Photo Flash: Neil Patrick Harris Attends Unveiling of NEW Harry Houdini Star at the Magic Castle

Neil Patrick Harris, Penn & Teller, Joanne Worley, Tippi Hedren, Richard Sherman, and Magic Castle co-founder's Milt Larsen and Irene Larsen were all on hand Friday, October 24th, 2008 for the unveiling of the refurbished Star on the Walk of Fame dedicated to the earliest and still often most recognized illusionist of stage and screen - MR. Harry Houdini. The star is located on the corner of Orange Avenue and Hollywood Blvd at what used to be the beginning of the driveway for a Victorian mansion built in 1909, now known as The Magic Castle (http://www.magiccastle.com).  Among those contributing to the restoration include top magicians such as: David Copperfield, Penn & Teller, Lance Burton, Tihany, Marvyn Roy (Mr. Electric), Siegfried and Roy.

On the morning of November 1st, 2000, Magic Castle founder, Milt Larsen received a phone call suggesting he come down to the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and Orange Dr.  This is just one block south of the entrance to the Magic Castle.  It was discovered that sometime during the previous night of Halloween, the star of Harry Houdini had cracked.  This occurred exactly 25 years to the day that the famous magicians star was first unveiled.  On October 24th, 2008, exactly 82 years after Harry Houdini's final performance, the star will be repaired and unveiled for the public to enjoy for many years to come.

In addition to magic and escape, Houdini spent much of his late life debunking fraudulent mediums and was genuinely interested in knowing if it was possible to come in contact with the "other side."  Harry and his wife Bess formulated a code and procedure that would be put into effect following either of their death.  The code was known only to Bess and Harry and the procedure was 10 consecutive years of séances to attempt to come in contact with the other.  For ten years after Houdini's death on October 31st, 1926, Bess followed through with their agreement and conducted the séances.  These séances occurred on the anniversary of his death and were attended by the top names in magic as well as personal friends of the great magician.  The final Houdini Séance took place atop the Knickerbocker Hotel in Hollywood, California on October 31st, 1936.  Bess never came in contact with her late husband…or did she…?

The Magic Castle houses four stages dedicated to one of the earliest forms of entertainment - Magic and Illusion with The Palace of Mystery theatre, the Parlor of Prestidigtation, the Close-up gallery and the Peller Theatre.

The Magic Castle is the world's most famous club for magicians and magic enthusiasts and home to The Academy of Magical Arts, Inc.  The Magic Castle is the showplace for some of the greatest magicians from around the globe and houses one of the largest original collections of Houdini's great tools of the trade including his personal handcuffs, straight jacket, metamorphosis trunk and famous milk can escape.  Houdini himself used these props to mystify thousands.  Great pride is also taken in showcasing the magnificent building that houses the Magic Castle.  Construction of the was completed in 1909 and this storied mansion has watched Hollywood grow and change for nearly 100 years while never losing its original charm.

The Academy of Magical Arts, Inc. a non-profit social order devoted to the advancement of the art of magic, is proud to introduce the newly renovated Final Houdini Séance in the heart of The Magic Castle.  Patrons will be entertained by the mysteries of communicating with those who have crossed over after enjoying a gourmet dinner.  Guests will marvel as images appear out of thin air and senses are tantalized beyond belief.  The voice of the great Houdini himself may even be heard in this recreation of the Final Houdini Séance.

Leron Gubler, Tippi Hedren, Irene Larsen, Joanne Worley, Milt Larsen, Neil Patrick Harris, Cyrene & Hardeen Houdini, Penn Jillette and Teller

Tippi Hedren and Magic Castle Board member Neil Patrick Harris in front of the Magic Castle

Tippi Hedren, Milt Larsen, Irene Larsen and magician Jim Bentley in the newly refurbished Houdini Seance Room (Image of Harry Houdini looks over their shoulders).

The Magic Castle

Photos by Bill Dow