Picture Parade #4…A Tribute To Ernie Kovacs: The Dovetonsil Lens

On January 13, 2015 - TV History

Picture Parade #4…A Tribute To Ernie Kovacs: The Dovetonsil Lens

Today in 1962, comedian Ernie Kovacs died in a car crash in west Los Angeles, 10 days before his 43rd birthday. In remembrance of his pioneering comedy which often involved technical innovation, here is the rare lens he helped create for his most famous character, poet Percy Dovetonsils.

Percy always wore extremely thick glasses and unbeknownst to most…the eyes were painted on the back of the lenses. Occasionally the television audience was treated to Percy’s POV via this specially made lens, now owned by Chuck Pharis. It was designed to be easily thrown form fairly clear to double vision distortion. Enjoy and share! -Bobby Ellerbee





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7 Comments

  1. Chuck Pharis January 14, 2015

    Thanks Bobby for posting this. This lans holds a very special place in my collection. This Spring I will try it on one of my RCA TK-30s and post a video.

  2. Marc Wielage January 14, 2015

    Greetings, over your orthicon tubes!

  3. Ed Marshall January 13, 2015

    The horizintel effect made the cover of Life Magazine !

  4. Ed Marshall January 13, 2015

    How about the tilted table with the camera tilted in the same direction and milk appearing to be spilling horizontally straight to the left of the table?

  5. Chris Skrundz January 13, 2015

    Very cool. Glad Chuck has preserved the artifact.

  6. Roger Crawford January 13, 2015

    Ernie was never afraid to have fun with the new technology. Fun shows to watch!

  7. Gary Walters January 13, 2015

    Another Ernie Kovacs ‘effect’ was the use of a kaleidoscope over the wide angle camera lens. Was turned to create images over classical music.