List No. 057
HOUDINI’S SCENE AND PROP. LIST
Harry Houdini
Circa 1900
The great Harry Houdini was a master escapologist who wowed audiences by somehow escaping from a wide range of breathtaking predicaments. In 1912 he unveiled to the public what would be his most famous act, Houdini Upside Down!, in which he would hang, head first and underwater, in a device named the Chinese Water Torture Cell and then break free against all odds. Houdini performed the trick for 14 years, until his death in 1926. Before each and every show, this list was supplied to the venue.
HOUDINI’S
SCENE & PROP. LIST
Open and close in full stage. (Palace.)
Time of act—About 25 minutes.
As I leave stage soaking wet in bathing suit, require two dressing rooms nearest stage (6 in company). Couch in dressing room.
Require a small trap in centre of stage, not less than 8 inches square (8x8 inches) two feet in rear of front cloth.
Must have use of Fire Hose to reach from side of stage, about 3 feet past center of stage. Hose is used in view of audience.
Please see to it that the water in Hose is run off. It must be clear, so that audience can see through same.
100 gallons of Boiling water (must be boiling).
We carry four brass tubs to hold this water, which must be filled ready on stage before each performance.
Prepare a chute, or get-away, for 250 gallons of water, from the small 8x8-inch trap to most convenient spot underneath stage. The outlet in our Water Cloth is 6 inches in Diameter .
Our Water Carpet must be flied after each show back of stage, for which we require a strong batten.
Two small occasional tables (gold if possible, and 4 gold chairs) and 18 Bent-wood Chairs.
A run or stair case, so that committee from audience can come over footlights onto stage.
A small, clean looking (mahogany colored if possible) step ladder about 3 feet 6 inches high.
Two 20 feet and two 16 feet inches lengths of Lumber 4 inches by 2 inches (4x2 inches), or battens would do, which must be 4 inches wide.
PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE ANYTHING AT MY EXPENSE
