By now I’m sure you have heard that legendary magician Mark Wilson passed away this week. It goes without saying that Mark Wilson’s legacy runs deep in magic. Debuting in 1960, his TV program “The Magical World of Allakazaam,” brought legions of children magic right into their living rooms. Without him the art form itself…
Tag: magic
“Sahara Tahoe” Show Ads
The advertisements below show how popular Doug was at that time within the casino/theater circuit. So much so, that they seemed to have an interchangeable drawing of his head to stick with any additional celebrity performing there that week. The Sahara Tahoe was a sister hotel to its more famous Vegas counterpart, and is now…
“The Muppet Show” and Doug on Disney Plus!
In an unexpected announcement, Disney confirmed this morning that all five seasons of Jim Henson’s legendary “Muppet Show” will be released on its streaming service Disney Plus. Premiering on February 19th, the release will see seasons 4 and 5 finally seeing the light of day. Both have never been released on DVD, and have been…
Henning Calls It Quits (Stan Allen’s Inside Magic-August, 1987)
Special Thanks to Pesci Sutta
Doug and Mars at the Magic Castle-Genii Magazine (Feb.1970)
Originally appearing in the February 1970 issue of Genii, this article was from the era when Doug would frequently travel between McMaster College in Toronto to perform at the Magic Castle. His girlfriend and assistant, Mars Barrick, is seen by his side decked out in timely hippie garb. Mars was an important part of Doug’s…
Siegfried Fischbacher (1939-2021)
I’d be very remiss in not mentioning the death yesterday of Siegfried Fischbacher at age 81. It goes without saying that Siegfried & Roy ushered in a new era of magic in Las Vegas and the world. The two played a definitive part in making Vegas the entertainment Mecca it has since become, and will…
Houdini’s Magic Magazine-Magical Menagerie Article (December, 1977)
Today’s article was loaned to me by Joe Fox who was kind enough to meet me in front of Canter’s on Fairfax…socially distanced and masked of course. While Doug isn’t featured in the article, it has some great and very rare photos of him with his co-stars Jadoo, the tiger, and Nikia, the owl. Both…
Tom Shales Interview-Dec, 1975 (Washington Post)
Special Thanks to Kevin Connolly for alerting me to this item on Ebay!
Original “Magic Show” Marquee Photo
Well, hello again everyone, and welcome to 2021! I apologize for the long delay in posts, but I had been recovering from a very painful pinched nerve in my shoulder and arm. However, I was able to recover 100% over the holidays, and am looking forward to more Henning magic and wonder over the coming…
Happy Holidays and “World of Magic ’77” Article!
I had intended to have more posts leading up into the holiday season, but a pinched nerve in my shoulder and arm put a damper on that plan. Regardless, I wanted to get one more 2020 post to the readers, and wish you all a very Happy Holiday season. It goes without saying 2020 wasn’t…
Tony Randall Segment-“Magic on Broadway”
Tony Randall was a familiar and beloved fixture on sitcoms and late night talk shows for years. From the “Odd Couple” to David Letterman, his smooth air of sophistication and sly bombasity always brought a smile to viewers’ faces. So, it goes without saying that he seamlessly blends in as Doug’s assistant. Appearing first in…
“Lincoln Nebraska Sunday Journal” Interview-August 11, 1974
Today’s post is a very early interview with Doug from when “The Magic Show” had just opened, and was taking Broadway by storm. While Doug recounts some of the background information you may already know, what I liked about it in particular is reading Doug’s secrecy agreement with his cast and staff. Also, the interviewer…
Doug/Houdini Original Art
The above piece of art was sent to me by magician Patrice Meunier, and was drawn by artist Daniel Marcil. It features highlights from Doug’s life circa 1975, and is quite eye catching. The Great Houdini himself even makes an appearance. I’ll let Patrice give some backstory to his appreciation to Doug, his work, and…
The Specials: TV Guide Half Page Ads
Special Thanks to Pesci Sutta
NBC Specials: More TV Guide Close-Ups
Remember what a “TV Guide” was? If not, then maybe I can refresh everyone’s Streaming and On-Demand based minds with these vintage “Close-Up” articles from that once popular publication. It’s all a myriad of eras for Doug, and runs right up to the final special “Magic on Broadway.” How about those caricatures as well? I…
Metamorphosis from “Magic on Broadway” Special!
