The above photos are of Doug (obviously) and Monk Watson. For those that may not know, Watson was a jack of all trades when it came to entertainment. From being a vaudeville performer, acrobat, emcee, musician, radio personality, and a magician (of course), he did it all. I don’t have any background information on these…
Tag: Photos
“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…
Ebay Alert: Lot of 6 Doug “Stage” Photos
The above six photos are being auctioned off currently on Ebay. While they highlight many of Doug’s frequently seen classic illusions, it’s always a treat to see them represented in a live setting such as this. Where they were taken or the year isn’t listed, but it’s a pretty sure bet it’s the late 70s/Very…
Saturday Night Photos with Doug!
Do you like Saturday nights? I do too. So much so, I wanted to post a couple rarely seen photos of Doug having a good time. The first is obviously staged, and the other during a performance. So, wherever you are, enjoy your Saturday. Let’s not sweat the small stuff. It’s not worth it!
Entertainment Tonight Candid Interview Shot
The above photo comes from the “Mr. Camera” Instagram page, and is from an unknown date and venue. According to the page, the man doing the interviewing is “Mr. Camera” himself, Don Jacobs. Don Jacobs is the founder of, you guessed it, “Mr. Camera.” By Doug’s look, and the “Entertainment Tonight” microphone it is definitely…
Doug, Siegfried, and Roy Photo #2
The above photo features a trifecta of magic legends: Doug, Siegfried, and Roy. It is only the second picture that I have seen with the three of them (though I’m sure there are more). The first that I saw, was taken in the 1980s, and featured Debbie joining in. This one was featured in an…
Unseen Magic Show Publicity Photo: Part 4
Photographed by Martha Swope Cort Theater Marquee Photo by Brian Lumley
Haversat & Ewing Auction Results
Last month I profiled two very unique items featured in Haversat & Ewing’s February auction. The first being an extremely rare “Henning and Mars” signed publicity portrait (one that I’ve never seen). The other a vibrant hand drawn portrait by the great Gary Darwin. Who won these items you ask? Drumroll please… Chip Romero is…
Unseen Merlin Production Publicity Photos: Part Two
Special thanks to Michelle Ainsworth These photos are from the collection of Michelle Ainsworth. Any unauthorized usage of them for profit or personal promotion is in violation of copyright laws.
NYPL Photo Archive: Zig Zag Woman, Sawing in Half, and Bed of Spikes
All Photos by Ken Duncan These photos are copyrighted by the New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division. Any unauthorized usage of those for profit or personal promotion is in violation of copyright laws.
NYPL Photo Archive: The Magic Show Part Three
All Photos by Ken Duncan These photos are copyrighted by the New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division. Any unauthorized usage of those for profit or personal promotion is in violation of copyright laws.
NYPL Photo Archive: The Magic Show Part Two
Let’s do it again shall we folks? I have to say I’m really loving this collection of photos. What strikes me the most about them is that their electricity and energy truly make you feel as if you’re in the Cort Theater’s front row circa 1974. As these pictures prove, the production itself was sparse and…
“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 II” Unseen Photos
Courtesy of Dave Collier and Bill Goodwin are some more amazing and never before seen photos from 1976’s “World of Magic II.” I feel each one is unique all unto itself, and very much gives us a taste of the electricity that is live programming. For all of you interested in reading my interview with…
Unpublished “Fickle Nickel” and Audience Photos from “World of Magic 1”
Through the kindness of Bill Goodwin, head librarian at “The Magic Castle,” I will be showcasing over the next few weeks more never before seen photos from Doug’s first four specials (1975-1978.) Taken by Dave Collier, these photographs showcase different angles and perspectives that the viewers at home never saw that night. Now for the serious…
Rare Peter Cunningham “Merlin” Photo
The photograph featured below was taken by well known theater and music photographer Peter Cunningham, and features a stunning image from “Merlin” that I’ve never seen before. As related to me by its owner Michelle Ainsworth, the photo was purchased from Cunningham himself, and was one of the first times he had photographed a Broadway…
Alternative Christmas Wreath Publicity Photos
Is this thing on? After a two week absence,” The Doug Henning Project” is back and ready for action! I apologize for the delay, but with work and further filming of my Doug documentary things became a little hectic to say the least. Anyway, what better way to start than with a little Christmas in…
I.B.M. Plaque Unveiling Color Photos
The following photographs come from the collection of Dean Gunnarson, and feature Doug at the 1986 plaque unveiling ceremony commemorating the first location of the I.B.M headquarters in Winnipeg. For those unfamiliar, I.B.M. is the abbreviation for the esteemed organization the “International Brotherhood of Magicians.” While I have featured this event before, never have I…
Rare Doug, Debby, and Shirley Henning Photo
The above photo was sent to me recently, and what a find it is! The exact year and circumstances are unknown to me, but it certainly is rare to find Doug in such a candid photo with Debby (Left) and his mother Shirley (Right). If anyone knows the background of this photo feel free to…
Dave Collier 1978 Photos: Medieval and Ancient Egypt Illusions
In this special, Doug, Brooke Shields, and Tom Bosley seem to literally time travel to different points in history to perform illusions. Why? Well, these are the kinds of things that happen in 1970s prime time variety specials. Anyway, the concept leant itself to some really beautiful set pieces and costumes that are still memorable…
Dave Collier 1977 Photos: Curtain Calls, After Party, and Friends!
Special Thanks to Dave Collier and Bill Goodwin
Dave Collier “World of Magic 1” Photos: Doug, Gene Kelly, and the Cast
Doug’s grand escape from Houdini’s “Water Torture Cell” still is ranked as one of the greatest television magic finales of all time. It even left Gene Kelly speechless enough to lose track of his cue cards. As you can see from these photos, the excitement of the evening even went right through to the curtain call…
Dave Collier “World of Magic 1” Photos: Julie Newmar and the Water Torture Cell
Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone! As we continue our journey through “World of Magic 1,” it’s interesting to note how the electricity of the night seems to permeate through each of these pictures. Whether it was part of the special or quick candid moments, Dave’s lens really captured the joy of the evening! Just ask Julie…
Dave Collier “World of Magic 1” Photos
I apologize for not posting in a bit, but what I’ve been given access to will certainly make up for it. Recently, photographer Dave Collier and Magic Castle librarian Bill Goodwin have graciously granted me access to a treasure trove of never before seen photos. As you will see, these represent Doug behind and in…
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…
Never Before Seen Backstage Production Photos
The pictures featured below are a hodgepodge of never before seen production photos from “World of Magic 6 and 7,” as well as the filmed version of “The Magic Show.” All of them really give a nice snapshot (no pun intended) into what went into making these legendary specials. Special Thanks to Steve Zigmont-Doug Henning…
Another Random Doug Sighting!
This photo hails from Doug fan Jeff Horton and was taken at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT in the mid-1980s. I’ll let Jeff elaborate on the events that led up to this: “Doug was unable to say hello to a group of magicians outside of the Bushnell theater in Hartford, CT earlier…
Rare Photo Wednesday!
For all those looking to get past the Wednesday doldrums, enjoy these vintage pictures from Doug’s always busy life!
Never Before Seen 1970s Performance Photos
Today’s incredible and previously unseen pictures come from photographer Frank Zak, and feature a mid-1970s performance in Pittsburgh. What’s stunning for me is their clarity and detail. You really do feel like you’re in the front row, or perhaps even on the stage itself. While I never had the opportunity to see Doug perform live myself,…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 