The above page comes from a 1974 “New York Sunday News” newspaper spread. In it, Doug is interviewed, while giving kids a lesson in magic. It’s a fun piece, and a nice representation on how “The Magic Show” was promoting itself during its very first holiday season. As the article itself is fairly intricate, I’ll…
Tag: Wonder
OTB Newspaper Ad-1974/75?
The above advertisement for OTB (Off Track Betting) is certainly one of the most obscure ads that I’ve seen Doug appear in. However, the story of how it ended up here is a unique one in itself. Author and psychologist, Richard Wiseman, recently sent me a group of newspaper clippings he found in an old…
“Magic Show” Airing This Sunday (9/4/22) on RSU-TV
If there are any readers of the website in Claremore, Oklahoma, set your DVR for tomorrow night at 7pm. I just found out that “The Magic Show” TV movie will be played as part of RSU-TV’s “Digital Drive-in” showcase. The station itself is a PBS affiliate, and is on Channel 35.1. This is certainly a…
Sept. 12th Cort Theatre Renaming
As mentioned back in March, the Cort Theatre is about to enter a new era. As of Monday, September 12th, the theater will be renamed after venerable actor and Sith Lord himself, James Earl Jones. The theater itself has been undergoing extensive renovations during COVID, and when I saw it last November you could barely…
“Illusion and Reality” Chicago Lecture-Mark Holstein Remembers
For those watching Sunday night’s “Magic Collector’s Corner” on Zoom, Mark Holstein briefly touched on Doug’s Chicago lecture “Illusion and Reality.” Along with Jay Marshal, it sounded like a really interesting and fun night for a variety of reasons. I asked Mark if he could elaborate on the evening for the website, and he was…
World of Magic ’76: Re-Appearing Elephant Closing in Full
Original Airdate: December 23, 1976 Special Thanks to Brian Lumley
Doug Henning, Pizza Spokesman?
This internet ad made its way to me this morning, and brought a bit of a smile to my face. While the spokesperson in question isn’t implicitly Doug, it’s a little too coincidental to not think he has some fans over at Vevan Foods. As Doug himself was always health conscious, I have a feeling…
Longview Daily News (12/19/1975)-World of Magic ’75
I like this vintage article for many reasons. Not least of which are the pictures which aren’t often seen. The one immediately below, and the two at the end, were taken while Doug was in rehearsals at 75 Ninth Avenue in Manhattan. I also enjoy how this article gives the show the gravity and respect…
Fan Art Tuesday!
I’ve posted a lot of Doug art culled from the internet over the years. However, this one is definitely in my top three, for sure. Mainly, because of its simplicity in capturing Doug’s likeness in a seemingly effortless fashion. There is no doubt that this is Doug Henning. From that twinkle in his eye, to…
MDA Telethon Appearance-August 31, 1975
Today’s video was recently posted on the MDA Telethon You Tube channel. It’s part of a playlist of magicians that appeared on Jerry Lewis’ eponymous telethon over the years. Of course, Doug had to make the cut! Originally broadcast on August 31, 1975, Doug appears with his “Magic Show” co-star Dale Soules. In it, the…
Houdini “Mother Scrapbook” Article Link
Today’s article link hails from John Cox excellent Houdini website Wild About Harry. The article itself deals with Houdini’s scrapbook, and how John was able to be its guardian for one weekend. I won’t get into too many details, but needless to say, Doug features into the article in an important way. In fact, without…
The Times-News-2/9/1980 (Doug on Rainbows)
Today is the blog’s 900th post, and what better way to celebrate, than with a highly detailed article profiling Doug’s theory on rainbows?
Eugene Register-Guard: April 25, 1976 (Electric Company Cover Article)
This is a nice little article from 1976. In it, details of the making of Doug’s iconic photo, levitating a woman on top of the World Trade Center, are revealed. It’s truly a death defying photo, and leaves no doubt that for that moment Doug Henning was truly riding high!
“What We Hide: Doug’s Bump Bows” by Jim Steinmeyer
In keeping with last week’s post, I wanted to highlight another great Henning article that Jim Steinmeyer wrote for his blog. It’s a fun piece profiling the origins of Doug’s closing tour music called “Bump Bows.” If you were lucky enough to see Doug live, maybe you remember it. If not, Jim even provides a…
Doug Henning and his “World of Envelopes”…Again
Special Thanks to Michelle Ainsworth for these vintage envelopes from Doug’s various offices!
