It’s not a big secret that Doug Henning was really into Transcendental Meditation. REALLY into it. He was into it so much, that he devoted himself and his energies 1000% to the mysterious calming practice and organization. Magic was an after thought for him, and one that he soon left behind around 1987. For good…
Tag: Newspaper
Doug Across America-Tour Clippings
In his career, Doug certainly got around. In between his immensely popular television specials, he kept up an almost constant touring schedule that included here, there, everywhere, and beyond. While we all know his famous stops on Broadway and the Pantages, the clippings shown below are a small sampling of Doug’s relentless travels through America!…
“World of Magic 1” Non-Doug Based Advertisement
Well, as promised I’m back and ready and relaxed from my travels. I’m sorry there have been some stop gaps over the last month, but some unexpected trips came up! Anyway, I have some great things in the pipeline, and I can’t wait to share them with you moving forward. I thought I’d ease into…
NARM Convention Giant Record Photo
This undated newspaper clipping hails from a private appearance Doug did at a NARM Organization event. The giant record is unique in the sense that it never appeared in any of his specials before, and it is the first time I’m aware of it. Though I’m sure many of you out there have more visual…
TV Guide Close Up- World of Magic VI
Special Thanks to Pesci Sutta
Doug Does Some Magic for the “New York Sunday News”
I wasn’t really sure how to title this post other than to say what it is: Doug Henning shows you how to do some really cool close-up magic! Enough said really. However, what really appeals to me about this article is that it was done at the height of the “Magic Show’s” popularity in December,…
1998 “Globe” Tabloid Interview
The above article is from “Globe Magazine” and, if you do the math within the interview, it hails from around 1998. In it, Doug discusses what he has been up to in the ten years since he retired from the public spotlight. If you can get past the tabloid and slightly patronizing feel of the…
“World of Magic III” Sword Levitation Newspaper Clipping
In preparation for “World of Magic III,” Doug and special TV guest Sandy Duncan whipped up a little Sword Levitation publicity for the press. This undated AP photo (taken in front of someone’s house apparently), made sure that readers, as well as the press, got the point…so to speak. Special Thanks to Michael Whitecar
Sundays with Doug, Debby, and a Puppet
To lighten up your Sunday afternoon, I thought I would post this true 1980s gem of a picture. Whether this is a Wonder Whim or a distant cousin, the memory of its penetrating stare will certainly stay with you for a lifetime. Special Thanks to Michael Whitecar
“Magic Wagon” Newspaper Ad
The above newspaper advertisement comes from the “Monroe (Wisconsin) Evening Times” and ran on March, 13, 1984. It goes without saying that this was around the time of Doug being a spokes “magician” for the Plymouth Voyager. Doug Henning as a car salesman probably wasn’t the first thing that came to people’s minds, but hey…
TV Directory Thursday!
