Loosely based on the life of renowned daredevil escape artist Harry Houdini; the operative word is, of course, "loosely". An Internet search for the biography of Mr. Houdini reveals material for a much, much better movie. Still, this is a very entertaining, briskly-paced, and colorful film. A George Pal production, ably directed by George Marshall, this "Houdini" focuses on slight-of-hand, magical "tricks" more than "special effects"; this results in a much more realistic-looking film than you might expect. The story emphasizes the romantic relationship between handsome Tony Curtis (as Houdini) and shapely Janet Leigh (as Bess). They are a very good-looking couple.
****** Houdini (7/2/53) George Pal : George Marshall ~ Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Torin Thatcher, Angela Clarke
****** Houdini (7/2/53) George Pal : George Marshall ~ Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Torin Thatcher, Angela Clarke