Is interesting. I can't abide Jerry Lewis movies they just drive me nuts and always have BUT big but..he is one of the few people on this earth that I have huge admiration for and would love to meet even if I had to wait in line.. and there are probably fewer than 3 people I'd ever wait in line to see.
That clip is from the 1957 film "The Delicate Delinguent" -- largely a forgettable film. Funny, Lewis wasn't half bad looking back then was he!
Of course, he is not really playing the theremin -- he's doing a Milly Vanilly. The actual playing was done by "The Dean of the Theremin," Dr. Samuel Hoffman (whose son is a friend of mine).
I saw Jerry L. on TV last night, as he was commenting on Merv Griffin's passing. I developed new respect for him after reading his autobiography of "Martin and Lewis". El Theremin was about the first thing I found, after YouTubing J.L. What a great link you put in. There is a Dave in Ontario, Canada, that is a thereminist also.
But if you're interested in Theremins, there's a fascinating documentary (PBS, possibly?) called, 'Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey.' I highly recommend it.
Varese biographer Olivia Mattis, referenced on the above-cited Wikipedia page, is a friend of mine. Met her in 1997 at the First International Theremin Festival in Portland, Maine.
"Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey" -- 1994, Orion, available on DVD or VHS from moog.com. It's a very compelling documentary and indeed is what catapulted me into the world of the theremin. Steven M. Martin, the filmmaker, is also a friend and we have done several gigs and shows together.
Well, I will certainly be looking for the DVDs and CDs, and my Moog Synthesiser LP of Bach. I wouldn't mind finding the Varese bio either. Great that you know so many of these innovators and artisans!
The Official Wendy Carlos HomePage. The definitive Web collection of information about the pioneer synthesist and composer (and solar eclipse photographer), including a "Write Wendy" Maildrop.
Yes! I couldn't think of the name, I think it's the recording that pretty much started the craze. It will take me hours to find in my collection unfortunately. Bravo to you for all these fantastic people you know.