At the turn of the century, Houdini performed with great success in the United States. He would free himself from jails, handcuffs, chains, ropes and straight jackets, often while hanging from rope in public places so he could be seen by audiences in plain sight. Another famous escape of his was the water-filled milk can escape. The possibility of death or failure absolutely thrilled audiences.
In 1912, Houdini performed what became his most famous act, the Chinese Water Torture Cell. In this trick, he was suspended upside-down in a locked glass and steel cabinet full to overflowing with water. It required him to have to hold his breath for over 3 minutes. He performed his famous escape throughout the rest of his career.
Sadly, Harry Houdini died at the young age of 52 due to appendicitis. Apparently he had been ill with appendicitis for several days but refused any medical attention. Even with a fever of 104 degrees he still “went on with the show” and took the stage to perform one night. He even passed out during his performance, was revived and continued on with the show. Afterwards he was taken to the hospital where he died on October 31st, 1926.
It is speculated that Harry acutally died from blows to the stomach delived by a student at McGill University who was part of a stunt in which Houdini could display his dexterity. He had already been ill for several days and medical professionals said that his appendix would have ruptured with or without the blows. Statements were taken from all sides involved in the stomach blow incident and Houdini’s insurance company concluded that the death was due to this incident and they paid double indemnity.
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