This game was in my buddy's collection very briefly. It was a nice change from current pinball machines, but frankly, it got bored pretty fast. I think that's more of a testament to my lack of appreciation for vintage pinball machines than it is to the game being not good, but I'm judging it how I felt playing it. The game is slow, as most old pins are I assume, and it was definitely worth the $100 my dad won it for at an auction, but that said, I'm glad it found a home with someone who wanted a vintage pinball machine so that I couldn't be suckered into playing it again.

This machine is a must have for any collector.

Like many EMs this machine must be carefully dialed in to play well. It is a tough, good player. I played an example of this once that lacked pop and played waaaay too slowly to be much fun. When I got mine (totally inadvertently as part of a three machine bundle), I had no intention of keeping it. My plan was to get it running, use it as a practice machine for playfield, cabinet and plastic restoration and then sell it. I am SO glad that I spent the time I did to make it turn out as perfectly as my abilities could produce because now that it is done it is one of my favorite games.

Moulin Rouge, if clearcoated (in my case with acrylic lacquer) and fully rebuilt mechanically plays fast. The outlane areas are HUGE and brutal. The two inch flippers with the kickout saucers to either side means pretty much no catching or cradling. And then there are the three kickout saucers in the middle of the playfield that will either send the ball into sligshot mayhem or right back at you - classic drain risks but totally necessary to hit for scoring.

I love it that there are two separate scoring objectives. Objective option 1 - hit the A,B and C saucers (in order) to increase the value of the center. Objective option 2 - light up the painting on the mirrored part of the backglass by hitting all 10 numbered targets and rollovers. I also appreciate that you can collect the outlane rollovers for the easel as a skillshot at the top center of the playfield.

The art package for the playfield and backglass is arguably Art Stenholm's masterpiece.

Like many EMs, there is too much of a luck factor here for my taste. Ultimately, I prefer games in which a player's skill can and will result in better scores.

Fast action for a '65, good vintage fun.

Just no fun

I truly like this Williams game. The artwork is splendid and colourful, the game
interesting and the lighting of the blank canvas pieces on the back glass a lovely
touch.
Play one in good condition if you can find one and you'll see what I mean. This is
one of Williams' best efforts from the mid-sixties, it is very classy and looks
beautiful. I'm going to try to find one as it would fit in really well with my
other EMs.