The
Royal Palladium Theatre 
1330 Washington Ave
St. Louis, Missouri

                                                                                                                                           21 March, 1925

Dear Mr. Houdini: 

Congratulations on your latest unbelievable feat! Never have I seen the crowd at the Royal Palladium so enthralled by a performer. Stupendous!

Honestly, I was assured that the “Watery Grave” was ineacapable [possible typo for ‘inescapable’?], even for a master such as yourself. Really, if I’d had any notion of risking money, I might not have offered so grandiose a reward. After all, what man is made of money? Isn’t that right, Mr. Houdini?

My point is—well, I must admit that my cash flow is a little tight at the moment. More specifically, I do not have $50,000 available to give you at this time. The theater is young (but bound for glory, I’m sure you’ll agree!) and my bank account is still recovering from the building expenses. I’m sure you understand, sir. 

[Page 2] 
However! This letter is an announcement of golden opportunity, Mr. Houdini, not one of gloomy regret. In lieu of cash, (and in accordance with my lawyer’s counsel), I am prepared to offer you a reward far more valuable than cash: 

I would like to make you my business partner by transferring 50% ownership of the Royal Palladium Theater into your name. Just think of it! Together we can make the Royal Palladium the foremost venue in the world of magic. Stupendous! 

Certainly a man as brilliant and worldly as yourself will recognize this as an irresistible offer and realize that there is no need to squabble over the petty details of your reward or invite the press to make a mountain out of a molehill in this affair. 

Please sign below and return this document to me if you agree to proceed with the transfer of 50% ownership of the theater into your name. (In doing so, you will also be agreeing not to sue me or publicly defame my name.) A detailed contract will follow. Stupendous! 

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I am looking forward to a mutually rewarding relationship with you, Mr. Houdini. 

Sincerely, 

JJ Thompson 
JJ Thompson

I, J.J. Thompson, do hereby agree to transfer 50% ownership of the Royal Palladium Theater into Harry Houdini’s name in lieu of cash reward for his escape from “The Watery Grave.”
This transaction will constitue [possibly a typo for ‘constitute’?] a legally binding agreement that Mr. Houdini will not pursue any legal action against me or reveal any unflattering details about me to the press. 

X______JJ Thompson_____
J.J. Thompson

I Harry Houdini agree to accept 50% ownership of the Royal Palladium Theater in lieu of cash reward for my escape from “The Watery Grave.” I will refrain from pursuing any legal actions against Mr. Thompson or revealing any unflattering details about him to the press. 

X ____Harry Houdini______
Harry Houdini


Letter Two [read on projector close to the end]: 
Dear Harry: 

How’s tricks? (Not that I need to ask! I’ve seen the papers and I know that you’re dazzling the crowds wherever you go.)

I received your letter and I must say, I am very intrigued by your plans. This Thompson character sounds slippery indeed. If you want to disentangle yourself from him and you have the opportunity to do a good deed at the same time, I say bravo! What a windfall for a struggling young artist to inherit 50 ownership of a thriving theater like the Royal Palladium! But who is this mysterious beneficiary of yours? A magician, I assume? But where in the world did you come across a woman magician? I have never even heard of one. Is she talented?

Once again, your generosity is unsurpassed. I commend your noble heart and look forward to seeing you at the Princess in Montreal. It will be an auspicious reunion! 

All the Best, 
Your friend and Colleague, 

Dizzy Noshun


Letter Three [in the attic with keys]:

The Royal Palladium Theatre 
1330 Washington Ave.
St. Louis, Missouri

Whereas, JJ Thompson, owner of the Palladium Theater and resident of St. Louis, Missouri, had signed over one-half of the ownership in said property to Harry Houdini as reward for Mr. Houdini’s successful escape from The Watery Grave and; 

Whereas, Mr. Houdini has made the acquaintance of Louisa Falcone of St. Louis, Missouri the artist responsible for all of the ornamental plasterwork inside the theater, and;

Whereas, Mr. Thompson never delivered payment to Madame Falcome for her services rendered and;

Whereas, the actions of Mr. Thompson is failing to deliver payment or credit Madame Falcone in any way for her work constitute fraudulent and immoral actions and; 

Whereas, Mr. Houdini is of the utmost and honest character; 

Therefore, be it resolved by the three parties whose signatures appear below that any property rights, inclusive and appropriate, of the Palladium Theater vested in Mr. Houdini’s interests be transferred to Madam Louisa Falcone in recognition for her unpaid services to Mr. JJ Thompson. 

x Harry Houdini 
Harry Houdini

x JJ Thompson 
JJ Thompson

x [blank]
Louisa Falcone 

                                                  Letter Four [also in attic with keys]:

Hiram Chattendale
Hiram, Doyle & Union, Attorneys at Law
69 W Justice Avenue
St. Louis, Misouri

                                                                                                                                         October 17, 1925

Dear Hiram, The Festival of Illusions begins next week and every show is sold out. If the public finds out that Houdini has ditched the theater and that I’m now in business with some anonymous woman artist, I’m liable to have a public mutiny on my hands. More importantly, I stand to lose a lot of money.
(I have no idea how Houdini ever heard the name Louisa Falcone in the first place, but I’d like to wring the neck of the fella who mentioned her!) 

I’ve got Houdini’s paperwork here and I plan to sit on it until the festival is over. Houdini’s on the road anyway. By the time he gets back, it’ll all be settled. 

Thanks for your cooperation. 

Sincerely, 
J.J.