LETTY LYNTON (1932)

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drednm
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LETTY LYNTON (1932)

Post by drednm » Fri Jan 01, 2010 6:21 pm

So what's the deal?

IMDb says there was plagiarism, copyrights until 2025 etc. The film was banned in UK. Has TCM ever shown this one?

It's a terrific film in spite of the famous gown.
Ed Lorusso
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Richard P. May
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Post by Richard P. May » Sat Jan 02, 2010 10:31 am

The details are accessable on the internet. Too long to go into here.
Take a look at TCM's catalog entry, which is actually the American Film Institute catalog.
I doubt that this will be seen on TCM, based on the court ruling, but never say never.
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drednm
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Post by drednm » Sat Jan 02, 2010 12:08 pm

Here's the basic story: This film has been unavailable since a Federal court ruled on 17 January 1936 that the script used by MGM too closely followed the play "Dishonored Lady" by Edward Sheldon and Margaret Ayer Barnes without acquiring the rights to this play or giving credit. The U.S. copyright of the play will expire in 2025.

Oddly, the MGM credits for writing list the novel by Marie Belloc Lowndes as the source, not the play.

The film was banned in UK in 1932 because of the murder plot but was remade in 1950 as Madeleine starring Ann Todd. A 1947 film called Dishonored Lady starred Hedy Lamarr as Madeleine and lists the play as source material.

The 1932 film boasts one of Joan Crawford's best performances of the 30s with Nils Asther a creepy stalker. May Robson is also excellent as Crawford's mother. And yes the Adrian wardrobe is spectacular.
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colbyco82
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Post by colbyco82 » Sat Jan 02, 2010 2:03 pm

I have heard rumors through Joan Crawford fan groups that the film could be released in 2011 or 2012. I dont know where that date comes from but it is just a rumor. Its a mystery to me why WB and whoever owns the rights to play cant reach some sort of agreement now after nearly 80 years.
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drednm
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Post by drednm » Sat Jan 02, 2010 2:08 pm

It would be a great DVD release; I hope it happens. Joan Crawford fans will not be disappointed.
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Norma Desmond
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Post by Norma Desmond » Thu Jan 14, 2010 12:07 pm

Yes, this is a great film, made greater by the stars in it. Really, it's Nils Aster who takes the cake here.

Norma
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Post by rudyfan » Thu Jan 14, 2010 12:47 pm

Norma Desmond wrote:Yes, this is a great film, made greater by the stars in it. Really, it's Nils Aster who takes the cake here.

Norma
I love Nils Asther and have wanted to see this for-ever. Hopefully I will live long enough to not be dissapointed! ;-)
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TempleDrake
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Post by TempleDrake » Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:06 pm

I found it posted on Youtube about this time last year, but of course it has been pulled.
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caseylalonde
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Post by caseylalonde » Tue Jul 27, 2010 6:49 pm

Hi there,
I am new to NitrateVille, but wanted to give an update on Letty Lynton. I am working on a project to not only restore Letty Lynton, but get the film released commercially for the first time in 75 years.

This will most likely be a long process, but I am confident in the return of this fantastic film.

Stay tuned!
Casey LaLonde
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colbyco82
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Post by colbyco82 » Wed Jul 28, 2010 5:35 am

Welcome to Nitrateville! That is great news...I cant wait to finally see a decent print of this classic.
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drednm
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Post by drednm » Wed Jul 28, 2010 5:57 am

LETTY is available as a download on VUZE
Ed Lorusso
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Brooksie
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Post by Brooksie » Wed Jul 28, 2010 5:59 pm

rudyfan wrote:
Norma Desmond wrote:Yes, this is a great film, made greater by the stars in it. Really, it's Nils Aster who takes the cake here.

Norma
I love Nils Asther and have wanted to see this for-ever. Hopefully I will live long enough to not be dissapointed! ;-)
If Nils is there, I'm there. This one just sped up my wish list. :D

Anyone ever seen `Dream of Love'? I've never been able to find it. I understand it was pretty awful, but again ... Nils and Crawfie!
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Post by rogerskarsten » Wed Jul 28, 2010 6:40 pm

Brooksie wrote:Anyone ever seen `Dream of Love'? I've never been able to find it. I understand it was pretty awful, but again ... Nils and Crawfie!
As far as I know, DREAM OF LOVE is among the lost films.
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