In my recent internet travels, I came across a recent podcast featuring Doug. The aptly named “Battle of the Network Show” focuses on TV of the 70s and 80s, and does a great job of breaking down the history of Doug and “World of Magic ’76.” You may know the majority of it, but if…
Tag: World of Magic
Michael Whitecar Collection
Michael Whitecar recently sent me photos of his impressive collection of Doug ephemera. To say it’s impressive is an understatement, and it is my pleasure to share it with you. There’s so much to see in these photos that each one deserves multiple viewings to soak everything in. Which one is your favorite? Special Thanks…
“World of Magic ’82”-Aquarium Bowl Illusion
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
Jim Steinmeyer Blog: Forgotten Henning (Pts. 1 & 2)
Hey everyone! I just wanted to point you in the direction of Designer/Writer Extraordinaire Jim Steinmeyer’s recent blog entries. As many of you know Jim knew and worked for Doug for many years, and occasionally touches upon his time with him in his blog. The two entries focus on the forgotten Tunnel Illusion and Floating…
“World of Magic ’82” NBC Promo
Original Air Date: 2/14/1982
World of Magic ’75-Houdini Segments
Happy Halloween, and World Magic Day everyone! As we observe the 97th anniversary of Houdini’s passing, what better to to pay our respects than with “World of Magic ’75.” Over the years, I’ve shown and talked about both clips. However, I’ve never paired them in one place, and today of all days seemed the most…
Unseen “World of Magic ’78” Photo
The above unseen photo comes from Mark Willoughby, and gives us a different photographic perspective on “World of Magic ’78’s” burning paper illusion. Below you’ll see the illusion itself in full. I weighed whether to play this clip or not due to it being racially insensitive in terms of its writing and costuming. However, I…
World of Magic ’81-Sack Illusion with Ricky Schroder
Original Air Date: 2/15/1981 Special Thanks to Bill Green’s You Tube Channel: HERE
“Saturday Night Live” “World of Magic’ 78” Commercial
In what is arguably the most unique intro to a Doug Henning special ever, this commercial interlude from Saturday Night Live is sure bring a smirk to your face. If not, then hopefully a chuckle. What can I say? It was the late 70s. Original Air Date: December 9, 1978
The Desert Sun (Palm Springs)-12/14/78
Today’s post profiles Doug gearing up for “World of Magic ’78” starring Brooke Shields and Tom Bosley. It’s a fine article hailing out of Palm Springs. Not least of which are the vintage advertisements for the “House of Bamboo” and the “Lord and Lady Inn.” Did any of you ever attend these swinging 70s places?
World of Magic ’82: Appearing/ Disappearing Duck Illusion
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
World of Magic ’82: Chung Ling Soo/Houdini Rope Illusions
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
Pantages Theater 1981 Billboards
The above photo features the west wall advertising of the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. The year was 1981, and Doug Henning was about to play his still talked about, and legendary shows at this venerable theatrical institution. At the top right, you can see Doug’s small, but effective poster detailing the opening date of October…
“World of Magic ’82:” Canary Cage Illusion
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
Cherish Alexander Interview: Behind the Scenes Photos
In addition to the interview, Cherish also sent me a load of personal photos from her collection. Some I featured in the article, however there were too many to include overall. So, I’m presenting them in all their glory here. Thank you again to Cherish ALexander, and enjoy! For more information on Cherish, please visit…
Cherish Alexander Interview: Part Three
What was it like working with the other celebrities in the special? I was so young at the time so I didn’t really know any of them professionally…yet as people they were all funny, kind and so sweet with me. Especially, Bruce (Caitlyn) Jenner, we laughed a lot together. All in all, they looked out…
Cherish Alexander Interview: Part Two
Had you heard of Doug Henning before you got the special? Yes! I had watched his magic special before when he featured my childhood crush Ricky Schroder. Do you remember meeting him for the first time? Yes. He was very kind and friendly, yet mostly professional….one of the first things he had me do was…
Cherish Alexander Interview: Part One
I’m delighted this week to be posting a recent interview I conducted with Cherish Alexander. As I’m sure many of you you know, Cherish was Doug’s co-host on “World of Magic ’82,” along with Ann Jillian, Kaitlyn Jenner, and Billy Crystal. She was more than happy to remember her time on the special, and working…
“World of Magic” MP4s Needed
Hey everyone! Just a quick post for tonight. I am looking for any MP4 downloads that anybody may have for “World of Magic ’80” (Guest: Barbi Benton) and “World of Magic ’82” (Guests: Ann Jillian, Billy Crystal, Caitlan Jenner) If anyone has access to these, please let me know. You can DM me via Facebook…
“World of Magic ’75:” Lorri Lieberman and “Killing Me Softly With His Song”
Even a magic special needs a breather. In what was presumably a moment to change set pieces, Doug called upon his friend singer Lori Lieberman to sing the now legendary song “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” It’s an all around nice moment, and one that is different from the specials that followed, as this…
“The Greatest Adventure” by Geoffrey Williams: Part Two
Magician Geoffrey Williams was kind enough to send me an excerpt of his autobiography, with a section devoted to Doug. It’s a fascinating story of how, as a young teen, he snuck onto the set of the first “World of Magic” special, and witnessed magic history. Today is the second and final part. I really enjoyed…
“The Greatest Adventure” by Geoffrey Williams: Part One
Magician Geoffrey Williams was kind enough to send me an excerpt of his autobiography, with a section devoted to Doug. It’s a fascinating story of how, as a young teen, he snuck onto the set of the first “World of Magic” special, and witnessed magic history. I’ll be breaking it up into two parts, today…
“World of Magic ’82:” Vanishing Box Illusion feat. LA Rams Cheerleaders
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
Close-Up Magic: World of Magic ’82
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
Doug Henning Torture Cell Playing Cards
If you go on eBay and look around for Doug items, it’s generally a lot of the same stuff. Things like old programs, the usual publicity photos, and ticket stubs are plentiful. But, every now and then something elegant peeks through. These independently produced card decks are no exception, as they are an elegant reproduction…
World of Magic ’81-Floating Candle with Marie Osmond
In this clip from “World of Magic ’81,” Doug and Marie Osmond present a variation on the “Floating Ball” illusion last seen in “World of Magic ’76.” Only this time, it’s with a candle. Oh, and a rather, um, unique and trippy song courtesy of Ms. Osmond herself… Original Air Date: 2/15/1981
World of Magic ’81-Shields and Yarnell Levitation Appearance in Full
In continuing this week’s two-day festival of 1970s/80s guest appearances, I give you “World of Magic ’81” with Shields and Yarnell. It’s not often these days that mimes get featured on TV as much as this pair did. But, the 1970s and 80s were a unique time on television, and Robert Shields and Lorene Yarnell…
World of Magic ’76- Joey Heatherton Intro Appearance in Full
Original Air Date: 12/23/1976
“World of Magic: 1975 and 1977” For Sale on DVD
For all those that may not have some of the “World of Magic” specials you’re in luck. Thomas Film Classics is offering the ’75 and ’77 specials to purchase on DVD. I can vouch for the fact that these dubs look pretty, pretty, good with all things considering. The 1975 special is the best looking…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 