Dead
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Subject: Dead Media Working Note 05.4
Dead Medium: Kids' Dead Media 1937: the Auto-Magic
Picture Gun
From: Crouch/Apple_AT_eworld.com (Charlie Crouch)
Auto-Magic Picture Gun
Manufactured by Stephens Products Co., New York City,
copyright 1937, patent pending.
This device is a hand-held, miniature filmstrip projector
made to resemble a small automatic pistol. It was used
to project still pictures from an internal 16mm film loop
onto a screen.
Each film loop contained 28 frames, and was advanced
using a ratchet film advance mechanism, operated by the
trigger. The Picture Gun used a small bulb and two AA
batteries to provide the projection light.
The company's literature promotes the Picture Gun for
general entertainment and education, but it was also used
for business purposes. The one film loop I have was
produced for Shell Oil Company. Titled "The Return of
Jimmy Whitaker," it concerned a gas station attendant who
gives instructions on pump-side selling and merchandising.
(((My uncle ran a GMC truck dealership.)))
An accompanying flyer pictures a line of accessories
including:
1. Auto-Magic Film Rolls in sets of 3 (25c per set). Ten
sets, or thirty films, are listed in the flyer with
subjects ranging from nursery rhymes, to ships of the
world, to Cortez in Mexico. Some of the films are
available in Spanish. All films are promoted as made from
non-inflammable safety film.
2. An Auto-Magic Theater to show pictures in realistic
stage surroundings. (25c)
3. A Flash Light Attachment to connect the gun to larger
external batteries, either 2-cell or 3-cell models. (25c)
4. Spare lamps available for either 2.5 or 3.8 volts
(10c)
Dead
Media | 0.01-02.0 | 02.1-04.0
| 04.1-06.0 | 06.1-08.0 |
08.1-10.0 | 10.1-12.0 |