"You know? For kids!"*
Yes, it was an absolute pain in the ass trying to write a screenplay on a typewriter, but what a buzz when it was finished! And I'd only written one page!
See that funny thing above? It's made out of something called steel. They used to make cars out of it.
I took one of my typewriters out in public once, while my daughter practiced her roller-blading. However, I typed away in a quiet industrial car-park 'cos I just knew this town wasn't ready to see a typewriter. God, no!
Ahh, if only we could. Allow people to do what they want, as long as it doesn't hurt anybody else.
Thanks for reading, all!
***typecast on a circa 1951 Olympia SM2***
*If you've never seen it, check out "The Hudsucker Proxy" (Dir: Joel Coen, 1994). Brilliant film. WARNING- It's got typewriters in it.
Bravo! Excellent.....
ReplyDeleteAh. Memories. I remember seeing the Hudsucker proxy at the Kino cinema on Collins street. Is that still there?
I've been seriously considering busting out some of my machines in public - and not just at a type-in. I think it is time to show some writer pride.
The Gizmodo crowd are just a bunch of narcissistic teenagers anyway, who are desperate to be seen using the latest toy.
Hey Scott, yes, as far as I know, The Kino is still at 45 Collins. I don't think it has the same art-house clout that it used to have. Shame.
ReplyDeleteOff-topic, but I tried to open up some of these pics on this post and I got a "Malicious Website Blocked" message from Norton Internet Security. When I checked the more detailed report, it appears that a Photobucket account under the name of 'girlfromStLouis' may have a virus attached. Have you seen this happen on your computer?
Like vintage cars?
ReplyDeleteSweet saying!
Yep, as soon as I read 'vintage car', it made perfect sense to me, Nat.
DeleteThis very post? Are you using Google chrome? I have seen that happen elsewhere on occasion, but usually while opening emails on hotmail, only on photos there too.
ReplyDeleteYep, this post. I removed the photos and reloaded them from my computer instead of Photobucket. I then took a chance and opened up one of the suspicious photos (the one with the kid's hands typing) and it gave me the malicious website message. I took a chance and continued to the suspicious website...and nothing happened. The photo opened up without any probs. I'm running a scan via Norton and it seems A-OK. I'm on Internet Explorer 9.
DeletePersonally, I don't think there's anything to worry about, but I can't see the point of this malicious website message to begin with. But then, I ain't too tech-savvy anyway.
Well done - but it's an Olympia!?
ReplyDeleteYes, but for the tag line of the advertisement, 'SM2' just didn't flow nicely.
DeleteImagine! Machines made of steel that can function perfectly after fifty or more years of regular use and are not subject to fads or the manipulations of an esoteric technical priesthood. (Can you say constant software/hardware tweaking to little value?) Machines that actually enhance the creative process by putting their effective use in the writer's hands and mind? What a concept.
ReplyDeleteIf they weren't so smug and irritating, I would pity these young technology slaves. There is nothing good or long-lasting in their world, only the new thing of the (increasingly brief) moment. Is there anything in their lives they truly appreciate or value? I doubt it.
I seldom type in public anymore (Royal Quiet DeLuxe because my other portables are much bigger and heavier) as I get so little work done. There are too many interruptions. Kids are fascinated by this new-to-them wonder and want to try it. Older folks want to share memories. It's fun but not productive. If I'm writing where noise is a factor I use a fountain pen. Even the pen attracts attention. That Pelikan gold nib gets noticed.
Another excellent and fun post.
Jeff The Bear
PS: I mostly use desk top typers these days but my favorite portables are Olympias: SM3, 4 (the best portable I've ever used), 8, and two SM9s.
Pelikan nibs'll do that, Jeff. My M800 has a broad bold nib that's almost as large as a garden spade.
DeleteWell said, well typed, well photographed!
ReplyDeleteTypists' rights will not be infringed!
Here's a flip of the fedora in the direction of Zachary Schepis. You might want to contact him to show him that he's got supporters Down Under and around the world.
And I love The Hudsucker Proxy too.
Richard, I found him on Facebook, and sent him a little note of solidarity.
DeleteAlready made a comment on his blog a few days ago. Methinks he views his typewriter as a productive writing method rather than being a champion of the Typosphere. My kind of guy.
DeleteWhat was that line out of "Star Wars" (the George Lucas novelisation, not the finished screenplay)?
Princess Leia said it; "They were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Naturally, they became heroes."
Typewriters. Speed Graphics. Cigars. Fedoras. Gotta love 'em, I'm gonna haft a see that movie.
ReplyDeleteAnd Jennifer Jason Leigh channelling Katherine Hepburn AND the legendary Mr Paul Newman in one of his best last roles.
Delete"All hail The Hud!"
Love it! Thanks for striking a blow for the Typewriter Insurgency!
ReplyDeleteAww, shucks, Mister. Just doing my bit, is all.
DeleteGreat post, Teeritz, love the photographs! I especially like the one with a glimpse of the SM3 (posing as a QDL or Sterling!) and a view of your chin. ( :
ReplyDelete