I was reading how they finally approved the redevelopment of the former Movieland Wax Museum location. It makes me sad, but hopefully, since the new project will pay tribute to the museum, not everything will be lost. I just hope they keep the terrific sign outside the building.This Movieland Wax Museum scene is from the Stan Laurel (1890-1965) and Oliver Hardy (1892-1957) film The Perfect Day. Next to them is Edgar Kennedy (1890-1948). The picture is a typical Laurel and Hardy film. They try to have a relaxing outing, but nothing goes according to plan and hilarity ensues. I've scene the picture, and I don't remember it having the car crash into a theatre. Although it has been years since I've watched it. With good lighting the figures look incredibly lifelike.
A close up of Laurel and Hardy. When the auction was held, two different figures were sold off in place of these two "original" figures. They took in $10,000! Not bad for replacement figures.
They Keystone cop that somehow does not pay attention to the car accident next to him. I do not know if he had always been part of the set. An old postcard I have does not show him in the scene. This figure sold for $1,500.
A close up of the figure shows his badge as Movieland Security Walter 2. He may be a tribute to the live Keystone cops the museum once had. They would pretend to be wax figures, then move and startle visitors. They also would perform magic tricks for guests.
The clapboard which shows information on the film. Laurel and Hardy are a popular choice for wax museum characters. The Edgar Kennedy figure sold at auction for $550. The Model Tee sold for $3,750. While the set sold for $1,500.Visit the official Laurel and Hardy website here.
See more wax museum photographs at Houses of Wax here.
Tags: Movieland Wax Museum Wax Figure Wax Laurel and Hardy
3 comments:
I worked at Movieland Wax Museum in the mid-70's as a characture artist in the arcade/snack bar area. On slow days we loved to wander all thru the place and admire or critique the figures and sets. There was a real sense of respect for classic films there at the time. Off hand, to me the most accurate figures were probably Rudolph Valentino, Edward G. Robinson, John Wayne, Norma Shearer, Gloria Swanson - I'd need to give it more thought. The live Keystone Kops were always a kick to watch when they'd suddenly move after pretending to be a wax figure - always scared the heck out of people! I went there the very last day they were open and got a bunch of souvenirs. Yes, I hope they at least keep the sign out front, or in some other way pay tribute when the site is redeveloped. Thanks for the memories!
Thanks for the comment. I love hearing people's memories of the museum. When the new complex is finished there will be plenty of pictures of it here. (and on my wax museum blog http://housesofwax.blogspot.com
I needed to know what the front of a Key Stone Cop car looked like for an illustration that I am working on. I found it on a Google search. Thanks for posting it.
http://organizeddoodles.blogspot.com/
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