The 1970s were most prolific when it came to novelty, model kits, in particular the 1974, MPC Haunted Mansion series, inspired by Disney's famous, funhouse attraction.
Polar Lights has reissued the series, though has removed the Disney designation and changed the overriding label to Haunted Manor.
The big stand-out of this particular (glue-required) set is "Play it Again, Tom," originally "Play it Again, Sam." The 9" x 6" x 2.5" model features a Victorian-garbed organist (as included in the actual, Disney attraction, as well as the new Haunted Mansion movie), who upon snapping forward to tap the keys, unleashes a mummy. (The organ pipes are adorned by three skulls, with two candle-capped ones for the instrument's top-side panels.)
The kit consists of glow-in-the-dark styrene plastic (the original kit didn't possess the illuminated gimmick) and can be assembled with rubber-band spring-action to trigger the "surprise" effect.
This is a beautiful item and a clever, nostalgic collectible. I'm grateful to Polar Lights for finding the means to re-release it, and with sensible (rekindled) timing to tie into the Haunted Mansion movie.
The kit goes for about $30 - $40 through most online sources: a reasonable price for such an ornate design.
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