My Two Sweethearts: Harry Houdini (1874-1926) with his wife Beatrice (1876-1943) and mother Cecilia Steiner Weiss, ca. 1907.
Source: Library of Congress

My Two Sweethearts: Harry Houdini (1874-1926) with his wife Beatrice (1876-1943) and mother Cecilia Steiner Weiss, ca. 1907.

Source: Library of Congress

Harry Houdini in handcuffs, 1918.
Source:  Bettmann/Corbis

Harry Houdini in handcuffs, 1918.

Source: Bettmann/Corbis

Harry Houdini, ca. 1905.
Source: Library of Congress

Harry Houdini, ca. 1905.

Source: Library of Congress

Harry Houdini prepares to do the Overboard box escape, ca. 1912.
Source: Library of Congress, George Grantham Bain Collection

Harry Houdini prepares to do the Overboard box escape, ca. 1912.

Source: Library of Congress, George Grantham Bain Collection

Harry Houdini in chains, ca. 1899.
Source: Library of Congress, McManus-Young Collection

Harry Houdini in chains, ca. 1899.

Source: Library of Congress, McManus-Young Collection

Heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey mock punching Houdini (held back by lightweight boxer Benny Leonard, ca. 1920s.
Source: Library of Congress, George Grantham Bain Collection

Heavyweight boxer Jack Dempsey mock punching Houdini (held back by lightweight boxer Benny Leonard, ca. 1920s.

Source: Library of Congress, George Grantham Bain Collection

Houdini performing the Chinese Water Torture Cell, 1910s-1920s.

Houdini performing the Chinese Water Torture Cell, 1910s-1920s.