In 1908, Houdini launched his own unique invention, the Milk Can escape.[1] In this production, Houdini would be handcuffed and sealed within an over-sized milk can full of water and make his escape in the rear of a curtain. As part of the effect, Houdini would request members of the audience to hold their breath along with him while he was inside the can. Advertised with dramatic posters that proclaimed "Failure Means A Drowning Death", the escape proved to be a success. [2] Houdini soon customized the escape to include the Milk Can being locked inside a wooden chest. Houdini only performed the Milk Can escape as a normal part of his act for four years, but it continues to be the most connected with the escape artist. Houdini's brother, Theodore Hardeen, continued to perform the Milk Can (and the wooden chest disparity [3]) into the 1940s. The Milk Can and the Overboard Box are presently housed at the American Museum of Magic.
(1) Houdini: His Life and Art by James Randi and Bert Sugar, 1976, pages 175 to 178
(2) Houdini: His Life and Art by James Randi and Bert Sugar, 1976, Milk Can poster on page 177
(3) Houdini A Pictorial Life by Milbourne Chritophern, 1976, page 54
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