WAS BORIS KARLOFF A MUSLIM?

In Universal's 1932 film, THE MUMMY, Boris Karloff, in his guise as Im-Ho-Tep is seen wearing a hat that is common in African and Asian countries. Called a tarboosh, the headpiece is customary wear for those of the Islamic faith. While the hat is more commonly known here as a Fez, named after the city in Morocco, it is more properly called a tarboosh in most other Islamic countries.

Shown below is the tarboosh that was worn on screen by Karloff. A part of The Joe Franklin "Memory Lane Collection" is was auctioned off in 2004 for the price of $7,000.

And as for Karloff, he was only a Muslim on screen. Instead, he was true to his Hindi heritage and after his passing, was cremated in the customary fashion.

PUT THE MASK ON (THE AUCTION BLOCK) NOW!

I, for one, would have never expected to see something like this come up for sale. I guess you never know what someone has been hanging onto in their monster collections.

Of all movie props to pop up at auction, this has got to be one of the most esoteric; the original ritual skull mask used in what is considered the first Canadian horror film, THE MASK (1961). Besides the wild mask, the movie itself is pretty bizarre and is often cited as "surrealist horror".

Here's a LINK to a previous post about THE MASK.

Lot Description:

Mosaic Skull Ritual Mask from the Cult Film The Mask (Warner Bros., 1961). Vintage original vivid and iconic skull mask constructed of cast fiberglass shell with hinged, movable lower jaw, painted in metallic gold, ivory and red with hand embellishment of unique colorful blue, black and turquoise chipped stone mosaic tiles. For horror fans of the 1960s, this mask will be remembered for haunting their nightmares. Even for kids too young to see such films, the image of this mysterious skull, seen in monster magazines, newspaper ads and posters, is unforgettable. Aside from the mask itself being an iconic horror image among horror imagery, the movie, The Mask, is also considered the very first Canadian horror movie as well as the first 3D movie from Canada. Originally from the collection of legendary publicist, actor and pop culture figure Jim Moran who combed the globe adding exotic oddities to his mask collection. The theatrical, ritual mask measures 11" x 7" x 7" and is accompanied by 4-documents relating to Jim Moran's promotion and publicity for the film, 2-Warner Bros. 8" x 10"production photos for the film with 1-retaining studio paper snipe, and related newspaper clippings and magazine articles. Exhibiting age, production wear and soiling. In vintage Very Good condition. From the estate of Jim Moran. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.

NOTE: This information is from an auction preview, so I don't have any info on active biding.

TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE WILL 'LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE'

The props shown here today were used in THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE. Once thought to be discarded into the dust bin of horror film history they were actually stored in a Texas storage locker for years until the owner sold the contents when he got tired of paying the monthly fees for the space.

The arm lamp sold at auction for $5,175.00 and the bone chair for #3,375.50.

Screen-Used Arm Lamp from "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (Bryanston, 1974). Have you ever said to yourself, "Boy, I could really use a hand here?" Well, now you can not only have an extra hand, but the whole arm as well! Fans of the immortal horror classic, "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," filmed on a shoestring budget by Tobe Hooper in 1974, will immediately recognize this prop from the film. This "disarming" piece was part of a collection of props from the film that was kept in an Austin, Texas storage locker until the owner tired of paying the storage fees. Sold to a local furniture store, they were later acquired by Ed Neal, who played "The Hitchhiker" in Hooper's opus. Ed kept them safe and sound for years, and has now graciously consigned them to this auction. This prop, like all the others, was created by Art Director Bob Burns, who authenticated the collection shortly before his death in 2004. The lamp stands approximately 16" tall on a 5" x 1.25" base, and is wired to hold a standard light bulb. If you bid on this piece, you'll not only have an opportunity to win a rare and unique piece of horror movie history, you'll also be supporting your right to bare arms.

BONE-US: Screen-used "Bone Chair".

