Sorry for the delay in posts folks. Little did I know that when I last signed off on Christmas Eve that in quick succession I would be sick for two weeks, and then have the the Los Angeles fires to contend with. Aside from a close call, my family and I are okay, and I’m…
Tag: Television
“Magic on Broadway” Publicity Photo-Million Dollar Illusion
Special Thanks to Gary Brown
“Muppeturgy” Podcast-Henning Episode
In my travels across the world wide web, I recently came across this fun podcast that breaks down every episode of Jim Henson’s magnum opus, “The Muppet Show.” So, it was only a matter of time before they got to Doug’s episode. It’s a firmly tongue and cheek show that is sure to bring a…
Michael Whitecar Collection
Michael Whitecar recently sent me photos of his impressive collection of Doug ephemera. To say it’s impressive is an understatement, and it is my pleasure to share it with you. There’s so much to see in these photos that each one deserves multiple viewings to soak everything in. Which one is your favorite? Special Thanks…
“World of Magic ’82”-Aquarium Bowl Illusion
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
“Young Harry Houdini” on You Tube
Hey Everyone! I just wanted to alert everyone to a recent post by John Cox of the excellent Houdini website Wild About Harry In 1987, the Disney Sunday Movie aired the very rarely seen TV film “Young Harry Houdini” on ABC. The film itself was a fictional retelling of Houdini’s life as a teen, played…
World of Magic ’75-Houdini Segments
Happy Halloween, and World Magic Day everyone! As we observe the 97th anniversary of Houdini’s passing, what better to to pay our respects than with “World of Magic ’75.” Over the years, I’ve shown and talked about both clips. However, I’ve never paired them in one place, and today of all days seemed the most…
Unseen “World of Magic ’78” Photo
The above unseen photo comes from Mark Willoughby, and gives us a different photographic perspective on “World of Magic ’78’s” burning paper illusion. Below you’ll see the illusion itself in full. I weighed whether to play this clip or not due to it being racially insensitive in terms of its writing and costuming. However, I…
(AGVA) 9th Annual Entertainer of the Year Awards 1979 Photos
The pictures featured below recently turned up on the Getty Photo Archives website, and boy are they stunners. I have never seen them before, and I’m going to wager not many others have as well. They were taken when Doug won Entertainer of the Year by the American Guild of Variety Artists in 1979. Their…
Tissue Paper Illusion
I found this little seen clip online today, and wanted everyone to take a look at it. When and where it originally aired is a bit of a mystery to me, as no descriptive information was paired with it. However, the host’s name sounded like “Mort,” so if anyone knows please drop me a line. …
“Saturday Night Live” “World of Magic’ 78” Commercial
In what is arguably the most unique intro to a Doug Henning special ever, this commercial interlude from Saturday Night Live is sure bring a smirk to your face. If not, then hopefully a chuckle. What can I say? It was the late 70s. Original Air Date: December 9, 1978
The Desert Sun (Palm Springs)-12/14/78
Today’s post profiles Doug gearing up for “World of Magic ’78” starring Brooke Shields and Tom Bosley. It’s a fine article hailing out of Palm Springs. Not least of which are the vintage advertisements for the “House of Bamboo” and the “Lord and Lady Inn.” Did any of you ever attend these swinging 70s places?
