Month: May 2020

Production Used Kryten Head From Red Dwarf

Posted on by showreelrelics

Production used Kryten head from the hugely successful BBC TV series Red Dwarf. Robert Llewellyn played the role of Kryten, a “series III mechanoid” in all but the first appearance of the character. This is a static head & one of several used in the series. In the storyline, these were supposedly spare heads for the mechanoid.

Robert Llewellyn subsequently reprised the role of Kryten in the unsuccessful pilot episode of the US version of Red Dwarf.

The detail on the fiberglass head is exceptional, and it’s certainly a “statement” piece.

Red Dwarf Kryten Spare Head
Red Dwarf Kryten Spare Head

Best guess is that the head is from season seven episode six “Beyond a Joke“. It’s an identical sculpt to the heads featured in that episode. I suspect it may be the head lying on the ground after “Able” (servant mechanoid to the rogue simulant captain) removes his head, attacks and knocks out his simulant master.

I’m always on the lookout for more production used Red Dwarf pieces. Kryten sits nicely with my screen used “Nowt On Telly” magazine which featured in “Back to Earth” (2009).

Screen Used “Nowt On Telly” magazine Red Dwarf (2009)

Did you enjoy seeing my production used Kryten head? Click to my “YourProps” page here to see more of my movie props & relics. And in addition, if you’re new to collecting tv & movie memorabilia–check out my new guides here, packed with hints & tips!

“Noah’s Ark” Warner Bros Publicity Movie Clock

Posted on by showreelrelics

My Warner Bros publicity clock from Noah’s Ark (1928). A production with a fascinating, important and certainly sad history.

Dolores Costello, that is to say, Drew Barrymore’s grandmother starred alongside George O’Brien in the 1928 epic “Noah’s Ark”. Michael Curtiz and Darryl F. Zanuck directed. A hybrid part talkie using the Vitaphone sound-on-disc system.

Production inundated the set with 600,000 gallons of water in order to capture the realism of the cataclysmic flood event. Tragically, it overwhelmed many in the cast. As a result, Dolores Costello suffered a severe case of Pneumonia. The deluge also resulted in three deaths, an amputation and many broken limbs. Hollywood introduced stunt safety regulations the following year.

The clock is cast iron and therefore heavy (weighing over a kilogram), and was a publicity piece commissioned by the studio for the film’s release. Dolores Costello’s image features on the clock face. Fashioned in the shape of an ark, the color has faded over time and wear is evident for example, lower left portion of the “N” is missing. The mechanism works for a very short period when the clock is tilted. Sterling Art Metal Works manufactured this amazing piece.

Did you enjoy seeing my Warner Bros publicity clock? Click my “Your Props” page link  here to see more of my movie props & relics. And in addition, if you’re new to collecting TV & movie memorabilia–check out my new guides here, packed with hints & tips!

Noah’s Ark Clock (1928)
Publicity piece – Noah’s Ark Clock (1928)
Noah’s Ark Clock (1928)
Noah’s Ark Clock (1928)

The Man Who Would Be King Script & Battle Plan

Posted on by showreelrelics

“The Man Who Would Be King”. My production used script & battle plan.

I certainly credit my dearly adored and greatly missed mum for my love of the screen. She had above all others I know, a rich encyclopedic knowledge of cinema. She would share with me the films, the stars, the directors & tons of interesting stories. So consequently Mum was my go-to person for actor’s names, film titles, director’s bios and film quotes long before (and even after) google arrived. I therefore thought it fitting that immediately after the scattering of mum’s ashes, I was on my way to Sydney (20 hour round trip) to pick up what have become two of my favourite production used pieces.

John Huston and Captain Richard (Dicky) Drew-Smythe

Captain Richard (Dicky) Drew-Smythe, an ex-British Indian Army and Gurkha Battalion military expert, supervised the battle scenes for “The Man Who Would Be King” (1975). Capt. Drew-Smythe worked closely with director John Huston and the two reportedly formed a bond of friendship and deep respect during filming.

