Huell Howser opens this classic segment from "California's Gold" by pointing off-camera and calling out, "Hit it, Joe!" What follows is an energetic musical showcase on a massive orchestrion—a nickelodeon-style mechanical instrument outfitted with an array of built-in drums, cymbals, xylophone bars, whistles, and woodblocks. As the title graphic appears, Joe operates the machine from his bench, manipulating levers, pulls, and switches in real time to trigger percussion rolls, bird chirps, and siren whistles over the ragtime tune.
Around 01:20, the music comes to a brisk finish with a final whistle effect. Huell walks back into the shot with his microphone, chuckling as he says, "Joe, I think we've got our viewers tuned in... What in the world is going on?"
It is a delightful slice of broadcast television history that showcases both the ingenuity of early mechanical music devices and Huell Howser's signature warmth and curiosity. Watching the open cabinet panels reveal the drums and mechanical levers working in sync makes for a fascinating look at vintage entertainment tech.