Motion Picture Film Studio Diorama, 1930s Hollywood in Miniature

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Motion Picture Film Studio Diorama, 1930s Hollywood in Miniature

About the Item

Made in the 1930s, this Hollywood Studio Model is a one-of-a-kind display detailing a life-like working motion picture studio during the golden years of the film industry. Measuring 70 inches x 50 inches, and featuring sound stage buildings, film sets, studio vehicles, and figurines representing industry insiders, this table top size display is the ultimate Hollywood collectible and a perfect display for office, reception, lobby, board room or private enclave. Hollywood in Miniature was the brainchild of Joe Pellkofer, a Pasadena Cabinet Maker. During Post-Depression slack periods Pellkofer kept his master craftsmen busy creating this visionary miniature masterpiece. His plan was to build it and take it on tour around the country, offering paying customers a chance to see Hollywood, in miniature; and that’s exactly what he did. The model recreated an area from the Hollywood Hills to Melrose and from LaBrea to Vermont, taking in The Studios, The Brown Derby and The Hollywood Bowl. It was calculated that it would take 2-3 years to construct at a cost of $150,000. Ten years later and now over $250,000. the model was finished. It was designed in 8 sections so that it could be transported around the country in specially constructed trucks. When assembled it measured 60 feet x 60 feet. Hollywood in Miniature was a huge success and after years of touring it found its way back to Los Angeles. It is a testament to the quality of the craftsmanship and people’s respect for the artistic endeavor that this model survived. We offer for sale here The Motion Picture Studio Model this section of the Hollywood in Miniature Diorama was created to represent the industry standard in the 1930s and 1940s and resembles Paramount most closely. The craftsmanship is incredible, the offices, the studios and the backlots are all created in amazing detail. As this listing only allows the inclusion of 10 photos we've included a limited selection of images (please contact us to see others) as well as two pages of printed material. We are including information from the pages copied below. _____________________________________________________________________________ From the Community: We who know Hollywood best, and who have watched the community grow from orange groves and pepper trees to become the most publicized City in the world, appreciate more than others possibly can, the infinite care, attention to detail, suburb workmanship and artistic craftsmanship that made the Hollywood in Miniature exhibit possible. This is truly the world's finest exhibit, and it will bring immeasurable pleasure to millions during the years it will be on display. We want to extend our heartiest congratulations to everyone who contributed to this splendid exhibit.... - John B. Kingsley, President Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, July 24, 1946 _______________________________________________________________________________ From the printed documentation: The Hollywood In Miniature Motion Picture Studio A typical Hollywood motion picture studio is a city within a city. It has its own police and fire departments, its own hospital, with a corps of doctors and nurses, its own restaurants and cafes, and even sleeping quarters in the bungalows of the stars and the dressing rooms assigned to them, that may become temporary homes for them during heavy shooting schedules. The motion picture studio shown in Hollywood in Miniature is a composite of all the studios. Its main administration building resembles the Thalberg building at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. Other structures are replicas of the buildings and sets at other studios. The most prominent buildings in the typical studio are the huge sound stages, where perfect silence may be maintained during the making of dialogue scenes. Some of the stages cover a city block and are 75 feet high. In their spacious interiors even outdoor sets can be built, entire city blocks with streets, buildings and teeming traffic. This is done, rather then use the outdoor sets, so that weather may be controlled and rain scenes alternate with bright sunlight in the same hour. The sunlight, of course, comes from the huge arc lights and the rain from overhead pipes. In addition to the sound stages, each studio, or city within a city, has scores of departments, all housed in their own buildings. These include the writers building, where original stories are written and famous plays, novels and short stories are adapted for the screen. There are special buildings housing directors and assistant directors. The wardrobe, make-up, and property departments also have their own buildings, some property departments being as large as the biggest city department store. Every item from a mousetrap to a $25,000. antique bedroom set is stored here until needed for use in a picture. The casting and talent departments and rehearsal halls are among the busiest in the studio lots, and the business offices, publicity and advertising departments, and executive offices are all found in convenient locations. There are a score or more of projection rooms, for the viewing of film and holding of previews, outdoor sets showing city streets and country lanes, a ship basin with every kind of water craft, western streets and foreign quarters representing every land under the sun. The Motion Picture Studio in Hollywood In Miniature shows how one of these magic cities looks from an airplane overhead. _________________________________________________________________________________ We would like to thank Marc Wanamaker at Bison Archives who provided us with detailed information regarding this item. This item is available for viewing, by appointment at Surfing Cowboys, Los Angeles.

Creator:
Joe Pellkofer (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 11 in (27.94 cm)Width: 69.63 in (176.87 cm)Depth: 50 in (127 cm)
Style:
Folk Art (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Paint,Wood
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1930-1939
Date of Manufacture:
1930s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Los Angeles, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU92198141153