The One and Only Houdini
By Dr. Robert Lado
About The Author:
Dr. Robert Lado is one of the main founders of contrastive linguistics, a branch of applied linguistics that helps improve language teaching materials. He was a very productive writer, publishing more than 60 books and many articles on subjects such as linguistics, language testing, and cross-cultural understanding.
Summary:
On August 5, 1926, everyone’s attention was on the swimming pool at New York’s Hotel Shelton. Houdini’s assistant James Collins, Dr. Mc Connell, and Joseph Rinn, the time-keeper, were present. Slowly, people gathered near the pool. An iron box with a telephone, alarm bell, and batteries was placed at the pool’s edge.
Houdini came wearing a black swimming suit. He was fifty-two but still strong and healthy. Before entering the box, he thanked the crowd. He wanted to prove that a man could live much longer than three minutes without air. The box was sealed tightly, and swimmers stood on top of it to keep it steady under the water. The countdown began.
Houdini hoped to stay without air for one full hour, which would bring him worldwide fame. The reporter told about his past: his real name was Ehrich Weiss, born in Appleton, Wisconsin. He loved magic from childhood and later became a magician named Harry Houdini. He was married, and his wife Bessie supported him greatly. Houdini became famous for his daring escape acts. He had trained hard for three weeks before this event. His chest and stomach muscles were very strong and could even bear the heavy punches of strong men.
As minutes passed, people grew nervous. The doctor warned Collins to bring Houdini out if he did not respond when an hour ended. But after checking, Collins told everyone that Houdini was fine. The doctor’s fear changed into admiration. Later, Collins got a message from Houdini that the box had a small leak, though it was not dangerous.
Finally, after one hour and thirty minutes, the box was opened. Everyone was shocked and amazed when Houdini came out safe and strong. The reporter congratulated him. People realized that his biggest strength was staying calm in every situation. The scene ended with the reporter saying, “You’re a fantastic man, Mr. Harry Houdini!”
Q1. What was the feat that Houdini took up in Hotel Shelton?
Houdini’s feat at Hotel Shelton was to stay inside a sealed box, placed underwater in a swimming pool, for one full hour without air. According to his assistant Collins, Houdini was even serious about one day being buried alive.
Q2. What were Houdini’s purposes behind doing this miraculous act?
Houdini wanted to prove science wrong and show that strong willpower can achieve the impossible. Science says a man can live without air for only three minutes, but Houdini wanted to survive for more than an hour. As Collins said, “Houdini always does what he says.”
Q3. Discuss how he prepared to do the act.
Houdini trained strictly for three weeks. He practiced holding his breath while doing underwater escapes. He worked hard, trained with patience, and learned to control his body well. His success came from determination, hard work, and staying calm during challenges.
Q4. Focus on the role of the reporter during Houdini’s performance.
The reporter closely observed Houdini’s act from start to finish. He reported the whole event at Hotel Shelton to the public. He spoke with Dr. McConnell, Collins, and Joseph Rinn during the act and also shared details of Houdini’s past life. As time passed, the reporter’s feelings changed from worry to admiration. In the end, Houdini’s success amazed him, and he praised Houdini greatly.
Q5. Describe some of Houdini’s previous achievements.
Houdini, born in Austria-Hungary, became a famous American escape artist. He was known for escaping from handcuffs and jails in America and Europe. In one jail escape, his wife Bessie secretly gave him a lock tool while kissing him goodbye, and soon he surprised the jailers by walking out free. He also performed dangerous underwater escapes. Later he became a professional magician under the name “Harry Houdini.”
Q6. Why does the reporter say to Houdini, “You’re a fantastic man”?
The reporter said this after Houdini stayed inside the sealed box underwater for one hour and thirty minutes and came out safely. Houdini’s calmness, training, and determination impressed everyone, ending their fear and anxiety. That is why the reporter called him “a fantastic man.”
Q7. Bring out the important aspects of Houdini’s character.
Houdini had many qualities. He was a talented magician, a fearless stuntman, and famous for his escape acts. His act at Hotel Shelton proved his courage and commitment. He never gave in to fear and stayed calm in every situation. The doctor called him “an amazing man,” and the reporter said, “You’re a fantastic man, Mr. Harry Houdini.” His life shows that with determination and hard work, even an ordinary person can achieve extraordinary things.