The Great Houdini (TV 1976)

A biography of the renowned escape artist Harry Houdini, examining his fascination with the occult and his promise to his wife on her deathbed that he would speak from the beyond.

Director:

Melville Shavelson

Writers:

Peter Benchley, Melville Shavelson

Stars:

Paul Michael Glaser, Sally Struthers, Ruth Gordon

Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Paul Michael Glaser	...	Harry Houdini (Erich Weiss)
Sally Struthers	...	Bess Houdini
Ruth Gordon	...	Cecilia Weiss
Vivian Vance	...	Minnie (nurse)
Adrienne Barbeau	...	Daisy White
Bill Bixby	...	Rev. Arthur Ford
Jack Carter	...	Theo Weiss
Peter Cushing	...	Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Nina Foch	...	Rev. Le Veyne
Wilfrid Hyde-White	...	Supt. Melville
Geoffrey Lewis	...	Dr. Crandon
Maureen O'Sullivan	...	Lady Conan Doyle
Clive Revill	...	Dundas Slater
Barbara Rhoades	...	Margery Crandon
Marilyn Brodnick	...	Dorothy Weiss

Storyline

A biography of the renowned escape artist Harry Houdini, examining his fascination with the occult and his promise to his wife on her deathbed that he would speak from the beyond.

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Plot Keywords:

occult | escape artist | illusionist | drowning | magic | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 October 1976 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Great Houdinis

Filming Locations:

20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

ABC Circle Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min 120 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Peter Cushing filmed his small role in 4 days (May 12-15 1976) after completing his scenes for "Star Wars." It was his first US TV movie, broadcast on October 8 1976. Others that followed were "A Tale of Two Cities" in 1980, and "Helen Keller: The Miracle Continues" in 1983.

User Reviews

Great movie

This is by far the best movie about Houdini. Paul Michael Glaser was wonderful as Houdini, Sally Struthers was excellent, and Vivian Vance was terrific as the Nurse. Would love to get this movie pre-recorded but have not been able to find it.