Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, a celebrated 19th-century magician, discusses his remarkable transformation from a watchmaker to an iconic illusionist during a tumultuous historical period. He recounts a high-stakes performance aimed at quelling unrest in French Colonial Algeria, revealing the interplay of magic, ambition, and political drama. The conversation dives into the psychology behind his captivating acts and the broader implications of how performances can manipulate perceptions, raising questions about truth and deception.