The Milk Can Escape Trick

One of Harry Houdinis most famous tricks was his milk can escape trick. He invented it in 1908 and premiered it in St Louis. He had colorful posters that said "Failure means a Drowning Death" this death threat made it one of his most famous tricks, and made many people try and imitate it, which in many cases resulted in death of the imitator. His trick was where a large milk can made of gavanized steel was filled to the brim with water. It was allowed to be inspected by any momber of the audience. Houdini would then step inside the milk can, handcuffed and curl himself up into a ball inside of it. As the water rushed out the top his assistant would quickly secure the lid, and lock it shut with six padlocks. Then the curtains would close, while a clock started and the audience would be left on the edge of their seats while waiting to see if he would fail and have a drowning death. Many audience members would hold their own breath until Houdini would leal through the curtain, soaking wet. Many of them could not. But Houdini would also sometimes wait behind the curtain after excaping for up to a half hour before revealing himself, when people were sure that he was dead. His wife would train him to hold his breath for a long time in cold water in the bath tub. And, after he had escaped the curtain would be drawn to reveal the milk can, closed with all six padlocks, locked.