Fans of Harry Houdini will have a rare opportunity to experience one of his most exciting films on the big screen next week at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
As part of the worldwide celebration marking the 100th anniversary of Houdini’s death in 1926, the library will present a special screening of Houdini’s 1919 silent film The Grim Game. The event is free and open to the public, though advance registration is required.
In The Grim Game, Houdini stars as a courageous journalist who is framed for murder after falling in love with a young woman portrayed by Ann Forrest. The film is packed with thrilling chase scenes, daring escapes, and one of cinema’s most famous real-life stunts—a genuine mid-air airplane collision that was captured on film.
The screening will feature live piano accompaniment by Makia Matsumura, recreating the authentic silent movie experience.
Following the film, attendees will enjoy a special discussion with Dorothy Dietrich and magician-historian Richard Cohn. The two experts will share insights into the making of the film, its rediscovery and restoration, and Houdini’s lasting influence on magic and popular culture.
The event is presented in conjunction with the library’s current exhibition, Mystery & Wonder: A Legacy of Golden Age Magicians in New York, which explores the rich history of magicians who helped shape New York’s entertainment scene.
For magic enthusiasts, film lovers, and students of entertainment history, this special screening offers a fascinating chance to see Houdini in action exactly as audiences did more than a century ago.
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