Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007
posted December 26, 2013 05:43 AM
I have just bought a Film Office 400' Chaplin and am surprised it has an optical sound track. Did Film Office put out many titles on optical, were they only optical releases or did they offer the same titles also with magnetic sound?
It's a good job the film "Charlot Vagabond" was still in its original box with OPT printed on its lid because the leader says "Film Sonore Magnetique".
I was very impressed with the picture and sound quality, particularly the sound track which is probably the best one I've heard added to a silent film.
At the beginning Charlie is playing his violin outside a pub, but apparently unknown to him a brass band is playing round the corner. Finishing his violin solo he goes inside to pass his hat around. As the customers obviously only heard the band they assume he is collecting on their behalf. But when the band's representative soon comes around collecting he is told in no uncertain terms that they have already given to Charlie who is then relieved of his collection.
As the shots change we hear either the violin or the band. Also there are some sound effects blended in.
I bought this little gem from Barry Attwood at Independent 8. Thanks Barry.
Posts: 205
From: Åmål, Sweden
Registered: Jan 2010
posted December 27, 2013 02:51 PM
I have a Film Office copy of "Charlot Policeman" or, as it's more widely known, "Easy Street" with optical sound, music and effects. Only drawback is it's 17 minutes long, meaning there are some 5-6 minutes missing.
-------------------- "The trouble with these international affairs is that they attract foreigners"
posted December 28, 2013 04:43 AM
Film Office only had a few titles out with optical sound. I'm currently travelling so I don't have access to my pile of catalogues. And, yes, the quality of the prints was very good.
Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007
posted December 28, 2013 11:42 AM
Thank you, Jean-Marc I await to hearing further when you have access to your Film Office catalogues. Yes, the print and sound are excellent.
posted December 29, 2013 07:04 AM
On Steve Osborne's last list there was a MR. MAGOO "When Magoo Flew" super 8 with optical sound...I wonder if it was Film Office or did Columbia put that out?