Harry Houdini, born Erik Weisz on March 24, 1874, and later known as Ehrich Weiss, was a Hungarian-American illusionist and stunt performer, noted for his sensational escape acts. Here are some detailed points about his life and career:
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Early Life:
- Houdini was born in Budapest, Hungary, but his family moved to the United States when he was four years old, settling in Appleton, Wisconsin.
- He began his magic career at an early age, influenced by the book The Memoirs of Robert-Houdin, from which he took his stage name by adding an "i" to "Houdin."
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Career Highlights:
- Escape Acts: Houdini's most famous acts involved escaping from various confinements, such as handcuffs, straitjackets, and water-filled tanks. His Chinese Water Torture Cell was particularly notable.
- Challenges: He would often challenge local police or challenge manufacturers to provide handcuffs or locks that he could not escape from, enhancing his reputation.
- Movie Career: Houdini starred in several silent films, including The Master Mystery (1918) and Houdini the Movie Star (1919), where he often performed escape feats.
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Spiritualism:
- Houdini was a vocal skeptic of Spiritualism, dedicating much of his later career to exposing fraudulent mediums. He joined the Scientific American committee to investigate claims of supernatural phenomena.
- He famously offered a cash prize to anyone who could produce genuine psychic or supernatural evidence, which was never claimed.
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Legacy:
- Houdini died on October 31, 1926, from peritonitis following a ruptured appendix, which was possibly exacerbated by a punch to the abdomen.
- His name has become synonymous with escape artistry and illusion, and his life has inspired numerous books, movies, and TV shows, like the 1953 film Houdini starring Tony Curtis.
- The Library of Congress holds a collection of Houdini's papers, which include his personal and professional correspondence.
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