The Bootleg Files: Hamlet

Posted on August 11, 2023 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 839: “Hamlet” (1970 made-for-television film starring Richard Chamberlain).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: There might be a rights issue delaying its release.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Nope.

In March 1969, Richard Chamberlain traveled to England to play the leading role in a stage production of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” His appearance was heralded as the first time that an American played the role in England since John Barrymore in 1925.
Continue reading →

The Bootleg Files: Bailey’s Comets

Posted on July 28, 2023 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 838: “Bailey’s Comets” (1973-74 animated television series).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: No perceived reissue value.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Nope.

The other week, I saw a posting in a Facebook group devoted to old-time television about a Saturday morning cartoon series called “Bailey’s Comets.” I knew that I watched that program when it was first aired in the 1973-74 season, and while I sort of recalled part of the show’s bouncy theme song I could not remember anything remarkable about the series itself.
Continue reading →

The Bootleg Files: Courtin’ an’ a Snortin’

Posted on July 21, 2023 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 837: “Courtin’ an’ a Snortin’” (1960 animated short starring The Three Dogeteers).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: Long forgotten short film that fell through the proverbial cracks.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Yes, it is coming out on DVD, incredibly.

Researching obscure films can be a challenge, but there is always the reward that comes when hitherto unknown facts are unearthed about a cinematic curiosity. This week, however, we have a film that could qualify as being among the most mysterious productions of all time, as there is nothing that is easily accessible to determine its origins.
Continue reading →

The Bootleg Files: Here is Germany

Posted on July 14, 2023 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 836: “Here is Germany” (1945 propaganda film directed by Frank Capra).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube and other online sites.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: On public domain labels.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: No copyright was ever filed on the film.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Nope, it is doomed to public domain hell.

During World War II, the U.S. government churned out scores of nonfiction films aimed at both the enlisted military personnel and civilian audiences. Many highly regarded Hollywood filmmakers received commissions from the military and worked to create productions that would artistically drive the message about why the nation was at war and what it hoped to achieve.
Continue reading →

The Bootleg Files: Stevie

Posted on July 7, 2023 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 835: “Stevie” (1978 British film starring Glenda Jackson and Mona Washbourne).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: On VHS video.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: It fell through the cracks.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Hello, Criterion Collection?

The New York Times film critic Vincent Canby can be credited with writing the single most irresponsible and the single most beneficial movie reviews of all time. The irresponsible review was his November 1980 slam of “Heaven’s Gate” – the vitriolic fury that he hurled at Michael Cimino’s Western epic was the ultimate example of critical overkill, and his wrath was so powerful that it set off the chain reaction that brought down the film’s studio, United Artists.
Continue reading →

The Bootleg Files: Should Wives Work?

Posted on June 23, 2023 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 834: “Should Wives Work?” (1937 Oscar-nominated comedy short starring Leon Errol).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: It fell through the cracks.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Maybe as part of an anthology of comedy shorts.

Unless you are too-serious student of film comedy, there is a good chance that you either never heard of Leon Errol or you may only know of him through a few supporting performances in other comics’ movies. But during the 1930s Errol became a prominent as the star in a series of comedy shorts made at RKO. These films are mostly forgotten today, although one of them – the 1937 “Should Wives Work?” – secured a niche in movie history through its Academy Award nomination for Best Short Subject (Two-Reel).
Continue reading →

The Bootleg Files: The Anita Bryant Florida Orange Juice Commercials

Posted on June 16, 2023 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 833: “The Anita Bryant Florida Orange Juice Commercials” (1969-80 television advertising campaign).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: No one is going to touch this for an anthology.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Girl, are you kidding?

Here is a question for you: Which celebrity was the first victim of cancel culture? My choice for an answer will probably offend some people – especially since I am writing this during the month of June – but I will say it anyway: Anita Bryant.

Continue reading →