Universal Monster Army

Collecting Monsters => Masks and Busts => Topic started by: Toy Ranch on January 09, 2008, 12:59:50 PM

Title: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: Toy Ranch on January 09, 2008, 12:59:50 PM
Hopefully I'll have some of these pics when my sister releases them (she's doing a family photo organizing project and has almost everything right now).  I did happen across this old color slide of me and the Phantom of the Opera on the Universal Studio Tour about 1969 or 1970.  It was moments like this that turned me into a mask collector years later...

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2291/2181153114_2a60cf05c0_o.jpg)

Holding a color slide up to the sky and taking a picture of it with a digital camera isn't really the best way to get a photo from it, but it'll have to do for the time being...  :D

Here's an 80's copy of the same mask.
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1433/1000690333_a74127d501.jpg?v=0.jpg)

After the Post masks wore out and weren't being made any longer, Universal had a mask made especially for their walkaround Phantom.  It was not comercially sold.
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1337/1043584687_9219e70130.jpg?v=0)
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: roddmatsui on January 09, 2008, 01:37:21 PM
That's a great picture with the Phantom.  I remember going on the Universal Studios tour in the early 70's too, way before Jaws got there... the collapsing bridge was new, I remember seeing commercials on TV for that.  There was a "torpedo attack" that happened on one of the lakes, too...you would be eating your lunch near the water, and suddenly a "torpedo" could come speeding through the water at you, and when it got to shore there would be a big explosion of water.  I kinda miss that thing!
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: darkmonkeygod on January 09, 2008, 01:38:16 PM
I love that top hatted Phantom.  Wonder why they chose him as their representative?  There are a number of park items with him on it, incl. that nodder and a really cool button that I think Dan R owns.  What other items were exclusive to the park?  For that matter, what year did it open?
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: poseablemonster on January 09, 2008, 03:38:54 PM
Wow, Bobby, great slide!  That is so cool that you have pics like that.  Most of my good childhood pictures are missing.  I have been actively searching for them, but no luck yet.
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: fmofmpls on January 09, 2008, 10:41:14 PM
A long haired fmofmpls meeting the Phantom of the Hollywood park. Circa 1987.

(http://www.geocities.com/fmofmpls/phantom_meets_fm.jpg)

What ever happened to this Florida theme park statue? Circa 1995?

(http://www.geocities.com/fmofmpls/phantom_meets_fm2.jpg)

Florida theme park Frank meets fmofmpls Circa 1991.

(http://www.geocities.com/fmofmpls/frank_meets_fm.jpg)
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: Toy Ranch on January 10, 2008, 12:02:20 AM
Great Pics, Terry!  That statue is cool!  Me want!

Anyone else have Uni park pics???
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: The Phantom Creep on January 10, 2008, 12:12:55 AM
I snapped this when the Phantom statue was still inside the lobby of the special effects makeup attraction. Probably 90 or 91. This was it's first home as far as I know. It really set the mood while you were waiting around for the next show. Check out the light above it and the pipe organ style divider in the background. I always wondered what happened to it. I guess they moved it outside at some point since your pic is from 95. After that who knows? As far as I know from my visits and what others have said, this is nowhere on display anymore. Imagine having this in your backyard along side that amazing Frankenstein one from another thread.

(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h206/johnfoam/PhantomStatue.jpg)
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: neonnoodle on January 10, 2008, 12:27:10 AM
That statue is beautiful--it perfectly captures the Phantom's damning pose in the unmasking scene.
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: The Phantom Creep on January 10, 2008, 12:30:14 AM
Yeah, I just wish I had better photos.

