Page 94 - Copshaholm Curriculum Book_2015

The Man Called Houdini

Lesson Plan

Themes: Psychology, immigration, economics, sociology

Materials: Houdini from PBS’ “The American Experience” VHS videocassette (probably
available at your local public library)

Before Viewing Question and Discussion

1. Houdini was born Ehrich Weiss in Budapest, Hungary, and died as Harry
Houdini, a “native of Appleton, Wisconsin” (according to his then-current
passport). Discuss identity issues of immigrants in America: Why might an
immigrant want to change his or her identity? What does a person lose or gain
by leaving his or her past behind? Who is welcomed into American society?
Who prospers and why? What qualities do students believe make someone an
“American?”

2. George Bernard Shaw once said that the three most famous names in history
were Jesus Christ, Sherlock Holmes, and Houdini. Talk about celebrity with
students: Why might someone seek it out? Include in your discussion such
influences as family roles, early successes and failures, legacy and expectations
of parents, self-esteem and self-confidence (both positive and negative), talent,
and financial concerns. What do students consider the pluses and minuses of
such a life? Talk about such issues as privacy, personal fulfillment and rewards,
public rewards, and financial rewards.
a. How are celebrities made? Ask students to discuss the venues through
which they get information about celebrities. Talk about various ways
“buzz” is generated, and why. What’s most important—talent or
marketing? Which does the public see most often? How does marketing
of celebrities vary in newspapers, TV, and in person? How genuine are
the people students see on TV? How might such marketing benefit and/or
harm the public?

After Viewing Question and Discussion

1. Discuss Houdini’s personality in relation to his fame. Why might a person like
Houdini seek out fame? What was his relationship with his parents like? What
was his life like as a child? How did fame change his life? Did fame bring
Houdini happiness? Was his career satisfying? Was his personal life satisfying?

2. Ask students to evaluate Houdini’s rapport with the public. How did he market
himself? How did others market him? How real were his talents? How is he
different than TV or movie stars today? How is he similar?