For many Doug fans, Walter C. Miller is a familiar name. As the director of the “World of Magic” specials, he worked with Doug on crafting what would become real, live, television magic for audiences at home. Taken from the Archive of American Television, Miller speaks about the challenges of directing Doug and magic…
Tag: World of Magic
“World of Magic I” Press Releases
The following press releases are in anticipation of the first “World of Magic” special broadcast originally on December 26th, 1975. Each one is interesting in that while he had already appeared on Broadway, Doug was not yet the proven television commodity he would become. Oh, how one night would change all of that? Special…
Various TV Guide Listings and Art
Hey, remember when “TV Guide” was a thing? I know, I know, it pains me to say it, but younger generations will never know the thrill of getting that week’s newest issue, and circling a week’s worth of network delights. So, what better way to celebrate that bygone era than highlighting some of the more…
Ricky Jay Tribute
I’m sure the majority of you heard the sad news of Ricky Jay’s passing over the weekend. Jay’s contribution to the art of close up magic is immeasurable, and his loss to the art form will be felt for some time. While Doug and Ricky weren’t alike on the surface, both shared an innate appreciation…
The Chip Romero Collection: Henning Handwritten Notes
In another extremely rare find from Chip Romero’s collection, we have hand written notes from the pen of, drum roll please, Doug Henning! These three simple pages really show you the genius of Doug’s mind in meticulously plotting out every element of the second “World of Magic” special. As usual, let’s got to Chip himself…
“World of Magic VII” Newspaper Ad
Hey Guys! Sorry for the delay in posts. I’ve been up to my neck in our current Indiegogo campaign. Hey, so what better way to take a break with this vintage newspaper advertisement from “World of Magic VII?” The special, as you may remember, starred Doug and his guests Ann Jillian, Kaitlyn Jenner, Billy Crystal,…
World of Magic IV Animal Illusion
What better way to liven up your Sunday afternoon than with this vintage clip where Doug conjures up some adorable baby animals and, well, enough said? Original Air Date: February 15, 1981 ————————————————————————————– While you’re here, be sure to donate to my Indiegogo campaign for my feature length documentary “Doug Henning’s Magical World.” To view…
World of Magic VII TV Listing
While I’m promoting the Indiegogo campaign for my documentary, I still wanted to still posts on the regular blog. Unfortunately, my written descriptions may not be as long for now. But, enjoy this newspaper TV listing from 1980! Special Thanks to Ken McCreedy Be sure to donate to my Indiegogo campaign for my feature length…
Vintage 1985 Variety Ad
This ad was featured in Variety on October 16, 1985 and, as you can read, thanks Doug for 8 successful shows at the O’Keefe Centre in Toronto. Doug was always a powerhouse touring machine, and this ad proves that well into the 1980s he was still highly in demand. Anyone out there want to tackle how…
“World of Magic 2” Print Interview
The above article comes from Craig Schwarz and is a bit of a mystery as I have no idea where it came from really. Was it a newspaper or magazine is anyone’s guess? Regardless, it’s a quick and interesting read from around the time of “World of Magic 2.” For that reason alone it’s worth…
Rare “World of Magic II” Pop Art Ad
You can chuck this advertisement into the “rare and obscure bin.” This was obviously made for “World of Magic II,” and truly combines the best of what 1970s pop art had to offer at the time. It takes a lot to make Doug Henning look frightening and, well, this comes pretty darn close. Does anyone…
“Den of Tigers” Newspaper Ad
This creatively worded advertisement was for the final live “World of Magic” special. Originally broadcast on December 14, 1978, this special was plagued by numerous issues, not least of which was a tiger escaping through the halls of NBC . However, none of this chaos was visible to the holiday audiences at home, and from that…
The Floating Ball
What better way to end your week with this soothing and relaxing clip of Doug performing the famous “Floating Ball” illusion? Originally featured on “World of Magic II,” this deceptively simple illusion is elevated to another level (no pun intended) with Doug’s skill and precision. Last September you may remember I posted the version Doug…
“World of Magic VII” Newspaper Ad
Craig Schwarz was kind enough to send me some vintage Doug TV special newspaper pieces. This one is from the final “World of Magic” special in 1983, and as you can see is a, well, very unique design. While Doug did indeed conjure up the Rams Cheerleaders on this particular special, I’m not quite sure it…
1982 Cheerleader Cabinet Illusion
This illusion hails from the final “World of Magic” special, and features a variation on Guy Jarret’s original 21 person cabinet illusion. However, it wouldn’t be Doug Henning without some tweaks and flourishes courtesy of cheerleaders and a then Bruce Jenner. So, before the weekend starts, enjoy this very Doug Henning magical moment from 1982….
