What is the difference between these ads besides the variation in color?
Each version was the second page of a four-page ad created to promote the original release of the film. The drawings on each are the same, but the text is quite different.
The first one is the version that appeared in my copy of the MUM Society of Americans Magicians Monthly, New York August 1919. The second one most likely appeared in some magazine as well due to the few staple holes.
Below is the breakdown of the text for comparison. The text for the first version is in bold and the text for the second version is in italics.
HERE’S HOW IT HAPPENED
YOU READ IT IN THE PAPERS NOW SEE IT IN THE PICTURE!
On June First, 1919, the Associated Press carried from Los Angeles a story of the thrilling aeroplane accident that took place during the filming of “The Grim Game.”
The Associated Press on June 1, carried from Los Angeles a story of the most amazing aeroplane accident that has ever occurred.
The story of the two planes which crashed together in mid-air and plunged to earth buzzed on the wires to every newspaper in America.
Amazing because no one was hurt, though two machines collided and fell thousands of feet to earth.
You will see the collision in “The Grim Game”.
The accident occurred in the filming of “The Grim Game”
It was an accident, but the camera man had the presence of mind to keep it turning.
The camera man in the third plane was cool-headed enough to keep on turning, though he was sure that the occupants of both machines would be killed.
The drawings on this page show how it happened.
The drawings on this page show what you see in the film.
Houdini on the rope attempts to descend to the lower plane.
Houdini prepares to descend to the plane beneath him. He swings off onto the rope.
The camera man was in the third machine.
The lower machine turned its propeller upward – the propellers gnashed together—
The lower plane turns its propeller upward – The propellers gnash together!
The lower plane crashed into the upper one – cutting off a wing –
The two planes, locked and helpless, crashed to earth!
The two planes lock – They plunge to earth!
It’s all in the picture – and lots more!
The greatest thrill in the greatest thrill picture ever made!
A thrill that can never be duplicated!
Note: The third and fourth pages of the four-page ad are the same; And the first page of the four-page ad is the same with the exception that the ad that apprears in the MUM Society of Americans Magicians Monthly, New York August 1919, has one extra line of text added: Endorsed by the Society of American Magicians
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This is an excellent find! One of the reasons why the hunt for Houdini is so rewarding.
Thanks! I am having a blast. Happy Hunting! (HH!)