For readers living in the Los Angeles area, I wanted to let you know that magician and Doug collector Chip Romero will be performing at the Magic Castle from October 12th-17th. Chip’s collection of Doug Henning artifacts is amazing, and a sight to behold. Do yourself a favor, and look up some of the tours…
Tag: magic
The Linking Ring-April 2000 (Doug Tribute Issue)
The article featured below was released two months after Doug’s death, and was the “Linking Ring’s” tribute issue for him. While, the article itself is brief compared to the rest of the issue, it is no less effusive in its admiration for Doug and his work. It’s definitely a moment in time, and one not…
Saturday Night Photos with Doug!
Do you like Saturday nights? I do too. So much so, I wanted to post a couple rarely seen photos of Doug having a good time. The first is obviously staged, and the other during a performance. So, wherever you are, enjoy your Saturday. Let’s not sweat the small stuff. It’s not worth it!
Muppet Show Metamorphosis Appearance in Full
Original Airdate: March 14, 1980
1983 Merlin Fan Letter
The above fan letter was sent to me recently by Steve Schlanger who had no idea of its origins. But, as you can clearly see, Harriet Weston of 19 Willits Road throughly enjoyed her time at Merlin. So much so, that she put pen to paper to tell Doug about it. This letter is a…
Magic Collectibles: Performance Costume for Sale
It’s time to get out those checkbooks once again folks as another Doug costume is up for sale. $3200 will get you this beauty that even comes along with an interesting backstory to boot. If memory serves me right, this classic was worn by Doug on a morning talk show that Doug hosted with Debby…
World of Magic ’76: Flaming Miracle Illusion in Full
Original Airdate: December 23, 1976
Happy Birthday David Copperfield!
Happy Birthday to the one and only David Copperfield! As one of the greatest magicians of all time, you don’t need me to tell you how important to magic history David Copperfield is. I wanted to choose a clip today from one of his specials that had an impact on me as a child. One…
Ricky Jay Collection: Sotheby’s October Auction
For all those collectors out there, Ricky Jay’s vast magic collection will be up for auction next month via Sotheby’s. It goes without saying that Jay had one of the most preeminent collections of all time, and this event will be one not to miss. Also, as Jay was good friends with Doug, it’s hard…
Doug and David Copperfield AMA Awards Unseen Photo
This rare, undated photo above comes from an issue of Genii profiling that year’s AMA awards. It’s only one of two photos that I’ve seen featuring Doug and David Copperfield. While other photos of the two greats together probably exist, these two really represent a moment in time for magic history. Two of magic’s greats…
Jamie Allan’s “Illusionarium” in Toronto
For all those readers in Toronto, there is an immersive experience running through October 31st that I only recently found out about. The summary for the event, as listed on the website, reads: “Explore a labyrinth of mysterious rooms transporting you to different eras of illusion. Take an immersive journey through the evolution of magic…
Doug on Dai Vernon-1976 World of Wizards Special
The above clip comes from a 1976 James Randi special called “World of Wizards.” I had posted the full special some years ago, but the original channel that hosted it, “Sleight of Direction,” disappeared. However, through magical means I was able to make it reappear for you today with no further hosting issues. Actually, today…
Potter and Potter: September 11th Magic Auction
For all those looking for Doug items in a future Potter & Potter auction then look no further than this coming September 11th. Both items are nothing new or groundbreaking in terms of Doug collecting. However, what they do represent are two of the most iconic and influential posters in Doug’s career. First up, seen…
“Crackers” Magazine Cover-Early 80s
Well, there’s definitely only one way you can go with a magazine called “Crackers!” This 1980s Canadian publication was popular in schools of the time, and was similar in nature to America’s very own “Dynamite.” The cover photo itself is one that we’ve all seen before. However, when used in a different context such as…
Doug Henning Art: Part Four
