Houdini
Seen it?1953 | 106 min | Drama, Romance, History
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (85% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and history buffs. If you loved The Count of Monte Cristo, start here.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 46 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1953: an older pace and style.
By the early 1900s, the extraordinary Houdini earned an international reputation for his theatrical tricks and daring feats of extrication from shackles, ropes, handcuffs and... Scotland Yard's jails.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
85% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$2 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 16K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Count of Monte Cristo
Saturday SpecialAnother historical drama, and a Saturday Special.
Shattered Glass Sunday Safe BetAnother historical drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Experimenter Sunday Safe BetAnother historical drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Breathe
Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Greatest Show on Earth Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by George Marshall
- Tony CurtisHarry Houdini
- Janet LeighBess Houdini
- Torin ThatcherOtto
- Angela ClarkeHarry's Mother
- Stefan SchnabelGerman Prosecuting Attorney
- Ian WolfeMalue
- Sig RumanSchultz
- Michael PateDooley
- Connie GilchristMrs. Shultz
- Malcolm Lee BeggsBritish Jail Warden