For all you collectors out there, I just came across this unseen item today on Ebay. As you can see, this 1978 trade magazine advertisement was from the popular band Earth, Wind, and Fire thanking Doug for creating illusions for their tour. It also works well as a double promotion for Doug’s then upcoming “World…
Tag: magic
“Alla-Kazam”Fanzine- World of Magic ’78 Article
The following article comes from the second issue of the magic fanzine “Alla-Kazam.” The magazine itself was bi-monthly, and a product of MacDonald Magic located out of Spencerville, Ohio. By all accounts, it folded in 1981. But, let’s begin with that cover illustration shall we? By that I mean it’s certainly one of the more…
Plymouth “Magic Wagon” Expanded Commercial
Okay, I promise this is the last time. The above spot is an an unseen and expanded version of the shorter commercials that I’m sure we’re all used to. What is unseen you may ask? Well, there’s a lot more of Doug floating for starters, and a little more exposition espousing the wonders of the…
Original”Plymouth Magic Wagon” Radio Commercial
This original radio commercial was released in 1984 in conjunction with Doug’s “Plymouth Magic Wagon” car campaign. I’ve gone into this campaign several times in the past, and it goes without saying it was a lot of fun! However, I had never heard a radio commercial for it before, so this is a rare treat. It’s…
Happy Belated Birthday David Copperfield!
Due to a very busy day yesterday away from my desk, I wasn’t able to wish a very Happy Birthday to legendary magician David Copperfield! So, in honor of the occasion enjoy this clip of David performing the “Immaculate Connection” illusion from the “Magic of David Copperfield V.”
“Canadian Conspiracy” Documentary
Today is the site’s 600th post, and let’s have a laugh shall we to celebrate? I recently stumbled upon this little seen mockumentary from 1985, and had to put it up. The show originally aired on HBO, and almost makes you believe something is afoot with our neighbors to the North. It is only a…
Doug and Shankar Jr. Letters: Guinness Book of World Records Note
The above letter is Doug’s attempt to get Shankar Jr. into the Guinness Book of World Records. While I’m not sure of the outcome, the letter speaks volumes to Doug’s admiration and kindness to his young protege. That, in and of itself, is a world record! For more backstory on how Doug met the young…
Doug and Shankar Jr. Letters: Part Two
For more backstory on how Doug met the young Shankar Jr. please click this previous post: HERE Special Thanks to Shankar Jr. http://www.giligilimagic.com
Doug and Shankar Jr. Letters: Part One
Over the next couple days I’m going to share with you some letters sent to me by magician Shankar Jr. In a previous post, I detailed how at a young age, Shankar befriended and was mentored by Doug in India. Eventually, Doug became more immersed in TM and the mentorship came to an end. However,…
“CBS Morning News” with Maria Shriver Performance
The above clip was recently posted on the “Illusionist Munawar Muzaffar” You Tube Channel, and is from the collection of Bill Green. It’s a clip I’ve never seen, and maybe one that you haven’t as well. So, sit back with your morning cup of coffee, and watch as Doug astounds Maria Shriver and bleary eyed…
Taking a Break!
Due to some personal obligations, “The Doug Henning Project” will be taking a little breather over the next week or so. However, the site will return with more magic and wonder from the world of Doug Henning on Wednesday, September 9th! Mark your calendars, and please stay safe and healthy out there everyone.
