A movie prop vest that was part of an auction purchase of an assortment of items from a California storage locker, previously owned by someone who worked in the film industry. The items were purchased by owners of a thrift shop in New Jersey, and upon finding the vest and activating it with a remote found with the lot, called the police in a panic. Ultimately, law enforcement destroyed what was later believed to be a movie prop in the streets of New Jersey. [Read more…]
James Bond Original Movie Prop & Costume Exhibition in Shanghai China’s Minsheng Art Museum from March 28th to May 31st
An impressive exhibition of original movie props, costumes, vehicles, and other James Bond artifacts is being held at the Minsheng Art Museum in Shanghai, China from March 28th through May 31st. CCTV News has produced a video showing some of the highlights, which can be viewed at their official site or via the embedded player below. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of 007, the exhibit boasts about 550 items spanning all of the films starring Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. [Read more…]
A Confession and The Psychology of a Fraud and Forger (“Caveat Emptor”)
CBS News has broadcast a fascinating feature and interview with Ken Perenyi, a self-taught artist who fooled the art market and auction houses with forgeries of paintings. His method was to bring paintings he himself made into auction houses, and ask them what he had, saying now in retrospect, “risk is addictive“. [Read more…]
Pawn Stars Authentication of “Star Trek: The Original Series” TV Props (Communicator, Phaser, Tribble)
I truly found “reality” series Pawn Stars enjoyable when it first came on the air on History back in 2009, but it has become more and more character oriented over the years. But I always watch an episode if someone tells me that something is brought onto the show to sell that I might find interesting to watch. This past week was one of those times, with the episode “Beam Me Up” which features a woman bringing in a collection of Star Trek memorabilia associated with the television shows and movies featuring The Original Series cast. Obviously, the point of this show is to both entertain and educate. [Read more…]
Movie Prop Thief Caught On Tape UPDATE – Stolen John Wayne & William Holden Movie Prop Guns Returned, Reward For Thief Still At Large
KATU.com today reports that the movie prop guns that were on display at Movie Madness (a Winchester rifle used by John Wayne in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) and a shotgun used by William Holden in The Wild Bunch (1969)) and stolen last Summer were returned to the store by a third party this past weekend. In July 2012, the Hollywood memorabilia was stolen from the store and captured on video in the Portland, Oregon store. Law enforcement are still asking for the public’s help finding Erick Duanne Johnson, 47, based on the evidence in the video tape recording of the theft, and Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to Johnson’s arrest. [Read more…]
Update on James Comisar’s “Museum of Television” Project In Phoenix, AZ – On ‘Good Morning Arizona’ Show
As reported a few months ago (see “James Comisar’s “Museum of Television”: The Three Year, $35 Million, 50,000 sq ft Project Finds A Home In Phoenix, AZ”), James Comisar’s dream of creating a public museum to house his unparalleled collection of original television artifacts is becoming a reality, with a project in the works to showcase this material in downtown Phoenix. Mr. Comisar was featured in a lengthy and substantive interview on “Good Morning Arizona” in the past week to talk about his project and collection, and also noted that a preview center is planned next year to promote the museum, which is scheduled to be completed sometime in 2016. [Read more…]
Southern California’s NBC-4 “I-Team” Investigation into Julien’s Auctions Michael Jackson Autographs from Costume Designer Michael Bush
NBC-4 in Southern California have broadcast a report on their news program and published an accompanying story on their official site looking into claims made by third parties that items offered for sale by Julien’s Auctions, sourced from Michael Jackson’s costume designer Michael Bush, feature Michael Jackson autographs that are not authentic. [Read more…]
Movie Prop Thief Caught On Tape UPDATE – Police Seek Help Finding Erick Duane Johnson
Law enforcement is seeking help finding a suspect in Portland, Oregon who they believe stole movie prop guns that were on display at Movie Madness (a Winchester rifle used by John Wayne in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) and a shotgun used by William Holden in The Wild Bunch (1969)). As reported last week, the theft was captured on video tape. Based on tips from the public, the police detectives are asking for the public’s help finding Erick Duanne Johnson, 47. [Read more…]