Screen-Used Bone Chair from "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (Bryanston, 1974). After a long, hard day of killin' and cookin', nothing says "comfortable" like this hand-made, one-of-a-kind bone backed chair used in Tobe Hooper's 1974 horror-fest, "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." Can't you just imagine yourself curling up in this little beauty waiting for your son to serve up a heapin' helpin' of head cheese and lady fingers? Sure you can! Created by Art Director Bob Burns, this prop, along with several other important pieces from this landmark film, were kept in a storage locker in Austin, Texas until the owner tired of paying the storage fees. Sold to a local furniture store, these pieces were later acquired by Ed "The Hitchhiker" Neal, who has authenticated them and consigned them to this auction. The chair has a height of approximately 16", with a seat measurement of about 16.5" x 16". The bone back rises approximately 28.5" from the ground, the arms are approximately 13.5" long and the back measures approximately 18" wide. This chair can be seen in the infamous "dinner" scene, wherein Marilyn Burns is brought to the table as a reluctant guest. This piece is sold as an historic artifact only; we cannot vouch for its functionality as a piece of furniture.

'PRETTY WOMAN' TEXAS CHAINSAW STYLE

Along with Wes Craven's THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT (1972), the unforgettable 1974 film by Tobe Hooper, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE heralded a new age of horror movies now called "slasher films", and foreshadowed the hugely-successful franchises of HALLOWEEN and FRIDAY THE 13TH.

Props from TCM are scarce and the tale told below by Heritage Auctions indicates just how lucky it was that a cache of items from the film had been stashed away, waiting for someone to re-discover them.

Among these items was the "pretty woman" mask, designed by the late Bob Burns (art director of the film, not Bob "Kogar" Burns). Made from latex and a fiberglass component that is no longer being manufactured, it was worn by the late Gunnar Hansen's character, Leatherface, in the infamous "dinner" scene near the end of the film.

The mask sold at auction for $9,200 in 2004.

Leatherface "Pretty Woman" mask from "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Bryanston, 1974). - In the annals of film history, there are several masks that can be considered classic: the mask worn by the Phantom of the Opera to hide his disfigurement, or that worn by Zorro to conceal the identity of the wealthy Don Diego de la Vega. Batman's mask is known to million's worldwide, while Jim Carrey's verdant visage in the aptly titled 1994 feature, "The Mask", is similarly well-known. Of all the masks ever worn upon the silver screen, however, the most disturbing and possibly the most unforgettable, are the faces worn by actor Gunnar Hanson in director Tobe Hooper's classic horror film, "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." Created by art director Bob Burns for the low-budget classic, this is the "Pretty Lady" mask (so named because it is decorated with grotesque lipstick, eye shadow, and a horrendous black wig) worn by the character Leatherface during the dinner scene in the latter part of the movie. Art Director Bob Burns reportedly made the mask from a fiberglass material (which is no longer manufactured) and latex. One of only two masks used in the film (the other is the infamous "Killing Mask"), Burns has claimed that there were no duplicates made of either prop, making this a unique piece of film history. In an e-mail received shortly before Burn's death, the artist said, "I was amazed to find out this mask was still in existence. I had thought it had been discarded 25 years ago. It's always a thrill when my work pops up somewhere like this." The mask, along with several other key props, was kept in a storage room in Austin Texas until the unit was abandoned by the renter. At that point, the contents of the storage room were sold on a blind bid basis to a furniture store in Austin. From there, the contents were acquired by Ed Neal (the "Hitchhiker" in the film), who has kept possession of them until consigning them to this auction. According to Neal, "This mask really creeped me out the first time I saw it on the set. Bob Burns did such a great job creating it, and Gunnar Hansen really brought the thing to life. Even more than the Killing Mask, this is the face that still gives me nightmares. I hate to part with this, but I have faith that it will find a good home with some devoted fan." The mask, which is mounted on a styrofoam head form, is in delicate condition, and has not received any conservation or restoration work of any kind. It has been authenticated by both the creator, Bob Burns, and by Ed Neal.

