During his Australian tour of 1910, Harry Houdini was in his 36th year and his 5 foot 6 inch muscular frame was crowned by salt and pepper hair. He had no children and was thinking of his legacy. To Harry, it was inconceivable that vaudeville feats would be remembered so he had to find another way to etch his name in history. Aviation seemed to be the path. For that reason he leaped at the opportunity to become the first man to fly in Australia.
Houdini was in Europe prior to leaving for Australia. Whilst there he witnessed the flight of a Voisin aeroplane, he bought it and took a few rudimentary flying lessons. Then he packed it in a crate and put it aboard a ship bound for Adelaide. He also packed the plane's mechanic, Monsieur Brassac, whose antics later amused Australian reporters.
A Voisin or a Wright Brothers Plane?
The choice of a Voisin was strange considering Houdini's overt patriotism. The escapologist had changed his birth date so he could claim to be American and he was proud of this acquired nationality. It would have logical therefore for him to support the American Wright Brothers by purchasing a plane of their design. However, the Voisin had some advantages.
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