Howard and Theodore Lydecker are two names that have always been synonymous within the special effects community and among fans of forties action cinema. Recognised as the specialists, bar none, in mobile miniature action – be it aerial dogfights, car collisions, train wrecks or battles at sea, the Lydecker brothers achieved it all with customary high calibre miniature action set pieces and cinematography. Normally associated with the films and large roster of weekly serials produced at Mascot Pictures and later Republic Pictures – there true home base for hundreds of movies over the years. I wish as an enthusiast, I could access more of their films and serials, but these are extremely difficult to find, so I’ve had to make do with a sort of mini tribute, based in large part upon the Dydecker’s Oscar nominated work for the John Wayne aerial combat picture FLYING TIGERS. I’ve also added a few shots from some of their other shows including some breathtaking full scale (I think) pyrotechnics from the terrific firey climax of another Duke Wayne show THE FIGHTING SEABEES and a few frames from their astonishing maritime special effects showcase SINK THE BISMARK…
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A Tribute to Golden Era Special FX
Please Note: Now, I am going further back into the archives of Matte Shot – A Tribute to Golden Era Special FX to feature even more articles from this great site.
This blog is intended primarily as a tribute to the inventiveness and ingenuity of the craft of the matte painter during Hollywoods’ Golden Era. Some of the shots will amaze in their grandeur and epic quality while others will surprise in their ‘invisibility’ to even the sophisticated viewer. I hope this collection will serve as an appreciation of the artform and both casual visitors and those with a specialist interest may benefit, enjoy and be amazed at skills largely unknown today.