THE WORLD'S FIRST ROBOT
"Q"
Meet Q: Houdini’s Mechanical Menace
Before robots became science-fiction icons, Harry Houdini faced a formidable mechanical villain on the silver screen.
Known as Q the Automaton, this menacing metal figure appeared in The Master Mystery, Houdini’s 15-part silent serial released in 1918–1919. Houdini starred as Quentin Locke, battling a criminal conspiracy through daring escapes and suspense-filled cliffhangers. Portrayed by actor Floyd Buckley, Q became one of the most distinctive characters in Houdini’s film career.
Q is an early landmark in screen science fiction and is often cited as one of cinema’s first robotic villains. Audiences encountered the Automaton before the word “robot” was introduced in Karel Čapek’s 1920 play R.U.R.
Houdini escaped chains, locks and prison cells. With Q, he confronted the future.
"BORN" in 1918
Q is a PREHISTORIC ROBOT as the word "robot" didn't even enter the dictionary until 1920!
Audiences were in awe of the “indestructible villain”.
Q will be your new best friend.
Houdini movie ads claimed he has a human brain.
Q is an “automaton”, a moving mechanical device.