The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Just wondering if anyone else has watched this show (set in prohibition Atlantic City). I've caught it recently, and noticed they've thrown used a few phonographs as props (and unlike many recent TV and movies, haven't used crappophones). The lead character (Nucky Thompson, played by Steve Buscemi) has a mahagony VTLA in his office (which may have been a little dated for a person of influence to still have). I've also seen an VV-XVIII in one scene (don't recall exactly what were the circumstance), and there may have been a horn machine thrown in at some other point as well. It was just a little refreshing to see them using the real thing for once (although they do seem to have a Victor bias thus far).

Zeppy wrote:Just wondering if anyone else has watched this show (set in prohibition Atlantic City). I've caught it recently, and noticed they've thrown used a few phonographs as props (and unlike many recent TV and movies, haven't used crappophones). The lead character (Nucky Thompson, played by Steve Buscemi) has a mahagony VTLA in his office (which may have been a little dated for a person of influence to still have). I've also seen an VV-XVIII in one scene (don't recall exactly what were the circumstance), and there may have been a horn machine thrown in at some other point as well. It was just a little refreshing to see them using the real thing for once (although they do seem to have a Victor bias thus far).

Wish I had cable, or DirectTV, or something more than just my local channels... looks like something I would find interesting. Can you tell that I don't watch much television??

I really like this show. A great period set which includes great cloths, old cars and, of course, phonographs.

The soundtrack is a mixture of recent recordings and original recordings. Episode two ends with Billy Murray singing By the Light of the Silvery Moon.

You can check out previews and read about the show here http://www.hbo.com/#/boardwalk-empire/ .

Select "Episodes" at the bottom of the page and you can read about each episode and view a complete list of the songs and artists for each episode by scene.

Scott

I have been doing marathon sessions of Boardwalk Empire, from season 1, episode 1, while cooped up at home recovering from a bit of surgery. I am now into season 2. In one episode one of the main characters, a Federal FBI prohibition agent, shows a new nanny (hired to care for his illegitimate daughter) around the apartment. The year is 1921. He points out that one of the benefits is use of a VV-80, "the latest model." So someone did their research. In an earlier episode, though, the machine has gold hardware.

Clay

I have the whole series of Boardwalk Empire. In the very first episode, it shows Big Jim Collosimo playing a nice Victor III with a nickle horn, before he was assassinated. I agree with the historical accuracy, with real period music, clothes, and down to the light bulbs with the little points on top.
Harvey Kravitz

Jazz musician Vince Giordano was a consultant for Boardwalk Empire and appeared in several episodes playing his Phono-Violin and Bass Saxophone. When it comes to the music of the 20s, early recordings and phonographs, Vince knows his onions! He and his Nighthawks have been regular performers at the Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival in Davenport, IA over the last 30+ years.

I have the whole series on BluRay Discs and have been watching the whole thing end to end. There are a "few" historical inaccuracies in regards appliances, disc record players and such, but in general the research and props department did an excellent job. You can stream Boardwalk Empire on Amazon Prime.

colmike1 wrote:Jazz musician Vince Giordano was a consultant for Boardwalk Empire and appeared in several episodes playing his Phono-Violin and Bass Saxophone. When it comes to the music of the 20s, early recordings and phonographs, Vince knows his onions! He and his Nighthawks have been regular performers at the Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival in Davenport, IA over the last 30+ years.

Aren't Vince and his Nighthawks "the house band" in the club scenes ?


Looking forward to watching the series on DVD / Blu-ray / whatever the format is...

I noticed the Stroh Violin being used in many scenes. The music used, both recorded and live, is generally very good.

Clay

Vince Giordano and his band also have made several cylinder records on the electrophone and Wizard labels.