For me, the documentary The Truth About Houdini was as important as the Tony Curtis film in fueling my excitement for Houdini. It certainly helped shape my understanding of Houdini and introduced me to the major Houdini players at that time. It’s still my favorite Houdini documentary.
That’s why I’m so surprised to read this review in the December 30, 1970 Northern Echo that excoriates it! But the doc did generate controversy, at least in the UK. The Magic Circle objected to what it believed were exposures. However, apart from the cross escape (which was removed at some point), there are no significant exposures.
Anyway, this is a fun read, and I can’t condemn someone for defending Houdini, even though, in my opinion, it was unnecessary.
Want more? You can view the cut cross escape footage as a Scholar member of my Patreon below.
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