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No lock could hold him.  No device could contain him.  He could vanish an elephant on stage.  He knew all the card tricks. Harry Houdini, world’s greatest magician and escape artist.

In 1922 a young magician fooled Houdini with a simple card trick.  Not just once, but seven times in a row.  For over 88 years this card trick has fooled audiences.  You can still purchase this trick from the magic shop that Houdini owned, Martinka & Co. 

On February 11, 2010, at 7:00pm Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ, Martinka & Co. will release a new documentary: 

The Magic Shop That Houdini Owned.

MARTINKA & CO.

Over 100 Years Of Magic Wonders. 

By using rare photographs and artifacts, with commentary by Charles Reynolds, famed magic historian, the 100 year story of Martinka is revealed in this DVD.  This is a rare look into the secretive world of magic. 

“For over 100 years, every great magician had Martinka design and build their magic props,” stated Ted Bogusta, owner of Martinka’s.  “Starting with Alexander Herrmann in the late 19^th century, Martinka & Co. has been known for their quality of work and that they could keep a secret.”  

Almost at once Martinka & Co. became the center of the magic world.  “All the great magicians came to Martinka Magic when they were in New York City,” observes Charles Reynolds, famed Magic Historian.  “It was a place where you could see anybody who was anybody in magic.”  

Renowned magicians, Howard Carter, Harry Houdini and Al Flosso not only shopped at Martinka’s but also owned it and help make it a wonderful place for anyone with an interest in magic.