Is The Great Houdinis Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Great Houdinis is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 96 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Great Houdinis Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1976, The Great Houdinis enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on A biography of the renowned escape artist Harry Houdini, examining his fascination with the occult and his promise to his wife on her deathbed that he would speak from the beyond. Under the direction of Melville Shavelson, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Paul Michael Glaser, Sally Struthers, Ruth Gordon. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Great Houdinis offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, The Great Houdinis resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, The Great Houdinis is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of The Great Houdinis centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. A biography of the renowned escape artist Harry Houdini, examining his fascination with the occult and his promise to his wife on her deathbed that he would speak from the beyond. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1976 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Great Houdinis has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Great Houdinis sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Great Houdinis (1976): with an audience rating of 5.9/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, TV Movie, History cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Great Houdinis is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.9/10, and global collection metrics, The Great Houdinis stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1976 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Great Houdinis movie hit or flop?
The Great Houdinis has received mixed reviews with a 5.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Great Houdinis worth watching?
The Great Houdinis is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, TV Movie, History movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The Great Houdinis?
The Great Houdinis is a Drama, TV Movie, History movie that A biography of the renowned escape artist Harry Houdini, examining his fascination with the occult and his promise to his wife on her deathbed that he...
Explore More Verdicts
More with Paul Michael Glaser
View full filmography
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Great Houdinis movie hit or flop?
The Great Houdinis has received mixed reviews with a 5.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Great Houdinis worth watching?
The Great Houdinis is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, TV Movie, History movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The Great Houdinis?
The Great Houdinis is a Drama, TV Movie, History movie that A biography of the renowned escape artist Harry Houdini, examining his fascination with the occult and his promise to his wife on her deathbed that he...
Is The Great Houdinis family friendly?
The Great Houdinis is a Drama, TV Movie, History movie. Please check the content rating before watching with family.
Where can I watch The Great Houdinis?
You can find streaming options and availability for The Great Houdinis on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of The Great Houdinis?
The Great Houdinis features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
How long is the movie The Great Houdinis?
The runtime and duration of The Great Houdinis are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Critic Reviews
No reviews found for this filter.