- Handcuff Escapes: Houdini was famous for his ability to escape from various types of handcuffs, even when they were double-locked or specially designed to prevent him from breaking free. He would often perform these escapes in front of large crowds and even invited law enforcement officials to witness and verify the authenticity of his abilities.
- Straitjacket Escapes: Houdini's straitjacket escapes were another hallmark of his performances. He would be securely tied into a straitjacket and then escape within a matter of minutes, often while suspended in the air or under water.
- Locked Container Escapes: Houdini also performed escapes from locked containers, such as milk cans, packing crates, and even a sealed safe. He would be locked inside these containers and then escape without any visible means of entry or exit.
- Underwater Escapes: Houdini's underwater escapes were particularly dangerous and required meticulous planning and execution. He would be secured in a locked container and submerged in a body of water, often with additional challenges like being handcuffed or shackled. Houdini successfully performed several underwater escapes, including one from the Detroit River in 1908, where he escaped from a submerged packing crate after more than 90 minutes.
- Public Challenges: Houdini frequently issued public challenges to law enforcement agencies, offering rewards to anyone who could successfully restrain him. He rarely lost these challenges and further solidified his reputation as an unrivaled escape artist.
Overall, Harry Houdini's significance lies in his remarkable illusion acts and daring escapes that pushed the boundaries of human capabilities and captivated audiences worldwide. His contributions to the world of magic and escapology continue to influence and inspire illusionists and performers to this day.