Original clapperboard used during the filming of Prince’s 1984 classic Purple Rain, measuring 11 x 9.25, marked with blue text: “‘Purple Rain,’ Director: Albert Magnoli, Camera Don Thorin, Date: Dec. 83.” In very good to fine condition, with general wear from use. Accompanied by a letter of provenance stating that this was given by Purple Rain cinematographer Don Thorin to a close friend. Thorin was a well known director of photography who also shot An Officer and a Gentleman, Against All Odds, Scent of a Woman, and Shaft.
Clapperboards are used in productions to assist in synchronizing the picture and sound, and to designate and mark particular scenes and takes recorded during filming. A clapperboard would have been used during the filming of every shot of Purple Rain, making this one of the most historic artifacts from Prince’s breakthrough film. We know of no other Purple Rain clapperboard to have surfaced, if indeed there were any others. A truly historic piece of Prince memorabilia from his landmark 1984 film.
