Straightjackets, jail cells, coffins, and all sorts of chains, locks and shackles couldn't confine Harry Houdini. A master illusionist whose daring stunts remain legend eight decades after his death, Houdini was the first superstar of magic. But how much do we really know about him? The new History Channel movie "Houdini," airing over two nights Sept. 1 and 2 with Adrien Brody in the title role, explores his life and his psyche — and reveals how he accomplished some of his greatest tricks. We see Houdini hiding a key inside a false finger and making the long-silent Kremlin carillon ring for Czar Nicholas and his family by having an associate fire a rifle at the bell on cue.
But even more startling is the revelation that he worked undercover for many years, spying on royalty and political leaders of Europe for the American and British governments.
The book "The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero" by William Kalush and Larry Sloman goes deeper into Houdini's espionage adventures and divulges more "how he did it" secrets about his magic too. The book paints a comprehensive picture of the magician's colorful life.
Some highlights:
