Thread Number: 43710
Natalie Kalmus television |
[Down to Last] |
Post# 642308   11/28/2012 at 11:41 (4,188 days old) by estatesale_gary (Golden Valley)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Wanted to share this -
This summer I picked up a Natalie Kalmust tv set from a local collector. I'd seen these only in pictures before - both on the web and in old family pictures. My dad's cousin Dick bought one new in 1954. These were all cabinet...weigh a ton...large fin like planters with ceramic inserts. The chassis is very low end. I haven't restored it yet but it looks complete and should not be difficult. Attached is a picture of Dick's set in October 1957. I'll post a pic of my set in another post. |
|
Post# 642309 , Reply# 1   11/28/2012 at 11:42 (4,188 days old) by estatesale_gary (Golden Valley)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 642326 , Reply# 2   11/28/2012 at 13:22 (4,188 days old) by bajaespuma (Connecticut)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Is this the same Natalie Kalmus who was the notorious wife of the inventor of Technicolor?
If so, this woman was credited on great films such as "The Wizard of Oz" and "GWTW" as "Technicolor Associate" which meant she appeared on the sets dressed in outlandish variegated outfits to make sure that the film makers were using enough riotous color to show off her husband's process. Apparently everyone at MGM considered her a joke and a pain in the ass; the studio bosses ran whenever she showed up. I guess her husband's company had a good lawyer to write in that kind of access and influence on the giants of Golden Age Hollywood. Tain't what you know... |
Post# 642328 , Reply# 3   11/28/2012 at 14:11 (4,188 days old) by kimball455 (Cape May, NJ)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Here is a link for more information about Natalie Kalmus
Harry CLICK HERE TO GO TO kimball455's LINK |
Post# 642329 , Reply# 4   11/28/2012 at 14:12 (4,188 days old) by kimball455 (Cape May, NJ)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Here is a link to an exhaustive review of color film processes.
Harry CLICK HERE TO GO TO kimball455's LINK |
Post# 642330 , Reply# 5   11/28/2012 at 14:14 (4,188 days old) by kimball455 (Cape May, NJ)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Here's the link to another exhaustive study
Or ... Pardon me boys, is that the Technicolor Choo Choo? Harry CLICK HERE TO GO TO kimball455's LINK |
Post# 642366 , Reply# 6   11/28/2012 at 18:08 (4,188 days old) by paulg (My sweet home... Chicago)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
I've got two comments:
I'm a big TV collector and have heard of Natalie Kalmus TV. One came up in Chicago recently but I didn't get it. I don't remember the details but I think she was heavily into color viewability of television - even if it was a b&w TV. Again, correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't this TV have a special filter glass? Secondly, The Hotel Dyckman hit home. I have a postcard of theirs. If it's the same hotel (would it not be?), it was "Minneapolis' Finest Location" with outstanding guest Rooms, TV in every room and Air-Conditioned. 400 guest rooms all with bath. (Awww, sharing baths is fun!) and a heated garage. On my postcard, Iva tells Muriel that she had a long, rainy ride in 1956. Did you get the podium at some sort of Hotel Dyckman yard sale? |
Post# 642383 , Reply# 7   11/28/2012 at 19:23 (4,188 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
"Is this the same Natalie Kalmus who was the notorious wife of the inventor of Technicolor?"
Yes, this is the same Natalie Kalmus. Her position at Technicolor was the result of her very acrimonious divorce from Herbert Kalmus, who was head of the company and the brains behind the process. By the terms of her divorce, Natalie had to be used and credited as a Technicolor consultant on every Technicolor picture for a number of years. She usually only showed up for a day per movie, pronounced everything everyone was doing as dead wrong, was roundly ignored, and went on her way. The "Natalie Kalmus" TV sets were essentially Muntz chassis, I understand, put into some fairly decent - if flamboyantly styled - cabinetry. Don't think I'm being harsh on Kalmus. The info I've given here is also on the Technicolor Website, which should be a measure of how long and much the company suffered at her hands. |
Post# 642386 , Reply# 8   11/28/2012 at 19:43 (4,188 days old) by estatesale_gary (Golden Valley)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Hi - first, the Kalmus set is black & white.
I got the Hotel Dyckman set at a local yard sale. Was told it was the maitre d' stand. Is pretty neat. The URL will take you to a site that has history of many Minneapolis hotels - including the Dyckman. I have several menus and some restaurant ware from the Dyckman. Love the picture of them blowing it up. CLICK HERE TO GO TO estatesale_gary's LINK |
Post# 642431 , Reply# 9   11/28/2012 at 22:51 (4,188 days old) by paulg (My sweet home... Chicago)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 642457 , Reply# 10   11/29/2012 at 00:47 (4,188 days old) by petek (Ontari ari ari O )   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 642461 , Reply# 11   11/29/2012 at 00:55 (4,188 days old) by Maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Could you please take a snapshot of it with the cabinet doors open? I would say "thank you." Lawrence/Maytagbear |
Post# 642537 , Reply# 12   11/29/2012 at 07:33 (4,188 days old) by estatesale_gary (Golden Valley)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 642539 , Reply# 13   11/29/2012 at 07:43 (4,188 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 642542 , Reply# 14   11/29/2012 at 07:51 (4,188 days old) by hydralique (Los Angeles)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Makes me want to sit right down and watch Perry Mason! |
Post# 642553 , Reply# 15   11/29/2012 at 09:16 (4,188 days old) by countryford (Austin, MN)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Here is one that is currently on ebay. $625. I have a friend in Tucson, that has one as well. I don't have a picture of it.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO countryford's LINK on eBay |
Post# 642558 , Reply# 16   11/29/2012 at 09:30 (4,188 days old) by Maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Gary. Interesting bit of history! Lawrence/Maytagbear |