Houdini Halloween Countdown: How did Houdini Become the Handcuff King?
The Secret Life of Mrs. LondonTHE SECRET LIFE OF MRS. LONDON
October kindle special, $1.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KRP7MN
Houdini wanted to be more than magic and illusion. He wanted to use his astute mind and masterful body to amaze and baffle people, and handcuff escapes were his first acts that satisfied his desire. "The Handcuff King” first came into fame December, 1897. He toured the United States, setting up his act with the local police by inviting them to attend the show and shackle him with any handcuffs, manacles, and chains they desired. As soon as the police agreed, he’d invite the newspaper, who promptly ran an article about his show. This guaranteed a full house for several nights.
At the beginning of his career, Houdini simply concealed the keys in secret pockets or a bag strapped to his leg. But as his skill grew, Houdini invented a belt containing special compartments. Houdini could have access to any tool he required using slight of hand. As he got bolder, Houdini stripped naked for his handcuff escapes, proudly claiming "Positively the only conjurer in the world who strips stark naked."
Houdini welcomed "freak" handcuffs, even with no tool for unlocking them. He would insist on trying the key first, then slipped it to his assistant who switched it with a similar key to hand back to the owner. Houdini would use the real key to open the cuffs.
Often, Houdini would have them shackle him in multiple cuffs. He would have the most difficult cuff locked high on his forearm, much thicker than his wrists. After unlocking the pairs below, he would simply slip off the difficult cuff. Houdini performed as the Handcuff King throughout America and Europe, including Scotland Yard and for the Russian Tsar.
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The Secret Life of Mrs. London The new historical novel revealing the love triangle between Houdini, Jack London and his wife, Charmian. BEST FIRST NOVEL nominee, Center for Fiction. October kindle special, $1.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KRP7MN
Tomorrow: Houdini Halloween Séance: Find out why there are Houdini Seances 92 years after his death on Halloween, 1926! Follow along on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/rebeccarosen...
October kindle special, $1.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KRP7MN
Houdini wanted to be more than magic and illusion. He wanted to use his astute mind and masterful body to amaze and baffle people, and handcuff escapes were his first acts that satisfied his desire. "The Handcuff King” first came into fame December, 1897. He toured the United States, setting up his act with the local police by inviting them to attend the show and shackle him with any handcuffs, manacles, and chains they desired. As soon as the police agreed, he’d invite the newspaper, who promptly ran an article about his show. This guaranteed a full house for several nights.
At the beginning of his career, Houdini simply concealed the keys in secret pockets or a bag strapped to his leg. But as his skill grew, Houdini invented a belt containing special compartments. Houdini could have access to any tool he required using slight of hand. As he got bolder, Houdini stripped naked for his handcuff escapes, proudly claiming "Positively the only conjurer in the world who strips stark naked."
Houdini welcomed "freak" handcuffs, even with no tool for unlocking them. He would insist on trying the key first, then slipped it to his assistant who switched it with a similar key to hand back to the owner. Houdini would use the real key to open the cuffs.
Often, Houdini would have them shackle him in multiple cuffs. He would have the most difficult cuff locked high on his forearm, much thicker than his wrists. After unlocking the pairs below, he would simply slip off the difficult cuff. Houdini performed as the Handcuff King throughout America and Europe, including Scotland Yard and for the Russian Tsar.
_______________
The Secret Life of Mrs. London The new historical novel revealing the love triangle between Houdini, Jack London and his wife, Charmian. BEST FIRST NOVEL nominee, Center for Fiction. October kindle special, $1.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KRP7MN
Tomorrow: Houdini Halloween Séance: Find out why there are Houdini Seances 92 years after his death on Halloween, 1926! Follow along on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/rebeccarosen...
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