Bobby I love that pic of you with the Phantom!!
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: raycastile on January 10, 2008, 03:37:46 AM
Knowing the Universal of today, they probably couldn't wait to mothball that Phantom statue.
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: neonnoodle on January 10, 2008, 10:16:02 AM
I love visiting Universal Studios, it's still fun when I can get there, but I really miss those classic monsters that built the place in the first place.  They're hiding in the cracks now; they used to put those monsters up front.  They'd be stomping around the park.  I didn't even mind that Baby Frank guy because at least he hearkened back, you know?
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: fmofmpls on January 10, 2008, 10:25:09 AM
Check out this cool 1960s Universal Studios 8mm souvenir silent film. Be sure to look for the Don Post masks being paraded though the park! Unbelievable!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POpT2FEp4ZY
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: Jim Bertges on January 10, 2008, 04:21:42 PM
Here are a few shots from the mid 90s when the monsters were still alive and kicking.


(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/Miscellaneous/scan0003-2.jpg)

(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/Miscellaneous/scan0001-3.jpg)

(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/Miscellaneous/scan0002-2.jpg)
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: Toy Ranch on January 10, 2008, 04:55:27 PM
Great YouTube, Terry!
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: The Phantom Creep on January 10, 2008, 11:15:24 PM
Uh Jim? I don't see any photos.
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: Jim Bertges on January 11, 2008, 02:14:22 AM
Fixed 'em.
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: The Phantom Creep on January 11, 2008, 03:10:09 AM
Thanks!! Those are great Phantom pics!! I really like all the different versions of him over the years. Man this new board is so great, it's really bringing out some great photos from everyone.
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: darkmonkeygod on January 11, 2008, 03:18:36 AM
Jezz, those newer Phantom pix are creepy.  Thanks!
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: claudin on January 16, 2008, 11:47:00 AM
I went to California in 2003 and I thought I died and went to heaven when I was on the lots of both Universal and Warner Bros. The Universal Tour was a riot. I remember when my friends and I were takign the Universal Tour, we end up at the Court of Miracles. We were geeking out because it was also used as Cloisterham in Universal's 1935 "the Mystery of Edwin Drood". *****

But, it is amazing to us how much amazing history this set truly holds. What's really cool about it is when you look at it, you can just imagine the scenes. From Universal Horrors to Sherlock Holmes to Edwin Drood.
Mindblowing.

~JoAnna
*****We geeked because we're major Claude Rains geeks.  8)


Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: The Phantom Creep on January 16, 2008, 12:27:54 PM
I just saw a commercial on tv for Orlando and among other things there was a brief moment of Frankenstein (the one that walks around the park) lurching towards the camera.
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: Jim Bertges on January 16, 2008, 03:44:05 PM
Did you say Court of Miracles?

(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/Miscellaneous/scan0031.jpg)
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: claudin on January 16, 2008, 05:36:21 PM
Sweet photo!

It was just so cool seeing that set on the tour.

I'll have to pull some of mine. I burned the photos to a CD here somewhere.

Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: claudin on January 22, 2008, 12:12:17 AM
I found my CD of photos. Here are some pics that I took while at Universal that might be of interest to the fine folks here:

(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b102/Hollenius/Vacation_Bates.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b102/Hollenius/Vacation_Bates2.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b102/Hollenius/Vacation_CourtofMiracles.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b102/Hollenius/Vacation_CourtofMiracles2.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b102/Hollenius/Vacation_FrankensteinParking.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b102/Hollenius/Vacation_FranknStein.jpg)
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b102/Hollenius/Vacation_MeandFrank.jpg)

I had been waiting a very long time to get this photo taken!  I was having a mega bad hair day, but who cares...it's Frankenstein, baby! :D

~JoAnna
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: HMAEA on January 28, 2008, 08:32:02 PM


These photos that you guys and gals have posted are fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing them.

E.A.
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: gracebuster on January 29, 2008, 10:41:20 PM
Check out the Universal loot on the collectibles page!
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: Monster Bob on February 02, 2008, 12:57:02 PM
Quote from: claudin on January 22, 2008, 12:12:17 AM
I found my CD of photos. Here are some pics that I took while at Universal that might be of interest to the fine folks here:

[I
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b102/Hollenius/Vacation_MeandFrank.jpg)

I had been waiting a very long time to get this photo taken!  I was having a mega bad hair day, but who cares...it's Frankenstein, baby! :D

~JoAnna


JoAnna-

It appears The Monster was having a much worse 'hair day" than you!



