HOLLYWOOD ALWAYS TRIES to conceal the fact that some of its most spectacular movies are ingenious illusions. Rarely does a studio give away the secrets of how special scenes are filmed.
Yet when producer Mike Todd was filming his $5,000,000 Around the World in 80 Days he invited Popular Mechanics readers to see things that even most studio employees don't get a chance to watch.
He believes mechanically minded readers may enjoy learning the exacting technical problems involved in putting a special effect together. PM readers, more than most people, may appreciate the detailed craftsmanship that goes into creating a miniature set that looks full size on the screen.
So, accompanied by a studio official (no ordinary pass will do) let's walk onto the closed lot in Culver City where the ocean sequences of the Jules Verne story are being filmed. Our guide explains that most

This is actual size of the film taken with special camera. Lens is nine inches in diameter. Film is projected on wide, curved screen without distortion.