Zoltar Speaks!

[nickjm007]

I just finished designing and constructing one of my favorite movie props: Zoltar Speaks! from the 1988 film, Big, starring Tom Hanks.

Thought this would be a good place to show it off.

It's actually a mechanical bank that does exactly what the prop does in the film when you insert a real quarter into a coin slot on the top rear. Zoltar's mouth open and closes as the signage illuminates in sequence. Then, you press the red button on the front to actually release the coin into the bank. Afterwards, the machine turns off and resets—ready for another wish!

It runs on batteries and uses a DC motor and LEDs.

Made of wood, brass, and plastic.

14" tall / 4" wide / 4.5" deep

I would LOVE to find the actual prop from the film out there. Or just see pictures. Anyone have these?

Hope you like mine!

-Nick

 

[propologist]

Very impressive and great detail

 

[Rich]

Looks really cool.

Make magazine issue 21 had a story and pics from a guy that built a full size working replica.

 

[GeneralFROSTY]

Awesome. Truly awesome. GREAT prop to make a replica of - never seen it before!

 

[yt]

Awesome!

 

[Darth Brass]

Amazing - I would love to see a video of this in action!

 

[Adam C.]

Now that is a truly unique idea for a prop-replica. Well done!

 

[Candlejack]

This is one of my favorite movies of all-time. I love the detail you put into this & that you have it run on batteries so that it works while unplugged. Amazing!

 

[cpltony]

Makes you wonder if the actual prop was 100% custom built or an actual machine just 'dressed up' or maybe just an actual machine with no changes.

Certainly is a unique piece and I too would love to see some video of this one running.
Nice job!!

 

[agent5]

Absolutely incredible job! :thumbsup

 

[williamtaylor]

Very cool reproduction! Very faithful to the original movie prop. BTW, does anyone know what became of the original?

Just curious,

William:cool

 

[Mxlplx]

I would love to have a full scale replica of this!

Great job BTW!

 

[Stimpy]

Oh man, that looks fantastic!

 

[lint]

MAKE magazine had an article on someone building a full size one. look it up!

(as stated above)

 

[Moviefreak]

Absolutely amazing. GREAT WORK!! Now get to work on the full size version.... for me:lol

 

[pitts8rh]

Wow. I had to do a double take when I read the dimensions. Someone else has been staring at screen captures of the machine.

Very nicely done. You got it right, including the weathered crackle finish.

I had to comment because I was the one who built the full size version of Zoltar Speaks from Issue 21 of MAKE Magazine that was referred to above.

It is surprising how much interest there is in that machine after all this time.

BTW, as far as I know, nothing like this machine ever existed, except as a movie prop. What I believe to be a second copy of the original prop, with slightly different clothing and features, makes an appearance from time to time on the commercials for Fox Legacy on the Fox Movie Channel.

I don't want to hijack your thread, but I did want to add some information.

Nice craftsmanship!

 

[Funky]

That is freakin' cool!

 

[VoiceMan]

WOW.........simply WOW. I trust you have the scans for the Zoltar wish granted tickets. Im curious to know how much you spent to make that...i saw one a while back online somewhere i think is the same company who made the origional...i think it was selling for 10K.

 

[CTF]

That is so cool!

 

[nickjm007]

Thanks everyone! I've been MIA for a while, but wanted to provide new details for anyone newly interested.

This Zoltar Speaks replica cost me less than $100 to make.

Also, the original prop from the film (last I heard) in the lobby of the Falcon Theater in North Hollywood, CA. I USED to live there while I was building this model. Then I moved before I discovered where the actual prop was. I could have visited and took pictures! Oh, well.

Currently, I'm building a brand new version of this using my soon-to-arrive Form 1 3D printer. Stay tuned!