Theatre Design & Technology - Winter 1979 - 32

3. The problem of the reinforcement of stage floors was
brought up as an elephant often shifts his weight so that it is not
evenly distributed on his four feet. The heavy construction of all
platforms, and ramps, would necessitate a great added burden to
both scene trouping and scene shifting.
4. Elephants are extremely sensitive to temperature. Not only
the exposure to winter climate in Northern States would be a hazard, but even if this problem were solved with closed vans the
sudden exposure to the heat of back stage lights might cause serious trouble.
5. Elephants are not easily persuaded to accept the sudden
noise of audience applause and blinding lights without much
preparation and long associating with surroundings that are familiar to them.
6. Cost of even a young bull or cow would start at $3,500 a
piece.
. ... J.M.

A bid from the Brunton Studios of New York shows not only
how times have changed since 1937, but that the beautiful car
shown in the Star Wagon portfolio could actually run.

The light plots in the Lincoln Center collection show not
only what instruments were used for a production, but how the
drawing of light plots and available instruments have changed.
The two accompanying figures show Mielziner's original notes
for lighting A Streetcar Named Desire which were given to an
assistant to draft the finished plot. Note that the symbols for
the instruments were circles with arrows showing the direction
of focus.
All of the material is available to scholars, researchers, students or people with a passing interest in how a design came
to be. When looked at in a larger framework, these papers are
more than recipes for the mise-en-scene of some three hun-

Mr. Guthrie McClintic
R.K.O. Building
Radio City
New York

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Dear Sir:

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At Mr. Mielziner's request we take pleasure in submitting the
following estimate.
To build one 1901 automobile to plans and specifications
drawn by Mr. Mielziner, same to be able to run a minimum of 40
ft., under its own power. To contain a "starting" device, when
pulled, to backfire as specified. Brakes to be practical, and top to
fold back. Auto finished in black lacquer with red stripes, complete with off stage sound effect, $900.
If we do not supply the off stage effect a deduction of $100
may be made from this estimate.
Due to the experimental nature of the work necessary on the
automobile, and the large outlay of money for gears, iron work
and motors, we are compelled to state our terms as one half
down if this estimate is accepted and the remainder on completion.
In accordance with our usual policy, all material and work manship, are guaranteed.
Trusting that this will meet with your approval, we are,

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Sincerely,
The Brunton Studios

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A memorandum to Oscar Hammerstein II written on October 9, 1950, sheds some light on an effect that never got on
stage in The King and I.
Subject: Elephants
In a conversation today with Mr. Fairfield Osborn, President of
the N. Y. Zoological Society, and his Chief Assistant in charge of
Maintenance of animals, a man by the name of Crandell, the following information was revealed:
1. 11 is their experience that elephants do not work well
alone--that even with a pair of elephants they are not too happy
or as easily persuaded to do a routine as when they are working
in a herd (such as large circus elephant herd).
2. It takes several roust-abouts to handle even the tamest elephant because of their enormous strength and weight.

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dred productions; they are a record of the new stagecraft as
applied successfully to the American Broadway theatre and a
record of the life's work of one of America's foremost scenic
designers which he so thoughtfully and generously gave to all
of us.o
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - Winter 1979
