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…
Tag: World of Magic
“World of Magic ’78:” Silk Illusion and Balancing Bowl with Brooke Shields
My apologies for some of the picture quality in today’s post. As you can imagine, after 43 years some versions of this special are going to have some “technical difficulties.” However, for all you eagle-eyed observers out there, I have a fun fact for you. At the time code mark of 2:15, you’ll be able…
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…
“Post Tribune: TV Backtalk”-December 15, 1975
Special Thanks to Jim Klodzen
World of Magic ’82: Hoop Illusion in Full
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
“World of Magic ’76”-Elephant Reappearance in Full
Original Air Date: 12/23/1976 Special Thanks to Brian Lumley for providing the Splash Page photo. All copyrights for that photo belong to Brian Lumley.
“World of Magic ’75” Publicity Photo and Material
Special Thanks to Jim Klodzen
“TV Time” Cover: December 20-26th, 1975
“The Vidette-Messenger”-Porter County, Indiana Special Thanks to Jim Klodzen
“World of Magic ’75:” NBC Rebroadcast Newspaper Ad
Special Thanks to Jim Klodzen
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…
Magic Magazine-World of Magic 40th Anniversary Part. 3
The End… “REPRINTED FROM MAGIC MAGAZINE WITH PERMISSION © STAN ALLEN, INC. 2022.”
Magic Magazine-World of Magic 40th Anniversary Part.2
To Be Concluded Tomorrow… “REPRINTED FROM MAGIC MAGAZINE WITH PERMISSION © STAN ALLEN, INC. 2022.”
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…
World of Magic ’77-Artist’s Dream Illusion in Full
Original Air Date: December 15, 1977
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…
“World of Magic ’76” Rope Illusion in Full
Original Air Date: December 23, 1976
World of Magic ’77: Flower Illusion Closer
Original Air Date: December 15, 1977
World of Magic ’76: Flaming Miracle Illusion in Full
Original Airdate: December 23, 1976
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…
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…
“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…
World of Magic ’75: Things That Go Bump in the Night
Original Air Date: 12/26/1975
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 ’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…
World of Magic’79: Shadow Illusions in Full
Original Air Date: 2/15/1980
World of Magic 77: Sandy Duncan Sword Levitation in Full
Original Air Date: 12/15/1977
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…
1987 Touring Program: Part Two
To be Continued Tomorrow…
World of Magic 1976: Rings Illusion in Full
Original Airdate: December 23rd, 1976
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…