In Search Of... Season 6 # 11, HOUDINI'S SECRETS

Houdini called himself the master-mystifier of the age, the undisputed king of handcuffs. No ropes could bind him, no icy waters drown him. He spent his life in pursuit of death. He was born in Hungary and became the best known escape artist. Taking Houdan's illusions and adapting his name he married a singer, Bess, who also acted in his shows. Escaping from a straight jacket soon became part of the show. Houdini did not invent the handcuff escape but perfected it. He later on formed his own motion picture studio. His death resulted from a blow into his abdomen (he was hit without being prepared for the blow) and some of his escapes have never been repeated.