Dangling by his feet, Magic Castle’s magician Jim Bentley performed Harry Houdini’s famed escape act, which was quite incredible! Check out this video shot by Julie Wolfson.

Magic Castle’s 100th Birthday Celebration on November 3rd was the place to be in Los Angeles. On this 100th Anniversary, magician Jim Bentley was assisted by the lovely trio of Tippi Hedren, Romi Dames and Jo Anne Worley into a vintage straightjacket (which was a show in itself!) and then hoisted 100 feet into the air by a crane.

Magic Castle's magician Jim Bentley was assisted by the lovely trio of Tippi Hedren, Romi Dames and Jo Anne Worley.

With good will and champagne flowing under the sunny California sky, Magic Castle originators Milt & Irene Larson and daughter Erika, Tippi Hedren, Jo Anne Worley, Fred Willard, Romi Dames, Rip Taylor, Rose Marie, Allison Arngrim, Kate Linder, Gloria Allred, Judy Tenuta, Dee Wallace, Ilene Graff, Luenelle, Lorielle New, Yuval David, Darcy DeMoss, Bill Dow, Jim Bentley, Andrew Goldenhersh, Christopher Rogers, Stan and Betty Freberg and many others turned out for this fun filled event!

A star-studded entourage celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Magic Castle. From Left: Jo Anne Worley, Fred Willard, magician Jim Bentley, Darcy DeMoss, Tippi Hedron, Irene Larsen, author Harrison Held and magician Andrew Goldenhersh. Photo credit Bill Dow.

Magical History

As explained to me by Magic Castle historian George W. Siegel, the Magic Castle, formerly know as Rollin Lane Mansion, was specially built back in 1909 for affluent couple Rollin and Katherine Lane. The Lane’s were originally from Wisconsin and moved to Redlands, California in 1896, until they relocated to Hollywood, where they were tremendous leaders in the growth of the Hollywood community.

Los Angeles landmark the Magic Castle

The Lanes passed away in the 1940’s with the manor changing ownership over the next several years. In 1961, it was acquired by television writer and magic-lover Milt Larsen and opened to the public as The Magic Castle, at 5 pm on January 2, 1963, gaining international acclaim ever since.

Comedy Queen Judy Tenuta gets the royal treatment from Magic Castle lifemember and retired doctor Christopher Rogers, aka The Tea Butler.

On Monday November 9th and Tuesday November 10th,  perennial favorite TV mom and performer Florence Henderson continued the celebrations with her show “All The Lives Of Me – A Musical Journey”.

Story and photos by Harrison Held.

For more info, visit: www.magiccastle.com.