The State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO) will host a special presentation, History of Rotoscope, on Wednesday, August 21, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Lincoln School, located at 1400 East Pony Thomas Street in West Plains.
The program will be led by Kathleen Seale, coordinator of SHSMO’s Rolla and Springfield Research Centers, and will explore a fascinating chapter in Missouri’s film history. Seale will highlight a unique SHSMO collection that tells the story of Rowe Carney and Tom Smith, two Rolla theatre owners who pioneered a 1950s film technology called the rotoscope.
This early innovation used a specialized single-camera system and a curved-screen projection method to create a 180-degree viewing experience — a concept that predated IMAX technology by decades. The presentation will include historic film clips shot in Rolla using the rotoscope, giving attendees a rare glimpse into this groundbreaking cinematic advancement.
Attendees will also hear about the efforts involved in archiving this collection and preserving the legacy of two often-overlooked Missouri inventors. The event is free and open to the public.
