Some movie buffs value physical media as priceless artifacts, from out-of-print DVDs to rare VHS tapes. Those fans might be shocked at how many classic films are missing, with thousands of original reels accidentally destroyed or deliberately discarded. One issue is that the nitrate stock used in early films is flammable. Such reels ignite with such intensity they can’t be extinguished with water, resulting in sometimes fatal fires. Modern movie labs use plastic-based “safety film,” but scholars believe that around half of all films released before 1951 are lost, with many destroyed by fire.Films also disappear due to mundane practical concerns. Long-term storage of nitrate film can be expensive, as well as dangerous. Distributors frequently threw away aging reels to save money and make room for newer product. Unfortunately, preservation and historical value did not enter the day-to-day business of the movie industry of the early 20th century. As a result, moviegoers will never again see some of the most classic films ever produced.During the first years of cinema, filmmakers produced several renditions of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Essanay Studios released the earliest faithful retelling of the classic tale in 1908, with Thomas Ricketts (Son of Frankenstein) in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Unfortunately, no one has seen the film in 100 years, and no trailers or photographs of the production exist.RELATED: 10 Controversial Movies That Were Pulled From Theaters
Some movie buffs value physical media as priceless artifacts, from out-of-print DVDs to rare VHS tapes. Those fans might be shocked at how many classic films are missing, with thousands of original reels accidentally destroyed or deliberately discarded. One issue is that the nitrate stock used in early films is flammable. Such reels ignite with such intensity they can’t be extinguished with water, resulting in sometimes fatal fires. Modern movie labs use plastic-based “safety film,” but scholars believe that around half of all films released before 1951 are lost, with many destroyed by fire.
Films also disappear due to mundane practical concerns. Long-term storage of nitrate film can be expensive, as well as dangerous. Distributors frequently threw away aging reels to save money and make room for newer product. Unfortunately, preservation and historical value did not enter the day-to-day business of the movie industry of the early 20th century. As a result, moviegoers will never again see some of the most classic films ever produced.
During the first years of cinema, filmmakers produced several renditions of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Essanay Studios released the earliest faithful retelling of the classic tale in 1908, with Thomas Ricketts (Son of Frankenstein) in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Unfortunately, no one has seen the film in 100 years, and no trailers or photographs of the production exist.
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