DR. VAN HELSING'S VAMPIRE SPECS

Just to prove to you that MONSTER MAGAZINE WORLD leaves no tombstone unturned in its relentless search for monster minutiae and memorabilia, submitted today is a pair of spectacles worn by Edward Van Sloan in his role as Dr. Van Helsing in DRACULA. To be more accurate, the specs are from the stage version. Nonetheless, the prop added to the professorial comportment of the vampire hunter.

As lot# 23241, the spectacles were sold at auction in 2005 for $2,987.50.

WHAT SCARED ME

For a little kid, there were plenty of things to be scared of in THE WIZARD OF OZ (MGM, 1939. The flying monkeys were a given. Same for the Wicked Witch of the West. How about another group of menacing, green-faced meanies, the "Winkies". The Winkies turned out to be okay guys, but man, before that happened, they spooked the devil outta me!

 

The Winkie Castle Guard wielded some wicked looking spears while marching around in formation. Below is an original metal spearhead prop used in the film. No plastic or rubber props in 1939. These were the real thing!

 

 

Lot 0649 Details

649. Original “Winkie” Guard metal spear head from The Wizard of Oz. (MGM, 1939) Cast metal spearhead which was wielded by the “Winkies”, the “Wicked Witch’s” ominous guards. Reminiscent of Adrian’s costume designs for the production, it is quite likely that the prop department created the spearhead based on Adrian’s design. Spearhead measures 30.75 in. long and includes a replacement wooden staff measuring 66 in. long. Moderately pitted across the entire surface of the blade and repainted copper for subsequent production. No damage to extremities as is usually found in these vintage props. In very good condition overall. An incredible artifact and instantly recognizable prop from the beloved film. Special shipping arrangements will apply. $15,000 - $20,000

 

 

 

WALK SOFTLY, AND CARRY A BIG WOLF MAN STICK

Monster Kid #1 Bob Burns currently owns the original prop cane used in Universal's 1941 release of THE WOLF MAN. An exotic implement even for this type of movie, the cane, whose handle depicts a sculpted wolf's head alongside a pentagram (the mark of the werewolf), was explained as being made from pure silver, coincidentally the only known element that could free a person afflicted as a werewolf with the gift of death.

The original cane head was sculpted in vulcanized rubber by an uncredited Ellis Burman, Sr., special effects, property master, and makeup assistant to Jack Pierce, who was head of Universal's makeup department at the time. The cane is shown in several scenes, including the final scene where the elder Talbot beats to death a wolf only to find out that it is his own son.

Along with Curt Siodmak's verse, "Even a man who is pure in heart", and "The way you walked was thorny" (or, as Maleva "the old gypsy woman" would say, "De vay you valked wus torny"), the wolf cane will live on in the legends of screen history and the memories of Monsterologists forever.

Here are a few screen shots depicting the cane and the Wolf Man in action:

The Wolf Man cane prop replica, designed and issued by Factory Entertainment, will be available this December from Monsters In Motion at the discounted price of $379.99.

Universal Monsters
The Wolfman Cane Limited Edition Prop Replica 
Limited to 400 Pieces Worldwide

Purchased as a harmless gift in the film, the cane ultimately becomes the instrument of Larry Talbot's destruction.Based on the work of Ellis Burman, the sculptor of the original The Wolfman cane prop, this replica created  was sculpted using never-before-seen imagery of the original prop, as well as the careful guidance of prop collector and film historian Bob Burns (Owner of the original Burman piece!)

A numbered limited edition of 400 pieces, each Larry talbot Cane includes a prop story booklet, certificate of authenticity and numbered limited-edition wall-hanging display with plaque. The cane measures 30 inches long with solid wood shaft, metal tip, and durable chrome plated wolf-head handle. (Handle measures 4 inches by 7 inches)

© 2013 Factory Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Universal Studios Monsters is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing, LLLP. All Rights Reserved.

