ORSON WELLES, DOUBLE AGENT

On June 19, the anniversary of this charming BBC broadcast, in the rarefied upcountry of Houdiniland there arose some tart questioning of the relationship between the world's most unforgettable magician and the world's most notorious fabricator.

Houdini portrait by Orson Welles

We hope to bring new insight to this issue next week, after you've all recovered from your holiday overindulgences. Today, we set the stage by presenting a little-known vignette in the life of Welles that is a clear double-lift from his friend Harry's Metamorphosis. 

The Welles story has the authority of that incomparable historian of both magic and spycraft, Barton Whaley. Whaley sets the scene in his masterpiece, Turnabout & Deception:

Click to enlarge.

Then, he reveals the method used by Welles:

Next week: newly uncovered evidence about the real relationship between Welles and Houdini.

RELATED:

HOUDINI & ORSON WELLES

HARRY'S HEROES: CAGLIOSTRO

HOUDINI IN PARIS CAGLIOSTRO & ORSON WELLES

THE QUEEN'S NECKLACE: HOUDINI, CAGLIOSTRO & ORSON WELLES IN PARIS

THE QUEEN'S NECKLACE, THE FRENCH REVOLUTION & HOUDINI

ORSON WELLES' HOUDINI TURN