Q
Where was Harry Houdini born?
Budapest, Hungary
At age four, where did he move to?
United States (Wisconsin)
What is Harry Houdini's real name (name given at birth)?
Ehrich Weiss
Why did he start using the name Harry Houdini?
It was his stage name when he performed.
In what jobs did he work to help his family?
Locksmith and later magic shows.
Name two of Houdini's relatives.
His brother "Dash" and his wife Bess.
Why did Martin Beck advice Houdini to focus his acts on escapes?
Probably because he was very good at picking locks, making illusions and his acts attracted a lot of attention.
Where else in the world did Houdini travel to perform?
England
Why did he challenge the English police at Scotland Yard?
To prove he can escape.
A few minutes.
Name one dangerous escape or amazing illusion Houdini performed.
Water Torture Cell, Straighjacket Escape, Box In A River...
What was plan B for the Water Torture Cell?
Break the glass with an axe in case Houdini could not escape from the water filled tank.
Explain the Straightjacket Escape.
Escaping while suspended in the air by his feet from a tall building and strapped into a straitjacket with everyone watching.
Explain the Water Torture Cell.
Lowered head first into a glass tank filled with water his feet were chained with locks to a lid that was then locked to the tank. A curtain would cover the front while he worked his escape. Just in case he failed, an assistant stood by with an axe.
Name activities Houdini did later in life.
Making movies, learning to fly an airplane, and debunking psychics.
How did Houdini die?
Rumor had it that Houdini was invincible to blows to the body so, two young men visited Houdini backstage deciding to test out the rumor. One student punched Houdini in the stomach and a few days later he died from a ruptured appendix.
When was Houdini born?
On March 24, 1874.
Who was Houdini's wife and what did she do for work?
Bess performed as a dancer before marrying Houdini and afterwards worked as Houdini's assistant in their magic act.
Define the word "thoroughly."
completely and carefully
Define the word "illusion."
a deceptive appearance or impression