A Different Dingus

[MK]

Since I am having the idols platted, I thought about having a platted Maltese falcon. The process is copper, then nickle, then gold. So I could stop at any step. Copper might be interesting. When I saw the real screen used falcon, it had warm colored highlights under the black paint. Copper would give it that look. Then again the bird was supposed to be jewel encrusted gold.

What sounds good to you?

 

[Marlowe]

Well, I think you should dig out the molds and run off several to experiment with. Then--since you'll have a few extra--you should send me two or three. (To experiment on! Really!)

But seriously--that original batch you made: what were they made of? If you're truly dedicated to realism, remember that the bird that ended up in Spade's office was supposed to have been lead covered with lacquer, or some other paint. (Ouch! what would FedEx charge to ship a lead Maltese Falcon across the country? Makes my wallet hurt just thinking about it!)

Maybe a finish that looks like the paint and lead are wearing off and the gold is shining through?

(There was a comedy with George Segal--I can't recall the title offhand--where he was supposed to be Sam Spade's son. People were looking for the "Maltese Falcon" that his dad had left him because it was the REAL Maltese Falcon that had been disguised by being dipped in lead and painted...or am I just "misremembering incorrectly?"

Again, seriously, I seem to have missed the last batch, so if you ever make any more please be so kind as to let me know. (I love that movie. And the book.)

 

[MK]

That was The Black Bird (1975).

BTW: In the story, the dingus was painted in enamel.

 

[Imahomer]

It would be a good novelty item, but I like the way the finished batch turned out.

Excuse my stupidity, but what is this dingus stuff? Isnt' dingus like saying watcha macall it?

 

[Andykev]

Originally posted by Imahomer
[
Excuse my stupidity, but what is this dingus stuff? Isnt' dingus like saying watcha macall it? [/B]

The "dingus" was the term used in the movie to describe the Falcon.
Webster: "something (as a gadget) who's common name is unknown or forgotten"

Bogie said it during the film to describe the falcon.

 

[PrettyBigGuy]

Originally posted by Imahomer
Excuse my stupidity, but what is this dingus stuff? Isnt' dingus like saying watcha macall it?

Sam Spade refers to the Maltese Falcon as the "dingus" throughout the movie.

Oops, it looks like we answered @ the same time.

MK, I still think you should affix some glass "gems" to the one you get plaited. Like maybe the eyes.
PBG

 

[Imahomer]

Ah... OK. Thanks guys! So, my definition was right, I just didn't recall that the term was used in the movie. I guess I'm not "completely" out in left field.

 

[MK]

Lead shot was added to the polyurethane......my gold dingus is going to weigh over twenty pounds.

 

[Andykev]

Bogart's Falcon

I read in one of my many Bogart books that during the filming of "The Maltese Falcon" they in fact used several models of the bird. Bogart used a very light copy that he carries out at the end of the film...the book says the lead one was too heavy for the star to comfortably heft take after take. The others in the film were heavy.
I would suspect an accurate copy size wize and quality in resin and painted black would be a splendid display piece. I recall they were available a couple of years ago..in resin...cast from a mold made from one of the authentic movie props..

I think casting one from solid metal would be expensive..both in materials, but also in finishing. I'd still love to have one!

 

[Matt Deckard]

I would suspect an accurate copy size wize and quality in resin and painted black would be a splendid display piece. I recall they were available a couple of years ago..in resin...cast from a mold made from one of the authentic movie props..

If you check the history of the posts you will see that MK has already made a movie accurate bird... more accurate than many of the ones that claim to be molded from the original prop.
http://fedoralounge.skyblueproductions.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=41


I have seen them in person and they are spectacular... I now wish I had one.

 

[MK]

I have not read that story Andy. Which book is that from?

 

[Andykev]

Falcon

I have just reviewed my Bogart books, and I still can't find the reference to the fact that the prop was light weight for Bogart to carry in the last scene. It makes sense that it didn't have to be made of lead for the film, only the one whith some "heft" for the scene where Sidney discoveres it is a "FAKE".


It may have been an article on a Bogard web page....sorry, I did read it, and believe it to be true, but I just can't locate the source, only my recollection.

It does make sense..after all the movies are illusions, and anyone who has worked in theater (civic theater long long ago) knows that it's all Magic..which is what we love.

 

[MK]

What do you think of this dingus?

 

[Imahomer]

That's different!!!! The old golden Falcon. I think I read about him somewhere.

 

[Andykev]

The checkbook is open

I WANT ONE!! PLEASE!

 

[Nathan Flowers]

I'll sell you mine for $800

 

[MK]

You thought Spade just handed over the dingus to the cops?

HaH!

I found this little number in a box in the basement of the Sam Spade Detective Agency.

It cleaned up real nice.

 

[mmarosy]

Originally posted by MK

What do you think of this dingus?

It's making me salivate for my Idol even more. Hurry with that shipping MK, the new Pergo flooring isn't supposed to stay wet! Looks like you had the plater do a little something extra for you. I like look, but still think the a blackend bird is more movie accurate. Would it be sacrilege to spray some paint over the plating to see if you could get the effect you were thinking about in another post?

Mike

 

[PrettyBigGuy]

I saw this bird in person yesterday and it looks even better then the pic. Also, it's 28 lbs. feel more like 50! MK certainly achieved the look, feel and now weight of a solid gold bird.
PBG

P.S. The big mob of gold fertility idols weren't too shabby either!

 

[MK]

22lbs.....actually. That is heavy enough.