8mm Forum: Projectionist memories ...

This is topic Projectionist memories ... in forum General Yak at 8mm Forum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=004267

Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on January 26, 2017, 04:48 AM:

I was thinking back as to all the films I can remember showing
when I was a Cinema Projectionist.

I have of course shown many "biggies" and a lot that are best
forgotten.

However among the first ones that sprang to mind and gave me the
greatest thrill at handling and presenting them were Silent.

Well they were not totally silent as they did have a music track
added. The prints were on 35mm safety film stock of course and
supplied by the British Film Institute.

It was a special double bill of ...

NOSFERATU ( 1922 )

THE CABINET OF DOCTOR CALIGARI ( 1920 )

These played to almost full houses on every performance while
the latest Hollywood Blockbuster in another screen did not. [Smile]

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on January 26, 2017, 04:56 AM:

Both of which are offered for sale right now here David, if you are interested?

I think Paul may have beaten you to the second though. [Wink]

Posted by Dave Groves (Member # 4685) on January 26, 2017, 11:57 AM:

Interesting that the two films you remember most were both silent. How old were you when you projected them and had you seen either before? What has actually caused them to stay in your mind all these years?

Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on January 28, 2017, 05:02 AM:

Dave I think I was around 47 years old when I finally
got the chance to present these classics on 35mm at the
cinema.
It is my love of silent cinema and fantasy / horror films
in general that has caused them to remain in my mind.

[Smile]

Posted by Paul Browning (Member # 2715) on January 28, 2017, 10:59 AM:

What a great little story David, and just shows that all those special effects in films are no match for a bit of fantasy horror, and the gothic black white stuff. Thankfully the cabinet is on its way to me, and I already have nosferatu so I will try this out when it arrives. A great movie with Conrad veidt in and disturbing visually too.

Posted by Ronald Green (Member # 5655) on January 29, 2017, 08:11 PM:

I first saw the film, NOSFERATU ( 1922 ), when I was in the German Club around 1970. Wow, was it ahead of it's time.
On 16mm of course with added sound effects and much.
Haven't seen it since then, but remembered that the film was ahead of it's time.

Posted by Daniel Perry (Member # 5802) on February 22, 2017, 11:03 AM:

Wow! To see those projected onto the big screen! The closest I've ever come to that was a few years ago when Busch Gardens Amusement Park in Williamsburg, Va. decided to screen Nosferatu on their big screen in the open seating Italian eating area. It was really cool but I didn't get to sit and watch. It was during October and their "Hallo-Scream" event. My wife can't stand silent films so we had to keep on moving. LOL They never did that again sadly.

Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on February 26, 2017, 05:07 PM:

Yes it was great to see them on a big cinema screen.
Even greater to know they were probably projected more
brightly lit than when they were first released.

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.1.2