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…
Tag: Television
Barbara Walters Program: James Randi, Mark Wilson, and Doug
The above rare clips come from the James Randi Foundation, and features commentary from the Amazing Randi himself. The clips in question hail from his appearance on the Barbara Walters morning program “Not For Women Only.” While the program featured Randi and “psychic” Uri Geller predominantly, Doug is seen throughout observing on the side with…
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…
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.
“Telescope 1972”-Zig Zag Girl Illusion in Full
Originally Broadcast: November 23, 1972 Special Thanks to Stuart MacLeod at: stuartmac.com
“World of Magic ’75” Publicity Photo and Material
Special Thanks to Jim Klodzen
“Telescope 1972”- Rings Illusion in Full
Just a quick note, that Doug’s voice oddly speeds up at the end of this segment. This was on the copy that I have, and may have been on the original broadcast. Originally Broadcast: November 23, 1972 Special Thanks to Stuart MacLeod at: stuartmac.com
“Telescope 1972”-Invisible Card Illusion in Full
I love everything about this clip because it’s really representative of Doug’s early performing in the counter culture coffee houses in the Yorkville area of Toronto. While we don’t have many photos of that bygone 70s era, this film footage is probably the closest we have to what that experience was like. Enjoy! Originally Broadcast:…
“Telescope 1972” Clip-Doug on Practice Theory
Originally Broadcast: November 23, 1972 Special Thanks to Stuart MacLeod at: stuartmac.com
Telescope 1972-Torn and Restored Newspaper in Full
Special Thanks to Stuart MacLeod at: stuartmac.com
Magic Magazine-World of Magic 40th Anniversary Part.2
To Be Concluded Tomorrow… “REPRINTED FROM MAGIC MAGAZINE WITH PERMISSION © STAN ALLEN, INC. 2022.”
Magic Magazine Dec. 2015-World of Magic 40th Anniversary Article
Several posts this week will be dedicated to the December 2015 edition of “Magic Magazine.” The featured article, by the late Tod Gerard, commemorates the then fortieth anniversary of the first “World of Magic” special. It’s a fascinating and eye opening article with contributions by David Collier, Brian Lumley, Regina Reynolds, and Chip Romero. The…
World of Magic ’77-Artist’s Dream Illusion in Full
Original Air Date: December 15, 1977
Telescope 1972 Clip- Doug, Mars, and a Magic Wand!
The above clip once again comes from the CBC 1972 program “Telescope.” I have great love for this documentary overall, and one of the standouts for me in this scene is seeing Doug’s then assistant/girlfriend Mars Barrick on film. Mars is generally seen in a lot of early publicity photos of Doug in this early…
Telescope 1972-Close-Up at the Magic Castle
The above clip comes from the 1972 documentary “Telescope.” The series, broadcast on the CBC, profiled Canadians and their lives and professions. The majority of the documentary is filmed at the world famous Magic Castle in Los Angeles, and the clip above is a perfect example of this It’s worth noting that Doug is only…
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…
“World of Magic ’76” Rope Illusion in Full
Original Air Date: December 23, 1976
“Muppet Show” Opener in Full
Original Air Date: March 14, 1980
Chicago Sun Times: TV Prevue (Dec 1975)
Special Thanks to Michael Johnson’s insightful book “Magician Doug Henning Collectibles Guide.”
World of Magic ’77: Flower Illusion Closer
Original Air Date: December 15, 1977
Potter and Potter: September 11th Magic Auction
For all those looking for Doug items in a future Potter & Potter auction then look no further than this coming September 11th. Both items are nothing new or groundbreaking in terms of Doug collecting. However, what they do represent are two of the most iconic and influential posters in Doug’s career. First up, seen…
World of Magic ’75: Water Torture Cell Finale in Full
Folks, as I teased earlier in the week, this is it! I present to you what is probably the most famous moment in Doug’s career, Houdini’s Water Torture Cell. Fifty million people tuned in live to watch the finale to Doug’s first special. To say they got their money’s worth was an understatement! It’s worth…
World of Magic ’75: Things That Go Bump in the Night
Original Air Date: 12/26/1975
Magic Week: World of Magic 1980
The fine online folks at the Magic Week Archive have chosen to feature Doug’s “World of Magic 1980” for its weekly feature. Presented on NBC in 1980, this special was taped at the Osmond Entertainment Center in Utah. Along for the ride are, of course, Marie Osmond, Shields & Yarnell, and Ricky Schroeder. As noted,…
World of Magic ’77: Walking Through a Brick Wall in Full
Hey Everyone! Happy Tuesday. Do you ever get that feeling we all get when you’ve hit your wall so early in the week waiting for Friday? Well, if that’s the case, why don’t you take a breather with this famous clip of Doug literally walking through a brick wall? This breathtaking event occurred as the…
World of Magic’79: Shadow Illusions in Full
Original Air Date: 2/15/1980
“Me-Tv” Top 8 TV Magicians
This online article from 2016 features the top eight TV magicians as decided by Me-TV. Me-TV, in case you didn’t know, is a vintage television network that specializes in broadcasting old television programs from various decades. It’s like what Nick at Nite used to be like way back when. Anyway, while the list is very…
World of Magic 1978: Camel Appearance 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…