Escape to the big screen with Harry Houdini

Many have heard of Harry Houdini, the world-famous magician, but did you know he was also a silent film star? This March, while visiting the AGO to see our exhibition Illusions: The Art of Magic, come see Haldane of the Secret Service and The Man From Beyond, which will be screened in Jackman Hall and accompanied by live musical scores.

Houdini’s talents are brought to the big screen in these two silent films showcasing incredible stunts to rival your faves. A jack of all trades, both films were also directed and produced by the great escapist himself. And adding a thrill to the excitement are live piano accompaniments by Tania Gill and Marilyn Lerner for you to truly immerse yourself in the drama and magic.

In Haldane of the Secret Service, which will be showing on March 4, Houdini acts as a member of the secret service named Heath Haldane. When his father is murdered, Haldane tracks down those responsible and gets himself caught in numerous traps. Surprising and exciting, Haldane (Houdini) escapes time and time again from ropes, chains and strongboxes. 

Step right up on March 6 to see The Man From Beyond, in which Houdini stars as a man brought back to life. Having been encased in ice for a century, the now-unfrozen hero sets out to tackle problems in the lives of his old friends’ descendants – and maybe find some love along the way. Also in the film is an iconic scene of Houdini’s near-plunge over Niagara Falls – a gripping sequence that is sure to resonate with Canadian fans. 

Both screenings will include an introduction by film critic and programmer Alicia Fletcher as well as live piano accompaniments – a rare treat in today’s world of recorded soundtracks. Despite its name, silent films back in the day were almost always paired with live, synchronized music, and the AGO is not one to ignore tradition. Travel back in time to the 1920s with this unique, one-of-a-kind experience during our screenings.

Tania Gill, a Toronto-based jazz pianist and composer, will be performing the score for Haldane of the Secret Service, and internationally-acclaimed jazz pianist and improviser Marilyn Lerner, who hails from Montreal, will set the mood for The Man from Beyond. Gill’s 2010 album debut was The Globe and Mail’s “Disc of the Week,” while Lerner’s original music won the 1994 Montreal International Jazz Festival award. Both of these prolific pianists have accompanied silent films through events like the Toronto Silent Film Festival and the TIFF Bell Lightbox. 

Tickets for each screening are $12 for Members and $14 for non-members, but general admission to Illusions: The Art of Magic and other special exhibitions is always free for AGO Members, AGO Annual Pass holders and visitors 25 and under.