Acting as his own stuntman, Harry Houdini clings to the interplane bracing of a Curtiss Jenny during the filming of the 1920s silent movie The Grim Game.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Curtiss JN-4 Jenny - СШАUSA - 1916

Another view of Houdini flying at Digger’s Rest. Although of relatively poor quality, this photograph emphasises the pilot’s exposed position and the Voisin’s apparent fragility.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Voisin Voisin-Delagrange / Voisin-Farman - ФранцияFrance - 1907

This view of Houdini in his Voisin at Digger’s Rest, near Melbourne, Australia, shows the 60 h.p. ENV eight-cylinder vee engine (with individual exhaust pipes for each cylinder) and the paddle-bladed metal propeller.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Voisin Voisin-Delagrange / Voisin-Farman - ФранцияFrance - 1907

Houdini in the cockpit of his Voisin in Hamburg, Germany, in 1909, shortly before he crashed while attempting to take off on his first flight. The fact that he emblazoned his name on the biplane before his first flight illustrates an impressive degree of showmanship, not to mention confidence and optimism.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Voisin Voisin-Delagrange / Voisin-Farman - ФранцияFrance - 1907

Houdini during his first flight at Digger’s Rest on March 18, 1910.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Voisin Voisin-Delagrange / Voisin-Farman - ФранцияFrance - 1907

Harry Houdini poses in the cockpit of his Voisin at Digger’s Rest on March 18, 1910, the day of his momentous first flight.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Voisin Voisin-Delagrange / Voisin-Farman - ФранцияFrance - 1907

A contemporary published photograph and caption (complete with incorrect date) saluting Houdini’s achievement.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Voisin Voisin-Delagrange / Voisin-Farman - ФранцияFrance - 1907

Houdini (third from left) talks with some of the crowd in front of his aircraft at Digger’s Rest. The Voisin appears to be sitting on its tail, but this was the type’s natural position when at rest - the function of the nosewheel was mainly to protect the forward elevator and prevent nose-overs.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Voisin Voisin-Delagrange / Voisin-Farman - ФранцияFrance - 1907

The Voisin and onlookers at Digger’s Rest on the day of the first flight. This photograph was taken after Houdini’s three flights that day.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Voisin Voisin-Delagrange / Voisin-Farman - ФранцияFrance - 1907