Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (Warner Bros., 1994), Hero VFX Articulating "Snowflake" Dolphin Insert Head....

Description

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (Warner Bros., 1994), Hero VFX Articulating "Snowflake" Dolphin Insert Head. Original Visual Effects articulating prop used for the dolphin "Snowflake" constructed with a fiberglass substructure, silicone exterior form, and internal flotation and control devices for operating during filming scenes showing the dolphin's head and upper body. Exterior is expertly painted in a lifelike gray color with painted black eyes, sculpted silicone teeth, and static blowhole. The interior fiberglass is supported by 3-wooden cross braces ranging 13" to 16" across with a 29" control arm constructed of PVC over a wooden cylinder mounted onto the support planks with a 5.5" PVC control handle at the rear. Snowflake's articulating mouth is operated by an aluminum lever rigged from the open back and down the interior to the lower jaw area. An inflatable vest is strapped to the upper interior of the body with a regulator device for controlling buoyancy while in use. Snowflake is freestanding when in use yet rests on a studio-built cradle-like support system with a fiberglass and foam padding undercarriage affixed to wooden support beams including 1-rear support measuring 27.5" across, 1-central support measuring 31.5" deep, and 1-front support measuring 7" tall. Wooden supports are affixed with fiberglass reinforcements. 2-orange canvas straps measuring 38" are affixed to the rear wooden plank. Measures approx. 56" x 34" x 26.5" overall, including operating pole and cradle. This working prop was used for scenes showing only Snowflake's head and upper body, with the operator stationed behind the prop and using the PVC pipe for maneuvering. Snowflake is accompanied by a 14" x 11" schematic of the prop, accomplished in graphite on illustration paper. Exhibits signs of production use, wear, and age, including some scuffs to the exterior paint, areas of separation to the silicone from the fiberglass, signs of studio repair to the fins, desiccation of the foam padding, and soiling from storage. From the personal collection of Academy Award winning makeup and special effects director Robert Short, who created the special effects for Snowflake and was the film's puppeteer. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.

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