 |
 |
Magic of Houdini Explained |
| ||
|
|
Magic of Houdini Explained |
| ||
Effect
This was one of Houdini's most spectacular early stage illusions. In it, he rode a gigantic elephant onto the stage of a theater. After dismounting the pachyderm, he raised a screen in front of it. The screen was dropped moments later and the elephant was gone!
Secret
At the time Houdini performed this disappearance, elephants were far from common sights. This general unfamiliarity with the beasts helped Houdini get away with presenting his audience with what they least expected -- an inflatable elephant. The air-filled fabrication was mounted on roller skates so that, after Houdini was on its back, it could be shoved by stage hands and roll onto the stage. Once the screen was up, a pin fired into the fake animal via blowgun from off stage was enough to flatten the over-inflated creature, with the explosive sound masked by a well-timed crash of cymbals from the orchestra.
The information on this site is intended for use only by those with a sincere desire to learn nothing about magic and is for entertainment purposes only (in other words, don't try this stuff, particularly the dangerous parts). The Magicians Assistance Collective (MAC) frowns upon the use of magic in the formation of religions or to attract a cult following.
Magic is not real. Reality is not magic.
Contents ©2004-2009, Mallusionist
