8mm Forum: DW Griffiths' America

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Topic: DW Griffiths' America

Richard Bock
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 239
From: El Cerrito,CA,USA
Registered: Jan 2010

posted August 02, 2012 04:17 PM

I am looking to purchase a print of DW Griffith's America. One version is 2400 ft long (8mm). Another one is only 600 feet long. America the longer version is I am told the copy they released in Great Britain. And a shorter version for the United States.

Does anyone know anything about this and also what shall I offer for the longer version? I've heard the romantic scenes are too long and not very good so I might not even get it but was wondering anyway. Thanks

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Winbert Hutahaean
Film God

Posts: 5468
From: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Registered: Jun 2003

posted August 02, 2012 08:15 PM

This title is very rare. I never seen it at Ebay for the last 5 years.

Blackhawk released one short version (600') and long version almost 2000'. I don't know the 2400' version.

The even rarest is the sound version (long version) narrated by someone. This is also available from Blackhawk, hence from the USA. And they are on super 8mm.

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Winbert

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Dino Everette
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1535
From: Long Beach, CA USA
Registered: Dec 2008

posted August 10, 2012 01:34 AM

Richard both versions were released by Blackhawk. The full length was 2250ft in Standard 8 and the 2475ft as Super 8...Then the short version was just a highlights reel kind of like they did with BOTN and Phantom of the Opera..I have the long standard 8 version.

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"You're too Far Out Miss Lawrence"

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Richard Bock
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 239
From: El Cerrito,CA,USA
Registered: Jan 2010

posted August 10, 2012 09:05 AM

Thanks Dino for the clarification. I went ahead and bought the film without hesitation. I should be receiving the full length, 2000+ foot standard 8 Blackhawk print in a few days. I was wondering what you thought of it? . I've read an interesting piece from William K Everson, the great silent film historian who says in his book "The American Siilent Film" that the film is flawed but underrated and stands beside his great spectacles. I look forward to making my own judgement on this, but what I've seen of Griffiths' films (both large and small films)in the last year would lead me to believe that anything he directed is of great interest and quality.

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Dino Everette
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1535
From: Long Beach, CA USA
Registered: Dec 2008

posted August 10, 2012 11:19 AM

I think Everson's evaluation is pretty accurate. While it isn't as flawed as some of the other Carol Dempster era films. It does suffer from some slow pacing, and the fact that she was never Lillian Gish..But it is notable for being another one of Griffiths Civil war films...

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"You're too Far Out Miss Lawrence"

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Bob Pucci
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 520
From: Westerly,RI
Registered: Jun 2003

posted August 27, 2012 02:43 PM

I just seen in this month's Reel Image magazine that Steve Osborne has one for sale Reg 8 6 x 400 foot reels for $35.00.

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Winbert Hutahaean
Film God

Posts: 5468
From: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Registered: Jun 2003

posted September 04, 2012 09:38 PM

Dino and others,

Now, can you guess which version is my "America" below:

the label says:

880-37-2411
LOC0686
FTG 1972 (footage 1972 feet)

can someone explain?

[ September 08, 2012, 11:23 PM: Message edited by: Winbert Hutahaean ]

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Winbert

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Richard Bock
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 239
From: El Cerrito,CA,USA
Registered: Jan 2010

posted September 05, 2012 09:31 AM

Winbert
the print I bought is probably the same Blackhawk print. Regular 8. It's mounted on reels (no box) on 6 -400 ft reels, some of which are not full. My guess is that this is the print that you have.

Dino- you made a typo by saying this is one of Griffith's Civil War films, for the record, America is about the Revolutionary war.

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Winbert Hutahaean
Film God

Posts: 5468
From: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Registered: Jun 2003

posted September 05, 2012 10:06 AM

Richard, mine is super 8mm on 5 reels 400'.

Knowing this film was originally made silent, is your print with sound or silent?

Mine is sound (see catalog # 880-***). I don't know what sound is recorded because I have no interest with this print, so still don't have time to screen it.

cheers,

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Winbert

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Richard Bock
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 239
From: El Cerrito,CA,USA
Registered: Jan 2010

posted September 06, 2012 09:28 AM

Winbert-it's a Standard 8mm with no sound. Parenthetically, I just finished an essential book on Griffith called "My Adventures with DW Griffith" by Karl Brown (the assistant camera man to Billy Bitzer). He talks about the opening of Intolerance with a full large orchestra and a team of sound effects people backstage providing all the efx. Now that was SOUND! (before THX that is)

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Winbert Hutahaean
Film God

Posts: 5468
From: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Registered: Jun 2003

posted September 10, 2012 02:15 PM

I list my print now on Ebay.

Here is the link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/160880211138?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l26 49

It is now already with one bidder, so it will be sold at least.

I believe my print is quite rare so I will be happy if it is sold to the forum member who appreciate old films ....which I don't. [Razz]

BTW, I have already checked the sound and it is filled with narration and music. The youtube link is provided on the Ebay listing. So this is the Paul Killiam's restoration project.

Good luck!

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Winbert

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Michael O'Regan
Film God

Posts: 3085
From: Essex, UK
Registered: Oct 2007

posted September 10, 2012 02:21 PM

That's a nice looking print, Winbert.

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Winbert Hutahaean
Film God

Posts: 5468
From: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Registered: Jun 2003

posted September 11, 2012 10:52 AM

Indeed Mike, especially with sound make this movie more understandable and enjoyable than the silent one.

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Winbert

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