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Houdini (1953)
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Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
2 July 1953 (USA) moreNewsDesk:
(3 articles)
Are You Ready for Harry Houdini, Action Spy? (From Cinematical. 27 March 2009, 11:03 AM, PDT)
Summit to develop "Houdini" film. Part Indiana Jones part Sherlock Holmes?
(From Movie Jungle. 27 March 2009)
User Comments:
Tony Curtis as the great performer, in a fine film for everyone... moreUS TV Schedule:
| Mon. July 6 | 4:00 PM | TCM |
Cast
(Complete credited cast)| Tony Curtis | ... | Harry Houdini | |
| Janet Leigh | ... | Bess Houdini | |
| Torin Thatcher | ... | Otto (Von Schwager's assistant) | |
| Angela Clarke | ... | Mrs. Weiss | |
| Stefan Schnabel | ... | German Prosecuting Attorney | |
| Ian Wolfe | ... | Malue | |
| Sig Ruman | ... | Schultz | |
| Michael Pate | ... | Dooley (London examiner) | |
| Connie Gilchrist | ... | Mrs. Shultz | |
| Malcolm Lee Beggs | ... | British jail warden | |
| Frank Orth | ... | Mr. Hunter (safe expert) | |
| Barry Bernard | ... | Insp. Marlick | |
| Douglas Spencer | ... | Simms (New York observer) |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
106 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 moreSound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Recording)Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The movie contains several factual errors, the most telling of which is the dramatization of his death. In the film he runs into a prop sword handle and ruptures his appendix, then almost drowns in the torture tank trick and dies on the stage in the arms of his wife. In real life he was punched in the stomach by a college boy who had heard that Houdini could withstand any blow without harm. This did, indeed, rupture his appendix. He later collapsed on stage, was taken to the hospital and died there. moreGoofs:
Audio/visual unsynchronized: Near the end, when Bess is in the empty theatre, begging Harry not to do the trick, she is clapping. You can hear the loud claps, although she is wearing gloves on both hands. You would never hear the claps, only muted thuds. moreSoundtrack:
The Thunderer moreFAQ
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..since he is and has been an amateur magician, Curtis was perfect to portray Houdini, the master magician and above all.. the master escape artist! A beautiful technicolor film that has the atmosphere of vaudeville and showbiz of the day, it invokes the mystery of the great showman's lifestyle and his unusual death on Halloween. Janet Leigh,as Houdini's wife, Bess, adds to the fun... and for those that love magic and magicians, this will satisfy you. The early life, the escapes from ropes, chains and jail cells the world-over, from the icy waters of rivers and lakes, it is all here. Slicked up naturally not so much to educate us, but to entertain.. ...!