World of Magic ’82: Appearing/ Disappearing Duck Illusion
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
World of Magic ’82: Chung Ling Soo/Houdini Rope Illusions
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
1,000th Post: “Merlin” Commercial BTS Photo
Well, today is my 1,000th post. I know right? When I think about that I’ve posted on this site 1,000 times, it’s a little mind boggling. But, Doug has always been worth the effort, and it’s an honor to do it whenever I can. Here’s to another 1,000! Anyway, I recently came across this behind…
MuppetTrek Podcast: Doug Henning Episode
In my mind, The “MuppetTrek” podcast qualifies as one of the more unique mashup podcasts in terms of subject matters. If you find yourself ever saying “Hey, where can I find a podcast devoted to “The Muppet Show” and the animated “Star Trek” series?” Well, then you’ve come to the right place today. Episode 94…
“Magic on Broadway” Opening Credits
Don’t you wish every television show could begin with Doug Henning riding a motorcycle down Broadway? If you did, then you’re in the right place for today’s post! This unique and flashy opening could only have come from a Doug special, and ‘Magic on Broadway is no exception. In fact, it was actually Doug’s final…
“Double Dare,” Doug, and Charles Dickens
If you were a kid in the 1980s (myself included), there was nothing better each afternoon than watching the kid based game show “Double Dare.” From jumping in piles of questionable looking slop to rummaging around in giant nostrils, kids competed in what is still one of the most unique and gross out game shows…
“World of Magic ’82:” Canary Cage Illusion
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
Cherish Alexander Interview: Behind the Scenes Photos
In addition to the interview, Cherish also sent me a load of personal photos from her collection. Some I featured in the article, however there were too many to include overall. So, I’m presenting them in all their glory here. Thank you again to Cherish ALexander, and enjoy! For more information on Cherish, please visit…
Cherish Alexander Interview: Part Three
What was it like working with the other celebrities in the special? I was so young at the time so I didn’t really know any of them professionally…yet as people they were all funny, kind and so sweet with me. Especially, Bruce (Caitlyn) Jenner, we laughed a lot together. All in all, they looked out…
Cherish Alexander Interview: Part Two
Had you heard of Doug Henning before you got the special? Yes! I had watched his magic special before when he featured my childhood crush Ricky Schroder. Do you remember meeting him for the first time? Yes. He was very kind and friendly, yet mostly professional….one of the first things he had me do was…
Cherish Alexander Interview: Part One
I’m delighted this week to be posting a recent interview I conducted with Cherish Alexander. As I’m sure many of you you know, Cherish was Doug’s co-host on “World of Magic ’82,” along with Ann Jillian, Kaitlyn Jenner, and Billy Crystal. She was more than happy to remember her time on the special, and working…
“World of Magic” MP4s Needed
Hey everyone! Just a quick post for tonight. I am looking for any MP4 downloads that anybody may have for “World of Magic ’80” (Guest: Barbi Benton) and “World of Magic ’82” (Guests: Ann Jillian, Billy Crystal, Caitlan Jenner) If anyone has access to these, please let me know. You can DM me via Facebook…
“World of Magic ’75:” Lorri Lieberman and “Killing Me Softly With His Song”
Even a magic special needs a breather. In what was presumably a moment to change set pieces, Doug called upon his friend singer Lori Lieberman to sing the now legendary song “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” It’s an all around nice moment, and one that is different from the specials that followed, as this…
“The Greatest Adventure” by Geoffrey Williams: Part Two
Magician Geoffrey Williams was kind enough to send me an excerpt of his autobiography, with a section devoted to Doug. It’s a fascinating story of how, as a young teen, he snuck onto the set of the first “World of Magic” special, and witnessed magic history. Today is the second and final part. I really enjoyed…
“The Greatest Adventure” by Geoffrey Williams: Part One
Magician Geoffrey Williams was kind enough to send me an excerpt of his autobiography, with a section devoted to Doug. It’s a fascinating story of how, as a young teen, he snuck onto the set of the first “World of Magic” special, and witnessed magic history. I’ll be breaking it up into two parts, today…
“World of Magic ’82:” Vanishing Box Illusion feat. LA Rams Cheerleaders
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
Close-Up Magic: World of Magic ’82
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
1980 Osmond Family Christmas Appearance
The above clip comes from Doug’s appearance one the 1980 Osmond Family Christmas special. I had posted the full special in 2019. However, as we enter the first weekend in December, I wanted to just show the full seven minute clip of Doug performing with the kids. As expected, it’s fun, joyous, Christmasy, and pure…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 