The film also shows Houdini’s later part of his life as a crusader against phony spiritualism. That being said, the film recreates some of Houdini’s more famous accomplishments (kinda) faithfully. As I said before, Yordan’s script plays fast and loose with facts. Philip Yordan’s ( Broken Lance) screenplay is loosely based on the 1928 book by Harold Kellock. The film was directed by George Marshall ( Destry Rides Again). Houdini does, however, try to capture the essence of the famous artist. This is Hollywood in the 1950s, so I don’t have to tell you that most of the film is fiction. Houdini is, of course, based on the real-life of the legendary escapist artist Harry Houdini, who has become synonymous with escapologism and magic. This George Pal production, shot in spiffy Technicolor, is a joy from beginning to end. There is no subtext, no hidden meaning, no complex visual trickery Houdini aims to entertain you and in that regard the film is a complete success. “It’ll be the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done.” After many false starts, Houdini realizes his dream of becoming the world’s greatest escapist artist. Bess initially objects to Houdini’s job, but she slowly begins to support her husband’s ambitions. A carny magician, Harry Houdini (Tony Curtis, The Defiant Ones), falls in love with one of his admirers, Bess Rahner (Janet Leigh, Psycho).
0 kommentar(er)
