He created the iconic performance that other performers try to copy. I will say, that although Houdini did not invent the Milk Can Escape, in this instance he surely was the first to present it and that alone makes it a Houdini Original in my book. You can read all about the Milk Can and it's inventor by clicking here. This was actually the idea and creation of Montraville Wood. One piece of Houdini's act that I was surprised to find he did not invent was the Galvanized Milk Can Escape. Houdini did add one other thing.according to Long Tack Sam, Houdini copyrighted his presentation which prevented anyone else in Vaudeville from performing it. A good performer takes a routine and does it so well that it becomes associated with him. This goes back to what I was saying in Part 1. Houdini made a masterpiece out of the trick and because of this it became one of his signature routines. So, maybe the trick came from China and found it's way to Europe or vice versa. Interestingly, Long Tack Sam, who was a friend of Houdini's was very well versed in the Needle Trick, having learned it in China. In the book, he says the East Indian Needle trick originated with a magician named Ramo Sami in early 19th Century London. Once again, I refer to Houdini-The Key, and Patrick Culliton's knowledge. In many cases he did create something original. A Houdini trick was a very specific sort of thing and he really knew how to find and develop those routines that fit him. Make no mistake, though he may not have created everything he did, it all had his unique stamp on it. I'm just giving some background as to where some of his material originated. He was and always will be an iconic performer. I hope everyone who read Part 1 understands, I'm not criticizing Houdini or passing any sort of judgement on him.
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