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…
Tag: Television
“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…
Help Needed Locating Doug’s Original Costumes!
In a change of pace from the usual posts, I wanted to ask a favor from, you, the readers. I’m currently involved in a search for the current whereabouts of three of Doug’s more iconic costumes. I’ve included the photos below of what they are, and where they were featured. If you or anyone you…
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…
“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…
“Merlin” Jeopardy Question
In a blink and you’ll miss it moment on “Jeopardy, ” Doug appeared as a question in an episode that aired just last week. The category, appropriately titled “Guys Named Doug,” was connected to “Merlin” and went for $600. How it turned out for the contestant, well, I’m not surprised. It is a lost musical…
Plymouth “Magic Wagon” Expanded Commercial
Okay, I promise this is the last time. The above spot is an an unseen and expanded version of the shorter commercials that I’m sure we’re all used to. What is unseen you may ask? Well, there’s a lot more of Doug floating for starters, and a little more exposition espousing the wonders of the…
Original “Plymouth Magic Wagon” Radio Commercial
This original radio commercial was released in 1984 in conjunction with Doug’s “Plymouth Magic Wagon” car campaign. I’ve gone into this campaign several times in the past, and it goes without saying it was a lot of fun! However, I had never heard a radio commercial for it before, so this is a rare treat. It’s…
Happy Belated Birthday David Copperfield!
Due to a very busy day yesterday away from my desk, I wasn’t able to wish a very Happy Birthday to legendary magician David Copperfield! So, in honor of the occasion enjoy this clip of David performing the “Immaculate Connection” illusion from the “Magic of David Copperfield V.”
“CBS Morning News” with Maria Shriver Performance
The above clip was recently posted on the “Illusionist Munawar Muzaffar” You Tube Channel, and is from the collection of Bill Green. It’s a clip I’ve never seen, and maybe one that you haven’t as well. So, sit back with your morning cup of coffee, and watch as Doug astounds Maria Shriver and bleary eyed…
Magic’s Greatest Illusions Documentary-1999 Interview with Doug
I came across this three-part documentary today while deep diving into You Tube. “Magic’s Greatest Illusions,” narrated by Jason Alexander, originally aired on TLC in 2000. A great documentary unto itself, however, what immediately caught my attention was an extremely rare and largely unseen interview with Doug recorded in 1999. His interview, clearly recorded at…
Doug Co-Hosts the 1985 Disney Easter Parade (Complete Version)
A couple years ago I posted an extremely rough and grainy compilation of Doug’s illusions as the Grand Magical Marshal of the 1985 Walt Disney World Easter Parade. At the time, I weighed whether it was even worth showing it due to its low quality. Well, I did end up posting it, and since then…
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…
Dollar Bill Illusion with Maury Povich-1985
The above appearance by Doug begins at 4:30 and, while it is quick, is pure Doug nonetheless. However, to give you a fair warning, I suspect that this clip of Doug was highly edited for this particular You Tube Channel. Now, if only all of us could do this with a $1 bill.
Doug’s Muppet Show Shoes
In terms of the Muppets, characters have come and gone over their rich 65 year history. However, if you’re looking for one of the most obscure creatures to ever grace “The Muppet Show” stage, then look no further than Doug’s shoes. These bug eyed creations were featured at the opening of his episode where he gleefully…
Shia LeBouf SNL Sketch
In what has since become a very popular online MEME/GIF, Shia LeBouf appeared in this 2008 “Saturday Night Live” sketch as magician Doug Denston. Yes Doug Denston, not Doug Henning mind you. A parody of 1970s celebrity filled games shows, LeBouf does an admirable job of concocting the look of an extremely magical Doug for…
Haversat & Ewing Auction-Doug Egyptian Collar
For all those Doug collectors out there, another piece of magic history is going up for auction this weekend at Haversat & Ewing Galleries. Straight from the 1978’s “World of Magic,” is Doug’s Egyptian collar as featured in the special’s time travel theme. This online auction runs from May 15th-16th, and the item itself is…
13 More Minutes of Dai Vernon and Doug on Dick Cavett
(ED. Note: Due to legal reasons this video was apparently removed by You Tube. Sorry about that) If 21 minutes of Doug on Dick Cavett wasn’t enough for you, how about 13 minutes more? I actually wasn’t expecting to find more of this broadcast but, wouldn’t you know it, the second half came to my…
21 Minutes of Doug on Dick Cavett
(ED. Note: Due to legal reasons this video was apparently removed by You Tube. Sorry about that) This twenty-one minute slice of heaven is Doug on “The Dick Cavett Show.” It’s not the full show, but just enough to get your heart racing. The only drawback, as you can probably hear, is the static over…
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.
Liza Minelli Mismade Girl-Dick Cavett Show
The above clip, while poor quality, show’s Doug performing the “Mismade Girl” illusion on the Dick Cavett Show. The illusion itself has been performed many times over the years. But, it’s up to you to decide if this is indeed the first time Doug is performing it on TV as he claims. But, if seeing…
World of Magic III-Newspaper Article
In honor of this being our 500th post, here’s Doug levitating a motorcycle!
Henning “Animaniacs” Appearance
Welcome back from Thanksgiving folks! Did you know that Doug Henning appeared on Steven Spielberg’s beloved 90s cartoon series “Animaniacs?’ Or more to the point, a suspiciously Doug like character named “Merlin!” To be truthful, I haven’t seen this episode before. But, if I were a betting man, I’d say someone on that writing staff…
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…
“Good Morning Captain” TV Cameo
File this Doug appearance under “blink and you’ll miss it!” While many of us have seen Doug’s extended 1975 appearance on “Captain Kangaroo.” (If you haven’t a link can be found HERE ) But, did you know that he appeared once again in 1976? This lengthy opening recently found its way on You Tube, and features Doug…
