Escape artist performs upside down straitjacket stunt above Magic Castle

An escape artist named Houdini II successfully escaped from a straitjacket while suspended upside down from a crane in Hollywood, California. The New York Post reported that the stunt took place high above the Magic Castle on Halloween to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Harry Houdini. [1]

The New York Post and USA Today both reported that the performer was suspended about eight or nine stories in the air, with the New York Post specifying the height at around 80 feet. According to the New York Post, the escape artist completed the performance in under two minutes without using an airbag or a protective landing system underneath. [1][2]

The performer stated that the straitjacket used in the event was an exact replica of the jacket worn by actor Tony Curtis in the 1953 film Houdini. The New York Post noted that Houdini II has previously performed feats such as jumping into Biscayne Bay from the MacArthur Bridge in Miami while bound with ropes. [1]

Harry Houdini, born Erik Weisz, was an American escapologist, illusionist, and stunt performer famous for his escape acts. He began his career performing as a trapeze artist at nine years old before adopting his stage name in honor of French magician Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin. [3][5]