A Jewish successor to the late Houdini has appeared on the horizon of the magicians’ world. Charles Rubens, twenty-five years old, has already made the headlines in a number of leading newspapers with his feats of skill.
Professional jail-breakers must have burned with envy when they heard of this Jewish lad’s outstanding feat accomplished in cooperation with Duluth police officials who were kind enough to place two pairs of handcuffs on him. That was as far as the cooperation went, the escape had to be accomplished by Rubens without outside assistance. If he falled, the handcuffs would have to be sawed off as they could not be opened with keys. Harry Huber, city jailer, testified to this in an affidavit. Well, Charles did it. His spectacular feats include escapes from a police restraining jacket, from a burglar-proof vault and a mail-bag. He risked his life to achieve his escape.
The young magician, who resides at 208 East Fifth Street, has issued a challenge to Congressman Shoemaker, Farmer-Laborite from this state, who often refers in Washington to his ability to escape from a pair of handcuffs and a straight-jacket. The challenge claims that the legislator will be unable to leave unassisted a straight-jacket tied by Rubens. No acceptance has been received to date.
A member of the International Magic Circle, Charles Rubens spent most of his life in Duluth. He has indicated a willingness to make a tour of the country’s leading theatres if there is sufficient demand.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
