Whiff, Wonder, and Smell: Scent of Mystery and Smell-O-Vision

ADMISSION:
Admission is free and open to everyone. Reservations required. RSVP beginning Monday, March 1, at 10 a.m.

DESCRIPTION:
Experience one of cinema’s most ambitious sensory experiments in this rare screening of Scent of Mystery (1960), the only feature film originally presented in Smell-O-Vision. Through a contemporary recreation of the original scent system—combining ambient aromas, localized scent delivery, and live performance—you'll encounter the film in a way few audiences have experienced in more than half a century.

About the Film
Blending suspense, comedy, and romance, Scent of Mystery follows an Englishman who uncovers a murder plot against a young heiress while vacationing in Spain. After enlisting the help of a local cab driver, he races to protect her amid a web of intrigue, forged identities, and shady figures in picturesque Spanish locales.

Directed by Jack Cardiff, the film stars Denholm Elliott and supporting roles by Peter Lorre, Diana Dors, Paul Lucas, and a cameo appearance by Elizabeth Taylor.

In conjunction with the screening, join us on Thursday, April 15, for two events exploring Smell-O-Vision:

Scent and Cinema: A Lecture by Jas Brooks
Thursday, April 15, 1 to 2 p.m.
SCI 106, School of Cinematic Arts

Screening of the documentary In-Glorious Smell-O-Vision! (Tammy Burnstock, 2019) with animated short A Tale of Old Whiff (John Hubley and Alan Zaslove, 1960)
Thursday, April 15, 2:30 to 4 p.m.
SCI 106, School of Cinematic Arts

This Is One Part of a Series!
Whiff, Wonder and Smell: Recreating Olfactory Cinema and Immersive Media Pasts invites audiences to experience film and immersive media through scent-enhanced screenings, interactive exhibits, and hands-on workshops. Encounter rare recreations of historic technologies like Odorama, Smell-O-Vision, and Sensorama, and discover how smell can transform the cinematic experience.

Related Events:
Polyester Screening with Odorama
Friday, January 29, at 7 p.m.
Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre
More info and RSVP

Sensorama Exhibition
Monday, February 22 through Friday, February 26
School of Cinematic Arts Gallery
More info

Scent & VR Student Workshop
Wednesday, February 24, 6 to 8 p.m.
SCA Gallery
More info and RSVP

Presented by USC Visions and Voices. Organized by Elizabeth Ramsey (Cinematic Arts). Co-sponsored by the School of Cinematic Arts Division of Media Arts + Practice.