----
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: Eye of Kharis on February 08, 2008, 09:37:40 AM
We've seen photos of Frankenstein's Monster and the top-hatted Phantom of the Opera representing the Universal Monsters during the 1960's Universal Tour - but did you know Kharis the Mummy (via the Don Post Calendar Mask & Hands! and a wrappings jumpsuit) was there too?

Check this pic out, circa 1966!

(http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/5632/66univtourmummypo2.jpg)
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: misterhorror on February 08, 2008, 10:17:36 AM
Great photos,thanks for showing them to us.
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: ProfGriffin on February 08, 2008, 02:26:08 PM
Awesome!

Now THAT'S a cool walkaround character...er...shuffle around.
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: fmofmpls on February 08, 2008, 05:45:51 PM
Eye of Kharis, you have a good eye; even if it's just one. That pic is totally awesome! I never knew of this walking Kharis at the theme park! You learn something new around here everyday!
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: poseablemonster on February 08, 2008, 06:37:30 PM
Man, that Mummy get-up is great!  Thanks for posting that one.
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: gracebuster on February 09, 2008, 01:37:42 AM
How bout this mask. Don't recall seeing it in person.



(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd54/gracebuster/scan0001.jpg)


Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: gracebuster on February 09, 2008, 01:40:10 AM
BTW, there is a VERY good chance that that Walkaround Mummy Suit is from ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET THE MUMMY!

Wonderful pic, btw!

The Frankenstein character sometimes wore the Herman Munster costume!!!!!!!
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: Eye of Kharis on February 09, 2008, 02:29:53 AM
Quote from: gracebuster on February 09, 2008, 01:40:10 AM
BTW, there is a VERY good chance that that Walkaround Mummy Suit is from ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET THE MUMMY!

The coolness factor of that snapshot was just multiplied by 100 for me!! :o :o :o

(http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/4900/acmumcompgb4.jpg)

Great eye, Dan!
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: gracebuster on February 09, 2008, 03:26:08 AM
WOW!
We make a great team!
How did you do that so fast!?!?!?
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: Monster Bob on February 09, 2008, 10:09:12 AM


Great photos, everyone, but the last Frankenstein photo demonstrates something that pisses me off. Not the first time I've mentioned this, BTW.

This whole Universal/ 'genericize the monsters so they don't have to pay rights'-thing really steams me, and from both sides of the coin. Universal for doing it, and the actors families for putting them into that corner (pay us or else). Changing the appearance of the characters to make them unrecognizable seems to be defeating the reason you'd use the characters to begin with. THe nostalgia of it...the memory of the character in a Universal picture. From a collector stand point, I'm personally not interested in much of what has been produced in the last, say, 15 years, because the images look nothing like what it is that I am being nostalgic over. And they wonder why the stuff doesn't sell?
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: gracebuster on February 09, 2008, 11:34:20 AM
You go girl!
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: poseablemonster on February 09, 2008, 12:18:40 PM
That definitely looks like the Klaris suit, alright.  All the lines seem to match up and look at the baggy-ness on the skinny walk-around guy.  Darn good eyes, guys.  Wonder where that suit ended up?  Does Bob Burns own that one?
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: The Phantom Creep on February 09, 2008, 01:37:26 PM
Wow that photo of the Mummy and then the Abbott and Costello connection!! Way cool guys!! It's always great to be away from the site for a few days, been sick as a dog all week, and come back to something like this.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: Eye of Kharis on February 09, 2008, 02:13:24 PM
Someone over at the HMA forum said they were going to ask Bob/look into the whereabouts of the Klaris suit.

