Houdini jumps from Harvard Bridge, Boston, Massachusetts. Harry Houdini (1874 - 1926) was a Hungarian-American illusionist and stunt performer, noted for his sensational escape acts. His repertoire included chains, ropes slung from skyscrapers, straitjackets under water, holding his breath inside a sealed milk can, and being buried alive. John H. Thurston, April 30, 1908 (cropped and cleaned).