Entire Collection
Fibber McGee's Closet Cymbals
Specifications
Fibber McGee's Closet Cymbals
Category
Communication
Classification
CHENHALL - Tools & Equipment for Communication - Sound Communication T&E - Sound Communication Devices - Simulator, Sound Effect
Keyword
Object Origin
c. 1930
Physical Characteristics
Object Description: Two (2) gold metal circular disks (cymbals) bolted together to a wood handle. The cymbals are stacked with convex portions aligned and wooden handle extending from the top of the convex portion. The top disk is smaller and a shiny gold. The bottom disk has a portion missing along the edge and is dull, it has Chinese characters and marks in black ink on the underside.
Measurements: Object:
Height: 5 in, Diameter: 12.5 in
Weight: 2 lbs
Credit
Gift of WMAQ/NBC Radio, 71.23.1SSS
Display Status
Not On View
Fibber McGee's Closet Cymbals
About: Fibber McGee's Closet Cymbals
About: Fibber McGee's Closet Cymbals
These cymbals are from the popular American radio comedy program, “Fibber McGee and Molly" that aired from 1935 to 1959. One of the show's signature gags was Fibber's cluttered closet, which, when opened, would unleash a loud and chaotic cascade of items that created comedic sound effects. These sound effects were created by Foley artists during the broadcast using a wide range of props and materials (like this one) to simulate everyday sounds.
The term "Foley" comes from Jack Foley (1891-1967), a pioneering sound effects artist who worked in the early days of sound film. "Fibber McGee and Molly" played a significant role in the development of radio comedy and influenced many subsequent shows. It was one of the pioneering radio sitcoms and both reflected and satirized American life which included the periods during the Great Depression and World War II.
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Fibber McGee's Closet Cymbals
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Copyright information
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