his childhood was the reason that he was so mentally strong and determined. Meanwhile “Harry” as he called himself now was performing on the Midway at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Later that same year, Jacob Hyman left The Brothers Houdini and was replaced by Harry’s brother Theodore, or Dash as he liked to be called. That Khan 3summer, Harry met fellow performer Wilhelmina Beatrice Rahner. After three weeks of getting to know each other, they were married. Bess replaced Dash, and the act became known as “The Houdinis.” (Timeline 1874 1) The Houdinis achieved some success with their signature number, “The Metamorphosis,” in which they traded places in a locked trunk. Harry also began experimenting with public handcuff escapes, including exhibitions for police and reporters. In 1898, Harry and Bess returned to New York to live with his mother. By the end of the year, Houdini was so frustrated that he considered leaving show business. Harry then mailed out a sixteen-page catalog for “Harry Houdini’s School of Magic.” (Timeline 1874 1) The next year was a big one for Harry. After struggling for six years, he finally caught his big break. A theater manager Martin Beck saw his handcuff act in St. Paul. He told him he could open Omaha March 26th for sixty dollars. Mr. Beck said he would watch to see if he wanted Harry permanently. Within a few months, Beck had Houdini in demand at top vaudeville houses across the country.In 1900, Harry, know known as “The King of Handcuffs” set sail for England, hoping to meet with as much success in Europe as he had enjoyed in America. He spent the next five years overseas, becoming a truly Khan 4international star. In September, Houdini was stripped naked before three hundred German policemen in Berlin and escaped in six minutes. (Timeline 1899 1) After the police saw him, they gave him an Imperial certificate. In...
