Original Airdate: December 23, 1976
Tag: TV Specials
Doug on Dai Vernon-1976 World of Wizards Special
The above clip comes from a 1976 James Randi special called “World of Wizards.” I had posted the full special some years ago, but the original channel that hosted it, “Sleight of Direction,” disappeared. However, through magical means I was able to make it reappear for you today with no further hosting issues. Actually, today…
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 1977” Card Illusion in Full
This week I thought I would let Doug do what he did best…pure magic. I don’t always play videos all week, but I thought as we go into the holiday weekend what better time is there for it? It goes without saying this close-up section from “World of Magic 77” seemed effortless for Doug. I…
“Canadian Conspiracy” Documentary
Today is the site’s 600th post, and let’s have a laugh shall we to celebrate? I recently stumbled upon this little seen mockumentary from 1985, and had to put it up. The show originally aired on HBO, and almost makes you believe something is afoot with our neighbors to the North. It is only a…
Dave Collier 1976 Photos: After Party, Barbara DeAngelis, and Doug’s Mom
As before, what better way to cap off another great special than with a wrap party? These final three photos from this series are great because not only do you get to see Doug cutting loose with a can of 7-Up, but you also get to see his first wife Barbara DeAngelis and mother Shirley. …
Dave Collier Photos: “World of Magic 1” After Party
In today’s installment, it’s time to party like it’s 1975! With a viewing audience of fifty million people, Doug and friends celebrated the achievement with a well attended after party. A drink in hand, Doug rightly is the focus of everyone’s attention after having pulled off the seemingly impossible. Ahhh, to be a fly on that…
Osmond Family Christmas Special Appearance
Hey it’s Monday here at “The Doug Henning Project!” To wipe that weekend haze from your eyes, let’s spread some post-Christmas cheer with Doug’s appearance on the 1980’s”Osmond Family Christmas Special.” While Doug’s main close-up magic segment begins at the 16 minute mark, he also appears at the show’s beginning and end to spread some…
“World of Magic VII” Newspaper Ad
Hey Guys! Sorry for the delay in posts. I’ve been up to my neck in our current Indiegogo campaign. Hey, so what better way to take a break with this vintage newspaper advertisement from “World of Magic VII?” The special, as you may remember, starred Doug and his guests Ann Jillian, Kaitlyn Jenner, Billy Crystal,…
Crystal Gayle Christmas Special Poster
Christmas comes early to “The Doug Henning Project” with this advertisement for singer Crystal Gayle’s 1979 Christmas Special. While Doug doesn’t feature prominently on the poster, it goes without saying that he was very much in demand at this time in his career. Hey, he even gets a subtle reference with the line “Fall under…
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…
TV Specials Footage Needed
Hello All, I need to ask a bit of a favor. I’m looking for good quality footage from the “World of Magic” NBC TV specials (preferably the earlier ones.) It’s for an upcoming authorized project that I can explain more to you if you email or private message me on Facebook. Thanks so much and…
1982 Cheerleader Cabinet Illusion
This illusion hails from the final “World of Magic” special, and features a variation on Guy Jarret’s original 21 person cabinet illusion. However, it wouldn’t be Doug Henning without some tweaks and flourishes courtesy of cheerleaders and a then Bruce Jenner. So, before the weekend starts, enjoy this very Doug Henning magical moment from 1982….
Statue of the Pharaohs Illusion
To commemorate new “King Tut” exhibition that has opened in Los Angeles, I feel it’s more than appropriate to showcase this clip from Doug’s “Magic on Broadway” special. While I certainly can’t vouch for its historical authenticity it sure is fun to watch. Have a great weekend and I’ll see you next week!
Brian Lumley Interview : Part Two
Glenn Priest (far left), Brian Lumley (Middle), and Doug Were you interested in magic before you met Doug? In a word no. Not Lesley, Glen, or myself had any experience with stage magic. We had each seen or performed magic on our own but that is another story. It is also why we each had…
Vanishing Elephant Illusion
While I had hoped to find a clip of the original “Vanishing Elephant” illusion from Doug’s second special, everything on You Tube is an inferior and grainy copy. Fortunately for us, Doug recreated the illusion for the 1981 filmed version of “The Magic Show” which is the origin of this higher quality clip. The elephant…
“World of Magic V” NBC Promo
There’s something to be said about this NBC TV promo for 1980’s “World of Magic V.” What it is I don’t know, other than that they don’t make commercials like they used to. That’s for sure. On that note, does anyone have a copy of the long lost gem “Valentine Magic on Love Island?
