Tag: NBC
World of Magic ’81-Floating Candle with Marie Osmond
In this clip from “World of Magic ’81,” Doug and Marie Osmond present a variation on the “Floating Ball” illusion last seen in “World of Magic ’76.” Only this time, it’s with a candle. Oh, and a rather, um, unique and trippy song courtesy of Ms. Osmond herself… Original Air Date: 2/15/1981
World of Magic ’81-Shields and Yarnell Levitation Appearance in Full
In continuing this week’s two-day festival of 1970s/80s guest appearances, I give you “World of Magic ’81” with Shields and Yarnell. It’s not often these days that mimes get featured on TV as much as this pair did. But, the 1970s and 80s were a unique time on television, and Robert Shields and Lorene Yarnell…
World of Magic ’76- Joey Heatherton Intro Appearance in Full
Original Air Date: 12/23/1976
“World of Magic: 1975 and 1977” For Sale on DVD
For all those that may not have some of the “World of Magic” specials you’re in luck. Thomas Film Classics is offering the ’75 and ’77 specials to purchase on DVD. I can vouch for the fact that these dubs look pretty, pretty, good with all things considering. The 1975 special is the best looking…
“World of Magic 77”- Sandy Duncan Circus Sequence in Full
Today’s extended clip comes from “World of Magic’ 77,” and is lengthy. In fact, I wrestled with whether to show the whole thing as one, or break it up into separate clips. However, in re-watching the intricate nature of the whole sequence, I decided it would be a real disservice to it to show it…
Doug TV Rehearsal Space Photo-1976
Hey Everyone! My apologies for the unexpected two- week break. Life, a new baby, and work got the better of things…as they can do. But, I’m rested, relaxed, and ready to give you the best in all things Henning. For starters, Brian Lumley recently provided me with this truly great candid photo. Taken during rehearsals…
World of Magic ’76: Re-Appearing Elephant Closing in Full
Original Airdate: December 23, 1976 Special Thanks to Brian Lumley
World of Magic ’76: Vanishing Elephant Opening in Full
Original Airdate: December 23, 1976 Special Thanks to Brian Lumley
Longview Daily News (12/19/1975)-World of Magic ’75
I like this vintage article for many reasons. Not least of which are the pictures which aren’t often seen. The one immediately below, and the two at the end, were taken while Doug was in rehearsals at 75 Ninth Avenue in Manhattan. I also enjoy how this article gives the show the gravity and respect…
Alternative “Magic on Broadway” NBC Commercial
In another blink and you’ll miss moment, here’s a brief commercial for Doug’s “Magic on Broadway” special. Last May I posted another version that had different variations and scenes than this one. However, the best thing about it, in my humble opinion, is an appearance by David Hasselhoff (The Hoff) at the end. Can you…
Tonight Show: 1984 Firedome Appearance
In November of 2018, I posted this appearance of Doug on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show.” This nine minutes from 1984 is notable for the amount of illusions and time Doug puts into it. From the “Firedome,”to simple sleight of hand, it’s a great clip overall. So, you can imagine my disappointment, when You Tube eventually…
World of Magic ’79: Walking Through the Mirror Illusion in Full
In this 1979 clip from “World of Magic,” Doug dazzles the audience with Jim Steinmeyer’s “Walking Through the Mirror Illusion.” It’s a truly impressive illusion, and one that Doug would take out in his various stage shows. It even appeared on a 1981 appearance on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show,” which can be found HERE If…
Doug Henning Meet The Golden Girls
You wouldn’t often associate Doug’s name with the beloved sitcom “The Golden Girls.” However, these two worlds did indeed collide in this vintage clip from 1990 where Sophia dresses up like Sonny Bono…or did she? It’s good to know that several years after his retirement, Doug was still getting name checked on his old network…
“World of Magic ’75” Publicity Photo: Doug Torture Cell Rehearsal
The above 1975 publicity photo was used in the run up to the live broadcast of “World of Magic.” It does a nice job of bringing up the parallels of Doug and Houdini in their respective cells and, above all, places in history. We also get an ultra rare glimpse of Doug in the rehearsals…
The Tonight Show: Martin Short
Well, dear readers, unless I uncover some other nugget hidden under a rock somewhere, this 43 second clip may indeed be the last of Martin Short’s Doug impersonation available on the internet. Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” is the stuff of legend, and as you’ll see Short’s impersonation of Doug brings Carson to hysterics. The clip as…
1985 “Saturday Night Live” Martin Short Sketch
While we’re on the topic of some Martin Short parodies, I wanted to revisit a “Saturday Night Live” 1985 sketch that I tried to post way back in 2019. At the time, this link was on the NBC website, but it has since been taken down. So, imagine my surprise when I recently found it…
“Magic on Broadway” NBC Commercial
It’s a blink and you’ll miss it moment from TV’s yesteryear. In this brief clip, Doug’s final special “Magic on Broadway” is promoted on NBC. Anybody else out there miss commercials like these? Original Commercial Air Date: November 12, 1982
“World of Magic ’78:” Silk Illusion and Balancing Bowl with Brooke Shields
My apologies for some of the picture quality in today’s post. As you can imagine, after 43 years some versions of this special are going to have some “technical difficulties.” However, for all you eagle-eyed observers out there, I have a fun fact for you. At the time code mark of 2:15, you’ll be able…
World of Magic ’82-Chocolate Milk Illusion
When you think of magic, who doesn’t think of chocolate milk? In this clip from the final “World of Magic” special, Doug entertains guests Anne Jillian, Cherish Alexander, Debby Henning, and Kaitlyn Jenner while magically serving them ever expanding glasses of chocolate milk. The theme of the show was Doug’s magical house, and while magic…
World of Magic ’82: Hoop Illusion in Full
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
“World of Magic ’76”-Elephant Reappearance in Full
Original Air Date: 12/23/1976 Special Thanks to Brian Lumley for providing the Splash Page photo. All copyrights for that photo belong to Brian Lumley.
“World of Magic ’75” Publicity Photo and Material
Special Thanks to Jim Klodzen
“World of Magic ’75:” NBC Rebroadcast Newspaper Ad
Special Thanks to Jim Klodzen
Sunday Post Tribune-December 21, 1975
The following comes from Northwest Indiana’s “Post- Tribune,” and has a lot to offer. Not least of which is the cover, which has Henning and Houdini sharing the same page together. It’s a great cover, and if you look towards the bottom they were still listing Orson Welles as the special guest mere days before…
Magic Magazine-World of Magic 40th Anniversary Part. 3
The End… “REPRINTED FROM MAGIC MAGAZINE WITH PERMISSION © STAN ALLEN, INC. 2022.”
Magic Magazine-World of Magic 40th Anniversary Part.2
To Be Concluded Tomorrow… “REPRINTED FROM MAGIC MAGAZINE WITH PERMISSION © STAN ALLEN, INC. 2022.”
World of Magic ’77-Artist’s Dream Illusion in Full
Original Air Date: December 15, 1977
World of Magic IV-Medieval Thread Illusion in Full
The above appearance was from Doug’s fourth “World of Magic” special in 1978. The special itself features co-hosts Brooke Shields and Tom Bosley accompanying Doug on a whirlwind journey through time, space, and various international countries. While some moments in the special may not hold up well viewed through a 21st-century eye, it definitely features…