Harry Houdini quotes - page 2

The eating of burning brimstone is an entirely fake performance. (Harry Houdini)
Disloyalty in trusted servants is one of the most disheartening things that can happen to a public performer. View quote
Harry Houdini
In all feats of fire-eating it should be noted that the head is thrown well back, so that the flame may pass out of the open mouth instead of up into the roof, as it would if the head were held naturally. View quote
Harry Houdini
The great day of the Fire-eater - or, should I say, the day of the great Fire-eater - has passed. View quote
Harry Houdini
I knew, as everyone knows, that the easiest way to attract a crowd is to let it be known that at a given time and a given place some one is going to attempt something that in the event of failure will mean sudden death. View quote
Harry Houdini
A common pickpocket trick is for the operator to carry a shawl or overcoat carelessly over the left arm, and to take a seat on the right side of the person they intend to rob in a streetcar or other vehicle. View quote
Harry Houdini
No prison can hold me; no hand or leg irons or steel locks can shackle me. No ropes or chains can keep me from my freedom. View quote
Harry Houdini
Never tell the auidience how good you are, they will soon find out for themselves. View quote
Harry Houdini
Never try to fool children, they expect nothing, and therefore see everything. View quote
Harry Houdini
An old trick well done is far better than a new trick with no effect. View quote
Harry Houdini
Keep up your enthusiasm! There is nothing more contagious than exuberant enthusiasm. (Harry Houdini)
The secret of showmanship consists not of what you really do, but what the mystery-loving public thinks you do. View quote
Harry Houdini
Anyone who believes in magic is a fool. View quote
Harry Houdini
Some say I do it this way, others say I do it that way, but I say I do it the other way. View quote
Harry Houdini
I always have on my mind the thought that next year I must do something greater, something more wonderful. View quote
Harry Houdini
I knew, as everyone knows, that the easiest way to attract a crowd is to let it be known that at a given time and a given place some one is going to attempt something that in the event of failure will mean sudden death. That's what attracts us to the man who paints the flagstaff on the tall building, or to the 'human fly' who scales the walls of the same building. View quote
Harry Houdini
I do not believe that ghosts or spirits exist. View quote
Harry Houdini
The great trouble with magicians is the fact that they believe when they have bought a certain trick or piece of apparatus, and know the method of procedure, that they are full-fledged mystifiers. View quote
Harry Houdini
My business has given me an intimate knowledge of stage illusions, together with many years of experience among show people of all types. View quote
Harry Houdini
Disloyalty in trusted servants is one of the most disheartening things that can happen to a public performer. But it must not be thought that I say this out of personal experience: for in the many years that I have been before the public my secret methods have been steadily shielded by the strict integrity of my assistants, most of whom have been with me for years. Only one man ever betrayed my confidence, and that only in a minor matter. But then, so far as I know, I am the only performer who ever pledged his assistant to secrecy, honor and allegiance under a notarial oath. View quote
Harry Houdini