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Vito Corleone's (Robert De Niro) dental appliance from Francis Ford-Coppola's The Godfather Part II. Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) ruthlessly expanded his criminal enterprise, while in flashback, the plot featured the early exploits of his father, Vito.
Widely recognized as one of the greatest movies of all time, The Godfather Part II received 10 additional Academy Award® nominations, including for Best Picture and for De Niro's now-classic performance as the rising Don Vito. As the film takes place over long stretches of time, legendary makeup effects artist Dick Smith created this dental appliance to test ways of aging De Niro with minimal makeup. The appliance was ultimately unused in the final cut.
This silicone mouth appliance with a metal wire armature designed to secure to the wearer's mouth originates from the collection of Smith. It comes in a clear acrylic case labeled "Mr DiNero" [sic]. The appliance shows evidence of minor dirtying from use and age. Dimensions: (case) 3" x 3.25" x 1" (7.75 cm x 8 cm x 2.5 cm)
Estimate: $1,500 - 3,000
View all lots from GODFATHER PART II, THE (1974)
View all lots from Dick Smith Collection
Regarded as "The Godfather of Makeup," renowned special makeup effects artist and author Richard Emerson Smith, known professionally as Dick Smith, was a pre-med student at Yale University when he encountered the theatrical makeup book Paint, Powder and Makeup that changed the trajectory of his life. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Smith began his illustrious career in television as the first makeup director of WNBC. Entirely self-taught, Smith pioneered the development of prosthetic and practical makeup with techniques that are now considered the standard in film and television, such as making prosthetics in multiple pieces to allow actors full range of facial expression. He is also credited with creating realistic age makeup as an alternative to prosthetics, blending special effects with hidden bladders and squibs, and for innovating the combination of makeup with on-set "practical" effects, as seen in William Friedkin's The Exorcist (1973).
In a time where makeup artists were secretive about their techniques and unions purposely suppressed the sharing of knowledge, Smith proved to be a generous soul, mentoring and training many younger artists who went on to accomplished careers in cinema, including Rick Baker, Mike Marino, Greg Cannom, and many more. Smith went as far as publishing an instructional book in 1965 titled Dick Smith's Do-It-Yourself Monster Make-up Handbook as a special edition of Forrest J. Ackerman's "Famous Monsters of Filmland" series.
With a career that spanned over six decades, Smith is today best known for his work on such classics as Little Big Man (1970), The Godfather (1972), Taxi Driver (1976), Altered States (1980), Scanners (1981), The Hunger (1983), Starman (1984), and Death Becomes Her (1992). In 1985, he won an Academy Award® for Best Makeup for his work on Amadeus, as well as a BAFTA® the following year. He was honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences twice with special tribute ceremonies in 2009 and again in 2011, the latter including an Honorary Academy Award® presented by his most acclaimed protégé, Rick Baker. Smith left an indelible legacy in film and television, represented by a curated collection he carefully maintained throughout his career. Propstore is pleased to present these select artifacts from this legendary artist's personal collection, reflecting a distinguished career spanning decades in Hollywood and beyond.
This item comes with a Propstore Certificate of Authenticity.