Bashkai Battle Plan

I acquired Capt. Drew-Smythe’s personal production used script full of annotations. Many of these notations are unmistakably John Huston’s. In addition, I acquired a huge production drawn “battle plan” used in choreographing the Bashkai battle scenes.

On completion of filming, cast and crew presented the “Battle Plan” to Capt. Richard (Dickie) Drew-Smythe in recognition of his contribution & friendship during filming.

Cast and crew certainly had a fondness for Capt. Drew-Smythe as evidenced in their personal written & signed comments. Including, for example, John Huston, Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Saeed Jaffrey, Shakira Caine, Gladys Hill & many others.

Battle of Bashkai battle plan
Battle of Bashkai Battle Plan with the cast & crew’s personal messages to Captain Drew-Smythe
Capt. Drew-Smythe’s personal script
John Huston & Capt. Drew Smythe on location in Morocco during filming.

Did you enjoy seeing my production script & battle plan? Check out my “Your Props” page here to see more of my movie props & relics. And if you’re new to collecting tv & movie memorabilia–Please check out my new guides here, packed with hints and tips!.

Catch-22 (1970) Screen Worn Bomber Jacket

Posted on by showreelrelics

I had the greatest pleasure of acquiring this genuine original 1942 bomber jacket. Moreover, it’s a screen worn bomber jacket used in the film classic Catch-22 (1970). Therefore, I was thrilled the previous owner shared his first-hand history. His involvement in the film as a flight engineer/extra in the production was similarly fascinating. His story below.

The Story

“I wore the jacket on the set of Catch-22 Outside Guaymas, Mexico. I believe in 1968. A complete Army Airforce base was constructed in the desert. Complete with a 5,000-foot runway. I worked every day wearing a WWII uniform. We never knew when we were being filmed. That is to say, we just went about our business. I was 22 years old and a mechanic at Tallmantz Aviation. We had contracted with Paramount Pictures to furnish the film’s aircraft flight crews for the 16 Mitchell B25s used in the film“

“I flew in most of the scenes during the movie. I was a flight engineer/aircraft mechanic. For example, I was in the bombardier/nose compartment of one of the aircraft in the opening scene. I recall we did three takes. 16 aircraft rolling for takeoff at the same time! The most dangerous and demanding scene shot in the movie.“

And lastly

He shared some never before published photos he had personally taken on set. Orson Welles and Buck Henry featured in some of his pics.

Did you enjoy seeing my “Catch-22” screen worn Bomber Jacket? Check out my “Your Props” page here to see more of my movie props & relics. If you’re new to collecting tv & movie memorabilia – Check out my new guides here all packed with hints & tips for the movie memorabilia collector.

Original WWII bomber jacket - Screen worn in Catch-22 (1970)
Original WWII bomber jacket – Screen worn in Catch-22 (1970).
Catch-22 (1970) flight crews / extras on set.
Catch-22 (1970) flight crews / extras on set.
Catch-22 (1970) Orson Welles and Buck Henry on set.
Catch-22 (1970) Orson Welles and Buck Henry on set.

M:i-2 Mission:Impossible-2 Press Kit

Posted on by showreelrelics

M:i-2 Mission:Impossible-2 Press Kit. It looks new! However, it’s now 20 years since M:i-2 Mission: Impossible-2 (2000) opened in cinemas across the United States. The second instalment in the franchise. M:i-2 certainly won at the box office, and as a result, became the highest grossing film of 2000. The film remains director John Woo‘s highest grossing film to date. Showreel Relics is happy to present….

An entire M:i-2 Mission:Impossible-2 Press Kit. In other words, press kit from the film’s Australian cinema release. Stored away for two decades and unused, original and complete! It comprises the original production folder, production notes and in addition, a pristine pack of production stills. All in remarkably good condition!

If you enjoyed seeing this M:i-2 (Mission:Impossible-2) Press Kit, why not check out some of my other production used pieces on my “Yourprops” page. In addition, check out my new guides for movie prop & memorabilia collectors. Packed with hints & tips here!.

