Tag: World of Magic

“Doug Henning and his World of Magic” New York Times Ad

A lot of people tend to focus on the closing of “Merlin” as Doug’s big failure on Broadway’s fabled “Great White Way.” However, what people frequently don’t realize is that a year after “Merlin” closed, Doug returned for what was a very successful follow-up called “Doug Henning and His World of Magic.”  The show itself…

Read More

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…

Read More

Sunday Post Tribune-December 21, 1975

The following comes from Northwest Indiana’s “Post- Tribune,” and has a lot to offer. Not least of which is the cover, which has Henning and Houdini sharing the same page together.  It’s a great cover, and if you look towards the bottom they were still listing Orson Welles as the special guest mere days before…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

“World of Magic ’75:” Gene Kelly Intro

 By starting the week with this particular clip, I’m sure  you’ll suspect what I’ll be eventually leading up to.  “World of Magic 1975” originally aired on December 26, 1975. Originally, Orson Welles was meant to greet the viewers standing side by side with Houdini’s Water Torture Cell.  However, for various reasons Welles pulled a vanishing…

Read More

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,…

Read More

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…

Read More

World of Magic 75: The Sands of Egypt in Full

Similar to the Sands of Egypt themselves, I will be drifting away to Northern California over the coming week. I won’t be able to get back to posts until next Tuesday. But, I wanted to leave you with this classic clip from “World of Magic ’75” to pass the time until then.  Enjoy! Original Air…

Read More

World of Magic 75: Shimada Appearance in Full

I thought I’d mix things up a bit today, and have a Doug related clip that doesn’t exactly feature Doug.  You see, Doug would sometimes have other performers on his specials to balance things off. In his first special, he featured the eminent Shimada in a unique five minute segment all unto his own. Hailing…

Read More