Special Thanks to Kevin Connolly for alerting me to this item on Ebay!
Tag: NBC
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…
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…
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…
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”…
“Motorcycle Illusion” from Magic on Broadway
The motorcycle illusion featured today made its first TV appearance with Doug all the way back in 1977’s “World of Magic III.” Without a doubt, it became one of Doug most memorable and famous illusions. So much so in fact, that he recreated it for his penultimate special “Magic on Broadway” in 1982. Now, in…
“Rubber Girl” Illusion from “Magic on Broadway”
The “Rubber Girl” illusion above was featured on Doug’s 1982 “Magic on Broadway” special. A lot of the special had sort of a greatest hits feel about it, and was a perfect venue for Doug to show off some old favorites sprinkled with new illusions. In retrospect, all this is appropriate as this was the…
Doug Henning on Broadway-Annie Slide Illusion
It’s two Annie actresses for the price of one in this clip from 1982’s “Doug Henning: Magic on Broadway!” Taped during the Merlin era, the special’s slide illusion features the original Annie Andrea McArdle transforming into the then current Annie Allison Smith. Did the Sun really come out tomorrow with this illusion? Well, that’s for…
“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…
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…
Magic Week Video Archive-World of Magic II
For all those looking for some relief in the lockdown, look no further than this current edition of the Magic Week Archive featuring “World of Magic II.”Culled from Duncan Trillo video collection, this UK broadcast of the special is a truly crisp and immaculate version. Even if you’ve seen the special before (which I’m sure…
Glenn Campbell Handkerchief Illusion
The above clip comes from “World of Magic II,” and features a somewhat awkward lesson in handkerchief magic from Doug to singer Glenn Campbell. Nobody would ever accuse the “World of Magic” specials to have the best dialogue. But, as we all know it was the magic that really counted…not the cue cards.
Potter & Potter Auction-Flaming Miracle Poster
Welcome to 2020 everyone! Let’s begin our third year on a high note with this auction from “Potter & Potter” out of Chicago! This current online auction will win you one of the most distinctive and flashy posters that was ever created for “World of Magic II.” In it, artist Seymour Chwast crafted Doug as…
World of Magic III-Newspaper Article
In honor of this being our 500th post, here’s Doug levitating a motorcycle!
World of Magic V: Compressed Illusion
The above clip originally aired on February 14th, 1982 and is the final “World of Magic” special. As it goes with any magician, looks can be deceiving, and Doug had one more special up his sleeve called “Doug Henning: Magic on Broadway.” But, that’s another story. Now back to this one. While no one could…
Doug Henning’s World of Instagram: Julie Newmar Rehearsal Photo (Alternative Angle)
In a post from a couple years ago, I featured publicity images from Doug’s “World of Magic I” rehearsals with Julie Newmar. While at the time I thought I had printed all that was out there, this little gem came up today on Instagram. The picture doesn’t seem as staged as the previous ones, and…
“World of Magic IV” Unseen Photos: Final Part
They say all good things must come to an end, and today’s post is no exception. Yes, dear readers, we’ve come to the end (for now) of Dave Collier’s impressive collection of never before seen photos from the first four “World of Magic” specials. It’s been a real honor and treat for me to be able…
“World of Magic IV” Unseen Photos: Part Two
Special thanks to Dave Collier and Bill Goodwin These and future photographs are copyrighted by Dave Collier. Any usage of them outside of this website, without his or The Magic Castle Library’s permission, will be considered an infringement of their use.
“World of Magic IV” Unseen Photos: Part One
Special thanks to Dave Collier and Bill Goodwin These and future photographs are copyrighted by Dave Collier. Any usage of them outside of this website, without his or The Magic Castle Library’s permission, will be considered an infringement of their use.
“World of Magic III” Unseen Photos: Part Four
1977 was a good year for wasn’t it? Besides being the year of my birth, it featured Doug’s walking through a wall illusion. Done in a blink and you’ll miss it fashion, this illusion still has the ability to grab us 42 years later. How did he do it? Well, that my friends is magic. …
“World of Magic III” Unseen Photos: Part Three
Special Thanks to Dave Collier and Bill Goodwin These and future photographs are copyrighted by Dave Collier. Any usage of them outside of this website, without his or The Magic Castle Library’s permission, will be considered an infringement of their use.
“World of Magic III” Unseen Photos: Part Two
Special thanks to Dave Collier and Bill Goodwin These and future photographs are copyrighted by Dave Collier. Any usage of them outside of this website, without his or The Magic Castle Library’s permission, will be considered an infringement of their use.
