Houdini
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Movie Reviews of Houdini
Movie Review: Tony and Janet's HOUDINI: a Halloween tradition
Summary: 5 Stars
When I was a kid, HOUDINI (1953) with Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh was always broadcast in October, usually as a Saturday afternoon movie.
There are two mentions in it of Halloween.
The first happens when Harry and Bess Houdini visit a magician's convention on Halloween night. Unhappy Harry failed at magic and took a job in a lock factory at his wife's urging, but when given the opportunity to go on stage as one of five challengers who must try to escape from strait jackets, Harry jumps at it. He wins the contest and his prize is a single round-trip ticket to Europe. Eventually the couple trades it for two one-way ducats. Harry and Bess find fame in Britain and on the Continent and then repeat their success in America.
The second Halloween reference is to a near-tragic stunt held on Halloween afternoon: an escape from a locked trunk submerged in the iced-over Detroit River. When he emerges from the trunk, Harry's swept downstream by the current, can't find the large hole cut in the ice and nearly drowns and/or freezes to death.
Despite that and a sad ending, this is generally an upbeat film. Colorful re-creations of late 19th Century sideshows are fun and so are the many magic tricks and escapes. Also, Leigh and Curtis make a most pulchritudinous couple and are clearly in love (for real!).
I recommend HOUDINI to all as a pleasant October diversion.
BTW-- does the Detroit River REALLY ice over before October 31st and is the outside temperature ZERO degrees in the DAYTIME? (Don't answer that!)
Movie Review: "Houdini" finally materializes, on DVD!
Summary: 5 Stars
Finally this cinematic treasure comes to DVD. While sometimes not historically accurate, it does portray a young Ehrich Weiss and his passion for the art of escapism & illusion and his love for his wife Bess. Real life husband and wife couple, Tony Curtis & Janet Leigh are more than convincing as "The Great Houdini" and his stage assistant.
This delightful film will bring enjoyment to legions of fans of old like myself as well as a cursory enlightenment of Harry Houdini for newer generations.
Filmed in 1953, "Houdini" is presented in Technicolor with an Aspect Ratio of 1.37:1. A very family friendly movie, recommended without reservation.
09.30.10 Rest in Peace Mr. Tony Curtis; you will be missed...
Movie Review: Houdini is pure hollywood magic
Summary: 5 Stars
I was a child when I had orginally seen this film on television and the story of a man trying to escape from a bottle completely captivated me. I'm glad this film in on DVD as the quality and colour is excellent. Tony Curtis and then wife Janet Leigh create a wonderful on screen chemistry and they have fun with the roles of Mr and Mrs Houdini. If you like a lot of hollywood smoke and mirrors then you will enjoy this film as it hits all the hightlights of The Great Houdini's life and delves into the supernatural quite well even though it may not be always accurate. Ten out of ten for pure movie 'escapism'.Movie Review: Tony Curtis a perfect Houdini
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie brought back so many memories from years ago when this was a new movie. I was raised in Appleton WISC. as was Harry Houdini, his memoirs and artifacts are in the Harry Houdidn Museum, which was the Masonic Temple when I was growing up. Corner of Drew and College Ave.
The spark of love between Harry and Bess was very much captured in real life by the actors who brought us Jamie Lee Curtis. I am so glad I finally have this movie as my own. Laurie Baer
Movie Review: A Long Time Coming
Summary: 5 Stars
Remembering this movie as a child and finally it has made it to DVD. What took the studio so long? I am sure that I am not the only person asking that question? Although not true to the real life of Houdini the film is a fun and entertaining piece of work that at times will keep you fixed to the screen. Giving it a five star rating and suggesting that it be watched by all members of the family so that a new generation of people can enjoy its magic.