'Props' for the "Thunder" Props Masters

Just a small sampling of props used in Sons & Daughters of Thunder that will be on display during the premiere.

It takes a lot of people to make a movie.  It takes even more people to make an historical film.  From the director of photography, sound director, assistant director and gaffer to the costume designer, hair/make-up personnel and the props master, the smallest details need complete attention. 

When Lyman Beecher needed a pocket watch and bifocals during a pivotal scene in which abolitionist Theodore Weld and his supporters requested the historic anti-slavery debates at Lane Seminary, it was props masters Melinda Carriker and Sandy Freel who made sure actor Janos Horvath had a key-wound watch on a chain and bifocals on his nose.

Actor Janos Horvath poses in the original Lyman Beecher study at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Set in 1834, with scenes dipping into the 1850s and 1880s, finding period-correct props for Sons & Daughters of Thunder kept Production Assistant Melinda Carriker on her toes. Fortunately, she had Sandy Freel's vast collection of antiques (which would make any Hollywood props master salivate) to draw from.

"We knew the project was going to be challenging, and Melinda is someone we have relied on heavily for our documentary projects Lost Nation: The Ioway 1, 2 & 3 and Country School: One Room - One Nation, and Good Earth: Awakening the Silent City" said producer Tammy Rundle.  "We took a lot of creative license with Thunder, and it was not easy to make a period piece on a tight budget.   But we had no doubt that Melinda would be up for the challenge of finding the correct props for the film, and that Sandy Freel would be an incredible resource.  They were a fantastic team."

Costume designer Emily Busha attends to final details on actress Jess Taylor's dress.

When Harriet Beecher, played by actress Jess Taylor, needed that extra special little piece of jewelry on her dress collar, Freel produced a human hairwork brooch.  "Mourning jewelry" reflected the lives and times of the people who wore them.  For hundreds of years, especially during the Victorian age, jewelry often times integrated human hair into brooches, rings and watch chains, which were then worn as a souvenir to remember a loved one.  Harriet might have worn a mourning brooch in which to remember her deceased mother, Roxanna Beecher.

Production assistant/props master Melinda Carriker shows actress Kim Furness (Catharine Beecher) how to light the whale oil/lard lamp.

One of the most interesting requests for Carriker was an 1830s whale-oil/lard lamp to be lit during a scene in the Lyman Beecher home.  

Carriker's list of 'finds' grew over the seven months of production on Thunder, including period pens, books, bibles, letters, jewelry, handbills, satchels and lanterns.

"Many times you watch a film and you do not realize all that went into making it as close to "right" as is possible.  We were very fortunate to have a cast and crew on this project that were committed to making it the best that they could," said director Kelly Rundle.  "It is the little things that make the difference--right down to that key-wound watch in Lyman Beecher's hand, when he takes note of the changing time."

Melinda Carriker and Lora Adams prepare Jessica Taylor (Harriet Beecher) for the Goodbye scene. Jess sits on an 1848 handmade coverlet donated by prop master Sandy Freel to the production.

Sandy Freel presented Kelly & Tammy Rundle with the gift of the key-wound watch and the 1848 coverlet (Harriet Beecher sits on it during the goodbye scene) used in Sons & Daughters of Thunder. The items will be on display for the public to enjoy during screenings.  We are deeply grateful for this beautiful gifts that will always mean so much to us.

Sons & Daughters of Thunder premieres Saturday, March 16, 6:30P (SOLD OUT) and Sunday, March 17 at 3PM at the Putnam Giant Screen in Davenport, Iowa.  Advance tickets are STRONGLY recommended at Putnam.org/calendar. The film will also have a Cincinnati premiere at the Garfield Theatre, March 23 at 4PM or 7PM.  Reserve tickets at http://www.cincyworldcinema.org/Thunder2019.php.

Comments

[Sandy Freel]

Thank You for such kind words...I feel so blessed to be able to have the old things to share.
Makes collecting all those years now fun to share.
I was so pleased to be able to give you the watch and chain to share in more movies you will do.
This film is a blessing for all those in the past life that give there all for a cause.

[Kevin J Railsback]

You don't realize how much little things like this can be such big things when it comes to period pieces.

Sometimes the fact that these great props go unnoticed just shows how well they are incorporated into the scenes and allows the viewer to immerse themselves into the story and time that Thunder is set in.

[Bex Crowell]

Sandy Freel is the coolest woman I know! An amazing collector and friend - she's the best.