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Prober New user 71 Posts |
I cannot play sound on my computer at the moment due to a tech problem which apparently can't be resolved for a while; does anyone happen to know if there's a transcript of the 1914 Edison wax cylinder recording of Houdini's voice on the Net anywhere? Have tried searching via Google, etc. but not managed to find anything.
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
I can't find a transcription of it. I did find a few examples of the recording on the net. I found the reference to being "locked in the water torture cell in the regulation manner" rather amusing. I'm sure that every police department restraint manual had a set of regulations regarding how to shackle a prisoner in a Chinese water torture cell.
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Kevin Connolly Inner circle New Jersey 1329 Posts |
Yeah, but using that line, the image was set in the audience's mind.
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Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
Of course. It's typical Houdini Hype. But it works.
"The Swatter"
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houdinisghost Loyal user 287 Posts |
In 1969, at the Players' Club in New York, I listened to tape recordings of two Edison cylinders made by Houdini. They were variations on Houdini's speech introducing the Water Torture Cell.
First, the transcription of the recording which is currently on the internet: Ladies and gentlemen, In introducing my original invention the water torture cell, although there is nothing supernatural about it, I am willing to forfeit the sum of $1000 to anyone who can prove that it is possible to obtain air inside the torture cell when I am locked up in it in the regulation manner after it has been filled with water. Should anything go wrong when I am locked up, one of my assistants watches through the curtain, ready to rush in, demolishing the glass, allowing the water to rush out in order to save my life. Harry Houdini, October the 29th, 19 hundred and 14, Flatbush, New York. Now, this is what I transcribed from the two recordings when I heard them in 1976 (I must have combined the two): Ladies and gentlemen. . . In introducing my latest invention the Water Torture Cell although there is nothing supernatural about it, I am willing to forfeit the sum of $1,000 to anyone who can know that it is possible to obtain air inside of the Torture Cell when I am locked up in it, in the regulation manner, after it has been filled with water. I will first thoroughly explain the apparatus, and then I will invite a committee to step upon the stage to examine everything to see that things are just as I represent. The cover is made to fit into the steel frame which prevents it from being opened even if it were not locked. The steel grill acts for the double-fold purpose of condensing the space inside of the Torture Cell which at the same time prevents my turning around even were I capable of throwing both my feet through the cover. In front, a plate of glass for self-protection. Should anything go wrong when I am locked up as it is absolutely impossible to obtain air one of my assistants watches through the curtains, ready in case of emergency, with an axe, to rush in, demolishing the glass, allowing the water to flow out, in order to save my life. I honestly and positively do not expect any accident to happen. . . But we all know, accidents WILL happen and when least expected. The bands of steel form an impromptu cage held together with padlocks that enclose the same. I would like to invite eight, ten, or twelve gentleman to kindly step up on the stage. I assure you I have no confederates, and any gentleman is perfectly welcome. A staircase at your service on this side of the stage, and now is your opportunity. I thank you for your attention. When Houdini said "I honestly and positively do not expect any accident to happen. . . But we all know, accidents WILL happen and when least expected," the hair stood up on the back of my neck. It was thrilling and it has never been heard by more than a handful of people. |
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