American Experience (1988)

Episode Overview

Mandy Patinkin lends his voice to a captivating biography of Harry Houdini (1874-1926), highlighting his extraordinary accomplishments through a mix of clips and reenactments. The narrative delves into the deep-seated obsessions that influenced his character, particularly his fixation on his mother and his own mortality. Houdini's passion for "escapology" stands out prominently. Author E.L. Doctorow notes, "He was so incredibly dedicated to his craft that the sheer madness of his existence never registered with him."