THIS is how to open a film. Above is an original still photograph from the stunning opening of the film Crime Without Passion being produced. Enjoy this clip...and marvel. Film making at the highest level, and 85 years ago. Still 8 x 10 promotional photograph collection Jim Linderman
L. E. Ashbrook of Lexington Kentucky was a folk art carver in the whittling tradition, but he took it to the extreme. Mr. Ashbrook created a fantastic film of his figures and machines at work! This is one of the finest documents of an artist at work...and play! A large group of his carvings are currently listed on ebay for sale. Most of his work was created in the 1930s or so, the film was digitized in 2009. WATCH on Youtube HERE. Extraordinary!
Since I can no longer go see films in the Cable Building (New Yorkers will know it as the converted storage space for cable cars with real popcorn) I spend no time with moving pictures.
Fortunately I know a brilliant writer and curator who does and I would like to share her work.Cynthia Lugo is a genius. I could say a "shy" genius, but she certainly holds her own place with the written word...and the word is The Cynephile, the most interesting and thoughtful blog about the relationship between Film and Art you will find.In fact, Ms. Lugo describes her site as a place where "film and art make out"
I recently sent Cynthia an interesting little find and was rewarded with a hefty hunk of skillful, comprehensive and colorful observations. Pictures too!If you follow film, and I mean the ART of Fine Film, Cynthia Lugo's blog CYNEPHILE is not only recommended, it should be added to your sidebars.
Now I could choose any of the MANY essays Cynthia has produced, but why not let my followers hear one of my favorite songs at the same time? It may not be a typical post, but you'll thank me for the song (as I thanked her 6 months ago) and you'll love Cynthia Lugo for the rich, full history she is producing on a regular basis on The Cynephille. Take a visit and see if you do not agree.
As Kodachrome fades into fuzzy, unfocused memory, I present here just about the only thing left to develop. MIRACLE FOTO! The "Fingers" Game with photographs you develop at home. Presented by Pic-Tease, one of the finest providers of Hollywood Lovelies. But it isn't enough for you to create actual photographs at home, there is a game involved too! As you see on the reverse, one must "guess the fingers" As you can see in the only "developed" card in the set, our lovely here has a full set of ten digits AND two "bonus" nubs I had to black out. But you get the point, and the have indicated a "10" on the card. That is for her fingers, not a sexist scale rating her beauty. The instructions ask one to wet the crepe paper which comes with each card, and press it against the reverse until the miracle foto appears!
Being a collector, I am saving them all in the original box, as I hope the Kinsey Institute will bid high for the set on day. I find nothing on the web about these miracle fotos, the manufacturer did also produce "Miracle Derby Cards" so they clearly did intend the placing of bets. As such, and given the risque images, I suspect these were, at the time they were made, Illegal and that is why they are scarce.
Set of Miracle Fotos Pic Tease cards. Collection Jim Linderman Date Unknown (1935?)
See DULL TOOL DIM BULB / VINTAGE SLEAZE BOOK CATALOG HERE
