Charlie Chaplin movie question

[rthomas]

The AFI movie thread made me remember that I have an old Charlie Chaplin movie. I remember my mother buying it at a an old junk barn when I was a kid ~45 years ago, but could never watch it becasue we didn't have the right kind of projector. It's on a small 3-4" reel but I have no idea how to tell the kind.

I held it up to the light to see that it is Chaplin in some old movie but that is all I know.

Anyone have any ideas of how I could watch / transfer this to a DVD? Or any other ideas what I should do with it.

[captmojo]

Sounds like an old 8MM film reel. Bell and Howell 8MM projector.

[hc5duke]

I've never tried it, but there seem to be a whole lot of companies out there who will do it for you. Here's one I found by googling 8mm to dvd
http://www.homemoviedepot.com/

[dukemomLA]

I don't know where you live. But almost all large/mid-sized cities have several companies who will take your reel and transfer it to a DVD.

Since it's old and hasn't been played for a while, don't take the chance of splitting/splicing it by "checking it out." Just take it to a video/transfer company, ask for several copies of a DVD, and go from there.

If indeed it is an old Chaplin movie (and especially if it is something rare) there would a lot of interest if you want to sell it.

Sounds great. PLEASE re-post on DBR when you know what it is. I'm intrigued.

[rthomas]

Thanks. I'll try to find a company in Pittsburgh that will transfer it to DVD.

[dukemomLA]

Hi. If you're in Pittsburgh, PA, call the folks at Performance Lighting & Grip Equipment. Even though my friend Gregg Johnston has probably retired, they are knowledgable -- and will probably have the BEST person/company for you to take your tape. Good luck. Jeanne Lange (...I only include my name in case Gregg J is still working there).

[rthomas]

Thanks, dukemomLA. You must mean this place: http://www.perflight.com/
I'll check it out.

[dukemomLA]

Yes, that's the place, and if their website is up to date, it looks like Gregg Johnston still works there. If so, tell him what you need and that I thought he might know the best place in Pitts. for you. Good luck.