As I close out this week of Doug Henning art, what better way than this caricature where the worlds of Rainbow Brite and Doug Henning collide. The concept isn’t that far fetched when you think about it, and a “What If?” scenario definitely crosses your mind. On a side note, what’s going on with Doug’s…
Doug Henning Art: Part Three
This certainly takes the cake as one of the more unique pieces of Doug inspired art that I’ve seen. The piece itself is a three part tribute to author Anne Morrow Lindbergh, opera singer Lina Cavalieri, and, of course, Doug Henning. How they all connect isn’t revealed, so it’s up to you to decide. Regardless,…
Doug Henning Art: Part Two
Special thanks to the artist John Midgley at the Instagram account: @johnbmidgley
World of Magic ’75: Water Torture Cell Finale in Full
Folks, as I teased earlier in the week, this is it! I present to you what is probably the most famous moment in Doug’s career, Houdini’s Water Torture Cell. Fifty million people tuned in live to watch the finale to Doug’s first special. To say they got their money’s worth was an understatement! It’s worth…
Jim Steinmeyer Website: Doug Henning Items for Sale
For those readers who are looking for more Doug Henning merchandise in their lives, look no further! Master illusion designer, author, and Doug protege Jim Steinmeyer’s website is selling select items from Doug’s touring days. They’re all really nice pieces from the 1980s, and while some of you may have seen them before, others may…
Ann Arbor Observer-Fake Doug Henning Institute Ad
In my wayward internet travels, I came across the above article profiling a monthly newspaper contest from the “Ann Arbor Observer.” Readers were encouraged to locate a fake ad that was inserted within the paper, and the April 2020 did just that with this one: Apparently, it struck 146 readers odd enough to flag it…
“World of Magic ’75:” Gene Kelly Intro
By starting the week with this particular clip, I’m sure you’ll suspect what I’ll be eventually leading up to. “World of Magic 1975” originally aired on December 26, 1975. Originally, Orson Welles was meant to greet the viewers standing side by side with Houdini’s Water Torture Cell. However, for various reasons Welles pulled a vanishing…
World of Magic ’75: Things That Go Bump in the Night
Original Air Date: 12/26/1975
Nabu Computer Network: Doug Article/Advertisement
Not many people know that Doug was the official spokesperson of Ottawa’s Nabu Network of home computers. The computers themselves, now largely forgotten, operated from 1982-1985 and are largely considered to be one of the precursors to today’s internet. While having functions of a normal PC of the time, the computer would download content off…
Entertainment Tonight Candid Interview Shot
The above photo comes from the “Mr. Camera” Instagram page, and is from an unknown date and venue. According to the page, the man doing the interviewing is “Mr. Camera” himself, Don Jacobs. Don Jacobs is the founder of, you guessed it, “Mr. Camera.” By Doug’s look, and the “Entertainment Tonight” microphone it is definitely…
Filmed “Magic Show”Soundtrack in Full
I thought I would mix things up a little today in terms of “The Magic Show” soundtrack. Now many of us have heard, and probably own, the original show’s album. But, how many of you have heard the filmed version’s isolated score soundtrack by itself? Well, if you’ve always wanted to hear that, then today…
Raleigh “News and Observer”-January 27, 1991
I have nothing really to add to this post, other than this clipping represents another instance in Doug’s never ending quest to get “Veda Land” built. Over the years, Veda Land had many intended locations. The most notable being Canada and Orlando. None of them came to fruition. However, if you visit the TM based…
World of Magic ’77: Walking Through a Brick Wall in Full
Hey Everyone! Happy Tuesday. Do you ever get that feeling we all get when you’ve hit your wall so early in the week waiting for Friday? Well, if that’s the case, why don’t you take a breather with this famous clip of Doug literally walking through a brick wall? This breathtaking event occurred as the…
New Doug Etsy “It’s Magic” T-Shirt!
For all those looking to be the coolest kids on the block, look no further than this new shirt featured on Etsy. If you look at the fine print, the shirt is uniquely characterized as a “Magician Mystical Fantasy David Copperfield Hipster Weird Magician Canadian Gift.” I don’t think there’s any argument that with a…
Doug’s Memorial Book: Final Part
Special thanks to David Charvet
