Yes, you guessed it, another “To Be Continued”
Tag: magic
Merlin Commemorative Program
So, it’s not often that you’re able to present something as great as this! As it turns out, during the original production of “Merlin” a special and commemorative program was offered for sale. This was in addition to the standard Playbill that everyone received as they entered the theater. So, as the program itself is…
March of Dimes: Reading Olympics Short
They say that most people’s attention span for watching videos on You Tube is 3 minutes. But, I thought I’d test that theory with this 1970s short vignette for the “March of Dimes” called “The Magic of Reading.” It’s really a charming and endearing short film which really showcases what I feel were the high…
Las Vegas Hilton Table Cards
In his career, Doug didn’t really like playing Vegas for moral and ethical reasons and eventually stopped altogether. So, that fact alone makes these Las Vegas Hilton promotional table cards all the more rarer. From their design to their color palette, you can’t argue with the fact that they are a snapshot into the glitter…
Henning in High School
You may have to squint your eyes a little, the above article comes from the Oakville Trafalgar High School’s 75th Anniversary commemorative newspaper. Doug, in preparations for “Merlin” at the time, speaks fondly of his formative years in high school and what they meant to him. While he wasn’t able to attend the reunion that…
Help Me Figure this “Mystery Ticket” Out!
“Doug Henning Project” fan Daniel Guerrero sent me the above item from his collection recently. Daniel said it was a rehearsal ticket for the Houdini “Water Torture Cell” as featured in the first “World of Magic Special.” However, if you look closely at the drawing of Doug on the ticket it is from a painting…
Natural Law Party Commercial
In the early 90s, Doug ran for office under the TM influenced “Natural Law Party” in the United Kingdom and Canada. While he was the victor in all things magic, sadly his political career was not to be and he lost both elections. While this phase in his career confused Doug’s many fans, it really…
Crystal Box Illusion with Ann Reinking
For all those looking for a little pep to their Wednesday afternoon check out this clip from Doug’s 1983 NBC special “Magic on Broadway.” This special, made during preparations for “Merlin,” is a lot of fun and worth checking out if you can locate a copy. In fact, you might even want to check out…
“World of Magic 4” Props For Sale
Welcome back everyone! Are we all rested from the long holiday? I know I am. Now down to business. Collector Steve Sprague recently contacted me in hopes of selling a prop from the “World of Magic 4” special starring Brooke Shields and Tom Bosley. So, rather than hearing from me about it, I’ll let…
A Little Thanksgiving Vacation!
Hi All! “The Doug Henning Project” will be on hiatus until Tuesday, November 28th. I’ll be taking a long overdue vacation to Hawaii over the Thanksgiving holiday, and look forward to more posts regarding you know who when I return. Happy Thanksgiving!
Tenyo Magic Kit From The Collection of Michael Grandinetti
For a while now I’ve been wanting to feature the Tenyo Magic Kit that Doug developed with the, surprise, Tenyo Company out of Japan. Doug at the time was trying to branch out from stage shows and television specials by branding his name and putting them on quality products. Thanks to magician Michael Grandinetti a…
Doug in Chicago 1984
David Sigafus was kind enough to share these articles with me from the October-November 1984 “Chicago Tribune” when Doug was performing at Chicago’s Arie Crown Theater. The article delves into Doug’s creative process with mentions of John Gaughan and Jim Steinmeyer to boot. It’s a fascinating snapshot of what sounded like a great tour. Now…
Julie Newmar “World of Magic” Costume For Sale
Hello All and Happy Monday! I have a bit of a treat today as I’ve agreed to help magician Paul Driscoll sell the actual costume that Julie Newmar wore in Doug’s first “World of Magic” 1975 special. If you are interested in purchasing this one-of-a-kind item please contact Paul directly as he owns it. I’m…
Nancy Henning Interview: Part Four
Hasn’t this been great? Before we start the last part of our interview I just wanted to once again thank Nancy Henning for taking the time to talk to me. I think we can all agree that her insights and observations only serve to make us appreciate Doug’s artistry even more. How do you think…
Nancy Henning Interview: Part Three
Can you talk a bit about the $5000 Doug was awarded by the Canadian Arts Council to study magic? Did he discuss that with you at the time? You know, I don’t really remember hearing anything about that until he got it. He was quite proud of it, because at the time, there had never…
Nancy Henning Interview: Part Two
As we continue our talk with Nancy Henning she elaborates on her time as Doug’s original audience and his first jobs as a magician. Take it away Nancy! You sounded like a good audience. Oh, I was a good audience. And boyfriends, as I grew up, would always be asking me, “How does he do…
Nancy Henning Interview: Part One
Starting today and running over multiple parts will be my recent interview with Nancy Henning, Doug’s sister. To say that I am honored that she took the time to talk with me is an understatement. The following is a rare look into Doug’s life before and after he became famous. Thank you so much for talking…
A Lost Doug Illusion?
