Well, here’s something you don’t see every day. This newspaper ad comes from the “Chicago Tribune,” and is dated December 26, 1975. As is evident, the anticipation for the special was obviously huge, and it’s interesting to see it reproduced here in black and white. One of my favorite parts of it is the reminder “This…
Tag: magic
Walter C. Miller on directing “The TV Specials.”
For many Doug fans, Walter C. Miller is a familiar name. As the director of the “World of Magic” specials, he worked with Doug on crafting what would become real, live, television magic for audiences at home. Taken from the Archive of American Television, Miller speaks about the challenges of directing Doug and magic…
Canadian Walk of Fame Mishap
In 2010, Doug was finally inducted into the prestigious Canadian Walk of Fame. However, for some reason or other everyone involved in the planning and preparations neglected to invite or even ask his family to participate. Anyway, I digress! Here is the original article from the Canadian newspaper “The Star.” You can make up your…
Birks Ring Advertisement
In his career, Doug wasn’t averse to doing a little advertising on the side. In addition to hawking Minolta Cameras, TWA, and Plymouth Voyagers, Doug even had time to perform a little sleight of hand with these beauties from Birks rings. I hope for their sake he untangled them afterwards! Special Thanks to Michael Whitecar
Los Angeles Times Interview-1988
The following interview appeared in the May 7th, 1988 edition of the Los Angeles Times. Magician Reappears TODD KARR Magic man Doug Henning disappeared a year ago. Not unusual, but the long-haired Henning, who turned 41 on Tuesday, pulled his vanishing act from a lucrative magical career and wound up in a full-time position in…
Osmond Family Christmas Special Appearance
Hey it’s Monday here at “The Doug Henning Project!” To wipe that weekend haze from your eyes, let’s spread some post-Christmas cheer with Doug’s appearance on the 1980’s”Osmond Family Christmas Special.” While Doug’s main close-up magic segment begins at the 16 minute mark, he also appears at the show’s beginning and end to spread some…
Potter & Potter Auction Items
Rebekah Kaufman of Potter & Potter Auctions alerted me to some great items in their upcoming February 23rd auction. Have you every wanted to buy Doug’s snake skin boots and wizard robe in one go? Well now’s your chance! Break out those Venmo accounts folks because now’s your chance! For more information please visit at: www.potterauctions.com
Johnny Ould Remembers Doug
My Doug Henning Recollections by Johnny Ould During the mid to late 1950’s, there were two main places in Toronto, Ontario where local and visiting magicians would gather. (They were) The Arcade Magic & Novelty Store in the Yonge St. Arcade, and The Magic Counter in Eaton’s Toy Land that was run by Johnny Giordmaine. The…
Signed Illusion and Reality Brochure
Special thanks to Ken McCreedy
Illusion and Reality Tour: Newspaper Ad and Ticket
Special Thanks to Ken McCreedy
Doug Henning Toronto Plaque
Sorry for the delay in posting this week folks. Things that are decidedly un-magical, like real life, can take priority sometimes. Speaking of real life, this fascinating tidbit comes from the blog “Toronto Savvy.” It profiles a time when Doug wasn’t quite yet Doug. He was at a crossroads at whether to continue with schooling…
Chita Rivera on Merlin Mishaps
As I sit looking out my window on a rainy day in LA, what better time to have a laugh than Chita Rivera recounting a very unintentional and comic moment from”Merlin?” You don’t really hear Chita Rivera talking about “Merlin” much these days. So ,it’s nice to hear this anecdote and see some rare pictures…
Grand Illusions: Doug Segment
The above clip comes courtesy of Scott Wells of “The Magic Word Podcast.” It’s a brisk eight-minute biography of Doug from the 1998 multi-part documentary “Grand Illusions: The Story of Magic.” The segment itself is a an enjoyable jaunt through Doug life and career with commentary from such magic notables as Charles Reynolds, Jim Steinmeyer,…
Captain Kangaroo Appearance in Full
Way back when I began this website in 2017 (yes ages ago I know), I posted two rather grainy copies of Doug’s 1975 appearance on Bob Keeshan’s “Captain Kangaroo.” The clips were recorded off of someone’s TV and, to be truthful, were hard to really follow. So, lo and behold, I recently came across this…
“The Magic of the Natural Law Party” Campaign Video-1993
If you have an hour and twelve minutes to kill, and want to hear more about Doug’s campaign for the Natural Law Party then you’re at the right place. This extremely tranquil video from 1993 stands out for many reasons. Other than going into TM principles in more detail, it also curiously serves as a…
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…
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…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 