Belief and proof, that is the theme of this likable biography of one of America's entertainers, combination magician and escape artist. There's no doubt in my mind that this is a totally sanitized biography. However, as perfectly cast with Tony Curtis in the lead, the outcome is a view of one part of Houdini's life that is acceptable for the time it was made. Janet Leigh adds more to her role than being feisty window dressing, exuding humor in the early sequences, when she meets Curtis in cave man disguise and providing support for him in scenes where his credibility is questioned.
With Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland playing in the background, the film concentrates on how Houdini developed his act and his search for an obscure German magician whom he hopes can provide insight to the super- natural dangers of his profession. This makes the second half of the film more serious than the first. It aided Curtis in a rise in his career, helping him move beyond being the Jewish, male version of Maria Montez. The ending of the movie, certainly not for chlostrophobics, is one of the key weaknesses in the film, and is truly unrealistic even if it is based upon fact.
With Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland playing in the background, the film concentrates on how Houdini developed his act and his search for an obscure German magician whom he hopes can provide insight to the super- natural dangers of his profession. This makes the second half of the film more serious than the first. It aided Curtis in a rise in his career, helping him move beyond being the Jewish, male version of Maria Montez. The ending of the movie, certainly not for chlostrophobics, is one of the key weaknesses in the film, and is truly unrealistic even if it is based upon fact.