100 Years On: A Century of Houdini's Death Sparks a New Fight Over the Date

A century after Harry Houdini died, a new dispute has emerged over exactly when he passed away. Author Larrian Gillespie released a book this week claiming the escape artist died on October 30, 1926, rather than the widely accepted date of October 31. This new claim comes as a rare essay by Houdini was also published for the first time, adding to a busy weekend of centennial events.

The first key development is the release of a previously unpublished piece. Houdini's essay, titled "An Interesting Scrapbook," appears in the new issue of The Strand Magazine. In it, he pays tribute to magicians who came before him. He expresses frustration that earlier entertainers were rarely recorded in history books. He writes that these performers were often left out of chronicle lists until vaudeville needed them as headliners.

The second key development is the challenge to the official cause of death. Gillespie argues that Houdini did not die from diffuse peritonitis caused by appendicitis, as previously reported. She contends the real cause was an intestinal blockage. According to her account, a doctor allowed Houdini to eat a bowl of vegetables and sour cream while he was still recovering from surgery. Gillespie is a forensic medical researcher who reviewed medical records and the death certificate to make her case.

The third key development is the split opinion among Houdini experts. Some supporters of the new theory find it persuasive. George Hardeen, Houdini's great-nephew, told the Associated Press that he had zero doubts about Gillespie's findings. He described the book as convincing and persuasive. However, other long-time scholars remain skeptical of the idea that the date was changed.

Context shows why this debate persists. Houdini was born Erik Weisz in 1874. His family emigrated from Austria-Hungary to the United States to escape antisemitism. By his teens, he was a professional magician. By age 30, he was an international celebrity known for escaping from handcuffs and shackles. He also worked as an author, movie actor, and recording artist. His legacy is currently being debated at events in Budapest, Hollywood, Chicago, and Frederick, Maryland.

Matthew Solomon, a film history professor at the University of Michigan, notes that many people associate Houdini with the impossible. He says the public often knows the name more than the specific facts of his life. Solomon points out that Houdini is seen as the epitome of the self-made man. The fact that he reportedly died on Halloween only enhanced his mystique for many fans.

Eric Colleary, curator of Theatre and Performing Arts at the Harry Ransom Center, says Houdini had a deep interest in other magicians. Colleary notes that Houdini visited their graves and paid to have them maintained. Families often gave him playbills and scrapbooks to keep those memories alive. This personal connection to the history of magic is the focus of his new book, Houdini's Library.

Traditionalists argue the October 31 date is accurate. Bruce Averbook, a Houdini scholar, told the AP he doubted the date was altered for legacy purposes. He said the family was in grief and not thinking about how history would remember him. He cites writings from Houdini's personal assistant that list the death date as October 31. Averbook stated that the assistant had no reason to lie about the date.

John Cox, a Houdini blogger and founder of Wild About Harry Press, offered a different perspective. He acknowledged that the new book contains good information about Houdini's career. However, he believes a second opinion is still needed regarding the death. Cox argues that the specifics of his passing are a small part of his larger story. He says Houdini is remembered today because of his remarkable life, not just his final days.

The weekend of events includes a Grand Houdini Centenarium in Budapest and an auction of memorabilia in Hollywood. Seances are taking place in cities Houdini visited, including Chicago and Frederick, Maryland. His burial site at Machpelah Cemetery in New York City has long served as a gathering place for fans during Halloween. These events mark the first hundred years since his death at Detroit's Grace Hospital.