HOUDINI’S FATHER ESCAPES BUDAPEST

In previous posts we've presented evidence corroborating Houdini’s family story about his father: how Dr. M.S. Weisz fought a duel with a nobleman -- the family says it was a prince named Erich -- and killed the man.

After killing a nobleman in a duel, Weisz, a skilled lawyer working for the government, knew he was in trouble. Not only did he face the loss of his job and a possible prison sentence, there was a chance of blood revenge. Dr. Weisz fled Budapest in a hurry, leaving his pregnant wife and four children behind, including young Erich, the future Houdini. This wasn’t just a departure -- it was an escape.

Did Houdini's father flee in one of these Danube riverboats? (Valtertorjay via Flickr)

Where would he turn in his moment of need? Who was he close to who had clout in high places? Preferably high places far away from Budapest!

Carl Herrmann on American tour during the Civil War (magicposters.com)

From what we can piece together about his history, in our opinion there is only one man he would trust for serious assistance in disappearing: his close friend and former brother-in-law, Compars "Carl" Herrmann, the most famous magician in the world!

Mrs. Carl Herrmann, aka Rosa Csillag, star mezzo-soprano of the Vienna Opera

It’s a well-known but curiously overlooked part of the Houdini story:  

Samuel, Houdini's father, married either the sister or cousin (the record is unclear) to the mezzo-soprano Rosa Csillag, who became a world famous opera star. 

Rosa Csillag's visiting card

And Rosa married Compars Herrmann! Performing under the name Carl, he was then the world’s foremost magician.

Carl Herrmann made front page news worldwide (Buenos Aires 1880)

Since his college days, Carl Herrmann had toured the world, performing for the kings and queens of France, Spain, Austria, Russia, Belgium and for the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. His wife Rosa toured also, sometimes appearing with Carl onstage, according to James Hamilton, the world’s foremost authority on Herrmann.   

Mr. & Mrs. Herrmann billboarded in London, c. 1850 (magicposters.com)

Rosa was the toast of Europe as lead singer at the Hofoper in Vienna, under the personal protection of the Emperor himself.  

Carl was an equally polished and sophisticated performer: the critics of his day compared him with the best artists in all fields. 


In other words, Samuel Weiss’s in-laws, Houdini’s cousins, were, in the 19th century, considered the first family of the performing arts! 

He gave private magic lessons to the Queen of Belgium & Baron Rothschild

Herrmann and Samuel were not only brothers-in-law, but also intimate friends and companions, according to Houdini. Samuel’s brother-in-law became extremely wealthy, not least because he gave private magic lessons to Baron Rothschild of Vienna. Rothschild helped him invest his money, and, by all accounts, was a good friend.  

Baron Salomon Rothschild of Vienna

So it is hardly farfetched to believe Harry’s own account of his father’s escape: he told a Yiddish-language newspaper in 1925 that his father made his way from Budapest to London, where he was helped by Lord Rothschild to get to America! 


(Cited in Ken Silverman’s very useful Notes to Houdini!!! We'll present more details on this leg of the journey in future posts.)

Letter from  Houdini to Corelli referencing Carl Herrmann (halllippincott.info)

If further corroboration is needed -- Herrmann and Rosa had a daughter, Blanche Correlli, who became a famous diva in her own right. Blanche and her cousin, Harry Houdini, remained friends and pen pals until his death. Her letters to Harry mention her continuing friendship with the Rothschilds, who were known as patrons of the arts and vigorous supporters of Jewish causes.

Old Budapest

In our view, this (and only this) explains why and how Dr. Weisz would suddenly abandon a prospering life on the Danube River for a precarious existence on the Fox River, ending up in Appleton, Wisconsin, of all places -- a town good for very little except dairy farming and hiding out.

Old Appleton

Of course, nowadays Appleton has much more to recommend it -- including a fine museum devoted to Houdini!

Next time:  new info on the family’s life in America, including new details about Dr. Weiss in New York.

Also ahead:  A bonus feature! Batman does Houdini’s Water Torture Escape!

(Picture credits:  Google Images unless otherwise noted)