The model from the WebbStanwyck film

[Richard K. Mason]

Mr. Krebs, {Any relation to Maynard G.?}

If you would like, I have a worn but still very readable copy of Sea Classics magazine put out in the early summer of 1974. It is primarily devoted to Titanic coverage and features a 2-page article with photos detailing the restoration of the 1953 model and then being placed on display at the mall you mentioned. At one point, somebody in Hollywood tried to make a "Queen Mary" model over the original "Titanic" version. They had to re-do the WHOLE thing.! Just let me know and I'll either post highlights of the article here, or mail you a copy.

Good day,
Richard Mason

 

[Richard A. Krebes]

Dear Mr. Mason:

Sorry to have taken so long to reply. By all means feel free to post some highlights from the magazine. I'd be happy to check it out!
Have a nice day.

Richard

P.S. No, I am no relation to Maynard G.

 

[Robert H. Gibbons]

I wrote the 1974 article about the Titanic model used the the 1953 Fox film TITANIC. After filming TITANIC in late 1952, the model was altered to be both the ILE DE PARIS and QUEEN MARY for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell. A new bow and stern were added, the three Queen Mary funnels and box type ventilators. The model was stored until 1971 at the Fox Malibu lot and then was sold off at auction. Robert Muir bought many of the movie models and refurbished the Titanic model by putting the four Titanic funnels back on and other cosmetic work. Incidentally, only the port side of the model was detailed. The model was displayed at a mall in Blaine, Minnesota for about ten years, and then was trucked to Fall River, Mass where it has undergone more restoration. The gravity davits of the Queen Mary have been replaced by the correct Welin davits and the lighting system has been restored. As for the Ile de Paris shots in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, a close look at the DVD shows they used the Queen Mary version of the Titanic model with the film printed backwards! The Ile de Paris sails left to right and the Queen Mary sails right to left! Robert H. Gibbons, Co-Founder and Past President, Titanic Historical Society, Inc.

 

[David F. Smith]

I've seen this model in the Museum in Fall River. It is very nice! In fact, we were there right before closing and thus the only ones left. So the guide turned off the house lights and lit up the model for us to see in the darkened room. Very impressive indeed!

 

[Shelley Dziedzic]

I visited the model last week, Bob- and it looks great. The man who restored the model was the father of one of the nuns at the school where I used to teach- small world. The museum facility was being painted, so much of the material was in storage. THS removed their exhibit unexpectedly about 3 years ago as you may know. So the exhibit is a little sparse, but the model alone is worth the trip, and still has a nice photo of Mrs. Robb with an audio tape. Mr. Newell's ring is gone, the large movie poster is there, and the great painted backdrop of the grand staircase which , if memory serves, was at the THS convention in Delaware in 1985 or 6. There is also a good display of Andrea Doria artifacts.

 

[Robert H. Gibbons]

I donated a miniature hull plate from the Titanic model used in "Raise the Titanic" to the FRMM and John Gosson had it in the case along with a wooden "life raft" that was picked up at the 1971 auction which was held next to Farmer's Market in Los Angeles. I remember those inaccurate life rafts in the background just before the sinking, and I think you could spot them leaning against the wall on the boat deck just before the ship went down. They were crudely carved wood with screen wire for a bottom, I was thrilled to get the life raft because it was from the model, and had fallen off during the move to the auction site. For those who haven't heard, John Joslyn is building a Titanic attraction in Branson, MO similar to the one in Orlando, FL. This one will have a big model of the Titanic, a real Grand Staircase to walk between floors and some of the THS items that were in Fall River, including the deck chair and Mrs. Astor's lifejacket. Take a look at www.titanicbranson.com and take a tour of seven of the fourteen rooms. The exhibit is scheduled to open in October, with grand opening in April, 2006. Robert H. Gibbons