Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > December 2002 > 2002.12.26 > 04Prev  Next


Hooghuys Organ in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"
By Bjorn Isebaert

Hi!  I was just watching TV and they were showing a kid's movie,
"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" (dating from 1968, with Dick van Dyke).

Now, there's a scene where van Dyke's character, Caractacus Potts,
demonstrates an automatic hair-cutting machine on a fair.  In the
background, there's a set of gallopers with an organ, and according
to an article in the MMD 981211, written by Douglas Bush, it is an
89-key Gaudin organ playing the background music.  I found the same
information on http://www.carousels.com/ccrecordpt6.htm.

However, I have this movie on 16 mm film, and after reviewing the scene,
I am convinced that it is not a Gaudin playing here, but the 70-key
Hooghuys of Albert Becquart, playing "Blue Devils".  This track was
undoubtedly taken from the Decca records of this organ, which were also
very popular in the UK.  Or am I wrong and do my ears need some cleaning?

Best wishes,

Bjorn Isebaert
Zottegem, Belgium


(Message sent Thu 26 Dec 2002, 14:14:06 GMT, from time zone GMT+0100.)

Key Words in Subject:  Bang, Chitty, Hooghuys, Organ

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page