What was that film?

[DannL]

It's a quiz!

In what feature film did a photographer enter the scene, he sets up a wooden camera with tripod, and on three occasions he places his head under the focusing cloth while trying to get the flash powder to ignite? On the third attempt he places his head under the focusing cloth, the flash powder ignites and he successfully makes his exposure. He promptly carries the camera and tripod out of the scene.

Hint #1: This scene takes place while the opening credits are rolling. More hints are available.

Enjoy! Feel free to add other film/photography related quiz entries.

[DannL]

Hint #2:

The film was loosely based on a children's novel by an author who was best known for a series of spy novels.

[lenser]

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Back at you: What, besides the author, is the other common thread with this film and another film made from one of his spy novels?

[lenser]

In what film starring Clifton Webb, did he attempt a self family portrait in his parlor with an 8x10 wooden camera and far too much flash powder.

Hint this film was later remade in color

[DannL]

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. . . .

Damn! I hope I didn't make that too easy. ;-)

[lenser]

Naah. My girls made me watch it with them about a hundred times. Obviously, I focused in on the antique cameras.

[lenser]

Another: Who played the lead in a fairly recent film that was very loosely based on Weegee? Bonus points: name the film.

And another:An early Tommy Lee Jones film involved the character of a big city fashion photographer who had visions of violent crimes. Name the film and the co star.

Dannl, you've created a monster! There should be a Trivial Pursuit, the Photography Edition version of the game.

[lenser]

Another Tommy Lee Jones question: In what film (one scene only) did he use a Super Speed Graphic?

[JWebb]

Joe Pesci - Public Eye

[DannL]

Back at you: What, besides the author, is the other common thread with this film and another film made from one of his spy novels?

It must be something with wings?