The Early Career of Harry Houdini

Houdini's career started doing magic shows with his brother until he married Bess and joined the circus. Houdini trained himself to perform his daring stunts and soon became famous across America and Europe.

Famous Tricks and Escapes

East Indian Needle trick (Library of Congress)

Milk Can Escape (Library of Congress).

Chinese Water Torture Escape (Library of Congress).

Overboard Box Escape (Library of Congress).

Suspended Straitjacket Escape (Library of Congress).

Houdini performs his Straitjacket Escape.

“No prison can hold me; no hand or leg irons or steel locks can shackle me. No ropes or chains can keep me from my freedom.”

-- Harry Houdini

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Background image shows Houdini and his brother, Theodore (also known as Dash). Theodore performed the "Brothers Houdini" act with Harry. Image from Library of Congress.