M:i-2 Press Kit Mission:Impossible-2
Media / press kit M:i-2 Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)

Screen Used Salvage Tug. Ghost Ship (2002)

Posted on by showreelrelics

Presenting the Ghost Ship (2002) Screen Used Salvage Tug “Arctic Warrior“. I have always loved this film. Above all, it has one of the most effective horror film intro sequences in modern cinema. I was, as a result, excited at the prospect of owning this piece. Aware the previous owner had it sitting in his yard was concerning. However, firstly, I can’t abide seeing amazing pieces like this just left to rot away. Second, I figured how bad could it be? I gravely underestimated its poor condition.

Plans Sunk!

I had originally anticipated it would require “some” restoration. But, I expected it would not be in quite as bad a shape. I was wrong! What I discovered was a complete wreck! For example, Lots of warping and separation of the upper panels and hull. Much of the detailing had loosened & fallen off. It’s a real shame but, a full restoration was not feasible. The boat was in such a dire state, and requiring such extensive renovation and subsequently, little of the original would have remained.

All of the vessel’s sections were damaged, loose and brittle from years of neglect and as a result of prolonged exposure to the elements in a Brisbane backyard. I could however screen match the boat to the pyro (explosion) sinking scene. The cutaway section (aft) is a definite screen match. I guess that sequence alone contributed to a fair amount of production damage. I discovered further clues. For example, still present, were wiring & bulbs so lighting & power was active at some time during production.

Please check out the video (below) I shot it, in short, to record the boat’s condition after bringing her home.

Did you enjoy seeing the “Arctic Warrior” screen used salvage tug? Click to my “YourProps” page here to see more of my movie props & relics. And in addition, if you’re new to collecting tv & movie memorabilia–my new guides packed with hints and tips are here.

Miniature Filming Vessel “Arctic Warrior” from Ghost Ship (2002).
Closer look at the damaged “Arctic Warrior” miniature filming vessel from Ghost Ship (2002)

“Temple Of Doom” Indiana Jones movie press kit!

Posted on by showreelrelics

“Temple Of Doom”. Indiana Jones movie press kit! Original press kit from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom movie! It has been 36 years, so time to present this relic! Press kit for the Australian release of “Indiana Jones and the Temple Of Doom” (1984). This second instalment of the franchise was however a prequel to “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981) and was released in the US 36 years ago. Australian audiences waited a further 56 days (until July 19th, 1984) for the film’s release.

Like US fans, Australian cinema patrons were eager to welcome back and celebrate the return of “the man in the hat”.

Pictured here is my original Australian release Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom movie press kit. This piece coming from famed Australian “Ozploitation” filmmaker John D. Lamond‘s personal collection of cinema memorabilia. Besides the set of production notes, it retains the original folder.

Click on my “YourProps” page here to see more of my movie props & relics. If you’re new to collecting tv and movie memorabilia – please check out my new guides – packed with hints, tips & advice for movie memorabilia collectors – here.

"Temple Of Doom" Indiana Jones movie press kit!
Media/press kit from the Australian 1984 cinema release of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

Screen-Used Prop Bollard A Little Piece Of Asgard

Posted on by showreelrelics

Direct from the film set of “Asgard” is this screen-used prop bollard. Custom made, it appeared as part of the set decoration in the blockbuster motion picture Thor: Ragnarok (2017). Fashioned on the styling of ancient quayside bollards, these were part of the set design.

For example, the Asgard Piazza set incorporated a man-made canal and positioned along its length, were several of these bollards.

Hundreds of workers contributed to building the Piazza and the additional 35 sets during filming at Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast.

The cast enjoyed an increased level of realism due to these Impressive sets. All the studio sound stages were required for filming.

First, the bollard looks exceptional, standing approximately 21″ (53cm) high. Second, the resin construction makes it lightweight, but above all, solid. Originally connected at the base, it does however display some minor production wear. For instance, where it was bolted. Most importantly, however, it remains in overall good condition.

So, by clicking on the link below, you’ll be able to check out lots more of my collection on Yourprops. In addition, if you’re new to collecting props and therefore would like some help? Click here for my guides on collecting movie props & memorabilia. The guides are updated regularly and they’re packed with helpful hints and tips.

screen-used prop bollard