Mark Horowitz, an Ambler baton maker, will be taking his family craft to the silver screens, writes Christie Ileto for 6 ABC.  

For decades, Horowitz has molded sticks in his basement for notable conductors. His father, Richard, made batons for Leonard Bernstein.

When Abington-born and Jenkintown-raised actor Bradley Cooper took the role of Leonard Bernstein in “Maestro“, the props team started their search for an authentic Bernstein baton.  

Through a woodworking shop in Philly where Horowitz takes classes, the props team was able to track him down.  

As a result, Horowitz made seven replicas for the film. His batons take about two hours to handcraft, and another couple to paint by hand. They cost about $100.  

Horowitz mentions that the props guy for the film brought the mailing tube containing the baton to the daughter of Leonard Bernstein.  

“He took out the baton and handed it to her and she started crying because it was the baton she grew up with, and the one her dad used. It’s nice that his legacy is continuing,” he said.  

Learn more about how the Ambler man and his cinematic craft on 6 ABC.  

Maestro Trailer.