And MonsterBob, generic Universal Monsters are a real sore spot with me as well - but that's really a subject that merits a thread of its own, as our many rants would surely hijack this one off topic...

I have a much bigger version of that UniTour walkaround Mummy snapshot, but didn't post it into the thread as it's twice as wide as the forum. Since everyone seems to really like it, here's a link for those who would like a larger version...

But before you click, first just imagine... it's 1966 and you're... say, five or six years old...  and all of the monster items we cherish copyrighted in '63, '64 and '65  have made it to the store shelves. They just surround you everywhere...  in the guise of Aurora model kits at your local hobby shop. Trinkets in gumball machines at the grocery store. On binders and t-shirts at school. On your television every Saturday.  Staring back at you from the magazine racks at the corner newsstand. On the toy shelves at the department store. They're even with you in the privacy of your bathroom, thanks to Colgate/Palmolive.

Then your family announces you're going on vacation and taking the Universal Studios tour...

...and you run into this guy, with Kharis' face & hands (courtesy of Don Post), and Klaris' own wrappings, no less... can it really get any better than that?!?

Enjoy!

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/6560/1966unitourkharismf0.jpg (http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/6560/1966unitourkharismf0.jpg)
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: Toy Ranch on February 10, 2008, 11:55:25 PM
Here's another comparison photo.  I'd say there is no doubt.  Nice catch!

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2121/2256437775_97004c7bfc_o.jpg)

Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: Monster Bob on February 11, 2008, 06:36:34 AM

The Post mask park walker Mummy looks better than the one used in the film. I would like to see the zipper on the park Mummy! Ugh... I'm getting all Mummied out. The only thing we need to complete this thread is an appearance from 'Tom'.
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: Toy Ranch on February 11, 2008, 06:46:19 AM
Yeah, they should have used the Post mask in the film, and the park walker shouldn't have been so skinny, so as to fill the suit out better.  It droops on him, lol!
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: fmofmpls on February 11, 2008, 10:48:18 AM
Quote from: Monster Bob on February 11, 2008, 06:36:34 AM
The Post mask park walker Mummy looks better than the one used in the film.

No doubt Bob. That Mummy mask (if you want to call it that) has always turned my stomach. Probably the worst Mummy mask ever. And to think Imperial Toy went ahead and made a figure of this malignant Mummy. Leave it to the Imperial Toy Corp.  :D
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: fmofmpls on February 11, 2008, 10:50:31 AM
Eye of Kharis. Thanks for sharing that large size pic. I loved the way you set up the viewing experience too! I appreciate it! Great thread guys!
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: poseablemonster on February 11, 2008, 03:04:33 PM
Quote from: fmofmpls on February 11, 2008, 10:48:18 AM
No doubt Bob. That Mummy mask (if you want to call it that) has always turned my stomach. Probably the worst Mummy mask ever. And to think Imperial Toy went ahead and made a figure of this malignant Mummy. Leave it to the Imperial Toy Corp.  :D
I'm glad that I am not the only one to dislike that Klaris face make-up or mask or whatever it is.  In fact, I hated the movie, too!  The interplay and magical comedic timing seemed forced; like they'd done it a million times and were just going through the motions in order to get paid.  As much as I love A&C Meet Frankenstein, I equally dislike A&C Meet the Mummy. 
Title: Re: On The Universal Studio Tour
Post by: claudin on February 13, 2008, 09:05:31 PM
Quote from: Monster Bob on February 02, 2008, 12:57:02 PM

JoAnna-

It appears The Monster was having a much worse 'hair day" than you!



----

LOL! I think he has a kinda-sorta Frankenmullet going on!
'Twas a windy day at Universal. That I do recall.
Thank God for the photos. I was just in a state of awe that day going to all the movie studios, that my overall memory is toast just from the sheer excitement of it all.

I got my picture with Frankenstein!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Took me 30 years, but I got it!  ;D