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…

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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…

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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…

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“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:…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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“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…

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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…

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