Prominent magician (1849–1922) known for his spectacular stage illusions. Boldly penned ALS, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.75 x 7.75, personal letterhead, January 21, 1922. Letter to Harry Houdini, in part: “You can’t imagine what great pleasure I got from your letter of the 15 Inst. for it assured me that the report that you had broken your leg was not true. I am glad you met President Harding for he is one of the people and his exalted position has not & never will turn his head. Mrs. & Mr. Shirk called last night & we had a delightful visit. Of course we spoke of you & Bessie & Mr. Shirk was very much pleased when I showed him your letter & assured him that the report of your accident was not true. I am glad your little pal is with you to see that your show goes all O.K. & that she will be with you to comfort you when your strenuous work is done.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 18 x 14.25. In fine condition. Despite having snapped a purported untold number of bones as an escape artist, some of Houdini’s most injurious moments occurred while filming stunts during his short-lived acting career. The false report mentioned by Kellar—who died less than two months after this letter was written—may refer to a particularly intense feat in the 1922 film The Man from Beyond, in which Houdini famously saves the film’s heroine from being swept over Niagara Falls. A bittersweet and desirable correspondence between Houdini and a man many deem his professional father-figure. The James Collings Collection. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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