Natalie Kalmus television

[estatesale_gary]

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.

 

[estatesale_gary]

My Natalie Kalmust set

Same set.

 

[bajaespuma]

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...

 

[kimball455]

Here's more about Natalie

Here is a link for more information about Natalie Kalmus

Harry

http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/1079839%7C116294/Natalie-Kalmus/

 

[kimball455]

More about color movie film

Here is a link to an exhaustive review of color film processes.

Harry

Early Color Motion Picture Processes

 

[kimball455]

And, who can forget Breathtaking TECHNICOLOR

Here's the link to another exhaustive study

Or ...

Pardon me boys, is that the Technicolor Choo Choo?

Harry

Technicolor History 1

 

[paulg]

Holy Cow

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?

 

[danemodsandy]

Yep, Nasty Nat......

"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.

 

[estatesale_gary]

Hotel Dyckman

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.

LILEKS (James) :: MPLS :: Hotels

 

[paulg]

Neat hotel site

The picture is a blast.

 

[petek]

That tv is too much for television. Who here wouldn't want a set with built in planters... noooobody.

 

[maytagbear]

Gary--

Could you please take a snapshot of it with the cabinet doors open?

I would say "thank you."

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[estatesale_gary]

Open sesame...

Here is a shot of the tv with the doors open.

 

[gansky1]

That is a very beautiful set, Gary. What a story there is behind it, too! Fascinating.

 

[hydralique]

Damn . . .

Makes me want to sit right down and watch Perry Mason!

 

[countryford]

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.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[maytagbear]

Thank you,

Gary.

Interesting bit of history!

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[bygted]

reply 15

That Kalmus set in reply #15 is mine.
If anyone has an interest - lemme know !
Ted
[email protected]