Baltimore Sun Interview-June 10, 1982
Baltimore Sun: June 10, 1982
Doug’s Van Nuys “Magic, Inc.” Headquarters Today
Yesterday I decided to do something that that has been on my bucket list for quite a while…visit the site of Doug’s first headquarters. So, braving 99 degree San Fernando Valley heat, I did just that. Doug’s first headquarters for his company “Magic, Inc.” were located at 6921 Valjean Avenue in Van Nuys, CA. At…
“World of Magic II”-Los Angeles Times 1976 Interview
Los Angeles Times: December 23, 1976
Lion Tamer-Magic Show Original Soundtrack
I’m going to put it out there that I feel “Lion Tamer” is one of Stephen Schwartz’s best songs. While it may not be his most famous or well known, it has a a subdued and simple arrangement that instantly takes you to the heart and soul of what “The Magic Show” was. Dale Soules’…
Magic’s Greatest Illusions Documentary-1999 Interview with Doug
I came across this three-part documentary today while deep diving into You Tube. “Magic’s Greatest Illusions,” narrated by Jason Alexander, originally aired on TLC in 2000. A great documentary unto itself, however, what immediately caught my attention was an extremely rare and largely unseen interview with Doug recorded in 1999. His interview, clearly recorded at…
Doug Co-Hosts the 1985 Disney Easter Parade (Complete Version)
A couple years ago I posted an extremely rough and grainy compilation of Doug’s illusions as the Grand Magical Marshal of the 1985 Walt Disney World Easter Parade. At the time, I weighed whether it was even worth showing it due to its low quality. Well, I did end up posting it, and since then…
Chip Romero Collection: Unseen “Magic Show” Era Photo
As we come to the end of another week, I thought it was appropriate to feature this vintage “Magic Show” era photo of Doug signing autographs for young fans. Throughout his career, Doug would frequently meet fans after his show, sign autographs for them, and pose for photos. Since I started this website, I’ve been…
Chip Romero Collection: Original Negative “Magic Show” Newspaper Reviews
When talking to Chip Romero recently, he pointed out how influential “The Magic Show” was, and how its initial reviews weren’t exactly glowing. As the expression goes, “Time Wounds All Heals,” and it goes without saying that “The Magic Show” has since become a classic of the Broadway stage and magic. Hey, if something ran…
Chip Romero Collection: Gazebo Bandleader Costume
And I’m back. Sorry for the bit of delay, but, as I mentioned I’ve been dealing with a pinched nerve in my shoulder and arm. All that combined with some minor physical therapy, required me to step away from the website briefly. However, enough about me. All this week we will be featuring items from…
Autographs: One More for the Road
As we conclude our week of Doug autographs, I just wanted to thank everyone that took the time to submit their items. I believe I posted everyone’s. The above one is from the collection of Dan Sclare, and is typical of Doug’s autographs. Flashy, positive, and inspirational. Just like the man himself. See you next…
Autographs: From Doug to Dunninger!
This autograph comes from the collection of Michael Whitecar and features what can be called a true meeting of the magical minds! Joseph Dunninger (1892-1975), was not only a popular magician of his time, but a master debunker of fraudulent spiritualists and mediums. A friend of Houdini, Dunninger spent a good part of his life…
Autographs: Part 2
What’s in a name? In this case, Doug’s autograph sits side by side with its, well, namesake, in the book “World’s Famous Magic” by Hyla M. Clark As Nick Saint-Erne explained to me, he obtained this autograph after meeting Doug backstage at a show in Las Vegas on April 2, 1978. It reads: To…
Autographs! Autographs! Autographs!
Hello, and welcome back everyone! You may remember last week I put out a call for people to send any unique autographs they may have of Doug lurking in their collections. I definitely wasn’t disappointed, and will be sharing some of them with you this week. The first one comes from William Gallaher, and is…
Do You Have An Autograph From Doug?
The above signed photo was sent to me by Kevin Segall, and got me thinking. Doug signed a lot of autographs in his lifetime, some extravagant and flashy, and others not. Now I know a lot are still out there in private collections. If readers want to send me theirs, I’ll be sure to spotlight the…
Dollar Bill Illusion with Maury Povich-1985
The above appearance by Doug begins at 4:30 and, while it is quick, is pure Doug nonetheless. However, to give you a fair warning, I suspect that this clip of Doug was highly edited for this particular You Tube Channel. Now, if only all of us could do this with a $1 bill.
Canadian Magazine Interview- January 1973
This early interview of Doug’s from 1973 is a real time capsule of an era in Doug’s career when things were about to explode, and the future looked eternally bright. His assistant in the piece is even Mars Barrick. So, that should give you a good indication on how far back this goes. The article…
Playbill-16 Cast Albums That Aren’t Available to Stream
“The Magic Show” gets a quick, but nice shout out in this new online article from Playbill.com. The article features cast albums that notoriously aren’t on steaming and other online platforms. It’s a nice mention as you can see below: From “The Wiz” to “Promises, Promises,” it’s a quick read and a great 16 part…
