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…
Tag: Wonder
A Concluding Chat with John Gaughan
As the day concluded, John and I went into his collection room which houses a vast and impressive array of magic artefacts stretching back over two hundred years. As you read this short interview, it’s important to note that Doug worked with the true best of the best in magic. It certainly was a team…
John Gaughan: More Trunk Illusion Videos
Hasn’t this been great? If you’ve been enjoying it so far, be sure not to miss tomorrow’s concluding sit down interview with John. See you then. Once again thank you for Jeffrey Chang for all his help!
John Gaughan: Trunk Illusion Insights
There’s really not too much that I can add to these proceedings, so I think its best if I just let John continue to do the talking. Collapsed Trunk under Tabletop
Brooke Shields Trunk Illusion
On December 14, 1978 Doug Henning presented his fourth special “World of Magic” live on NBC. While this special is memorable for many reasons, one of the highlights was the reveal of his co-host for the evening Brooke Shields. For those who need a refresher please check out the first two minutes of the special…
Seeking Article Submissions!
Welcome back everyone! So, here we are after 4 1/2 months and the website is still going strong. Can you believe it’s even approaching the 100th post? Anyway, I wanted to reach out to you the readers of “The Doug Henning Project” for article submissions! If you any ideas for Doug based articles please write…
Henning on Houdini Radio Interview
This audio clip comes courtesy of John Cox’s fabulous Wild About Harry website. In this radio interview from 1980, Doug discusses the first television special and the intense preparations that went into his escape from Houdini’s Water Torture Cell. While it’s brief, it gives the listener a peek into Doug’s rehearsal process and the mystery…
Genii Wedding Cover Story
Straight from the archives comes this January, 1982 “Genii” cover story of Doug’s wedding to Debby Douilard. The article is notable for featuring many unknown details of the ceremony that took place at the Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa on December 6, 1982. This was Doug’s second marriage, and as they say, the rest…
Crystal Gale Special 1979
Well, aren’t we on a television special roll this week? I particularly enjoyed this clip from a 1979 Crystal Gale television special because it sort of serves as a best of Doug Henning all wrapped up into one. Granted, a lot of these illusions had been seen on Doug’s previous specials, but the lighting…
NBC’s Night of 100 Stars
Enjoy this clip of Doug assisted by a young Ricky Schroder and a not quite so young Maureen Stapleton. For those who don’t know, “The Night of 100 Stars” was an NBC event with, you guessed it, 100 stars of film and television. Doug, star # 69, performs his classic illusion sawing two women in…
1978 NBC Promo
What better way to start your Monday than with a Doug Henning 1978 NBC Promo?
Chicago Tribune Interview Conclusion
Well here we are. I’ve particularly enjoyed this article for Doug’s musings on the past, present, and future of magic as he saw it at that time. If you have any thoughts please drop me a line. See you next time! Doug Henning Pulls New Secrets From His Hat To Hold Off Competition By Larry…
Chicago Tribune Interview: Part One
In my internet travels I came across this fascinating Chicago Tribune interview from June 16, 1985. In it, Doug speaks of holding off the encroaching competition with new ideas and illusions. I really enjoyed the article, and I think you will too. Doug Henning Pulls New Secrets From His Hat To Hold Off Competition By…
Doug’s Memorial Book: Part 2
As you look at the following pictures, it easy to note how much Doug affected people and continues to do so today. It certainly is a testament to what he accomplished in his short, but prolific life. Back Cover
Doug and the Origami Illusion!
While it has indeed been a light couple weeks of posts (unfortunately I went from one sickness to another), I haven’t forgotten you dear reader. I’ve been holding onto this fantastic clip for a while now, and what a clip it is! Doug, appearing on the short-lived “Joan Rivers Show,” performs Jim Steinmeyer’s famed “Origami…
First Special Altered Poster
While I still recuperate I wanted to slowly get back into the swing of things with this first special newspaper ad from the Chicago Tribune. What’s unique about this particular piece is that the list of guest stars is updated to reflect who would actually be on the show. There are other color versions of…
Rare First NBC Special Publicity Photo!
