TrueHello Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

Numerootno A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

Mathilde the Guild Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

Darin One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

Leofwine_draca A slow-paced yet engaging biopic of the famous Houdini, which claims to be based on both "fact and fiction". The first half of this seemingly forgotten television movie concentrates on Houdini's struggle to rise to fame from the gutters of obscurity, mainly through perseverance and "being in the right place at the right time". The second half of the movie surprisingly takes a darker turn as it ventures into the spirit world, with the Houdinis going on a crusade to 'out' as many fake mediums as possible while all the while being warned of a terrible danger from the other world.Paul Michael Glaser (TV's STARSKY AND HUTCH) may initially seem like an odd choice for the role, but he fits it like a glove. As well as looking like the man himself (which always helps), Glaser invests Houdini with a great character, a muddled and weak human being with a great drive behind him and a talent for showmanship. Sally Struthers is the put-upon Bess Houdini, his wife, and has some strong characterisation as the supportive wife (who is a bit weepy at times, it has to be said). The great cast also includes the ever-ancient Ruth Gordon (ROSEMARY'S BABY) as Houdini's wicked mother, Vivian Vance as a nurse, Adrienne Barbeau (typecast at an early age as a floozy), Bill Bixby and Jack Carter, Geoffrey Lewis and Wilfrid Hyde-White. To top it all off we have Peter Cushing playing Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (yes!), with his wife played by Maureen O'Sullivan. Although Cushing's role is a small one, he makes an impact as usual.While there are lots of feats of strength and escapism that Houdini was famous for portrayed on screen, this is a movie which focuses on characterisation without becoming boring. For instance, we learn the ins and outs of Houdini's life, his suffering from bouts of depression and self-doubting. His wife in comparison is a pillar of strength. I did like the (fictional) contact with the spirit world in the second half, peppered by a series of spooky seances. In the film's spooky highlight, the bobbing blue head of Houdini's dead mother appears while a medium is in a trance.Indeed the film becomes very dark, mysterious and packed with foreboding towards the end, as Houdini refuses to listen to reason as his mother reaches out to warn him from beyond the grave of impending danger. I'm sure everybody knows the ending, in which Houdini is punched unawares in the stomach and dies as a result of complications arising from the injury, but the film has time to tack on a supernatural (and sadly very sentimental) epilogue concerning his supposed return from the grave. In all, this is a superior biopic, benefiting from strong characterisation and an intelligent, thorough script.

gerdeen-1 This made-for-TV movie didn't do much for the careers of Paul Michael Glaser and Sally Struthers, who were starring in successful TV series at the time but didn't go on to bigger careers. It is simply a darker remake of the 1953 "Houdini," which starred Tony Curtis as legendary magician Harry Houdini and Janet Leigh as his wife. It's no more accurate than the previous film, and it's inferior in almost every way. Its only advantage is the physicality of action star Glaser in the title role. Houdini, like all the great escape artists of his day, was as much an athlete as an illusionist. Glaser looks like an athlete, which Curtis did not.

evildead1978 I'm lucky enough to say that I own a copy of this movie, taped very late one night a long time ago. Upon repeated viewings, the movie still stands the test of time! Paul Michael Glazer is excellent as Harry Houdini, but that's only the tip of the iceberg with this wonderful cast...Sally Struthers plays the role of Harry's wife (both young & old) very convincingly, Vivian Vance is perfect as the nurse (bringing quite a bit of humor to the role), Adrienne Barbeau is as sultry as ever but brings a lot of heart to her role, Bill Bixby - although in the movie only briefly - is very believable as the Medium trying to contact Houdini's ghost, hell - even Peter Cushing gets in on the action! The best role by far was played by the late Ruth Gordon, who should have gotten much more notoriety for her role as Houdini's mother...WHAT A CAST! Aside from all of that is a very interesting (and at times VERY scary) story not to mention a wonderful love story! Why isn't this movie out on DVD?!? If at all possible, do yourself a favor and watch this one if fortunate enough to get a chance! EXCELLENT IN EVERY WAY!

SnwflkG This is by far the best movie about Houdini. Paul Michael Glaser was wonderful as Houdini, Sally Struthers was excellent, and Vivian Vance was terrific as the Nurse. Would love to get this movie pre-recorded but have not been able to find it.