MAN FROM PLANET X PROP REPLICA

Ladies and gentleman, there is indeed, horror to be had in suburbia -- Orange County, CA to be exact. The folks at Monsters in Motion, besides having a brick and mortar storefront (can ya believe that?), have just advertised online a rather unusual item. Offered as a "one-of-a-kind" item, is an original prop replica from the 1951 sci-fi atmospheric creeper, MAN FROM PLANET X. The item is a latex cast mask of the alien's head from the original mold owned by original Monster Kid Bob Burns. The price is $150 and the value is estimated at $400.

From the Monsters In Motion newsletter:

Here is an original mask replica from the 1951 Sci-Fi film The Man From Planet X. Cast from the original mold owned by Bob Burns. The film is about a New York City newspaper reporter flies to a remote island off Scotland, on an invitation from a scientist who is a long-time friend, to cover the news of the approach to earth of a previously-unknown planet, which the scientist has called Planet X. While awaiting the calculated date of it closest approach to Earth, they discover a torpedo-shaped craft in which an agent of Planet X, peacefully disposed, has landed to make preparations for further landings of X-people when the planet reaches its closest proximity to Earth. The scientist's assistant crosses up the friendly visitor, who depends on a tank of X-atmosphere for survival. The Man from Planet X, using a mesmeric ray, captures the scientist, his daughter, the assistant and several townspeople. The mask is in very good condition considering its age. This one of a kind sci-fi movie prop can now be added to your collection. COMES WITH CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
Size: About 16 inches tall.
Materials: Thick Latex and Paint

MY, WHAT BIG, BULGING EYES YOU HAVE, MR. SPACEMAN!

Who can forget the bug-eyed aliens of KILLERS FROM SPACE? Offered at auction is a (partially) screen-used prop rarity that is expected to take in up to $1,200. This would definitely be a good living room conversation piece, don't you think?

"A rare find for cult classic collectors! A whole generation of young filmgoers forever had nightmares after seeing the "Marty Feldman" bulging eyes sprouting from the aliens in the unforgettable 1954 sci-fi "Killers From Space" (directed by Billy Wilder's brother and starring Peter Graves!). These infamous eyes were created by legendary low-budget makeup artist Henry Thomas of the original "Little Shop Of Horrors" and "Plan 9 From Outer Space" fame. There were only a half dozen or so of these iconic eyes created and are extremely difficult to find. As an extra added bonus these hero screen used eyes are mounted on a specially crafted custom life-size head piece based on the Lead Alien, Deneb Tala. The amazing head includes his overly busy eyebrows, and monk-link hood and neck piece. A magnificent museum quality display from the movie mother's used to worn their children about (if you watch too much TV your eyes will budge out like the Killers From Space")! Each eye is approx. 2"x2". Realistic head display is foam rubber and is 12"x7"x11"."

 

RICK BAKER'S BABY HEAD IS ALIVE

Presented here is a prototype of the IT'S ALIVE baby critter from the eponymous-titled movie. The approximately 8" high bundle of joy was a creation of makeup and special effects master, Rick Baker. At auction, it was expected to sell between $2,000 and $2,500.

Here is the auctioneer's description:
 
"It's Alive" (1974) still shocks almost 40 years later. The story of a sweet infant who turns out to be a monster who kills when it's scared scored huge at the box office. And it had some amazing talents, including a score by the legendary Bernard Hermann and the baby creature created by the equally legendary Rick Baker. This is a prototype exact replica of "the baby", created at Rick Baker's studios during production. Made of formed foam rubber and painstakingly painted it also includes its demonic Plexiglass eyes and killer teeth. In perfect condition, even after all these years. (Approx. 8"x7"x7")."

Rick Baker's talents were also showcased in an article written by Saul Kahan for FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #105 (March 1974). In it, Baker was described as having Lon Chaney-quality skills and was destined to be the next "up-and-coming" makeup and special effects star. Well, they were right, weren't they?