Wilton Town Hall Theatre finds lost silent film "The Wishing Seat"

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081211/ENCORE01/312119992/-1/YOUTH

Published: Thursday, December 11, 2008

By Stacy Milbouer Staff Writer

WILTON – It's been 95 years since the silent film "The Wishing Seat" flickered across the screen at Wilton Town Hall Theatre, the year after the vaudeville theater was converted to a silent-movie house. And as far as anyone knows, that was the last year the movie was ever seen – that is, until a few months ago, when Dennis Markaverich found the film, still in its original can, under the theater's projector.

"We believe it may be the only print of this film still in existence," said Markaverich, who operates the art movie house. He discovered the film a couple of months ago with Dave Stevenson, who helps Markaverich operate the theater's silent-film series. Stevenson owns Looser Than Loose Vintage Publications in Manchester, which converts silent films and other visual media to digital formats.

"It's in mint condition because it's been in the projection room since it was shown here in 1913," Markaverich said.

Ironically, neither Markaverich nor Stevenson has seen the movie.

"We can't," said Markaverich. "It's too delicate. It's blue tone nitrate, which is highly volatile. It can explode if not handled correctly."

Stevenson said the film has been sent to a specialist in Princeton, N.J, who will make a safety positive "print" of the film, which can than be copied.

FULL story at link.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

1. I love stories like this.

[Ekirh]

2. Man that is awesome

Thanks for sharing. Maybe it's sappy but whenever a lost film is found it makes me smile. :)