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Maltese Falcon

Ozymandius

New in Town
Messages
33
Location
Orlando, FL
More reading.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1470412907078566

Fascinating stuff (a Fedora Lounge thread is mentioned!). My take is that there were multiple plaster props used in the film, and Milan's claim that his 47-lb lead version was the only one used is preposterous.

The total count from all my reading is that there were 3-5 plaster casts used in the film and 1 18lb metal bird (not lead) that was used when Gutman scratched the enamel off. This is also consistent with my experience working props in the film industry.

The 47lb lead birds were created long after the movie from the original mold and given as gifts by the studio head.

Lastly, as an artist, it is clear to me that the original falcon sculpture was made by someone who knew what they were doing. We now know the name of the artist who was commissioned to make it. In contrast, the Risen bird from the 75 film is a hack job done by an amateur who was patching up a bad cast. No self respecting artist would ever render feathers that way.
 

Ozymandius

New in Town
Messages
33
Location
Orlando, FL
Just delivered a custom job. Hot forged bronze falcon with secret compartment.

Bronze Smuglers Bird 2.jpg
Bronze Smugglers Bird.jpg
 

Ozymandius

New in Town
Messages
33
Location
Orlando, FL
I just got an update from the foundry and solid bronze falcons are now available. Cost $1450. Won't know the weight until one is cast.

And yes, I'm rather peeved about this because he's been telling me for months that it couldn't be done. :mad:
 

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