Houdini, Harry (Erik Weisz) | Houdini's Newest Sensation: the Water Torture Cell

Houdini, Harry (Erik Weisz)

Circus Busch. Houdini’s Neueste Sensation. Hamburg: Lith. Adolph Friedländer, [1913] (no. 5788)

Color lithograph poster (26 3/8 x 35 1/4 in.; 647 x 896 mm). Light horizontal and vertical fold crease. Matted, framed, and glazed with Plexiglas.

This is evidently the first poster depiction of Houdini's most celebrated escape, introduced at Circus Busch in September 1912. The Water Torture Cell "was a tall, narrow, wooden tank of water, with a glass front. Houdini's ankles were locked into stocks, and he was lifted upside-down over the stage. Suspended over the tank of water, he paused to take several deep breaths, and then was quickly lowered into the cell, the stocks locked to the lid of the tank. A drape was pulled around the tank, temporarily concealing it. The theater orchestra ominously played a popular song called 'Asleep in the Deep.' … Houdini's assistant peered into the curtain, and brandished an ax, ready to smash the glass and release Houdini in case of emergency. After several minutes of breathless anticipation, there was a ripple of movement behind the curtain. The audience cheered as Houdini pulled aside the drapes and stumbled into view—wet, pale, exhausted, and smiling triumphantly. The tank was still locked shut, offering no suggestion of how he managed his escape. The Water Torture Cell seemed absolutely incredible—not merely an escape but a superhuman feat" (Magic, p. 399).

Houdini himself was entranced with his new escape, writing "I believe it is the climax of all my studies and labors. … Never will I be able to construct anything that will be more dangerous or difficult for me to do" (quoted in Silverman, Houdini!!!, p.167).

REFERENCE:

Illusions 217