even approaching the 100th post? Anyway, I wanted to reach out to you the readers of “The Doug Henning Project” for article submissions! If you any ideas for Doug based articles please write…
Henning on Houdini Radio Interview
This audio clip comes courtesy of John Cox’s fabulous Wild About Harry website. In this radio interview from 1980, Doug discusses the first television special and the intense preparations that went into his escape from Houdini’s Water Torture Cell. While it’s brief, it gives the listener a peek into Doug’s rehearsal process and the mystery…
Genii Wedding Cover Story
Straight from the archives comes this January, 1982 “Genii” cover story of Doug’s wedding to Debby Douilard. The article is notable for featuring many unknown details of the ceremony that took place at the Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa on December 6, 1982. This was Doug’s second marriage, and as they say, the rest…
Crystal Gale Special 1979
Well, aren’t we on a television special roll this week? I particularly enjoyed this clip from a 1979 Crystal Gale television special because it sort of serves as a best of Doug Henning all wrapped up into one. Granted, a lot of these illusions had been seen on Doug’s previous specials, but the lighting…
NBC’s Night of 100 Stars
Enjoy this clip of Doug assisted by a young Ricky Schroder and a not quite so young Maureen Stapleton. For those who don’t know, “The Night of 100 Stars” was an NBC event with, you guessed it, 100 stars of film and television. Doug, star # 69, performs his classic illusion sawing two women in…
1978 NBC Promo
What better way to start your Monday than with a Doug Henning 1978 NBC Promo?
Chicago Tribune Interview Conclusion
Well here we are. I’ve particularly enjoyed this article for Doug’s musings on the past, present, and future of magic as he saw it at that time. If you have any thoughts please drop me a line. See you next time! Doug Henning Pulls New Secrets From His Hat To Hold Off Competition By Larry…
Chicago Tribune Interview: Part Two
Welcome back! For our second round, the article delves a little more in depth into Doug’s views on current magic and, in particular, David Copperfield’s recent Statue of Liberty disappearance trick! Enjoy. Doug Henning Pulls New Secrets From His Hat To Hold Off Competition By Larry Cart Blowing minds has, of course, always been the…
Chicago Tribune Interview: Part One
In my internet travels I came across this fascinating Chicago Tribune interview from June 16, 1985. In it, Doug speaks of holding off the encroaching competition with new ideas and illusions. I really enjoyed the article, and I think you will too. Doug Henning Pulls New Secrets From His Hat To Hold Off Competition By…
Doug’s Memorial Book: Part 2
As you look at the following pictures, it easy to note how much Doug affected people and continues to do so today. It certainly is a testament to what he accomplished in his short, but prolific life. Back Cover
Doug’s Memorial Book
Over the next couple days or so, I’m going to be posting pictures of the book that was presented to attendees of Doug’s memorial service which was held on February 20th, 2000 at the Bel-Air Hotel in Los Angeles. For more in depth information on this event please refer to Part Three of my interview…
Doug and the Origami Illusion!
While it has indeed been a light couple weeks of posts (unfortunately I went from one sickness to another), I haven’t forgotten you dear reader. I’ve been holding onto this fantastic clip for a while now, and what a clip it is! Doug, appearing on the short-lived “Joan Rivers Show,” performs Jim Steinmeyer’s famed “Origami…
First Special Altered Poster
While I still recuperate I wanted to slowly get back into the swing of things with this first special newspaper ad from the Chicago Tribune. What’s unique about this particular piece is that the list of guest stars is updated to reflect who would actually be on the show. There are other color versions of…
Please Stand By…
Due to a rather severe bout of food poisoning, “The Doug Henning Project” will be on a short hiatus. I’ll be back up again next week. See you soon!
Rare First NBC Special Publicity Photo!
Continuing from yesterday’s First Special publicity item, I thought this rarely seen picture of Doug and Julie Newmar might help to bring us all back to a strange and mystical place called the 1970s! Enjoy.
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 