Production Set Stills: Fun With Music Day
There's a lot going on in this set still from a second season Fun with Music Day skit called County Fair. The impression given here by the full picture (upper right) is of a break in filming for a long shot panning over the whole set. Director Sid Miller checks camera marks, while Charley Laney and Sherry Alberoni wait for their brief bits. The snazzy guy with the jacket is choreographer Tom Mahoney, while the fellow on the right with his back turned to camera is likely a cameraman or gaffer (thanks to Lonnie Burr for ids). The other adult in the rear is unknown. In the smaller detail shot (lower right) Jimmie Dodd, Bob Amsberry, and Darlene Gillespie sit at the Judge's Stand, while Karen and Cubby have their backs turned.
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This was filmed August 29, 1956 but not broadcast until eight months later on April 29, 1957. The storyline and songs were a solo effort by Ray Brenner, who more typically shared writing chores with Larry Orenstein. Judging solely by the script and songs, this was one of the weakest FWM skits of the second season.  |
Set stills like these were made for the property department, and were not intended for release as publicity photos. Most set stills are devoid of cast and crew; the photographer was only concerned with capturing the appearence of the stage and the presence of people in the frame was a matter of indifference. Hence, when they do show up, as above, they are often out of focus and poorly lit.