An old trick well done is far better than a new trick with no effect. — Harry Houdini

They do tricks even I can’t figure out. — Harry Houdini

The great trouble with magicians is the fact that they believe when they have bought a certain trick or piece of apparatus, and know the method of procedure, that they are full–fledged mystifiers. — Harry Houdini

My chief task has been to conquer fear. The public sees only the thrill of the accomplished trick; they have no conception of the tortuous preliminary self–training that was necessary to conquer fear. — Harry Houdini

A common pickpocket trick is for the operator to carry a shawl or overcoat carelessly over the left arm, and to take a seat on the right side of the person they intend to rob in a streetcar or other vehicle. — Harry Houdini

Look at this life–all mystery and magic. — Harry Houdini

I am a great admirer of mystery and magic. Look at this life–all mystery and magic. — Harry Houdini

My professional life has been a constant record of disillusion. — Harry Houdini

My professional life has been a constant record of disillusion, and many things that seem wonderful to most men are the every–day commonplaces of my business. — Harry Houdini

Keep up your enthusiasm! There is nothing more contagious than exuberant enthusiasm. — Harry Houdini

I do not believe that ghosts or spirits exist. — Harry Houdini

Disloyalty in trusted servants is one of the most disheartening things that can happen to a public performer. — Harry Houdini

But then, so far as I know, I am the only performer who ever pledged his assistants to secrecy, honor and allegiance under a notarial oath. — Harry Houdini

No performer should attempt to bite off red–hot iron unless he has a good set of teeth. — Harry Houdini

It is still an open question, however, as to what extent exposure really injures a performer. — Harry Houdini

A magician is only an actor–an actor pretending to be a magician. — Harry Houdini

Fire has always been and, seemingly, will always remain, the most terrible of the elements. — Harry Houdini

Eating coals of fire has always been one of the sensational feats of the Fire Kings, as it is quite generally known that charcoal burns with an extremely intense heat. — Harry Houdini

The great day of the Fire–eater–or, should I say, the day of the great Fire–eater–has passed. — Harry Houdini

In all feats of fire–eating it should be noted that the head is thrown well back, so that the flame may pass out of the open mouth instead of up into the roof, as it would if the head were held naturally. — Harry Houdini

Never tell the auidience how good you are, they will soon find out for themselves. — Harry Houdini

Some say I do it this way, others say I do it that way, but I say I do it the other way. — Harry Houdini

So You Want to Be Famous — Tui T. Sutherland

The secret of showmanship consists not of what you really do, but what the mystery–loving public thinks you do. — Harry Houdini