The LA 3-D Movie Festival continues at 8pm on Friday, December 9th, at the Velaslavasay Panorama in Los Angeles, with an evening of 3-D RARITIES from the 3-D Film Archive, including the US Premiere of the 1954 British 3-D film HARMONY LANE. In August 2014, this lost 3-D film was discovered buried deep in the vaults of the British Film Institute. Directed by Lewis Gilbert (as Byron Gill) and photographed by A.E. Jeakins in March 1953, it sat on the shelf until the end of 1954 when it was finally released flat. This delightful 27 minute short is like spending a night at the Palladium with several variety acts.  They include dancing by the Jack Billings Trio; a song by the Beverley Sisters; "Swan Lake" by Svetlana Beriosova and David Paltenghi of the Sadler's Wells Ballet; precision dancing by The Television Toppers and a comedy routine with Dora Bryan and Max Bygraves. The orchestra was directed by future Hammer Studios composer, Philip Martell. The excellent stereo cinematography was the work of Brian Smith. In 1951, he directed the first live action British 3-D short in Technicolor, DISTANT THAMES/ROYAL RIVER which was a tremendous success at the Festival of Britain and the Edinburgh Film Festival. HARMONY LANE has never before been seen in its native 3-D. 

 

In addition to HARMONY LANE, we will also take a look at some of the other 3-D RARITIES that have been rescued and restored by the 3-D Film Archive, including Kelley's Plasticon Pictures, the earliest extant 3-D demonstration film from 1922 with incredible footage of Washington and New York City; New Dimensions, the first domestic full color 3-D film originally shown at the World's Fair in 1940; Thrills for You, a promotional film for the Pennsylvania Railroad; Stardust in Your Eyes, a hilarious standup routine by Slick Slavin. Bob Furmanek will be in attendance to talk about how he finds and preserves these lost stereoscopic motion picture treasures.

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After-viewing reception in the gardens with Bob Furmanek and Eric Kurland for discussion, questions & light refreshments: 

Velaslavasay Panorama

1122 W. 24th St. LA, CA 90007 (map)

www.panoramaonview.org

(213)746-2166

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