This request recently found its way to me from Doug fan Michael Ketchum regarding a potentially “lost” Doug illusion that needs identifying. If you have any information please contact Michael directly at the email address below. I AM THE CURRENT OWNER OF AN ILLUSION NAMED “THE MONKEY BOX ILLUSION” – WHICH WAS SOLD TO ME WITH…
Doug and Muhammad Ali Photos
I recently came across these rare photos of Doug performing tricks for Muhammad Ali in the ring. Based on the fact that there was a lion present, I don’t think this was a real boxing match. However, Ali himself was a big fan of magic, and was known to bring cards and coins with him…
Obscure Photos!
It’s Throwback Thursday here at “The Doug Henning Project.” What better way to celebrate it than with some obscure and off the beaten path photos that can only be found on this contraption called the internet? So, without further ado…
Wonder Whims
“Wonder Whims…are they dolls or are they stuffed animals? Surprise, they’re both! And together, they explore the wonders of the world in which they live.” The 1980s were a time of many things. Some good, some great, and some…well. You had Transformers, Muppet Babies, Rainbow Bright, Smurfs, and…Wonder Whims? Yes that’s right you heard me….
Tony Slydini
On a day that is generally reserved for Harry Houdini, this Halloween “The Doug Henning Project” will be focusing on another “dini,” Tony Slydini. In his life, Doug had two primary teachers of Magic: Dai Vernon and Tony Slydini. Both were located respectively on the West Coast (Los Angeles) and East Coast (New York City). …
Dai Vernon on “Magic Circus!”
At “The Doug Henning Project” the daily focus is on, rightfully so, Doug Henning. But, for part of this week I’d like to focus on some of the master magicians that taught or influenced Doug in his formative years. The first on our list is Dai Vernon. If you aren’t aware of him, and how…
Close-Up Magic with Doug!
While Doug always excelled at grand illusions it was the moments on his specials that focused on close-up magic that have always fascinated me. For the most part, these would always take place with children in the audience, and thirty-five years on they still speak volumes to his skill and ease with this very unique…
Things that Go Bump in the Night!
“Things that Go Bump in the Night” became, over the years, one of Doug’s big crowd pleasers. Previously performed by magician Servais LeRoy as “The Three Graces,” Doug performed this over multiple TV specials and even in the film version of “The Magic Show.” This is a perfect example of Doug taking an older illusion…
Doug’s Oakhurst Drive Home
One of the things things that I’ve been meaning to check off on my Los Angeles bucket list for some time is paying a visit to the last house that Doug ever lived in. For various reasons I’ve never quite had the time…that was until last Friday. Upon his return to Los Angeles in 1999…
NY Times “Merlin” Interview: Part 3
FOR HIM, MAGIC IS MORE THAN TRICKS By GLENN COLLINS Published: February 13, 1983 Television newsmen have tried to bribe Mr. Henning’s stagehands – unsuccessfully – to learn his secrets. ”I could patent the illusions,” he said, ”but then anyone could find out how it’s done.” Instead, through the years, the hundreds of people who…
NY Times 1983 “Merlin” Interview: Part 2
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…
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….
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 