On a tour of Britain in 1926, Harry Houdini enters into a passionate affair with a psychic out to con the famous magician.
Director:
Gillian Armstrong
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Title: Death Defying Acts (2007)
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4 wins & 7 nominations.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Guy Pearce | ... | ||
| Catherine Zeta-Jones | ... | ||
| Timothy Spall | ... | ||
| Saoirse Ronan | ... | ||
| Malcolm Shields | ... | ||
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Leni Harper | ... |
Leith Romeo's wife
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Ralph Riach | ... | |
| Olivia Darnley | ... |
Flower Stall Seller
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| Anthony O'Donnell | ... |
Oily Librarian
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Billy McColl | ... | |
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James Holmes | ... |
Ugly Mug
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| Melanie Harris | ... |
Rose
(as Frankey Martyn)
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Aileen O'Gorman | ... |
Effie - Elderly Seamstress
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Raymond Griffiths | ... |
Music Hall Dwarf
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Shaun Mason | ... |
Heckler
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Edit
Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
During Harry Houdini's tour of Britain in 1926, the master escapologist enters into a passionate affair with a Scottish psychic. The psychic and her daughter attempt to con Houdini during a highly publicized séance to contact his mother whose death has haunted him for many years. However all does not go to plan... Written by Anonymous
Taglines:
Love is inescapable. See more »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated PG for some sensuality, thematic material, language, violent content and smoking | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Release Date:
13 March 2008 (Australia) See more »Also Known As:
Death Defying Acts: Houdini's Secret See more »Box Office
Budget:
$20,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
$3,561 (USA) (11 July 2008)Gross:
$3,561 (USA) (11 July 2008)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Dolby DigitalAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
Edit
Benji McGarvie: [with Scottish accent] When I was very small, I had a gift. I saw things other folk did nae see. It was like looking into deep water and seein' things on the other side. As I grew up, the gift vanished, just like my mam said it would. And I saw the world as it really was - with all its sweet lies and trickery. The the great Houdini came into our lives, and changed everything forever.
See more »
(uncredited)
Traditional
[Played by fiddler in the pub]
See more »
Did You Know?
Goofs
The opening scene reveals the partially built arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge behind Houdini as he is lifted to the surface of the water. Houdini died in 1926. Construction of the arches did not commence until 1928. See more »Quotes
[first lines]Benji McGarvie: [with Scottish accent] When I was very small, I had a gift. I saw things other folk did nae see. It was like looking into deep water and seein' things on the other side. As I grew up, the gift vanished, just like my mam said it would. And I saw the world as it really was - with all its sweet lies and trickery. The the great Houdini came into our lives, and changed everything forever.
See more »
Soundtracks
The Flowers of Edinburgh(uncredited)
Traditional
[Played by fiddler in the pub]
See more »
i do not know why this film is flushed with negative reviews. First of all this is not a film about Houdini, there is no reason why this film should dramatically display the amazing acts and potentials of the artist himself; Secondly, i do not see why 'there is no reason for the creation of this movie' is justifiable, this film is just a testimony on how characters carry on with their lives and that itself is enough to make a film meaningful...in fact films like 'Atonement' (where the girl is also in) deserves this statement better where everything is just so FAKE. Third, i haven't watch the illusionist but i have to say this is richer in detail, and thus better than the Prestige--a film which displays too much magic 'action' but no depth to the characters or the plot at all, like an eggshell without the yoke inside...Lastly, this is a decent film where everything is well-made, well presented, well acting performances (exception of Catherine's dramatically 'fake' acting at times), and a good score