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It is the 1936 movie labeled "The Plow That Broke the Plains" (Resettlement Administration Film) on three metal 10" reels (35 mm0. The film itself appears to be in excellent condition from what I can see; the film itself has heavy paper straps around them with a NYC street address. I have not taken it apart at all to look at it closely, but the edges of the film appear to be smooth and shiny, not dry, uneven or flaking.

The reels are in a heavy metal box, like an extra-heavy-duty ammo box. Inside the lid there is a label that says "Works Progress Administration, Federal Theatre Project".

My father worked sporadically in the film industry in the 1930s, and I recall seeing the box I grew up (1950s). Before opening it the other day twice, I doubt that the box has been opened for at least 65 years.

I contacted the NY Public Library and the the NY Museum of Modern Art, and they were all excited until I told them that I was looking to sell it, not donate it. But who would buy something like this, and where would I find them?

I see right now on eBay that someone is trying to sell a (damaged) 1903 35mm nitrate 10-minute knock-off of The Great Train Robbery for $25,000. If that is a realistic price for damaged film, what might this one be worth???

And yes, I do know that nitrate film dangerous, sensitive to heat, and explosive, can't be shipped, can't be taken on a plane (cabin or cargo). That leaves hand-to-hand delivery which, presumably, would limit the geographical area of interest.

Any tips, thoughts or info would be greatly appreciated.

Witch

The eBay seller won't get 1% of their asking price, if it ever were to sell. The Plow That Broke the Plains is a pretty common title. The only benefit to having your print is if it is in pristine condition or an alternate version. Very few places can safely store and project nitrate film, so the number of people interested in your film Is small. If you itemize your taxes, you can donate to an archive and get a tax write-off.

What you can get for it depends on the interest in it. This film is already on You Tube and so is downloadable by anyone who wants a copy. If you film is in pristine condition - then you may have a small niche market. Personally I think you would be lucky to get more than $250 for it. (The price of $25,000 you mention for the "Great Train Robbery" is in the realms of fantasy.)

There are two versions of THE PLOW. The original version has the Resettlement Administration Presents titles and runs a full three reels.



The reissue has redone titles which merely state A US Documentary and is missing the final section that describes the actions being taken by the government to help those affected by the draught. This is the version released by Blackhawk Films.

This one was three reels.

Couldn't ship it. Couldn't deliver by air (cabin or cargo). IF someone wanted it, it would have to be hand-to-hand. And with my luck, it would be Freddie the Maniac Bomber.

The State Patrol Bomb Squad picked it up and will dispose of it. I guess that's just how it goes.

ShortTemperedWitch wrote: The State Patrol Bomb Squad picked it up and will dispose of it. I guess that's just how it goes.

I'm calling shenanigans on this.

LouieD wrote:

ShortTemperedWitch wrote: The State Patrol Bomb Squad picked it up and will dispose of it. I guess that's just how it goes.

I'm calling shenanigans on this.

I agree. I have NEVER known anybody to have private owned Nitrate films confiscated. I also agree that selling such a common title (even if an original print) would offer very little return.

You can certainly ship nitrate films by ground, as long as it is labeled correctly. The archives do this all the time. I agree that this is a fibber.