Memoir Historical Investigation for The Life and Many Deaths of Harry Houdini By Julia Mioduski
Primary Source:
The primary source I am planning to use is a picture. It is a poster that represents the act that made Houdini a legend. This source is connected to my book because just like it, it talks about Houdini’s greatest act, the handcuff escape. This is a reproduction of a poster which was created in 1907 before Houdini’s theatrical escape from a German Prison.
Secondary Source: The secondary source I am planning to use is an article on Houdini that I found on Middle Search Plus. The tittle of the article I am planning to use is “The Amazing Life of Harry Houdini” written by Deborah Hopkinson. The article was written in 9/20/2010. “One night in March 1899, when Houdini was performing in St. Paul, Minnesota, a man in the audience challenged him to escape from handcuffs. Houdini, relying purely on his own strength and flexibility, escaped easily. The crowd went wild, and Houdini had found his specialty. Soon, he was spotted by a famous agent, who offered him $200 a week to perform in a New York theatre. This offer, Houdini later wrote, "changed my whole life's journey." This source is connected to my book because just like it, it talks about Houdini’s greatest act, the handcuff escape. I choose this source because; it has a good description of Houdini’s career. It displayed its ups and downs and that was exactly what I needed. It is connected to my book because just like it, it talks about Houdini’s life and his drive to become the best magician ever. I chose this exert because it represents the handcuff escape just like the poster. It also reminded us about the tough start of Houdini’s career.
Review: “The Life and Many Deaths of Harry Houdini” written by Ruth Brandon, is a book which talks about the tough life, the family and the magic career of The Great Houdini. The book’s main focus is on the tricks performed by the magician. It explains the illusion behind every act. The novel truly exhibits how brilliant Houdini really was. I believe that someone else would enjoy this memoir because, Houdini’s escape from handcuffs is a topic in which a lot of people used to be and still are interested in. His escapes amaze people even now. “Who created the biggest Sensation in California since the Discovery of Gold in 1849? Why! Harry Houdini! The ONLY, recognised and Undisputed Kind of Handcuffs and Monarch of Leg Shackles!”(85) Houdini used to be a great sensation and I believe that he still is one. Another reason why I think that people will enjoy “The Life and Many Deaths of Harry Houdini” is that the book reveals the drama and feelings behind every act. Feelings and drama make the story truly interesting. “Of course the reason the audience cared was that Houdini himself cared so enormously. For him, the question of whether he freed himself or not really was the matter of life and death” (81) These things made the performance and the book more interesting
Story: The Milk Can Escape
They placed it in the middle of the stage, groaning and breathing heavily. The crowd fell silent, waiting in suspense. He appeared on stage splendid, graceful and proud as ever. The Great Houdini has arrived. Although I have seen him perform on stage so many times before, he still took my breath away. The spectacular magician and my loving husband, bowed in front of the crowd. A sly smile appeared on his face. The show has begun. "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome and enjoy the show. You are about to witness true magic and its thrills and surprises! I, The Great Houdini will perform my favourite trick," he paused dramatically. Houdini pointed at the thing that, just a while ago was placed in the center of the stage. ‘This huge milk carton is filled to the brim with water. In a couple of minutes I will step into it, handcuffed. The steel cover will be smashed, the clasps will be latched, and the cover will be padlocked. Six large locks will secure the can. Yet, I still will manage to escape," he ceased once again, just to arouse more excitement in the crowd. "Failure means a drowning death. If I will not succeed in appearing, my assistants will do anything possible to save my life." With that, The Great Houdini exited the stage, to change into his famous swimming costume. It was the colour of the sea on a peaceful day, crystal blue. It was the costume that he always wore for all his escapes involving water. I could see the crowd grow tense; they understood the risk of this trick.
My husband strolled onto the broad, wooden stage once more. The crowd broke out in applause and the excitement for the show aroused. He waited until the audience fell silent and began his explanation, “Before I escape from the can, I have a challenge for the viewers. Hold your breath for as long as you possibly can. I will do so along with you. When I will be trying to escape from the can, I will have to hold my breath for three, four maybe five minutes. I hope that this makes you understand the challenge, the danger and the complexity of my task. Let the escape begin!" Houdini announced, with heroism in his voice. Two men lifted Harry Houdini and lowered him into the can. Water splashed out on the stage. He waved to crowd and took a deep breath. He ducked under the water. The heavy lid was of the can was sealed with a bang. Although I knew all about the tactics of his escape, I was always petrified that something would go wrong. His dream of becoming the best magician was like a blindfold blocking his common sense. I was afraid that one day, blinded by his dreams he would do something stupid and I would lose him. So when I saw him dunk into that water, I have to admit my stomach turned to ice. Even when Kukol, my husband's assistant, appeared on stage with an axe, ready to break the can in an emergency, I felt my heart racing like an antelope chased by a lion. If I listened to my heart I could hear it pounding faster than ever before, from the unnecessary fear. If I listened closely to my brain I would hear a tiny voice calming me down and explaining how simple the trick really is. The solution is hidden in the construction of the can. The lid can be easily unattached from the bottom. So that the only real obstacles are the long wait underwater and the handcuffs from which Houdini can easily escape. Yet, I cannot state that this escape is easy. Many people would fail to break out of the can. For some it would truly be a risk to their life. My husband
attracted dangers and challenges like a magnet. They never stayed away from him for too long. Despite that, this trick was simple. Houdini displayed unbelievable strength and lung capacity. It was silly for me to worry. One minute. Two minutes. Three minutes. Four minutes passed and the crowd, including me, was becoming anxious. Kukol, the assistant towered over the can, strong and enormous like an elephant, ready to break it in any second now. That is when Houdini emerged from his break out. Dripping with water he inhaled and exhaled slowly, trying to catch his breath. Truly satisfied with himself, he stood proudly on the stage, laughing and smiling at the cheering crowd. He took a bow and the curtains finally closed. There was nothing that I should have been afraid of. Still, fear was something like a ribbon on a present in his performance. It was something that made the show magical, beautiful and thrilling. Still dripping with water Harry gave me a tight hug, laughing wildly. We strolled home in each other’s arms like the most joyful couple in the world. I will never lose my faith in him again. He is my lovely husband and an amazing magician.
Works Cited: Poster Advertising A New Act By Houdini . Fine Art. EncyclopĂŚdia Britannica Image Quest. Web. 11 Oct 2012. http://quest.eb.com/images/108_265899 Hopkinson, Deborah. "THE AMAZING LIFE OF HARRY HOUDINI." Scholastic Scope 20 Sept. 2010: 4. Middle Search Plus. Web. 11 Oct. 2012. Brandon, Ruth. The Life and Many Deaths of Harry Houdini. New York: Random House, 1993. Print. Adler, David A., and Michael S. Adler. A Picture Book of Harry Houdini. New York: Holiday House, 2009. Print. "The Life and Many Deaths of Harry Houdinii." Kirkus Reviews. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2012.