What better way to spend your Thursday than with a solid wall of vintage TV Guides promoting Doug? You’re welcome! Special Thanks to Michael Whitecar
“World of Magic 1” 1975 Newspaper Ad
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…
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
Illusion and Reality Tour: Newspaper Ad and Ticket
Special Thanks to Ken McCreedy
Vintage 1985 Variety Ad
This ad was featured in Variety on October 16, 1985 and, as you can read, thanks Doug for 8 successful shows at the O’Keefe Centre in Toronto. Doug was always a powerhouse touring machine, and this ad proves that well into the 1980s he was still highly in demand. Anyone out there want to tackle how…
Houdini’s 100th Birthday Article
John Cox ‘s excellent website Wild About Harry recently featured a New York Daily News article from 1974 covering a Doug live event that even yours truly didn’t know occurred. In honor of Houdini’s 100th birthday, Doug and his “Magic Show” co-star Dale Soules performed one of Houdini’s signature illusions in front of the famed Plaza…
“World of Magic 2” Print Interview
The above article comes from Craig Schwarz and is a bit of a mystery as I have no idea where it came from really. Was it a newspaper or magazine is anyone’s guess? Regardless, it’s a quick and interesting read from around the time of “World of Magic 2.” For that reason alone it’s worth…
Rare “World of Magic II” Pop Art Ad
You can chuck this advertisement into the “rare and obscure bin.” This was obviously made for “World of Magic II,” and truly combines the best of what 1970s pop art had to offer at the time. It takes a lot to make Doug Henning look frightening and, well, this comes pretty darn close. Does anyone…
1978 Entertainer of the Year Award
The above newspaper clipping comes from Michael Whitecar, and shows Doug as he won the Entertainer of the Year Award for 1978. While the quality is a little fuzzy, it’s the picture itself that counts, and shows Doug at a time in his career when he was at the top of his game. I wonder where…
“World of Magic VII” Newspaper Ad
Craig Schwarz was kind enough to send me some vintage Doug TV special newspaper pieces. This one is from the final “World of Magic” special in 1983, and as you can see is a, well, very unique design. While Doug did indeed conjure up the Rams Cheerleaders on this particular special, I’m not quite sure it…
Doug and Transcendental Meditation
This following article is reprinted from the website “India Today,” and was originally posted in 2013. While I don’t know when it was initially released prior to 2013, it’s a fascinating snapshot into Doug at the age of forty and his activities within Transcendental Meditation. (UPDATE: This article was published most likely in Fall of…
Ivan Reitman Spellbound Variety Ad
The above photo comes courtesy of Brian Lumley, but was given to him by Montreal based magician Blair Marshall. A big thank you to both. Some of you may know the fabled story of how Doug and director Ivan Reitman developed what would become “Spellbound” over a long rehearsal and fundraising period. However, when the…
1981 TWA Airline Newspaper Ad and Commercial
This vintage newspaper ad from 1981 was produced in conjunction with a tongue in cheek TV commercial that Doug participated in for TWA. As far as a I can tell, it’s only one of a handful of ads that Doug was featured in during his career. While we’re on that subject, here’s the actual TV…
The Return of Fridays with Doug!
This vintage “World of Magic II” newspaper advertisement comes courtesy of John Cox’s collection. It’s a great piece and it really shows off the spectacle of the special and the era very well. My personal favorite element is that Doug appears ten times larger than the elephant itself and his right hand, well, graphic design…
Toronto Star Article Sept. 1985
In the fine tradition of mid-1980s Doug interviews why don’t we do another one? This September 1985 piece hails from the Toronto Star and showcases some really nice action shots of Doug performing a handkerchief illusion. How about that 1980s skinny tie by the way?
Doug Henning, Cat Stevens, and Michael Jackson!
Sprinkled among this Toronto Sun article from 1985, are some things you may have heard of or read before. However, if you look closely there are some really unheard of tidbits about Doug designing for rock concerts and his friendship with Michael Jackson. Doug also discusses the state of modern movie effects versus stage illusions. As…
1982 Oakville Beaver Interview
This article is unique in the sense that it comes from Doug’s very own hometown Oakville, Ontario. It’s 1982, and as you would guess, Doug’s life was in full swing with touring and preparations for “Merlin.” But, what I found interesting are Doug’s comments on the life of being a celebrity and some of the…
Calgary Sun 1986 Interview- Mr.Magic
It’s Saturday! Are you glad? I am! What better way to celebrate a Saturday than this interview with Doug from the “Calgary Sun?” In the piece, Doug discusses (you guessed it) magic, his marriage with Debby, and his thoughts on the concepts of fame and life. It’s a fascinating read. Sorry about the small print. If…
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…
Doug and The Washington Post: Part Three
“The Spellbound World of Doug Henning” By Richard Harrington June 9, 1982 The Heir to Houdini Henning is spending this week at Merriweather Post Pavilion with one of the last road shows he’ll be doing for a while. All his time and energy are going into “Merlin,” which he describes as a 6-year-old project about…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 