Howard & Theodore Lydecker--Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea

Howard Lydecker

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea

When Miniatures Were Big. Continued (2).

Theodore Lydecker
Howard & Theodore Lydecker

For realism in the air, check out the Lydeckers' modelwork below . . .

    The effects crew checks a miniature bridge and explosive charges prior to the filming of a sequence for Flying Tigers. The scale model plane was guided on fine wires rendered invisible by distance and film grain.

    This same technique was use to fine effect for the spaceship sequences in Zombies of the Stratosphere and Commando Cody (TV). The natural lighting and actual mountain backgrounds made the final product very believable. Years later, the technique worked nicely for the Flying Sub's airborne sequences in Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea as you'll see on the next page.

   Typically, the Lydeckers worked together on conceptualization, then Theodore drafted plans and oversaw production of the miniatures in the Republic miniature shop (pictured left). Howard usually directed filming. Compare the average Republic serial against any other, and if it involves special effects, you'll see a world of difference . . .

All photos on this page copyright Republic Pictures and Jack Mathis Advertising

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(1)
Minatures
and
Models

(2)
Rear
Screen
Projection

(3)
Mechanical
Special
Effects

(4)
The
Green
Tank

(5)
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(6)
Sfx
Octo
Attack

(7)
Sfx
Deadly
Creature

(8)
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(9)
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10)
Even More
Effects
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(11)
L.B
Abbott

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