Most Iconic props of all time?

[PHArchivist]

I would not categorize miniature models as props, unless we see an actor interact with the model on-screen (like the miniature town in Beetlejuice)
But the Vader helmet is another wild card because it is technically part of a costume, but the helmet itself is instantly recognizable, even by non-star wars fans so I think it qualifies.
As far as multiples of props made and thier inherint 'value' to collectors - this has no relevence to what makes a prop Iconic in any way. (one of)Vader's helmeta is iconic weather it's valued at a million or five dollars.

Which... is... why I submitted this (or were you not hinting back to me?):

Things like rarity, importance to the film's plot, etcetera, drive value to an item (particularly for avid prop collectors), but I'd agree that for the most part these characteristics do not necessarily factor into how memorable or iconic something is.

I'm sure I missed a bunch, so let's establish the crietria:

1. Must be a a physical prop used on set and interacted with by the actors.
2. Must be important to the plot or have frequent on-screen use by a main character
3. Cannot be a set piece, unless that set piece is an object that (A) Falls into the parameters of these listed rules, and (B) is not a piece that is 'indegenous' of the set - example, Han in carbonite
4. Cannot be a vehicle. Other 'personal transportation' devices would be acceptable, such as the Rocketeer rocket pack.

Sound fair?

Wow - rules and fairness! Didn't know we were running a contest!

 

[GeneralFROSTY]

Yeah, sounds a little too much but I figure a list of memorable props could be rather arbitrary and wanted to narrow it down a bit.
A great argument was made about the maltese falcon and even the slippers so sometimes things are open to individual interpetation.

 

[snoose27]

Pop Culture

- The Universe, It's on Orion's belt.
- Wolverines Claws
- DL-44

 

[Apollo]

DS Gun in "Logan's Run"

 

[Zombie_61]

I'm sure I missed a bunch, so let's establish the crietria:

1. Must be a a physical prop used on set and interacted with by the actors.
2. Must be important to the plot or have frequent on-screen use by a main character
3. Cannot be a set piece, unless that set piece is an object that (A) Falls into the parameters of these listed rules, and (B) is not a piece that is 'indegenous' of the set - example, Han in carbonite
4. Cannot be a vehicle. Other 'personal transportation' devices would be acceptable, such as the Rocketeer rocket pack.

Sound fair?

Wow - rules and fairness! Didn't know we were running a contest!

Yeah, sounds a little too much but I figure a list of memorable props could be rather arbitrary and wanted to narrow it down a bit.

Another missing part of the "equation" is that a single iconic prop will be different for each generation of filmgoers. Older film fans might consider Charlie Chaplin's bamboo cane or the Maltese Falcon to be iconic, while younger fans might not know what either item was if you whacked them on the head with it. Conversely, older film fans might not be able to tell the difference between "the one" ring or a proton pack and any number of gold rings at their local jeweler or the leaf blower their gardener uses.

 

[MegaPrime33]

I say Vader's helmet is very iconic. It's probably the most recognizable prop in the whole world.

 

[bigbaddaddyvader]

Dirty Harry's Magnum anyone?

 

[wildabeast]

Shwartz Ring (spelling) from Space Balls

 

[Pappy]

Dirty Harry's MagnumQUOTE]

Same here
Also kryptonite?
On star wars when i was a kid im curious on sandtroopers backpack,and ports on the walls for R2-D2 to stick his 'finger' to do his 'things' with computers

 

[propmaker]

THE ALIEN POD - from Invasion of the Body Snatchers...

 

[Pharos]

I can't help thinking that if you show almost anyone in the western world a picture of a Walther PPK, they will instantly say it's James Bond's gun.

More than would recognize the Ring in LOTR, or the lightsabre handle, or the sled, or indeed any other gun in the history of film.

I think it's up there with the ruby slippers and the ST TOS communicator. ( BTW I'm sure not many non geeks would recognize the TOS Phaser for what it's worth - witness the number of people who see mine and ask what ray gun it is!!!!!)

More please, this is fun!

I'm also of the opinion that costumes are not what the OP meant - maybe Vader's helmet and the ruby slippers are easily recognised, but so would a pipe and deerstalker or a bowler hat and heels and suspenders or even a very long multi coloured scarf, but are they props??? ( OK a calabash pipe should be included, but nix the deerstalker)

 

[TomGLFan]

For the list for fans -- and here I may be damaging my reputation before I even have a chance to build one! -- I would respectfully add those wonderful umbrellas with the fluorescent light-up shafts that Syd Mead came up with for "Blade Runner." I always loved that prop and thought it was an absolutely brilliant extrapolation of an item designed for a dark, wet future!

 

[MiamiLoco]

Flux Capacitor

 

[Rusty85]

Lot of great choices here. I'll add:

Call me crazy, but I have no clue where this is from, lol.

 

[propmaker]

I think it's supposed to represent the great Charlie Chaplin's hat, coat, and cane.

 

[mgbeach]

the Glaive from Krull..

 

[nickytea]

I think it's supposed to represent the great Charlie Chaplin's hat, coat, and cane.

Bingo.
Chaplin used his Tramp character in five or six popular feature films and dozens of shorts seen around the world. There was a time when he was considered among the most known characters of all time.

 

[propmaker]

I dare say there was a time in the silent era (before 1926) that 90% (just a guess) of the world's civilized population would instantly identify that bowler hat and bamboo cane as belonging to Chaplin. It was certainly a different era. Back then movies were the ONLY media. Many moviegoers went to the movies EVERY DAY at the local Nickelodeon. You'd be hard pressed to find a more popular figure tied to his iconic signature prop (hat and cane) than Chaplin.

 

[Rusty85]

Yeah, I kinda saw that with the hat, but the cane and coat looked wayyyy different than how I remember him in films.

 

[mgbeach]

Just imagine if Chaplin drove a Delorean