The title of Clinton Cox's story on the world's most famous magician and escape artist is Houdini: Master of Illusion. The relationship of the title to the content of the piece of literature is that Harry Houdini is truly a "master of illusion". Illusion played a major role in Houdini's performances. In his act called, "Metamorphosis", Houdini would tie his assistant’s hands behind their back with a rope, then put he or she in a sack and tie the top of it. He then placed the individual in a trunk, which was locked and tied with ropes. Houdini followed the trick by placing a cabinet ten to twelve feet wide and about seven feet high between the trunk and the audience. The cabinet had a curtain Houdini closed so no one could see the trunk. Then he told the audience, “When I clap my hands three times- behold a miracle”(Cox 11)! The audience did not know that the trunk contained a secret panel that could be opened from the inside with a special device, allowing one person to exit without disturbing the lock or ropes, and another person to enter. Through illusion, Houdini was successful in his performance, and it became the most famous performance of his career. Houdini captured the audience's attention with challenging, death-defying performances. His performances were entertaining, suspenseful, and it was what the public wanted to see. A dangerous peformance, that almost cost his life was the "Chinese Water Torture Cell". Houdini referred the trick as "the Upside Down" or "USD". The cell was made out of a mahogany. The sides were made with tempered glass, so the audience can see through them. The entire cell or apparatus weighed about three quarters of a ton. Houdini's assistants, Franz Kukol, a former officer in the Austrian army, and Jim Collins, a loyal, extremely competent Englishmen began to fill the cell with water, while Houdini walked onto the stage in a bathingsuit. He layed down and his assitants locked his ankles into a heavy wooden stock. He then was anchored down into the cell. An orchestra began to play a song called "Asleep in the Deep", while Kukol and Collins stood by with axes in case there was a little of a mishap. Fortunately, no axes were needed and Houdini stepped out of the cell within two minutes. The audience applaused, chanted and were relieved that he was not hurt. One newspaper wrote, "A trick of incredible cunning"(Cox 110). Houdini said, "Never will I be able to construct anything that will be more dangerous or difficult for me to do." After this performance, Houdini is able to accomplish any obstacle that may come his way. This performance became very popular. Houdini even challenged the public on successfully performing the "Chinese Water Torture Cell" and rewarding them a $1,ooo. My reaction to Houdini's performances, as well as his life and career is astonishing. He has influenced the public, and has become an icon. I have a great respect towards Houdini and will always remember reading his life story. His legacy will be forever continued and remembered.
Title