Hear an actual cylinder recording of Harry Houdini: "...Ladies and gentlemen. Introducing my original invention, the Water Torture Cell. Although there is nothing supernatural about it, I am willing to proffer the sum of $1,000.00 to anyone who can prove that it is possible to consume air inside of the Torture Cell when I'm locked up in it in the regulation manner after it has been filled with water. Should anything go wrong when I'm locked up, one of my assistants walks through the curtains, ready to rush in, demolishing the glass, allowing the water to flow out, in order to save my life.
- I, Houdini, October 29, 1914, Flatbush, NY."