The Man from Beyond
I'm on a Houdini kick. So, while I'm at it, I'll write something up on this Houdini title. Here's a little Potpourri:
- It's possible by getting online to both find the video and/or obtain a copy of the intertitles.
- There are only 2 degrees of separation between Harry Houdini and the "Father of Fantasic Film", George Melies. Houdini took his professional name from the French magician Robert-Houdin. Melies took over Robert-Houdin's theater and performed many skits with magical tricks there.
- Harry Houdini plays "Howard Hillary" a.k.a. "The Man from Beyond". This wouldn't be the first time in film that his character would have his real-life initials; nor would it be the only time his character would exhibit a mastery of escapes.
- According to a couple of reviews that I dug up (from the New York Times and Variety), Houdini appeared in person at the Times Square Theater showing of The Man From Beyond to perform his act. At the time this consisted of causing an elephant and girl to disappear, escaping from a straightjacket and needle swallowing.
- The Man from Beyond explores suspended animation and reincarnation. Houdini was fairly fascinated by these ideas.
- It's doubtful that he'll ever return from the dead. But if he does, I hope he returns to movie-making. For some reason, I find all of the films starring Houdini entertaining. Far from a great actor, he was nonetheless competent for this kind of fare and exhibited a decent "stage presence" if nothing else.written: 8/3/2003
