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Boxes and Canisters
Films in their original boxes, or canisters, turn up surprisingly often.
Collectors of films actually shown in movie theaters are an endangered
species; before the advent of videotape (and then of course digital
media), collectors battled one another for the choice examples in this
category, to own and show to friends and other enthusiasts. But the
number of these collectors has been dwindling for decades as technology
continues to advance. “I would say it’s a literally dying hobby,” says
Ken Segal, a New Mexico collector who was given his recently deceased
grandfather’s 8mm Bell & Howell standard 8mm silent projector when
he was ten years old. “So much film degrading or being trashed after
digitizing. Also, who can compete with the quality of relatively
inexpensive DVDs and Blu-rays?”
Commercially produced films made for home movie projectors are
another story. These can be found both in 8mm and 16mm, as short as
50 feet in length up to 800 feet. Over the years, the subjects and titles
of these films covered everything under the sun, from comedy to horror
and science fiction, from sports to history and travel, and on and on.
These films often were condensed versions of longer movies, but for
most people, that didn’t matter. Just being able to show a Laurel and
Castle Films was a prolific producer of 8mm and 16mm home versions Hardy or a Gary Cooper movie in your home was a powerful draw with
of classic Hollywood movies.
these films.
Two of the largest sellers of these
“home Hollywood” movies were
pebbled paint finishes. These things just Blackhawk Films, in Davenport, Iowa,
scream “pre-war America,” and, when and New York-based Castle Films. For
displayed with their film reels in place, movie buffs in the 1960s and 1970s,
can give you a glimpse of what it was like getting the latest Blackhawk catalog
when your friends up the street invited in the mail was a little like Christmas
you over to watch the latest Claudette morning: new titles, sale and
Colbert flick. promotional items, and descriptions of
Following World War II, some
projector manufacturers followed the the movies being offered made for an
effective sales tool.
lead of the makers of other household While there undoubtedly are
products such as refrigerators and record collectors of most categories of films,
players, giving their projectors a similar it’s the 1930s through 1960s horror
mid-century look that emphasized and science fiction films that are most
rounded edges and, in some cases, a in-demand with collectors. Rather than
somewhat “space age” look. This was acquiring them to show with a projector,
especially true of many of the more most buyers part with their money
portable projectors manufactured during because they love the artwork on the
the 1950s. film’s box. Classic comedies by legends
Some projectors (including many toy
and “junior” models) actually were like Buster Keaton and Charlie
Chaplin, among others, also have a
hand-crank powered, which may have strong following.
saved on cost but likely got old fast Iowa-based Blackhawk Films was a major player in the home movie Despite the box art being a key
for the operator. In the 1920s-1930s, sector for many years, offering 8mm and 16mm versions of classic films reason these films are in demand, you
Bridgeport, Connecticut-based Lindstrom such as 1928’s Two Tars, starring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. don’t want to buy one that’s in a state
Tool & Toy Company offered a 16mm of decay. “If a film is stiff, warped, has
model that stated on its label, “For use a vinegar smell, and/or is brittle, it’s a big red flag, especially if it’s a
with slow burning film only.” This was an acknowledgment that hand commercial release,” says Ken Segal. “But with modern chemical treat-
cranking was more likely to lead to film catching fire than with a ments and patience, it’s no longer an automatic death sentence.
standard motor-driven model due to the operator slowing/stopping the [Products such as] Filmrenew and FilmGuard can do wonders. The
film directly in front of the hot lamp, resulting in the film heating up success stories I’ve read are impressive. We’re talking months of soaking
to the point of combustion. in Filmrenew to get it pliable enough to scan [for digital conversion].”
Many other projectors were marketed as toys over the years, including
one that tied in very well with the movies themselves: Keystone’s Continued on page 33
Mickey Mouse projector was a 16mm unit made during the 1930s and
sold with films of Mickey Mouse cartoons. Those interested in this
projector will have to compete with collectors of Mickey Mouse/Disney
memorabilia, which tends to drive the price up. Other toy projectors
included the Eastman Kodak Kodatoy, the Excel “Jolly Theatre” Keystone provided
projector, and a plastic crank-powered model made during the 1950s projector-servicing
and 1960s by Brumberger of New York. supplies, such as this oil
As with most antiques and collectibles categories, selling prices of bottle, to customers who
vintage projectors vary widely depending on condition and model. The wanted to keep their
good news is that many projectors survived the 20th century and they machines running smoothly.
turn up often at flea markets, at antique shows, and on online auction
sites. Because it’s such a “niche” category, you often can find even
1930s and 1940s projectors in serviceable shape for $50 to $100.
Of course, if it’s complete with the original case and/or box and
instructions, and in top condition, the price will head North from there.

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