- Failed Handcuff Escape in Budapest: In 1900, during a performance in Budapest, Houdini attempted to escape from a pair of police handcuffs that had been officially sealed. Despite intense effort and multiple attempts, he was unable to free himself and had to be released by a locksmith.
- Locked Jail Cell Challenge: In 1910, Houdini accepted a challenge to escape from the highly secured jail cell in the city of Hartford, Connecticut. Although he managed to unlock and open the cell door, he was unable to escape the larger jail structure within the allotted time.
- Straightjacket Escape Attempt: In 1914, Houdini announced that he would attempt a straightjacket escape while being suspended upside down from a crane in downtown New York City. However, due to the excessive weight of the waterlogged jacket and the intense wind conditions, he was unable to free himself and had to be lowered down safely.
- Final Escape Attempt: Sadly, Houdini's final escape attempt also resulted in failure. In 1926, while performing in Detroit, Michigan, he was subjected to a series of abdominal punches by a college student who claimed he could withstand the blows. Unprepared for these unannounced strikes, Houdini suffered severe internal injuries that eventually led to his death.
These occasional setbacks and failures were rare in Houdini's career, and his overall legacy remains one of remarkable success, innovation, and mastery in the field of magic and escape artistry.