Original “Merlin” Contract
Today I thought I’d present something not really magical. But, very necessary in the creation of “Merlin,” one of its original contracts. The tumultuous tale of “Merlin” has been told many times elsewhere on this blog. It’s a long cautionary one of a revolving door of talent that made its way to Broadway in 1983….
“What We Hide: Lessons from Doug Henning” by Jim Steinmeyer
I just wanted to let readers know about a fantastic article that appeared back on April 22nd in Jim Steinmeyer’s blog. It’s a touching tribute in honor of Doug’s then 75th birthday from someone who knew him best. I could talk more about it, but why not see for yourself. To read “What We Hide:…
Alternative “Magic on Broadway” NBC Commercial
In another blink and you’ll miss moment, here’s a brief commercial for Doug’s “Magic on Broadway” special. Last May I posted another version that had different variations and scenes than this one. However, the best thing about it, in my humble opinion, is an appearance by David Hasselhoff (The Hoff) at the end. Can you…
Updated 2021 MTA Broadway Subway Ad
Recently, I was going through photos of my trip to New York City last November, and came across this photo I had long forgotten about. At the time, the city was trying to reignite Broadway audiences long dormant during COVID and fearful of subways. To do this, the MTA looked to the past to influence…
Tonight Show: 1984 Firedome Appearance
In November of 2018, I posted this appearance of Doug on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show.” This nine minutes from 1984 is notable for the amount of illusions and time Doug puts into it. From the “Firedome,”to simple sleight of hand, it’s a great clip overall. So, you can imagine my disappointment, when You Tube eventually…
FISM 2022: Chip Romero Doug Henning Lecture
For those in the Quebec area, and are looking for a little magic and wonder Friday, look no further than FISM 2022. This World Championship of Magic will be hosting many magicians and lecturers from around the globe from July 25th-30th. Not least of which will be Henning collector extraordinaire, Chip Romero. Chip has the…
World of Magic ’79: Walking Through the Mirror Illusion in Full
In this 1979 clip from “World of Magic,” Doug dazzles the audience with Jim Steinmeyer’s “Walking Through the Mirror Illusion.” It’s a truly impressive illusion, and one that Doug would take out in his various stage shows. It even appeared on a 1981 appearance on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show,” which can be found HERE If…
Vintage “I Saw It, and I Still Can’t Believe It Shirt” Doug Shirt on Etsy
For all those interested in the coolest fashions, look no further than this 1970s Doug vintage. Currently available on Etsy, this beauty can be yours for the taking at $46.00 But, what a find it is. In fact, I’ve never seen this design before. You could even say “I can’t believe it!” For more information,…
Doug Henning Meet The Golden Girls
You wouldn’t often associate Doug’s name with the beloved sitcom “The Golden Girls.” However, these two worlds did indeed collide in this vintage clip from 1990 where Sophia dresses up like Sonny Bono…or did she? It’s good to know that several years after his retirement, Doug was still getting name checked on his old network…
Doug with Folding Fan Publicity Photos
The whimsy and fun of the first photo is infectious, and I’m surprised I’ve never posted it before. There are various versions of this out there, one is even color with a different pose (I’m including that one again as well). However, the black and white version always screams Doug Henning to me in the…
Dec. 7th, 1981 UPI Article-“Magic Abounds at Doug Henning Wedding”
Today’s post is a quick article detailing the December 6th, 1981 wedding of Doug and Debby in Fairfield, Iowa. While, many of us have probably seen the handful of photos that exist out there of the event, the details of the actual day remain elusive at best. Finding this article from the news service UPI…
Telescope 1972-Doug’s Theory of Real Magic/Performing for Kids
Originally Broadcast: November 23, 1972 Special Thanks to Stuart MacLeod at: stuartmac.com
Doug Henning…Superhero?
Hey Everyone! I’m back. I’m sorry for the almost month long delay, but having a newborn will do that to your schedule. Moving forward, I’ll be easing back into posts, so I won’t be back at full steam just yet. However, I came across this amazing piece of art on Instagram, and knew it would…
“World of Magic ’75” Publicity Photo: Doug Torture Cell Rehearsal
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…
1975 Indiana Newspaper Clipping: World of Magic ’75
Special Thanks to Jim Klodzen
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 