Panoram

[The Captain]

I read this on a schedule of upcoming shows on PBS. If you remember them, you're as old as I am!

Before television and MTV, there were "soundies." First
appearing in 1941, these three-minute black-and-white films
featured big band, jazz and swing-era artists. Viewed for a
dime through a special machine called a panoram -- a movie
jukebox -- these forerunners to the music video could be seen
in nightclubs, roadhouses, restaurants and other public venues.

 

[Pilgrim]

That's too early for me, born in 1950. But I do remember newsreels at the start of movies.

 

[The Wolf]

thanks for reminding me

I saw a video that was a collection of soundies. The downside was an announcer that talked over some of the videos (inane comments, at that).
I would love to find a DVD of soundies.

Sincerely,
The Wolf

 

[LizzieMaine]

A few years ago, I came across a can full of 16mm Soundies prints at a flea market -- I didn't have the cash to buy them on the spot, and when I came back with funds in hand, they were long gone. They're conventional 16mm optical sound films that can run on any projector -- except that all the titles are printed in reverse, since the Panoram projector used a mirror-based rear-projection system!

 

[Cousin Hepcat]

I read this on a schedule of upcoming shows on PBS. If you remember them, you're as old as I am!

Before television and MTV, there were "soundies." First
appearing in 1941, these three-minute black-and-white films
featured big band, jazz and swing-era artists. Viewed for a
dime through a special machine called a panoram -- a movie
jukebox -- these forerunners to the music video could be seen
in nightclubs, roadhouses, restaurants and other public venues.

Neat, Captain! Has the show aired? You remember the show title? I'd like to catch it if it's airing on east coast PBS.

I'm real into golden era jukeboxes, and while visiting a friend's collection a couple years ago, got to watch his Mills Panoram in action: Pretty cool, although it had a distinct "sweet spot", like the early projection TV's, and if you're sitting at an angle from the screen, the picture is dim.

"Sold!"

- C H

 

[The Captain]

Hey, "CUZ", I can't find a definate date for the show, but I think it won't be shown until March 1st or later. If I find out anything concrete, I'll post it.

Later

 

[The Captain]

Hey Cousin, I have a bit of info on the "Soundies":

Thu, Mar 08
8:00pm
Soundies: A Musical History Hosted by Michael Feinstein

Before television and MTV, there were "soundies." First appearing in 1941, these three-minute black-and-white films featured big band, jazz and swing-era artists. Viewed for a dime through a special machine called a panoram a movie jukebox these forerunners to the music video could be seen in nightclubs, roadhouses, restaurants and other public venues. This program, hosted by Grammy-nominated vocalist and music historian Michael Feinstein, features such noted musicians as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, and Liberace. (Closed Captioning) (Stereo)

The date and time may work for you, but you better check local listings to be sure. I can't find the show in my local PBS schedule, but I'm sure it will be broadcast soon. It's pledge time and they always bring out programs that they know will be of interest. "The Duke, The Count and The King?" How could this not be MUST SEE TV!