BACKGROUND INFO:
I am not a ‘film enthusiast’ and my past working life has revolved around electronics (many fields including communications, industrial and audio) and “The Arts”, more specifically, creative arts such as handcrafted fine china, ceramics and landscape artworks.
An associate has asked me to help find new owners for HIS large collection of photographic and film items … this is yet another one of those items. I am frequently asked “THE QUESTION”
So how many films do you have, Russ?
My response is … boxes and boxes of them, perhaps 200+ films are now left for me to look through … plus a few projectors
Another question I am often asked “Can I come and have a browse through the films?” Sorry, but the answer has to be a flat NO!
ALL film stock is safely away in my storage units, nice n cool and out of harms way, each day (or so) I will retrieve a few films, take a look (and smell!) at each film … absolutely NO ONE can just casually “browse” the collection. My associate wouldn’t like that and neither do I.
There is a lot of detail on this page plus even more HERE … I strongly suggest anyone who is interested in this film to read everything carefully, including looking at the link. To not do so is at your own peril!
Vinegar Syndrome “smell test” = Negative
THE KEYSTONES (Days Of Thrills & Laughter)
Title: The Keystones (1939)
I cannot tell who distributed this film, it opens straight into the title (not even an initial countdown) Perhaps Blackhawk but only a guess!
Catalogue # Unknown
400 Feet Dark Grey PLiO MAGiC (Made in USA) reel
TUSCAN (Australia) Library case with drop down front door
Leader film is fitted, as is a film clip
Black & White
Sound (Mono)
This looks to be a funny (because of the “slices” of motion picture footage throughout the film) but historical look at Keystone Studios, particularly in the Silent era – featuring the likes of the Keystone Cops, Charlie Chaplin and many others.
There is sound (narration) plus background music but of course not much in the way of film dialogue, being silent films!

COSMETIC CONDITION:
USED
CLEAN
The hinged plastic case is in good condition, hinge is fine and no cracks.
The reel is not cracked or damaged
NO personal writing on the film reel or the plastic case
TESTING:
Test machine: ELMO 1200ST
The projector film path has been completely cleaned prior to running this film through the machine. I now have a “running sheet”, my maintenance schedule if you like – I record when each maintenance is performed because I am running a lot of films through the machine.
Film stock on the reel, including the sprocket holes, appears to be physically undamaged – I have test played around the first ten minutes or so (a bit longer than normal for me, interesting film!)
Black & White with good contrast and the colouring is as expected, Greys/Blacks/Whites i.e I didn’t see any signs of Yellowish or even worse, Orange tinges!
The sound is fine, clear and easy to understand and at a good level – no issues here.
SPECIAL NOTE: I felt I needed to add this little note … whilst viewing the film on the screen, it actually looks “less Red” than the photographs would indicate but still … pretty Red, there is no hiding this fact. My antiquated digital camera (very old, one of the very first ‘point n shoot’ models!) just isn’t up to the task in regard to colour representation nor the ability to portray contrast properly. The screen shots I take are now taken with the film on pause which gives an improved image but the light is dimmer when the projector is on pause and sometimes the shot is a little blurry as it is difficult to stop the film at “just the right spot” These photographs are only a very rough guide for what to expect in any case.
This film is now stored in a cool, low humidity environment while it awaits a new owner to love and care for it!