8mm Forum: James & George Comedies

This is topic James & George Comedies in forum 9.5mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on August 14, 2015, 02:32 PM:

The Pathescope catalogue listed a number of single reel comedies starring "James & George". But, who were they? Pathescope had a habit of changing original titles and the performers' names. Only in the last week have I found out more on "James and George."

I bought SB 815, "Panic" (1923), which does not carry the generic Pathescope titling but a still frame with the words "PANIC A Hall Room Boy's (sic) Farce". This is followed by an opening reference to James and George. I discovered from Grahame Newnham's web-site that the correct title is "Full o' Pep".

The Hall Room Boys" films were produced by Harry Cohn, later to become boss of Columbia Pictures. The two-reelers were made over a number of years, and often featured a change of the leading players.

It is generally considered that the condensed 9.5mm versions are the only existing prints still available.

Posted by Clinton Hunt (Member # 2072) on August 14, 2015, 05:46 PM:

Wow! If it is true that only 9.5mm versions are the only remaining copies of these films or any films then as time goes by .... I realise it's about 100 years since the format was introduced - then what sort of treasures do people have in their cupboards or attics that may be the only versions of a particular film!
Another good reason to keep this and indeed any film format alive at least in home collections [Smile]

Ahhhhh we film collectors are the future of preservation?
Cheers,
Clinton from little ole New Zealand which used to be a long way away but not anymore considering most of my 9.5 mm collection is from the U.K. [Smile]

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on August 14, 2015, 06:39 PM:

Some French films also only survided in their 9.5 version.

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