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The Film That Was Lost

  • 19421942
  • ApprovedApproved
  • 10m
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
107
YOUR RATING
The Film That Was Lost (1942)
ShortHistory
A look at the problems of film preservation efforts in the 1930s and 1940s. Focuses on MOMA's efforts which commenced on August 8, 1935. It illustrates the problems with celluloid stock. It ... Read allA look at the problems of film preservation efforts in the 1930s and 1940s. Focuses on MOMA's efforts which commenced on August 8, 1935. It illustrates the problems with celluloid stock. It emphasizes early newsreel clips of world leaders. We are shown early footage of King Georg... Read allA look at the problems of film preservation efforts in the 1930s and 1940s. Focuses on MOMA's efforts which commenced on August 8, 1935. It illustrates the problems with celluloid stock. It emphasizes early newsreel clips of world leaders. We are shown early footage of King George V, The Kaiser, Queen Victoria, Theodore Roosevelt and others.
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
107
YOUR RATING
    • Sammy Lee
    • Doane R. Hoag(story)
  • Stars
    • William Jennings Bryan(archive footage)
    • John Nesbitt(voice)
    • Theodore Roosevelt(archive footage)
    • Sammy Lee
    • Doane R. Hoag(story)
  • Stars
    • William Jennings Bryan(archive footage)
    • John Nesbitt(voice)
    • Theodore Roosevelt(archive footage)
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 3User reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Photos

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    Top cast

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    William Jennings Bryan
    William Jennings Bryan
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    John Nesbitt
    John Nesbitt
    • Self - Narrator
    • (voice)
    Theodore Roosevelt
    Theodore Roosevelt
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    Thomas A. Edison
    Thomas A. Edison
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    Woodrow Wilson
    Woodrow Wilson
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    Queen Victoria
    Queen Victoria
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    King George V
    King George V
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    Kaiser Wilhelm II
    Kaiser Wilhelm II
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    Tsar Nicholas II
    Tsar Nicholas II
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    Grigory Rasputin
    Grigory Rasputin
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    Vladimir Lenin
    Vladimir Lenin
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    • (as V.I. Lenin)
    Lev Trotskiy
    Lev Trotskiy
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    • (as Leon Trotsky)
    Iosif Stalin
    Iosif Stalin
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    Aleksey Nikolaeyvitch Romanov
    Aleksey Nikolaeyvitch Romanov
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    Tsarina Alexandra
    Tsarina Alexandra
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    • (uncredited)
    Emmett Vogan
    • Film Library Curator
    • (uncredited)
      • Sammy Lee
      • Doane R. Hoag(story) (screenplay)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The $120,000 check to MoMA in 1935 is equivalent to about $2.5M in 2022.
    • Goofs
      The narrator states the U.S.S. Connecticut (BB-18) was launched in 1903. It was laid down in 1903, but was actually launched on September 29, 1904.
    • Crazy credits
      All credited historical figures are identified by the narrator as they are viewed in newsreels.
    • Connections
      Followed by Madero of Mexico (1942)

    User reviews3

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    9/10
    For film preservationists, a monumental short.
    In more recent years, film preservation has become super-important. And, fortunately, due to the proliferation of many new preservation groups, tons of old and historically important films are being pieced together and are appearing on DVD. However, "The Film That Was Lost" is a short film that reminds us that film preservation has actually been a concern for some time.

    "The Film That Was Lost" focuses specifically on the earliest films that have to do with our history. In other words, the entertainment angle is NOT discussed in the film but the preservation of important historical figures and events. You'll see a variety of old clips of the likes of Czar Nicholas II, Woodrow Wilson, Thomas Edison, William Jennings Bryan and Queen Victoria--all of which are quite rare and fascinating. Naturally, the importance of preserving these clips is discussed as well as the work that is being done by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in keeping these images for posterity.

    By the way, even if you don't care for modern art, a trip to MoMA is well worth your time if you are New York City. A while back, I was able to see an old Laurel & Hardy Short ("Two Tars") and the full-length John Gilbert film "The Cossacks"--all accompanied by an organ in the lovely basement theater at MoMA. And, the two films looked about as nice as if they were brand new--thanks to the preservation work of these folks.
    helpful•2
    0
    • planktonrules
    • Mar 30, 2013

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 31, 1942 (United States)
      • United States
      • English
    • Also known as
    • Filming locations
      • Paris, France
    • Production company
      • Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

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    • 10 minutes
      • Black and White

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