Tallmantz In Print
Paul Mantz and Frank Tallman, as separate individuals, and Tallmantz Aviation, their partnership, worked extensively with various ad agencies through the decades to produce media content. Though much of their effort took place behind the cameras…primarily with the provisions of cameraships and expertise….there are several instances where their aircraft were featured in print media. Here is the beginning of what I hope is a growing number of examples.
Going Places Album Jacket
This Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass album was released in September 1965. The clue of Tallmantz involvement is the credit offered on some of the original iterations of the album: “Photographed at Movieland of the Air, Santa Ana, California.” Beyond that, little is known. Attempts to match the color scheme of the (apparently) Stearman used have not yet been successful. Presumably the photo was shot earlier in 1965, probably before the upheaval that occurred in July 1965 with the death of Paul Mantz.
“Pilot” and Model?
So, who is that helmeted man in the front cockpit. Could it be Frank himself? I don’t think we’ll ever know the answer, but it certainly looks like him. This was no doubt a static shot, possibly on the ramp unless the blue sky was filled in post-production in the days before Photoshop.
And the model? One internet source identifies the model as being either Dolores Erickson (she of the cover of the better-known-for-good-reason Whipped Cream TJB album, or Sharon Moss, who appeared on two other TJB album covers.
AOPA Magazine, May 1970
Appearing with 40-Mission Donovan is Tallmantz B-17G 44-83525, which languished on the Tallmantz ramp for several years after flying for The Thousand Plane Raid in January 1968.
Boy’s Life Magazine (BSA), April 1972
Appearing in the background in the setting on the backlot of the Movieland of the Air Museum is, again, B-17G 44-83525. If you could ride your bike out there now you would first get shot and then severely arrested. But, alas, that Tallmantz ramp at Orange County Airport is long gone.
Advertisement for Fenton Mags
A 1966 advertisement for Fenton Mags featuring the Tallmantz Nieuport 28, N4728V. One suspects that the featured mag wheel was not actually installed on the Nieuport. Probably the wheel was just placed in front of the landing gear, particularly since the model’s foot appears to be resting upon it. (Photo via VIntage Wheel Catalogs)