Continuing from yesterday’s First Special publicity item, I thought this rarely seen picture of Doug and Julie Newmar might help to bring us all back to a strange and mystical place called the 1970s! Enjoy.
First Special Cover Story
To brighten up our Monday commute, let’s travel back to 1975 and take a look at a great cover story of Doug promoting the first NBC special! Special thanks to David Sigafus for sending me this. I had been trying to find a good image of the cover picture for a while.
1984 Chrysler Voyager Commercial!
Happy Friday Everyone! Until Monday, enjoy this vintage and wonderfully dated commercial from 1984. Drive safe out there!
David Charvet’s Doug Henning Photo Collection
In addition to giving a great interview, David also provided me with a trove of pictures illustrating the process in setting up the interview with Doug, a gift Doug gave him, and items from Doug’s memorial service in Beverly Hills. All of these really do paint a unique and touching picture of David’s interactions with Doug…
An Interview with David Charvet: Part Two
Getting to the interview, can you tell me the backstory on how it came to be? It came completely out of the blue. I was sitting at home one day in early August of 1999 and my phone rang, and when I answered I hear, “Hi David? It’s Doug Henning!” (laughs)… It caught me completely…
New York Times 1976 Toy Store Photo
I recently came across this photo originally published in the “New York Times” on November 27, 1976. In light of “The Muppet Show” clip from yesterday, I thought it was more than appropriate to feature it as I close out the week. It features Doug, at what looks like a toy store (FAO Schwarz?), entertaining children….
TWA Airlines Commercial!
Even magicians have to get to their next location in a hurry! This amusing TWA Airlines television commercial from 1981 showcases Doug’s image in a very smart and funny way. While it wasn’t his only commercial it is, in my opinion, one of the best. Hey, you even get to see Doug in a suit! So,…
The First NBC Special: Houdini’s Water Torture Cell Conclusion
As we reach the end of this legendary moment in magic history, the seconds are counting down and down. Doug, sealed in, begins the almost impossible job of escaping from a seemingly watery grave. Would he make it out alive? Or would 50 million people watch a man drown on live television? All your questions are…
The First NBC Special: Houdini’s Water Torture Cell
What you are about to see are the introduction and preparations for Doug’s Grand Finale of Houdini’s “Water Torture Cell!” After another brief introduction by Gene Kelly and a Houdini history montage, Doug is introduced to a nervous crowd. The suspense is truly over whelming, and there is definitely a “will he or won’t he” feeling throughout the…
The First NBC Special: The Best Bits!
It’s safe to say that everyone that is reading these entries remembers the first special in their own way. The program itself is so crammed with illusions and expert performances that it’s been difficult to decide what to include and what to sadly leave out. After Julie Newmar, the audience is treated to the umbrella and fire…
The First NBC Special: Julie Newmar
After some disappearing and reappearing birds and a little close-up magic with Bill Cosby, Doug gets to the nitty-gritty with this atmospheric box illusion. While shining a light inside and behind, it is revealed that absolutely nothing, I repeat nothing, is inside. Or is there? Ladies and Gentlemen, a totally random and 1970s avante-garde dance routine…
The First NBC Special: Part Two
In watching the special with modern eyes, it’s interesting to note how fresh, energetic, and groundbreaking it all still feels. Rather than doing an opening monologue, Doug dives into one of the things he truly excelled at… close up magic. None of the following scene has any dialogue, and that uniqueness makes it one of my favorite parts of the…
Doug Henning Meet Captain Kangaroo!
“The Doug Henning Project” will be taking a much needed vacation for the remainder of the week and will return rested and wonder-filled this Monday, July 31st. I have something special planned for all of next week, so be sure not to miss it. Until then, enjoy these great clips of Doug on the Captain…
“Magic Show,” Marie Osmond, and More!
As promised here are today’s group of pictures that again range from the making of the “The Magic Show” movie to more of Doug’s NBC specials. Included in the first picture is actress Didi Conn who played Cal, Doug’s love interest in the televised “Magic Show.” Those with eagle-eyes will also probably know her better…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 