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…
Tag: World of Magic
“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…
“World of Magic 77”- Sandy Duncan Circus Sequence in Full
Today’s extended clip comes from “World of Magic’ 77,” and is lengthy. In fact, I wrestled with whether to show the whole thing as one, or break it up into separate clips. However, in re-watching the intricate nature of the whole sequence, I decided it would be a real disservice to it to show it…
Doug TV Rehearsal Space Photo-1976
Hey Everyone! My apologies for the unexpected two- week break. Life, a new baby, and work got the better of things…as they can do. But, I’m rested, relaxed, and ready to give you the best in all things Henning. For starters, Brian Lumley recently provided me with this truly great candid photo. Taken during rehearsals…
World of Magic ’76: Re-Appearing Elephant Closing in Full
Original Airdate: December 23, 1976 Special Thanks to Brian Lumley
World of Magic ’76: Vanishing Elephant Opening in Full
Original Airdate: December 23, 1976 Special Thanks to Brian Lumley
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…
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…
“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
“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…
“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
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 