Other escapes - Houdini performed a variety of escapes.It would still be nailed together with the handcuffs inside. After Houdini escaped (sometimes in under a minute), the crate would be pulled to the surface. The crate would then be tossed into the water. It would also be weighed down with around 200 pounds of lead. The crate would be nailed shut and tied with ropes. Houdini would be locked up with handcuffs and leg-irons and placed into a crate. Box in a River - This trick seemed especially dangerous.He would then escape from the straitjacket with everyone watching. He would be suspended in the air by his feet from a tall building while strapped into a straitjacket. Straitjacket Escape - Houdini took escaping from a straitjacket to a whole new level.Just in case he failed, an assistant stood by with an axe. A curtain would cover the front while Houdini worked his escape. His feet were chained with locks to a lid that was then locked to the tank. Water Torture Cell - In this trick, Harry was lowered head first into a glass tank filled with water.These escapes made him the most famous magician in the world. Harry traveled around Europe and then returned to the United States performing all sorts of dangerous escapes and amazing illusions. They couldn't believe it! Now Harry was famous and everyone wanted to see his amazing escapes. However, Houdini escaped in a matter of a few minutes. The police searched Harry thoroughly and handcuffed him inside a cell. Then he challenged the English police at Scotland Yard to an escape. He would escape from all sorts of things like handcuffs, straitjackets, and ropes. Upon the advice of his manager, Martin Beck, Harry began to focus his act on escapes.

Bess and Harry started their own magic act called 'The Houdinis.' For the rest of his career, Bess would act as Harry's assistant. They fell in love and married a year later. While Harry and his brother were working at Coney Island, Harry met a dancer named Bess. Around the age of seventeen he began doing a magic show with his brother 'Dash' called 'The Brothers Houdini.' Harry would spend hours working on magic tricks and practicing quick hand movements.

Young Harry always had an interest in magic and performing. He worked as a locksmith for a time where he became an expert at picking locks (this skill would come in handy later). Harry worked various odd jobs to help out the family while growing up.

Houdini magic tricks