HBO Propmaster Needs Some Help

[larissa14]

Just received this.

Fred, I am working on a show for HBO called "Boardwalk Empire" The show is set in 1920 and there is a scene where a husband gives his wife a brand new Vacuum cleaner for Christmas. I am looking for a mint condition upright vacuum cleaner from that period to buy or rent as a prop for this project. I noticed on your web site that some of your members may have what I am looking for. Could you call me when you get a moment? Tom Allen Propmaster 203-273-5894 cell
or e-mail [email protected]. Thanks Tom Allen

Can anyone help?

 

[compactelectra]

Oops!

Forgot to log out after the last sign-up. This was posted by me.

Fred

 

[crevicetool]

How exiting it would be.......

to have one of our members machines make it on a movie/show! I know they've been featured before on specials done on vacuum cleaners....but not like this.

How cool! Wish I had something from that era.

Rick

 

[electrolux~137]

Well, if it were me, I'd run screaming in the opposite direction. I, as have several other collectors, have had some terrible problems with TV and film productions renting vintage vacuum cleaners.

One of the worst was when a vintage Kirby was sprayed with an oily anti-glare solution. The shining housing was causing all sorts of glare and reflection problems from the studio lighting. I had a hell of a time getting that sticky gunk off.

So that would be something for both the renter and the rentee to keep in mind -- a shiny vacuum cleaner may look nice but may also cause headaches for the crew.

Then there's the matter of the machine getting damaged or lost. If someone does lend one of their machines, especially one in mint condition, they'd be smart to make the studio take out insurance on it or guarantee IN WRITING that the owner will be AMPLY COMPENSATED if something happens to the machine.

 

[myvacsrock]

I second Charlie's warning...

When i was working on my ABC Wanna Bet game show, 10 of those 50 vacuums were mine. I dont remember all i took, but one was misplaced, not in shipping, but in the prop house. Most of those vacuums came from prop houses, and one of my Orecks is now somewhere in a California prop house. I have called many times and they have been unsuccessful in finding my machine. Be cautious!

 

[arh1953]

Maybe someone could provide a common model of the 1920 period that hasn't been restored to jewel brilliance, but would show as new on a television production. I'd hesitate also, if I had some of the fantastic restorations I've seen here.

 

[kirbyvertibles]

I remember one time I was having a commercial filmed for the opening of my store ( local T.V.) and the lady picked out a vintage Kenmore canister from the 60's, anyhow the set was of her vacuuming with this "old junky vacuum" and she throws it down on the floor HARD and then walk in my shop to purchase a new vacuum and she walks over to a Kirby G-3. Anyhow I cringed when I saw the Kenmore hit the floor and it happened before I knew what was coming. The Kenmore was okay though and I still have it. People just don't care about your stuff, if it looks good on tape then do it. However I myself would be honored to have one of my vacuums in a movie!!!

 

[marukap]

Well, it looks like they're going to be using my Hoover 102!

 

[akabent]

Hoover 102

Very cool, Marty. Sure hope tehy take really good care of it.
Rick

 

[vinvac]

Marty,

I am so happy! I am sure they will take good care of it and now the world will be able to see what a real vacuum was made of.

Morgan

 

[luxg]

Marty, this is wonderful!! I am sure that they will take good care of it! Please keep us posted as to how it goes. Terry

 

[larissa14]

hahahahhahah i just noticed this thread im like wtf its posted by me...


I LOVE HBO so this would make sense

anybody happen to catch the vacuum scene in mad men, I wrote about it in my paper. Joan Holloway gets in a fight with her fiance over a vacuum

 

[larissa14]

um did my last post work?

anyways i find this halarious because Im obsessed with HBO like no other I will totally watched this show

also On mad men there was a crutial vacuum scene anybody see it

 

[atrac]

Anything ever come of this?

Did they actually use the vacuum? Was it returned safely?

 

[collector2]

Hey Marty:

Hope you got it back in one piece. My experience with the movies is that their guarantees arent worth the paper they are written on. They have damaged alot of stuff from our museum and you never get it repaired or compensation as they promice.

Doug

 

[marukap]

I'm pleased to report that the entire experience was flawless. The prop master for the show could not have been more professional and responsible. My old Hoover is back home safe and sound, in perfect condition and on schedule!

I gather that Boardwalk Empire will be airing sometimes this fall on HBO. Can't WAIT!

 

[vinvac]

Marty,

That is GREAT NEWS!

Thank you for being willing to give this a chance. Anytime we have the chance to keep the reliable vintage vacuum in public appearance...we are maintaining the goal of our club...to keep the history of the vacuum alive.

Morgan

 

[arh1953]

I don't get HBO

Hope they put it out on DVD. I look forward to seeing it.