Werewolf Back Transformation Rig | AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON (1981)

Sold Stock #35504 | Sold Oct 21 2014

AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON (1981)

Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction 2014

Werewolf Back Transformation Rig

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A transformation back rig from John Landis’ horror film An American Werewolf in London. Created by esteemed special effects artist Rick Baker, this innovative mechanical piece was used for the painful transformation of David Naughton (David Kessler) from human into werewolf. The effects earned Baker an Academy Award® for Best Make-Up in the award’s inaugural year.
The mechanical effects rig is made of fibreglass with pneumatically powered ridged components running up the spine. Due to age, the urethane skin that covered the piece decayed and was cleaned off to reveal the elaborate fibreglass skeleton beneath, with skin with punched hair retained on a single vertebra to illustrate the rig’s original form. The action was operated by a team of effects technicians on set using air-filled syringes. This action has been sympathetically replicated using electric motors and cables running within the original pneumatic lines, allowing the piece to cycle through a series of movements that recreate the movement seen in the film.

In working condition, the piece is presented on a bespoke display base featuring the electric pneumatic components and an illuminated version of the film’s logo. Dimensions: 35 cm x 44 cm x 70 cm (13¾” x 17½” x 27½”)

This item contains electronic components. While every effort has been made to describe them accurately, no guarantee or warranty is made as to functionality, lifespan or safety of those components. It is entirely incumbent on the new owner to satisfy themselves as to their safe use and maintenance.

£3,000-5,000
Size

Item size: 12.2" × 12.6" × 25.59" (31cm × 32cm × 65cm)

This item comes with a Propstore Certificate of Authenticity

This item is located in London.

This item is located in Los Angeles.