Instead, he relied on obsessive research, wits, charisma, physical strength, and the ability to create an atmosphere of intense drama and danger. Unlike many performers at the time, Houdini never claimed to have mystical powers. He built his career on his ability to escape from anything, no matter how dangerous. Houdini was a master showman and ingenious self-promoter. Houdini was far from the first magician to bring magic to the masses. At the time, magicians - along with ventriloquists, jugglers and plate spinners, dancers, and acrobats, or pretty much anyone who could entertain large audiences for more than three minutes - were the primary entertainment of the day. (Magicians in ancient Rome used stones and small vinegar cups to perform the cups and balls effect.) By the 19th and 20th centuries, being a magician was a legitimate and often lucrative career promising fame and fortune on Vaudeville and beyond, in the same way aspiring actors dream of Hollywood today. Magic has been around for thousands of years. Biographers William Kalush and Larry Sloman refer to him as America's first superhero - and they're not far from the truth. Brody's performance has been widely praised, with critics describing him as everything from "buoyant" to "a treat to watch."īut however strong Brody may be in the role, History has another question to tackle: Why should anyone care about a magician who died almost 90 years ago? The answer is this: because Harry Houdini was more than just a magician. On Monday night, the network premiered a two-part special event called Houdini, an Adrien Brody-starring biopic covering the life of one of the greatest magicians of all time. History Channel wants to change all of that. To be a magician or escape artist in 2014 is a little like being an ice deliveryman a few throwback people might be interested in your services, but the vast majority thinks you're painfully obsolete. America's wonder at stage magic has long been eclipsed by the real-life magic of evermore incredible scientific and technological achievements. In the popular imagination, magicians are almost tragically uncool. Yep, Harry Potter notwithstanding, an interest in magic remains a go-to signpost in popular culture for someone who is unattractive, lame - basically just a total loser.
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