The Projectionist‘s presence on the site reminded me of a time when, before the glory days of VHS, our film projector was the bringer of dreams in our house.
I’d gleefully set up a make-shift theater by taking out and rolling down the projection screen (or just use the fridge door) and spool one of my dozen Super 8 reels for some selective entertainment, in a darkened room.
A favorite one was this eight minute edit of Universal’s 1931 Dracula, which was held in a blood red plastic reel.
It was my first encounter with Stoker’s story of the prince of darkness.
I’d seen The Count teach numerics on Sesame Street, but Bela Lugosi was the real deal.
Here’s a digitized version uploaded on YouTube, thanks to 2reelers.
This video is from a sound edition, but turn down the speakers and, instead, imagine the whirring motor and clicking reels filling the air, as you seem to hear imperceptible screams from the victims and delight in that hint of madness.
Then you get the idea.
@AtariAdventureSquare Oh man…I do not have that in my collection, friend. I need to see if Santa will be extra good to me this year and perhaps help me get my hands on a new Super 8 projector! :)
That is quite kind of you to mention me in your article, Square. Were you perhaps aware that the Castle Films company was founded by Eugene W. Castle during 1924 and the first home movie his company offered was that of the Hindenburg explosion?
While the Haunted Drive-In lacks entertainment from the little brothers of my own projectors, the Super 8 series is what I refer to, it would be an unforgivable slight to deny their importance in keeping interest in some of the classic films alive.
I extend an invitation to you, Square. Trust me in when I say you are quite welcome to come and view my library of films whenever you might wish. Just make sure to wait until after sundown.