Steve Cohen Remembers
Steve Cohen of “Chamber Magic” at “The Lotte New York Palace” reached out to me recently with his fond remembrance of the profound impact Doug had on him at a young age. Take it away Steve! “Hi Neil, I was going through some old files and found an autographed Doug Henning photo from the early…
Potter & Potter Auction Results
On April 28, 2018 the Chicago auction house “Potter and Potter” held a massive sale of various magic ephemera, apparatus, books, and advertising from the late-1800s to now. While the sale itself wasn’t very Doug-centric this lot managed to squeak by. The official summary went as follows: “460. Henning, Doug. Large Binder of Doug Henning…
Brian Lumley on Houdini’s Water Torture Cell
How did the First Special come about? Very early in The Magic Show’s run a very influential person came and basically fell in love with Doug’s performance. She asked him what he would do if he had a show at Christmas? Doug told her he would make people appear and disappear. He would do small…
Brian Lumley: “Magic Show” Secrets
How did Spellbound end up on Broadway? Ivan Reitman, Spellbound’s producer/director, put an ad in Variety which was published Dec. 19/73. This was the pre-production week. Joe Berhu and Edgar Lansbury saw the ad and came to take a look. By the end of the week Broadway was in the air. We set up shop…
Brian Lumley Interview : Part Two
Glenn Priest (far left), Brian Lumley (Middle), and Doug Were you interested in magic before you met Doug? In a word no. Not Lesley, Glen, or myself had any experience with stage magic. We had each seen or performed magic on our own but that is another story. It is also why we each had…
Brian Lumley Interview: Part One
Today we have a treat in store for you in the form of a brand new interview with one of Doug’s earliest technical collaborators Brian Lumley. From “Spellbound,” to “The Magic Show,” to Doug’s first two specials Brian was there all the way. He was more than gracious enough to answer a wide range of questions,…
“World of Magic V” NBC Promo
There’s something to be said about this NBC TV promo for 1980’s “World of Magic V.” What it is I don’t know, other than that they don’t make commercials like they used to. That’s for sure. On that note, does anyone have a copy of the long lost gem “Valentine Magic on Love Island?
Indian Rope Trick Basket
Courtesy of Michael Whitecar’s vast collection comes another item sure to brighten up your Tuesday. It’s the basket from Doug’s Indian Rope Illusion as featured in “World of Magic VI!” Doug’s co-stars in this special were Marie Osmond, Shields and Yarnell, and (as featured above) a young Rick(y) Schroeder. Snakes not included…
The Sands of Egypt Footage
As we round out the week what better way to say goodbye than with the classic “Sands of Egypt” from “Word of Magic I?” The illusion is deceptive in its simpleness, and plays extremely well into the excitement of the evening. This excitement, in my opinion, is what makes this special so wonderful. The live…
First Special “Torn Newspaper” Routine
Yesterday’s clip was a lot of fun wasn’t it? Continuing on in that vein why don’t we take a look at Doug’s presentation of Gene Anderson’s famed “Torn Newspaper” illusion. Doug’s enthusiasm combined with his expert handling of this illusion make for one of the most simple looking, but most memorable parts of the first…
Houdini Torture Cell Escape in Full
Clips from 1975’s “World of Magic 1” are a rarity on the internet. For some reason, every other one of Doug’s specials are available to find if you know where to look. But, “World of Magic 1” remains elusive at best…at least online (if you catch my meaning.) It’s a shame really because in my…
Ricky Jay on “World of Magic II”
Doug’s friendship with esteemed magician Ricky Jay came to the forefront when Jay appeared on “World of Magic II” in 1976. The segment highlights Jay’s great skill at close up-magic and, of course, card throwing. In the years since, Jay’s reputation has only grown and grown, especially with his play “Ricky Jay and his 52…
Help Me Figure this “Mystery Ticket” Out!
“Doug Henning Project” fan Daniel Guerrero sent me the above item from his collection recently. Daniel said it was a rehearsal ticket for the Houdini “Water Torture Cell” as featured in the first “World of Magic Special.” However, if you look closely at the drawing of Doug on the ticket it is from a painting…
“World of Magic 4” Props For Sale
Welcome back everyone! Are we all rested from the long holiday? I know I am. Now down to business. Collector Steve Sprague recently contacted me in hopes of selling a prop from the “World of Magic 4” special starring Brooke Shields and Tom Bosley. So, rather than hearing from me about it, I’ll let…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 