Vader's height??

[Hedjii72]

I have that same mannequin, and put a 2 inch spacer at the midsection. Problem was, it looked... off. There was waaaay too much space between the chestbox, belt, and codpiece. So I took the spacer out, and guess what.... it looks much much better.

I think given the choice of having a 6'4" Vader where all the pieces line up properly, or going with a 6'6" inch Vader where the parts look ridiculous, I'd choose the former. He's still damn intimidating.

I think Prowse's height is exaggerated. He's beefy, but I don't think he's 6'7". Just my opinion.

 

[Liquidjedi]

This photo doesn't answer any height questions, but an interesting photo none the less that shows some of Prowse's porportions. I posted it a while back...I believe it's from 1968.

I supose it could be of some help when putting together a mannequin.

The source of the image is from www.classicbodybuilders.com

Craig

 

[The Wook]

‘It’s my size you see,’ Prowse explains. ‘Because you’re six-foot-six and weigh 19 stone, nobody wants to cast you as a happy father in a cornflake commercial. You’re always the villain, always having a fight with Peter Wyngard or Roger Moore. I was always stuffed, always typecast.’

--excerpt from interview with Home Cinema Choice, in June 1996

Also from that article, this cast photo was posted, circa 1977

If Harrison's 6'1", and Mayhew's 7'3", I'd put Prowse at about 6'6" tops.

 

[ob1al]

Another thought about the theory that Prowse could have been 6'4" as the parts line up properly on some people's mannequins...we must remember everyone has different sized torsos. Some have longer legs, shorter toro, others vica versa. Lot's of variables to consider.

I agree that it's best to use whatever height/size mannequin you feel looks best, but disagree that this can be used as any kind of indication as to prowse's height back in 76.

 

[ddocvjm]

For my display, I am using the flexible mannequin from DarkShadow. This comes already bulked-up to Prowse's measurements. It is very flexible and can be posed into any position.

 

[GINO]

Regardless of your mannequin's height, I'd say if your vader from foot to top of dome is around 6'8" 6'9", then you are in good shape.

 

[TMP]

Who is Darkshadow?

 

[vaderdarth]

And fully dressed, you vader should stand just under 7 feet. This is boots/helmet etc....... More than one member of the OT SW crew mentions this "just under 7" dimension. That is vague, but I'd be thinking that maximum with the guy standing as tall as he can flat footed, I wouldn't make my mannequin taller than 6' 10".

Dave

 

[OdiWan72]

I´d also be interested in Drakshadows mannequin

Markus

 

[TK9120]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rmschneider104 @ Feb 2 2007, 08:19 PM) [snapback]1410637[/snapback]</div>

However, get a bunch of bubble wrap because you'll need to beef up the best, arms, trunk, and thighs a bunch to fill out a leather suit.
[/b]

Someone mentioned in another thread awhile back not to use bubble wrap. The air came out of the bubbles and was useless. Maybe bad wrap or maybe it happens when it has weight on it. Keep that in mind.

 

[voice in the crowd]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(The Wook @ Feb 4 2007, 12:29 AM) [snapback]1411236[/snapback]</div>

If Harrison's 6'1", and Mayhew's 7'3", I'd put Prowse at about 6'6" tops.

[/b]

I seem to remember this photo and others from that photoshoot sparking great arguments a while back nobody apart from Kenny Baker is standing up straight both feet firmly on the ground in it. The actors couldn't have made it any worse to judge height if they tried :lol

I have to agree though Wook as with many RPF members who have stood next to Dave I also agree he isn't as tall as 6'7" I would say 6'5" / 6'6" giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Also for beefing up mannequins I just put old shirts/t-shirts/trousers on them it does the trick.

Cheers Chris.

 

[Crimsonnaire]

Just out of curiosity, how tall is the Hayden-Vader and Unknown-Vader from the special edition of TESB?

I wonder who's tallest out of the three.

 

[vaderdarth]

for bulking up mannequins, just use the light green foam rubber found at fabric shops. The stuff is very flexible, rigid enough to hold it's shape and virtually indestructible. It won't fall apart like the typical yellow foam rubber. It doesn't seem to degrade over time.

Dave

 

[SHalamar]

Also remember that the man is older now. AND he has had some medical issues. Looks like he slouches a like, and its possible that due to his health issues, hes shrunk a couple inches since the movies.

 

[vaderdarth]

As he tells it he's had surgery and has lost 2-3 inches in height from his legs alone. We all lose height from joint degeneration as we get older. Still I believe his original ANH height to be roughly 6' 6" This should make him 6' 10" in costume......theoretically.

Dave

 

[darthvaderv]

I'm in agreement that there is nothing to say Prowse was 6ft 7in. As it has been mentioned some people have longer bodies than other's or their legs may be longer etc.. so it's possible.

Vader in armor is meant to stand at 2.02m.

I had a 6ft2 mannequin and made a couple of modifications until I was satisfied. The mannequin in my mind should of stood at 6ft 7in which was Prowse's supposed height before the armor was put on, I got it to 6ft 6in. My Vader stands at 6ft 9in with armor, boots etc... and it is hard for others to tell whether it's out by an inch or so.

As for Prowse nowdays. I've seen enough convension photos to see he has shrunk, which he admits to, not unless he was never that true height of 6ft 7in as claimed.

 

[ob1al]

Medical statistic: People typically lose about 1 cm (0.4 inches) every 10 years after age 40.

Prowse is now 70 - if the above statistic is correct, he would have naturally lost around 3 cm ( 1.18 inches) from his height without any medical complications.

Prowse maitains his surgery has decreased his legs by 2-3".

So, if we take that at face value, that's a possible 4" of height reduction since the OT.

Even if we subtract an inch from that total, Prowse currently being averaged by those who have met him at approximately 6'4" gives us 6'7" in his prime.

On the conservative side of things I still reckon 6'6" as a good guide to Prowse's height in '76.

With armor and boots, this would have boosted his height to around 6'9 or 6'10.

 

[GINO]

I think 6'10" is pushing it but what do I know.

 

[ob1al]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GINO @ Feb 7 2007, 06:40 PM) [snapback]1413901[/snapback]</div>

I think 6'10" is pushing it but what do I know.
[/b]

You know a lot about Vader.

Why is it pushing it?

Do you agree then that 6'9" is a fairly realistic, 'informed choice' ANH Vader height?

 

[GINO]

I think 6'7" - 6'9" is the range. Deviating much from that and things start to look wrong. I started it out taller, then later reduced the size as it looked too stretched out.
Here's mine standing at about 6'8".