Lost John Ford Film Rediscovered After a Century: The Scarlet Drop
In an astounding turn of events, a lost silent western film by acclaimed director John Ford has been rediscovered in a Santiago, Chile warehouse after over a century of obscurity. Originally titled 'The Scarlet Drop,' this film had not been seen since its release in 1918, following which its whereabouts were lost in the annals of time.
This remarkable find occurred in January 2023 when the full reels of the film, which boast a runtime of around 40 minutes, were discovered just before the warehouse was set to be demolished. The film was subsequently screened for the first time in a century at a festival in Chile in September.
The plot of 'The Scarlet Drop' revolves around a man who fails to enlist in the American Civil War—a significant event that concluded a little over fifty years before the film's release. As a result of his failure, he becomes an outlaw in the expanding western territories of the United States. This film is part of the significant body of work Ford produced with actor Harry Carey, who was one of the most prominent stars of the time.
After its initial screenings, 'The Scarlet Drop' was distributed internationally, yet it vanished from public view for many decades. Past theories suggested that only a few fragments were preserved at the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles, suspected to be about half an hour long. However, the recent discovery in Chile revealed a complete version of the film.
The reels were entrusted to Jaime Córdova Ortega, a university professor and curator of the International Festival of Restored Cinema in Valparaíso. Córdova Ortega reported that while the film displayed considerable wear from extensive viewings, it had otherwise been preserved in remarkable condition compared to many silent films of the era. He meticulously cleaned, repaired, and digitized the film, although he noted that a complete restoration is still necessary.
The plight of silent films is a poignant topic in cinema history; roughly three-quarters of films produced during the 1910s and 1920s have been lost. This loss can be attributed to several factors. Historically, movies were not considered significant enough to warrant preservation efforts. Additionally, the fragile nature of early film stocks, primarily made of nitrocellulose (a material known for its flammability), contributed to their deterioration.
Furthermore, the limited distribution of film copies played a role in their extinction. Typically, films would make their way from large urban screenings to more rural areas, sometimes leading to copies being lost or damaged in transit.
The recent discovery of 'The Scarlet Drop' not only revitalizes interest in Ford's pioneering work but also sheds light on the challenges of film preservation. The fact that such a work can resurface after so long is a reminder of cinema's rich tapestry and the vital importance of conserving its history. As efforts to restore this film continue, audiences around the world will anticipate experiencing this newly uncovered piece of American cinematic heritage.
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