Previously I posted Doug doing “Metamorphosis” in the filmed version of “The Magic Show.” However, something I like to do if possible is present Doug performing alternative versions of his illusions. With 1982’s “Magic on Broadway,” that is exactly what we get. A stand out for me is the historical background sprinkled in the introduction…
Fickle Nickel Juke Box Song Titles
The above pictures come from the collection of Joe Long. I’m sure it doesn’t take much guessing to see that these are “actual” song options used for the Fickle Nickel jukebox. Not featured in my clip from yesterday, the finale of the illusion involved Doug taking the jumbo half prop coin and inserting it into…
“World of Magic” Fickle Nickel in Full
In tandem with last week’s post, I have a few more Fickle Nickel posts for you this week. Not least of which is the full routine which I was eventually able to find. For being one of his most famous performances, it’s not readily available on this thing called the internet. Rather than describing it…
TV Guide Barbara Walters Article Spread
The above article hails from the September 21, 1974 issue of “TV Guide.” Doug is in pure “Magic Show” form in this appearance sawing Barbara Walters in half. His appearance was on Walters’ then day time talk show “Not For Women Only, and the photos really showcase the spontaneity of the appearance well. My apologies if…
Fickle Nickel Friday: Original Jumbo Half Prop
Today’s item comes from Joe Long’s collection, and is the original jumbo half that Doug produced at the end of “World of Magic” 75’s “Fickle Nickel” illusion. The opening of Doug’s first special could have opened in any number of ways. But, rather than opting for a giant spectacle Doug chose the quiet subtlety of…
Tannen’s Magic Gives Thanks to Doug
The following recently appeared as a Facebook post from Tannen’s Magic. As today is Thanksgiving in the United States, I think it’s more than appropriate we send a little thanks Doug’s way courtesy of this appreciative piece. What do you think? Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! In our second Wizard Wednesday, our new series where we show…
Korvettes Ad: “Magic Show” Record Signing with Doug
Special Thanks to Michael Healy
Help Needed Locating Doug’s Original Costumes!
In a change of pace from the usual posts, I wanted to ask a favor from, you, the readers. I’m currently involved in a search for the current whereabouts of three of Doug’s more iconic costumes. I’ve included the photos below of what they are, and where they were featured. If you or anyone you…
“Bill in Lemon” illusion from “World of Magic” ’79!
In this vintage moment from 1979’s “World of Magic” Doug gives new definition to the idea that money burns a hole in your pocket. Recorded at the Hilton Las Vegas, this deceptively simple illusion is having a bit of a revival this week courtesy of our friends at “Magic Week.”
Vintage Las Vegas Hilton Doug Marquee
What you see above is the fabulous Las Vegas Hilton, and if you look to the bottom left “The Magical World of Doug Henning” shines bright. Well, it shines bright below Liberace, Steve Lawrence, and Eydie Gorme! The Las Vegas Hilton, now the Westgate Las Vegas, is probably most well known for the multitude of …
Walter C. Miller Obituary
It slipped under my radar over this past weekend that Walter C. Miller, Doug’s long time TV director, passed away at the age of 94. Miller’s important contribution to all of Doug’s specials can not be understated. He can also be credited with directing what was television’s first modern magic special with “World of Magic”…
“The Rock N’Fun Magic Show” Advertisement-1975
Get rid of those Monday blues with this vintage 1975 newspaper advertisement for the “Rock N’ Fun Magic Show” on NBC 4 in New York. The show itself was hosted by actor Jeff Mylett, featured sitting next to Doug, who at that time was the understudy for Doug in “The Magic Show.” The special was…
“Fountain Levitation Illusion” from Magic on Broadway
Hello All! Well, I thought I’d dip my foot back into the proverbial posting pool today courtesy of the “Fountain Levitation Illusion.” With Ann Reinking as his assistant, Doug is at his best with this legendary illusion that never seems to get old over time. This vintage illusion fit well into the special’s “best of”…
“Bed of Horrors” Article by Brian Lumley-Conclusion
The Bed of Horrors: Part Four ©2020 Brian H. Lumley Another “Bed of Horrors” came from Owens for The Magic Show national tour. It had the same set of problems as the original unit. All the changes that were made for the Broadway illusion were incorporated into the design of this piece, but it still…
