Houdini (1953)

Approved   |    |  Biography, Drama

Houdini (1953) Poster

The spectacular but tragically short career of magician and illusionist Harry Houdini whose tricks defied explanation and safety.

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  • Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh in Houdini (1953)
  • Tony Curtis in Houdini (1953)
  • Tony Curtis in Houdini (1953)
  • Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh in Houdini (1953)
  • Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh in Houdini (1953)
  • Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh in Houdini (1953)

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Reviews & Commentary

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User Reviews
18 May 2009 | DKosty123
6
| Right Cast But This one Cries for a Remake
Tony Curtis was the proper person to play Harry Houdini when this movie was made. He had the right attitude. Janet Leigh, his wife in real life then, was outstanding as Bess Houdini and the sparks between them show on this film. To me the problem is the script.

The real Houdini's life was much more interesting than the points of his life presented here. The story covers some highlights of Harry's life, and a little of the special relationship with his mom. It totally leaves out Harry's brother, the great Hardine. It doesn't get into the barn storming career or the great tricks Houdini did enough.

The film also fails script wise to show how well Erich Weiss promoted himself enough. I think the script was designed for Curtis & Leigh and misses the best parts of Harry's life. From what I have seen and read about Houdini, a much more interesting story is there to be told. This story does not tell it entirely.

I am glad they tried to do what they did here. For Curtis & Leigh fans this is a great showcase. If it were to be remade, there are more highlights of Houdini's amazing life that could be written to make a better film. I'd challenge Hollywood to tackle that. For now, this is the best we've got, but I have to wonder what could have been with a better script.

Critic Reviews

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Did You Know?

Trivia

'Ernö Verebes'' last film before retirement.

Quotes

Bess Houdini: Audiences are never satisfied. They love you for th moment you please them.

Goofs

During the straight jacket escape competition we see Houdini focus on the center glass ball of the chandelier. First we see the chandelier all by itself with the center ball nestled in the strands of cut glass. He continues focusing on it while he is working at escaping and we see the glass ball again from a different angle with Houdini in the background only this time it's no longer nestled in the other strands but rather a little lower and more by itself.

Soundtracks

Waltz from 'The Poet and Peasant Overture'
(uncredited)
Music by Franz von Suppé
Waltz danced by Houdini and his mother

Storyline

Plot Summary

Genres

Biography | Drama

Details

Release Date:

2 July 1953

Language

English

Country of Origin

USA

Filming Locations

Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

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