

By the early 1900s, the extraordinary Houdini earned an international reputation for his theatrical tricks and daring feats of extrication from shackles, ropes, handcuffs and... Scotland Yard's jails.
Acting
Tony Curtis learned actual magic tricks for this. Commitment!
Practical Effects
Pre-CGI escape sequences that genuinely slap.
Costume
Janet Leigh's wardrobe budget clearly exceeded historical accuracy.

Director
George Marshall
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh were actually married during filming, making their on-screen chemistry either effortless or deeply uncomfortable for the crew.