Bloomberg published a story yesterday covering today and tomorrow’s Profiles in History Hollywood Auction 30 with a short interview with Joe Maddalena. It is interested to see ways in which the mainstream press cover the original prop hobby, such as framing the story around and seeking a reaction from Mr. Schwarzenegger on the offering of props from the Terminator films.
The full story can be read at Bloomberg.com:
Schwarzenegger’s `Terminator 2′ Robots Go for Auction
By Michael White
More Photos/DetailsDec. 12 (Bloomberg) — When “Terminator” star Arnold Schwarzenegger headed for Sacramento, he left behind two life- size robot doubles from the movie that go on the auction block this week.
The robot figures are among 1,200 items of Hollywood memorabilia to be sold in 200 lots tomorrow and Dec. 14 at the Profiles in History auction house in Calabasas, California.
A chrome-plated T-800 “endoskeleton” featured in the opening scene of “Terminator 2” set in the Los Angeles of 2029, is expected to fetch as much as $100,000. A fleshed-out model that appeared in the “Terminator 3” finale is estimated at $60,000 to $80,000. They’re typical of collectibles that attract baby boomers seeking to relive movie memories, Profiles in History President Joseph Maddalena said.
“My generation and people 10 years older than me are very nostalgic,” Maddalena, 47, said in an interview. “We want to own pieces of our past and our past is pop culture.”
Part of the proceeds from their sale will be donated to the United Nations Children’s Fund. Other items on sale include the head of a Tyrannosaurus Rex from “Jurassic Park” and Jean-Luc Picard’s “Star Trek” command chair.
Profiles in History didn’t identify the sellers of the “Terminator” figures, the T-Rex or the “Star Trek’ chair. Schwarzenegger, through a spokesman, declined to comment on the sale.
With lines like “Hasta la vista, baby,” and “I’ll be back,” the “Terminator” roles helped make Schwarzenegger a household name and one of Hollywood’s top stars. His movie fame became the basis for a successful 2003 campaign to become California’s governor.
Robots From the Future
In the films, Schwarzenegger played three robots, identical in appearance, sent from the future to intervene in the life of Sarah Connor and her son, John, who is destined to lead humanity in a war against machines.
In the first movie, Schwarzenegger’s robot is the murderous agent of the machines. In the second and third films, he becomes a protector on the side of humans.
The endoskeleton, made of steel and chrome, has eyes that glow red when illuminated by battery power.
On the second figure, parts of the metal frame show through burned and torn flesh, the result of the T-800’s climactic battle with the more advanced T-1000 played by Robert Patrick. The robot was built to serve as a double for Schwarzenegger in some scenes to spare him a three-hour makeup session, the auction catalog said.
T-Rex Head
The tyrannosaurus is from the original “Jurassic Park.” The graphite and steel head, more than 6 feet long, is expected to sell for $60,000 to $80,000.
Picard’s command seat was used by actor Patrick Stewart in three “Star Trek” films. The burgundy chair, made of imitation leather, is estimated at $45,000 to $60,000. The price range pales by comparison with the $306,000 paid in an earlier auction for Captain Kirk’s command chair from the 1960s “Star Trek” television show, Maddalena said.
Profiles in History’s biggest single sale was $860,000 paid in 2005 for the Cowardly Lion costume worn by Bert Lahr in “The Wizard of Oz,” Maddalena said.
On a more intimate note, collectors this week can bid on a lace slip worn by Kate Winslet in the 2006 film “All the King’s Men” or a green cotton camisole inhabited by Rosario Dawson during a rooftop dance sequence in the slacker comedy “Clerks II.”
Dawson’s camisole, from “Clerks” director Kevin Smith, is expected to bring a higher price, $300 to $500, than the estimated $200 to $300 for Winslet’s slip.
The difference is a measure of the popularity of the movies, not the actresses, Maddalena said.
“All of the Kevin Smith films are more like cult movies,” he said. “They’re kind of goofy, but they have a big following.”
To contact the reporter on this story: Michael White in Los Angeles at [email protected] .
Last Updated: December 12, 2007 08:44 EST
Jason De Bord