5/30/2023 0 Comments The handcuff kingThis background, which includes some anti-Semitism (Houdini, nee Ehrich Weiss, was Jewish) and the lengths to which Houdini had to calculate protecting his secrets with body guards, may not have all taken place in this one day but best exemplifies what can be done with a "true" story in good hands. There are other bits of information incorporated into the story to fill out Houdini's character and the give background to the times. Indeed, lake all good magicians whose job it is to divert your attention away from the trick within the magic, Houdini's people were there to assure all the elements were in place to assure the deception was complete and visually miraculous. Leading up to the event we also get to see much of the behind-the-scenes action of Houdini's confederates, the people in charge of his security, publicity and secrecy. In a nicely understated way it provides one of several pieces of foreshadowing that help build a quiet drama. When his wife Bess comes in they practice the still-unproven pass-off kiss which was considered crucial for Houdini's escapes. Up before dawn, Houdini inspects the handcuffs to be used later in the day, selecting the perfect pick from his array of tools for opening it. The act itself isn't one of his most stunning feats but the presentation of this event allows readers to get a well-rounded glimpse of the man and a bit of a peek into how intricately Houdini planned and controlled his illusions. On the surface this may seem an obvious choice but with Houdini: The Handcuff King we have a single event in the early life of Harry Houdini - a single stunt, a handcuffed jump into the Charles River on May 1st, 1908. The life of Harry Houdini is great material for young readers, for all readers, and the perfect subject for a graphic novel.
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