Frank Reno "The Escape King"

Reno began his career in show business at age 16,touring the vaudeville circuit's in U.S. and Canada not only as an escape artist but later in an acrobatic act. This was only the beginning for eventually he was known as THE GREAT RENO,THE ESCAPE KING,and THE HANDCUFF KING. Having known Houdini personally and also collecting (and escaping from), the largest handcuff collection in the world,the history of escapism seem's to have started with Frank Reno.




The Great Reno lived and performed in the Glory Days of Escape Artists:

He touched the lives of so many people thru the years. Frank Renaud was born in Southbridge, Mass. on July 29,1890, and passed away in 1964. In those 74 years, he left his mark as a true hero to all. By the time he was 16 yrs. old, he was performing in vaudeville as a Strong Man and an Acrobat. He was also doing card tricks, magic & rope ties in amateur shows. In 1907, the young Reno went to Boston to see "Houdini" perform. As he recalled," I finally convinced "Houdini" to show me a few tricks and from then on I studied and took lessons in Magic."   Reno went on to perform in vaudeville circuit through the U.S. and Canada billed as The GREAT RENO-ESCAPE ARTIST.  RENO would challenge any person to tie him up so he couldn't ESCAPE. Once he played Bridgeport, Conn. It happened both the circus and the navy fleet were in town. Three circus roustabouts, experienced in rigging tents joined two soldiers who knew knots. The five of them really trussed RENO up tight. "That was a tough night," he recalled,"it took me three full minutes to get loose."  

"HANDCUFFS" BY FRANK RENO June 1956

May I introduce myself. I am Frank Reno. I have in my possession one of the largest collections of Handcuffs, Leg Irons and Nippers in the world. It is my desire to help everyone interested in this line. Since the Houdini picture I have been asked to answer questions about the different types of Handcuffs that I think there must be many of you interested.





I started in this game when Houdini was nearly at his best which was around 1906. I was in the "Challenge Escape Racket" and believe me there were many doing this act in those days. I met most of them . In fact, when Harry Houdini was playing Keiths in Boston, I went back to see him and we exchanged some effects. This was not easy to do with Houdini.   









Now about Handcuffs. There are over 300 different kinds to my knowledge. Of all,I think the "Peerless," made in Springfield is the best. There are 24 different makes on the same principle with the swinging bar, or revolving bar. It is interesting that the key to any one of these fit most of the others. Most of these same companies also make Leg Irons. Some, of course, are very poorly made and easy to pick. The Stratus Cuff is an example of this.     





A few makes of cuffs are hard to work such as the Thumb-Cuffs, Bean Giant, Irish plug 8, French torture thumb-cuff and the German Berliner. I have sketches of all these cuffs which I hope to print in a book soon. Also, look out for the J. Lorey Number handcuffs which you see illustrated below. You have to be a good combination lock man to get out of these. You will notice there is a double pin that works to lock the ratchet bar.  









The other two cuffs that are illustrated are the Peerless and the Irish Figure 8 cuffs. The latter is also similar to the English Figure 8 cuff used by the British in the Boer War and still in use on the Kaffir Diamond Thieves in the mines of South Africa. In this introductory article I have only been able to mention a few of the Handcuffs. I am always looking for all kinds of Handcuffs, Leg Irons, And Nippers for my collection.I hope soon to put collection on exhibition to collect money and clothes for the poor children. If any of you have anything to donate, sell or trade, let me know.                                                 Until we meet again, May God Bless You All. - FRANK RENO




 

HEAVILY HANDCUFFED, SHACKLED, AND CHAINED QUINEBAUG RIVER JUMP JULY 4TH 1910




THE GREAT RENO BRAVELY LEAPS!




EXCELLENT TIMING BY PHOTOGRAPHER CATCHES RENO WALKING ON WATER!




RENO HITTING THE WATER W/ 3 HANDCUFFS ON WRIST, LEG IRONS, AND CHAINS AROUND HIS NECK & ELBOWS. 7 SECONDS LATER APPEARS W/ MANACLES IN HIS HANDS. THIS MAKES HIS 17TH RIVER JUMP.















 




A FEW OF THESE PICS ARE ON OTHER PAGES. HERE YOU CAN SEE A FEW MORE THINGS GOING ON : MAN IN BOAT/ MAN w/ TOPHAT & A VERY LARGE CROWD.












DRAWING AN AUTOMOBILE w/ HIS FRONT TEETH IN 1936.






 




FRANK RENO by Seaver Rice~1976

It was over a year ago when I met Frank Renaud Jr. on the street and stopped to talk about his father, Frank Sr., who was one of the most talented men in show business. Billed in vaudville, circuses and carnivals as "RENO THE HANDCUFF KING" and a friend of the great Harry Houdini, he made a name for himself as an escape artist, performer on the Royal Rings, and in a hand to hand balancing act w/ Pete Lucier, and later w/ a one legged performer named David Spaulding. 




UNDER CONSTRUCTION

 

From collection of grandson Marco

                                        



 

Leo Renaud ©
 

Hosted with love by Desirée Renaud in memory of my dad Bert Renaud, my Uncle Leo and all the Renaud's.....