Skip to Content

Search

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

Object Origin
Date Built:

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.

Materials:

metal

wood

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.

Multimedia

Additional media

360° View

View 0View 1View 2View 3View 4View 5View 6View 7View 8View 9View 10View 11

Audio Clips

Fibber McGee's Closet Cymbals

Additional information

Copyright information

The objects and content presented on this website have been reviewed for the copyright status to the extent possible. However, if you believe that any material has been used improperly or without proper authorization, please contact us. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and will address any concerns promptly.

 

Have a question or comment about this object? Contact us.