Indian Rope Trick Basket
Courtesy of Michael Whitecar’s vast collection comes another item sure to brighten up your Tuesday. It’s the basket from Doug’s Indian Rope Illusion as featured in “World of Magic VI!” Doug’s co-stars in this special were Marie Osmond, Shields and Yarnell, and (as featured above) a young Rick(y) Schroeder. Snakes not included…
The Sands of Egypt Footage
As we round out the week what better way to say goodbye than with the classic “Sands of Egypt” from “Word of Magic I?” The illusion is deceptive in its simpleness, and plays extremely well into the excitement of the evening. This excitement, in my opinion, is what makes this special so wonderful. The live…
First Special “Torn Newspaper” Routine
Yesterday’s clip was a lot of fun wasn’t it? Continuing on in that vein why don’t we take a look at Doug’s presentation of Gene Anderson’s famed “Torn Newspaper” illusion. Doug’s enthusiasm combined with his expert handling of this illusion make for one of the most simple looking, but most memorable parts of the first…
The Return of Fridays with Doug!
This vintage “World of Magic II” newspaper advertisement comes courtesy of John Cox’s collection. It’s a great piece and it really shows off the spectacle of the special and the era very well. My personal favorite element is that Doug appears ten times larger than the elephant itself and his right hand, well, graphic design…
Ricky Jay on “World of Magic II”
Doug’s friendship with esteemed magician Ricky Jay came to the forefront when Jay appeared on “World of Magic II” in 1976. The segment highlights Jay’s great skill at close up-magic and, of course, card throwing. In the years since, Jay’s reputation has only grown and grown, especially with his play “Ricky Jay and his 52…
Disc Sawing Illusion
Happy New Year everyone and welcome back. Where was I? When last we spoke I was sick and in the midst of the holiday season. Well, since both of those are things of the past let’s get back to business with this vintage clip from 1982’s “World of Magic VII.” This special is notable for…
“World of Magic 4” Props For Sale
Welcome back everyone! Are we all rested from the long holiday? I know I am. Now down to business. Collector Steve Sprague recently contacted me in hopes of selling a prop from the “World of Magic 4” special starring Brooke Shields and Tom Bosley. So, rather than hearing from me about it, I’ll let…
Julie Newmar “World of Magic” Costume For Sale
Hello All and Happy Monday! I have a bit of a treat today as I’ve agreed to help magician Paul Driscoll sell the actual costume that Julie Newmar wore in Doug’s first “World of Magic” 1975 special. If you are interested in purchasing this one-of-a-kind item please contact Paul directly as he owns it. I’m…
Dai Vernon on “Magic Circus!”
At “The Doug Henning Project” the daily focus is on, rightfully so, Doug Henning. But, for part of this week I’d like to focus on some of the master magicians that taught or influenced Doug in his formative years. The first on our list is Dai Vernon. If you aren’t aware of him, and how…
Close-Up Magic with Doug!
While Doug always excelled at grand illusions it was the moments on his specials that focused on close-up magic that have always fascinated me. For the most part, these would always take place with children in the audience, and thirty-five years on they still speak volumes to his skill and ease with this very unique…
Things that Go Bump in the Night!
“Things that Go Bump in the Night” became, over the years, one of Doug’s big crowd pleasers. Previously performed by magician Servais LeRoy as “The Three Graces,” Doug performed this over multiple TV specials and even in the film version of “The Magic Show.” This is a perfect example of Doug taking an older illusion…
From the Collection of Michael Grandinetti
Well, the last few weeks have certainly been fun haven’t they? It’s still amazing to me how much of Doug’s life is left to be explored, and on the rare occasions I’m not quite what to put up something magically (pardon the pun) finds its way to me email.No better example of this are these…
Trunk Illusion Disclaimer
Dear Readers, Recently, some visitors to the site have expressed concerns about this week of Trunk Illusion posts, and whether I am exposing magic secrets. I just want to be clear to everyone that this was made with the full approval of John Gaughan who built the illusion in 1978 and currently owns it. He was very much…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 