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The Magical World of Disney
S31.E20
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  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
IMDbPro

Young Harry Houdini

  • Episode aired Mar 15, 1987
  • Unrated
  • 2h
IMDb RATING
6.1/10
170
YOUR RATING
The Magical World of Disney (1954)
AdventureDramaFamily

A young magician and escape artist runs off to join a traveling carnival.A young magician and escape artist runs off to join a traveling carnival.A young magician and escape artist runs off to join a traveling carnival.

  • Director
    • James Orr
  • Writers
    • James Orr
    • Jim Cruickshank
  • Stars
    • Wil Wheaton
    • Jeffrey DeMunn
    • Kerri Green
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.1/10
    170
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • James Orr
    • Writers
      • James Orr
      • Jim Cruickshank
    • Stars
      • Wil Wheaton
      • Jeffrey DeMunn
      • Kerri Green
    • 5User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy
      • 1 nomination total

    Photos1

    View Poster

    Top cast25

    Edit
    Wil Wheaton
    Wil Wheaton
    • Ehrich Weiss…
    Jeffrey DeMunn
    Jeffrey DeMunn
    • Adult Harry Houdini
    Kerri Green
    Kerri Green
    • Calpernia
    Barry Corbin
    Barry Corbin
    • Elmore
    Roy Dotrice
    Roy Dotrice
    • Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
    J. Reuben Silverbird
    • John Parker
    Rossie Harris
    Rossie Harris
    • Theo
    • (as Ross Harris)
    José Ferrer
    José Ferrer
    • Dr. Tybalt Grimaldi
    • (as Jose Ferrer)
    Phillip Brock
    Phillip Brock
    • Wesley
    • (as Phil Brock)
    Michael Alldredge
    Michael Alldredge
    • Yardbull
    Sean McClory
    Sean McClory
    • Sean O'Casey
    • (as Seán McClory)
    Lee de Broux
    Lee de Broux
    • Marshall
    Rita Zohar
    Rita Zohar
    • Mrs. Weiss
    J.C. Quinn
    • Slats
    Mike Pniewski
    Mike Pniewski
    • Large Miner
    • (as Michael Pniewski)
    Mark Lonow
    Mark Lonow
    • Assistant
    Byrne Piven
    Byrne Piven
    • Rabbi Weiss
    Tony Becker
    Tony Becker
    • Albert
    • Director
      • James Orr
    • Writers
      • James Orr
      • Jim Cruickshank
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews5

    6.1170
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    Featured reviews

    10anotherviolation

    They should have never stopped making this movie

    Young Harry Houdini is the best movie Wil Wheaton ever made. He is surprisingly cute as a young teenager. This is an excellent example of of good clean family humor. It has you laughing without the use of crudeness and profanity. They should have never deleted it. At the age of 16 or so, Eric Weiss leaves his home and his best friend/brother to pursue his dream of becoming the worlds greatest magician. This is a very touching scene because he is very close to his brother, and he knows he may not see him again. He joins a circus and the ring leader becomes a father figure to him while a silent Native American Medicine man is his mentor. He finds love and finds himself as he learns to look within for his true abilities. Eventually he changes his name and becomes the greatest magician in the world. I haven't included any good stuff in this review because I don't want to ruin it for you when you watch it! I currently own a few copies of this movie that I collect, so please contact me at Kath_rees@yahoo.com if you would like one. Everyone should see this movie. It appeals to all ages and styles.
    Tinyhippy

    Fun movie

    I actually really liked this movie. Wil Wheaton, still fresh from "Stand By Me" gives a good performance as the young Harry Houdini. The story is fun and interesting, and some parts quite funny. I'd recommend this for a lazy sunday afternoon.
    bradmagic

    A magical tv film

    I have had a chance of watching this film very recently. I was very happy to view it.

    The film has good acting. A young Will Wheaton appears as the young Harry Houdini. Mr. Wheaton's acting skills are new, and not yet experienced. The rest of the cast make the film wonderful.

    Using locations on the old Disney backlot, and at Golden Oak Ranch, we are transported to the late 19th Century. We view the struggle that Houdini had with his father. His father did not want him to be a magician.

    I didn't like the ending! It's just not right. There could have been another way to end it.

    Otherwise, a good film.
    10existenz-6

    Really good made for TV movie

    I haven't seen this since 1987, but just the fact that I remember it so fondly means that it had an impression on me. This was an entertaining, finely crafted movie that shows how Houdini picked up on magic during his teen years. This is a good companion piece to the other TV film, "Young Sherlock Holmes". Both are fun and well worth watching. I only wish this one was available on video.

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    Related interests

    Still frame
    Adventure
    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama
    Drew Barrymore and Pat Welsh in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
    Family

    Storyline

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 15, 1987 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Die Jugend des Magiers
    • Production company
      • Walt Disney Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 2h(120 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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