Author Topic: Movie: Johnny Dark  (Read 2421 times)

MarkH

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Movie: Johnny Dark
« on: August 29, 2014, 08:16:05 PM »
Stumbled across a website recently that sells old movies on DVD's. Turns out they have a 1954 movie called Johnny Dark, has some thinly disguised Aero's, in it as well as a Woodhill Wildfire &  Kaiser Darrin among other period cars. Really hard to find movie. I bought one, had some sound synchronization issues for a few minutes an hour in and they sent me another copy, no charge. Their site now shows 9 copies left. $14.99 plus shipping. Not as sharp as a modern movie but still nice quality.

http://www.lovingtheclassics.com/
Fully restored '54 Aero Lark
Rusty '58 Austin Healey 100-Six
Barely running'74 Chevelle Malibu

kaiserfrazerlibrary

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Re: Movie: Johnny Dark
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2014, 08:55:19 AM »
Barbara & I showed a good print at the 2010 Midwest fall meet when I was at CEP2.

Aeroman

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Re: Movie: Johnny Dark
« Reply #2 on: August 31, 2014, 07:49:14 PM »
About 15 years ago, I was selling a videotape recording of KF and KFOC items and ended with a complete copy of "Johnny Dark" on the tape. I never digitized it and have no way of copying it to VHS at the moment. The movie starred Tony Curtis as Johnny and Piper Laurie as the love interest. It opens with two Findleys (disguised Aeros) being test driven at the Packard Proving Grounds. Not a great movie but fun none the less.
Rick Kamen
KFOCI LM4314 since 1979
Willys Aero Survival Count
aeroman@aol.com
http://clubs.hemmings.com/willysaero
1954 Willys Aero Eagle "Old Toby"
1964 Ford Econoline panel van
Once owned 11 other Willys Aeros and a Willys wagon, 2 Kaisers, 1 Henry J, plus Studebakers, Hudsons, a Nash and others.

kaiserfrazerlibrary

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Re: Movie: Johnny Dark
« Reply #3 on: September 01, 2014, 09:07:18 AM »
It wasn't "Findlay" it was Fielding.  Also, the interior shots of the car plant (the few that made it to the print) were shot at the Willys factory in Toledo.

MarkH

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Re: Movie: Johnny Dark
« Reply #4 on: September 03, 2014, 09:49:42 PM »
It wasn't "Findlay" it was Fielding.  Also, the interior shots of the car plant (the few that made it to the print) were shot at the Willys factory in Toledo.

Well, now I'm going to have to take another look at those scenes. Thanks!
Fully restored '54 Aero Lark
Rusty '58 Austin Healey 100-Six
Barely running'74 Chevelle Malibu

kaiserfrazerlibrary

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Re: Movie: Johnny Dark
« Reply #5 on: September 04, 2014, 05:07:16 AM »
For those die-hard fans of Mr. Curtis (who was also an accomplished artist in his later years) or the film itself, watch eBay or those who deal in movie memorabilia for something called the "Exploitation Package" of material for this film.  Besides posters and lobby cards, the material suggested various contests, tie-ins and other activities at the local level for promotion of the movie when it came to a city for showing.  Prop sellers in CA may even have a Fielding Motors service coat or coveralls.

Aeroman

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Re: Movie: Johnny Dark
« Reply #6 on: September 05, 2014, 12:24:13 AM »
Thanx Jack, Fieldings, not Findlays. And I just watched the movie again about a month ago.
Rick Kamen
KFOCI LM4314 since 1979
Willys Aero Survival Count
aeroman@aol.com
http://clubs.hemmings.com/willysaero
1954 Willys Aero Eagle "Old Toby"
1964 Ford Econoline panel van
Once owned 11 other Willys Aeros and a Willys wagon, 2 Kaisers, 1 Henry J, plus Studebakers, Hudsons, a Nash and others.