One-Legged Houdini Stunt Defies Death

An escape artist known as 'Houdini II' recently recreated one of Harry Houdini's most famous stunts to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the legendary illusionist's death. The performance took place on Friday, October 30th, just one day before the anniversary of Houdini's passing on Halloween 1926. Houdini II was suspended approximately 80 feet in the air by a crane at Hollywood's Magic Castle clubhouse. Bound in a straitjacket and dangling precariously by a single foot, he managed to escape his restraints and safely reach the ground in about two minutes. This daring feat was a modern twist on Houdini's original 1917 Times Square escape, which saw him suspended above the bustling city. Houdini II's performance, notably lacking any safety airbags, emphasized the increased danger of his rendition. Harry Houdini, the original master of illusion and escape, died at age 52 from a ruptured appendix on October 31, 1926. His death followed a brief illness, during which he famously endured multiple blows to the stomach from a university student prior to his final performance. Houdini II, a Los Angeles-based artist, has a history of performing dangerous stunts, including escapes from chains and submerged boxes. He stated that Houdini has always been his idol. The artist also previously toured to promote his documentary, "Houdini II: A Beautiful Day to Die."