- 36
# - The Dam Busters.
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Collection of material relating to the production of the bombing raid sequence for the 1955 film, comprising:
i) 17 Process Plate Data Sheets for scenes in the attack sequence, each with a still photograph of the studio mock-up of the Möhne dam and reservoir, some showing the impact of the bombs, others with gunfire and other effects drawn on, and eight also with photographs of the scene from storyboard, each with technical details of the shot, 8 pages, folio, 4 February-5 March 1954
ii) 9 plans of the Möhne reservoir and dam, namely 3 hand-drawn and coloured plans (each 575 x 575 mm.) showing the lines of approach of the Lancaster bombers piloted by Gibson, Hopgood and Martin, with shooting notes and detail on patterns of German defensive fire, one with drafts of a dedication on the verso ("To these men and their comrades of Bomber Command as a whole this film is humbly dedicated"), and 6 simpler plans (400 x 530 mm.) showing aircraft and camera movements with scene numbers
iii) complete script (copy no. 88), with pp.94-106 (corresponding to the attack sequence) separated out and annotated with technical and shooting notes, 118 pages, folio, 18 December 1953; final shooting script of the attack sequence providing a shot-by-shot breakdown, with manuscript annotations noting where tracer-fire was to be used and other details, 27 pages, carbon copies
iv) manuscript notes providing detailed studio requirements for the attack sequence, 12 pages, folio, May 1954; shot-by-shot breakdowns of German gunfire and tracer bullets during the attack sequence, 10 pages, mixture of top and carbon copies
v) five letters to Ronald North including three by the production supervisor W.A. Whittaker, and carbon copies of two letters by North, concerning the production of the attack sequence, two with enclosures, 14 pages; additional manuscript and typed notes on the explosions and related subjects including a trajectory chart, 6 pages; newspaper cuttings, magazines, and a copy of the world premiere souvenir brochure; nicks and tears, creasing and staining
ii) 9 plans of the Möhne reservoir and dam, namely 3 hand-drawn and coloured plans (each 575 x 575 mm.) showing the lines of approach of the Lancaster bombers piloted by Gibson, Hopgood and Martin, with shooting notes and detail on patterns of German defensive fire, one with drafts of a dedication on the verso ("To these men and their comrades of Bomber Command as a whole this film is humbly dedicated"), and 6 simpler plans (400 x 530 mm.) showing aircraft and camera movements with scene numbers
iii) complete script (copy no. 88), with pp.94-106 (corresponding to the attack sequence) separated out and annotated with technical and shooting notes, 118 pages, folio, 18 December 1953; final shooting script of the attack sequence providing a shot-by-shot breakdown, with manuscript annotations noting where tracer-fire was to be used and other details, 27 pages, carbon copies
iv) manuscript notes providing detailed studio requirements for the attack sequence, 12 pages, folio, May 1954; shot-by-shot breakdowns of German gunfire and tracer bullets during the attack sequence, 10 pages, mixture of top and carbon copies
v) five letters to Ronald North including three by the production supervisor W.A. Whittaker, and carbon copies of two letters by North, concerning the production of the attack sequence, two with enclosures, 14 pages; additional manuscript and typed notes on the explosions and related subjects including a trajectory chart, 6 pages; newspaper cuttings, magazines, and a copy of the world premiere souvenir brochure; nicks and tears, creasing and staining
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate. If you require additional information we would recommend viewing the item during the exhibition or contacting one of the specialists for this sale.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The Derwent dam doubled for the Möhne in the filming of the attack on the Ruhr dams, in combination with three scale mock-ups created at Elstree. Tracer bullets and flak were matted on to shots of the dam. See J. Falconer, Filming the Dam Busters (2005).