Escape Artist Honors Houdini's Death With Daring Hollywood Stunt
Houdini II replicates a straitjacket escape 80 feet above the Magic Castle on the 100th anniversary of the legendary magician's passing.
An escape artist, performing under the moniker Houdini II, recreated a death-defying stunt high above Hollywood's Magic Castle to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Harry Houdini's death on Halloween. The performer successfully escaped from a straitjacket while suspended upside-down from a crane approximately 80 feet in the air.
Houdini II completed the escape in just under two minutes, stating that the straitjacket used was an exact replica of the one worn by actor Tony Curtis in the 1953 film "Houdini." The stunt was performed without an airbag or any protective landing system.
According to organizers, Houdini II has previously performed challenging feats, including jumping from Miami's MacArthur Bridge while bound in ropes and chains, and escaping from a submerged wooden box designed to resemble a coffin. Prior to this particular stunt, organizers announced that Houdini II would throw $1,000 from the air as a gesture promoting unity and peace.
Following his successful escape, Houdini II expressed his exhilaration, calling the experience "crazy" and "beautiful." He dedicated the performance to Harry Houdini and the Magic Castle, stating, "We made history."
Harry Houdini, born Ehrich Weisz, died on October 31, 1926, at the age of 52. His death was attributed to peritonitis, though contemporary speculation suggested it may have been linked to a physical altercation shortly before his demise.