Poster for Houdini's Metamorphosis

Erich Weiss is arguably the most famous magician in history. We all know him by his stage name, “Harry Houdini.” Houdini started off as the “King of Cards.” He made cards appear and disappear out of thin air. He later became famous for being an escape artist. He and his wife, Bess did another famous illusion. The effect was called “Metamorphosis.”  Metamorphosis has been defined as “a transformation.” Here’s how Houdini’s effect looked. Bess would be shackled with some sort of lock, then put inside a large trunk. The trunk was then closed and securely locked. A curtain that surrounded the box was then lifted up as Harry stood on top of the trunk. The curtain would be raised over Harry’s head for 3 seconds, then it dropped to reveal Bess and Harry had disappeared. Bess would then unlock the trunk and open it to reveal Harry inside wearing the same shackles that Bess had previously been wearing. The effect caused quite a sensation and became a staple of every show they did together. Throughout the years many performers have done this effect, also known as a “Sub-Trunk.” While Maskelyn invented the illusion, the Houdini’s are the ones who truly made it famous. Even today, more than 100 years later, people still associate this illusion with the Houdini’s. There’s is a modern day couple though who many people associate this illusion with, too: The Pendragons.

Megan and I with Jonathan and Charlotte Pendragon

Jonathan and Charlotte Pendragon embody the phrase “Physical Grand Illusion.” The author of the book “The Prestige” (which was made into a movie) based one of his characters on Jonathan. They are truly giants in the world of illusion whose talent is only exceeded by their creativity.

I actually owned a sub trunk at one point, but ended up selling it without ever using it one time. I could never do it like I thought it should look.  Then in the mid-90′s I saw a magic special on television and I saw this couple perform the illusion perfectly. It was exactly the way it was supposed to look. It was sheer perfection. The Pendragons had been performing this effect for quite some time. Once I saw them do this effect, I believed it could not be improved on. I was not going to copy them and steal their effect, so I put this illusion down for 12 years. Through a series of what I believe are “God circumstances” I ended up talking to the Pendragons and getting to know them. I found out they were going to make their illusion available to some other magicians. I decided to be the first one to purchase one.  We finally met in person at the Winter Carnival of Magic in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in March of 2009. At that time Charlotte trained my daughter Megan in her amazing technique for this illusion.

 

The Pendragons and Ken with Ken's Metamorphosis

In April of 2009, Jonathan and Charlotte delivered the effect to my house and Jonathan trained me in his technique. This effect will be a staple for the Hartley’s for years to come. The picture to the left is the trunk the Pendragons made for me. This trunk is not only incredibly well made, it also a piece of magical history in the lineage of Houdini and the Pendragons. I am so proud and pleased to bring this illusion into my shows. This effect has become one of my most requested effects. One word of advice if you see it live: DON’T BLINK!

 

 

In the meantime, enjoy the photos below taken with a high speed camera during my 2009 show. The photos you’re seeing took about 3 seconds to take.