He co-authored multiple works on the subject and even incorporated them into his new stage show named “Three Shows in One: Magic, Escapes, and Fraud Mediums Exposed.”ĭespite injuries, the magician, now in his early fifties, continues to tour and perform.

By the 1920s debunking these spiritualists had become Houdini’s main focus. And as an illusionist himself, he was able to quickly identify a con artist when he saw one. Doyle introduced Houdini to his love of spiritualism and deep belief in the supernatural.īut after attending multiple séances (often in disguise) and meeting with countless spiritualists, Houdini developed a strong disdain for the fraudulent nature of the practice. By then, Houdini has established a friendship with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author behind Sherlock Holmes. He also tried his hand as a movie star and writer. In the mid-1910s Houdini began serving as president of the Society of American Magicians. For the next two decades, he rose up the ranks of magic through death-defying stunts, escapes, and theatre performances. As a teenager, Weisz was already performing stunts and feats under his new stage persona.īy the early 20th century Houdini was touring Europe and quickly becoming a household name around the world. Upon coming to America as a child, Weisz became infatuated with the work of French illusionist Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, so much so that he adopted the name (with an added vowel) as his own. Houdini, was born Erik Weisz in Budapest in 1874. In order to understand what really killed the illusionist and how Montreal played a pivotal role in his downfall, we must start at the beginning. Test your wits: Can you pass this Montreal history quiz?.'Paris of the North': how Montreal roared through Prohibition in the 1920s.Whether it be for his legendary illusions or his thrilling escapes from handcuffs, water tanks, and straight jackets, the magic man’s name is synonymous with mystery.

Although he’s been gone for nearly 100 years, most people know at least a thing or two about Harry Houdini.

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