Houdini, der König des Variete (1953)

Houdini, der König des Variete: Directed by George Marshall. With Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Torin Thatcher, Angela Clarke. From his beginnings as a “wildman” carnival act to the internationally famous feat of escaping from a locked trunk in an ice-jammed river, the great Harry Houdini emerged as the world’s most captivating magician and escape artist.

“The story of master magician Harry Houdini (1874–1926) becomes a glossy star-vehicle for Tony Curtis in the lead–and though the facts of Houdiniu0026#39;s life are lumped right together with the Hollywood dross (as if this movie magazine-styled spread were one big true-life story), one is drawn in by Curtisu0026#39; apparent commitment to the role. Director George Marshall stages some exciting set-pieces and a nice romance ensues between Tonyu0026#39;s Houdini and assistant Bess, played by Curtisu0026#39; real-life spouse Janet Leigh (doing appealing work). Philip Yordan adapted Harold Kellocku0026#39;s book, and the results are (surprisingly) entertaining despite all the requisite corn and clichés. **1/2 from ****”