I came into this world Ehrich Weiss on March 24 (April 6th is the birthdate I adopted however), 1874. I was born in Budapest to Mayer Samuel Weiss and Cecilia, my beloved sainted mother. My parents emigrated to America when I was four. We moved to Appleton, Wisconsin, where I have adopted as my birthplace and hometown. My father worked as a Rabbi. I had four brothers- Nathan, William, Theodore (Dash, also known as Hardeen), and Leopold (who has caused my family shame). Times were tough but I always determined a better and brighter life for my sainted Mother. I left home at 12 to seek out a better life for my family.
I've always been of curious nature and sought to learn all that I could. Among my interest, magic became the defining triumph and I sought to know all that I could concerning the art of magic as well it's history. I owned at one time the largest private libary. I started my career working many jobs and found employment working in dime museums and eventually the circus, where my knowledge of performing increased.
During this time I met my sweetheart, Wilhelmina Beatrice Rahner (Bess) who on July 22, 1894 (though we always celebrated our anniversary on June 22) became Mrs. Houdini. She became my assistant (formally Hardeen had assisted me in my shows) and my beloved soulmate. We were concerned that our families might protest the union (she being catholic, I being jewish), but my dearly beloved Mother (If ever on earth ther walked an angel it was her)acceptted her with a whole heart. Her family eventually warmed up to me. Bess assisted me on my famous illusion, Metamorphosis. She also assisted me in our medium demonstrations, which helped afford me the knowledge in my crusade against fraudulant mediums who were taking advantage of the unwary.
Some of the books I have authoured are:
A Magician Among the Spirits
Miracle Mongers and Their Methods
The Right Way to do Wrong
Houdini's Paper Magic
Houdini on Magic
I have also starred in movies such as:
The Master Mystery
The Grim Game
Terror Island
Haldane and the Secret Service
The Man From Beyond"; I edited my profile at Freeweblayouts.net , check out these Myspace Layouts!
