Original Gremlin Props!

KurtBergeron

Well-Known Member
On Dec. 11, 2013, Knate Higgins and Tim Fife of The Seacoast Repertory Theater in Portsmouth, NH curated one of a series of events called "Let's "B" Reel: Cult Classic Films at The Rep." The point of this incredible evening is to bring audience members together to watch cult classic films and to heighten that experience by also introducing them to an industry professional who worked on the project and to give audience members a chance to see actual props from the film up close and personal! The First I heard about their event was for the screening of Gremlins!

The evening began with a personal introduction and screening of Sacha Feiner's Gremlin's fan film, which if you've never seen it is WELL worth the watch as he AMAZINGLY pairs the Gremlins against the likes of Batman and Indiana Jones. Concluding the ACTUAL film, Gremlins producer Michael Finnell discussed the development of the projects, how it differed from original scripts (a lot) and what it was like to work on the film. Naturally, concluding that, he also accepted questions from the audience.

In the lobby of the theater was a Gremlins exhibit on loan from director Joe Dante, which included "never before seen" props including The Bathroom Buddy, The Smokeless Ashtray, actual Gremlins, Stripe's skull from the melting scene at the conclusion of the first film, and a screen used puppet that had been perfectly restored by the incredible Tom Spina and provided from the private collection and generosity of Richard D'Andrea.

Always thinking of my friends back at The RPF, I took a few minutes to take some additional shots of the props on display. That said, more events like this are currently in the works so if you are near the New England area than please consider visiting The Seacoast Rep website at www.seacoastrep.org or follow them on facebook at facebook.com/seacoastrep for more information! I am helping to plan the next event on Jan. 31, 2014, which will be a screening of Pee Wee's Big Adventure. I will be bringing one of the screen used bikes on loan from a private collector!

2013-12-11 23.23.20.jpg
 
Last edited:
First up are THESE little guys! These small figurines were used during the filming of Gremlins 2: The New Batch in the lobby of Clamp Towers when the lobby is overrun with Gremlins!
2013-12-11 19.32.24 HDR.jpg
 
Next is THIS item, which ALSO from Gremlins 2: The New Batch. A Gremlin puppet on top of a helmet! The puppeteer who controlled this Gremlins ALSO had a Gremlin on each hand! He or she had to bring the Gremlin to life with movements of the head while also controlling two others!
2013-12-11 19.27.42.jpg
2013-12-11 19.27.56.jpg
 
Last edited:
This skull prop belonged to Stripe and was used during the melting scene at the end of Gremlins 1. Michael Finnell explained to us that the original script for Gremlins was more of a horror movie, which included Billy's mother being killed when one of the Gremlins cuts off her head and rolls it down the stairs of the house. Even more surprising is that Gizmo,.....was not the central character that he became. In fact, after the Gremlins were created you didn't see Gizmo anymore (They probably killed him). It was Spielberg who drew the attention to Gizmo and explained how he knew the audience would love him. Gizmo driving the Barbie car was added into the film AFTER principal photography had already wrapped based on Spielberg's suggestion that Gizmo be the one who kills Stripe.

2013-12-11 19.30.49.jpg2013-12-11 19.30.56.jpg
 
Last edited:
Very cool that events like that are held away from Hollywood.

Thanks for the great pics!!!
 
This thread is more than 10 years old.

Your message may be considered spam for the following reasons:

  1. This thread hasn't been active in some time. A new post in this thread might not contribute constructively to this discussion after so long.
If you wish to reply despite these issues, check the box below before replying.
Be aware that malicious compliance may result in more severe penalties.
Back
Top