The only surviving copy of the 1916 film named, "Zepped", starring Charlie Chaplin and showing scenes of a Zeppelin raid over London, is due to be sold this coming week by Bonham’s which is an entertainment auction. As it goes to auction on June 29th. The film is merely seven minutes long and recorded on extremely fragile 35mm film.
The film was created within the intention of being sent to the troops in Egypt during the First World War with a purpose of being that of a morale booster. The idea was to defuse the terror inspired by the frequent Zeppelin bombing raids over London during the First World War. Although scholars disagree as to whether the images of the Zeppelin are real, the film features some of the earliest known animation in film history.
Morace Park, bought the film enclosed in a battered cinema reel tin from an online auction site in 2009. Within this old reel of film the owner Morace Park never knew what he had purchased yet after many meetings and observations of the film by experts in Europe and the United States, it now has became obvious that "Zepped" is indeed a rare gem of history. With the famous, Charlie Chaplin had starred in. Yet it went into the vault and never came to be recognized until recently. Up to this point in time, this film, which starred the Chaplin, has never been seen before.
The British Board of Film Classification classified and archived the film in 1917. The last known reference to the film is an advertisement in the publication Manchester Film Renter. A footnote in the records shows that the film was given an export license. The beginning of the film also features censorship frames indicating its primary purpose however even Chaplin may never have known that this film was placed away within the archives. The thought is that Chaplin may never have known that it the production ever came to be. For that matter, he didn’t even know of its existence.
Now that is worth something. It’s not only a piece of history that I would bet seven minutes of old footage render a great gain in a monetary manner as well as a historical clipping from the past.
I do hope it isn't locked away again, but a restored copy is shared.
ReplyDeletecharlie Chaplin was multi..talented..i wonder if his daughter..will do as well..tyu for sharing ,,this interesting Blog [hugs]
ReplyDeleteGreat. Going back to what they've called 'silent movies.'
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Mr. Charlie Chaplain came from a very humble beginning. I've seen some of his movies through cable channels. And that fascinates me no end. From silent movies, see how far have we become, Jack.
Since Charlie Chaplin was such a stickler with his movies as far as storage and care, this find really is amazing! I hope a copy will remain available to see.
ReplyDeleteThanks for finding this out Jack.
Grammy I do as well. The man was more than most could comprehend back in those times but his merit was
ReplyDeletegood. Go figure on this making of which he never knew would be placed in an archival manner back then.
He ended up being one that left the lands of United States during the period of which every on was question as
to what their means were in being in America. I think this was something that hit him truly harder than most have
was expected as he loved film and loved America until the time of McCarthyism. Back then there question as to whom were what is called "Communist". If that never took place Chaplin would have stayed and been a great contribution to the arts and entertainment of historical America.
He was I literally loved the manner that the man was creative and what was within his non verbal movies where something that I have never seen the likes Caroline.
ReplyDeleteNo need for lessons here. Chaplin is a historical icon within the fabric of many countries. How far have we come?
ReplyDeleteI myself would prefer this to oblivious.
Doug he was a within a 15 year span of his life very persistent on what he produced. When we figure out the personality he was truly one of a kind. I truly think he was one that before being deported was one that love America while at the same time taking in the American Dream. I loved his silent gems on the movies. As well I hope as you that his work and even this new render comes to being something that we all can see. I remember very well his deportation but Doug that was then. and this is now. I hope things have changed. Even if it's incremental. In the USA and other countries around the world we are a free nation. Free within the arts is free as this. If there is no freedom in any area this equates to non democratic mannerisms.
ReplyDeleteWhich with all do respect does not look like a dictatorships onto people. But may very well be. Yet I hope not. (the words are with authenticity). I am of the mold of three ethnics as well as two countries. Only prejudice would discount me. I guess as I look at this and as well my response. Ironically it's a declaration of independence to speak from Canada within my own manner. Now who would ever thought? I would have never. It's not for me a Je suis Canada. I believe in many countries. Yet I still find that when I left America, perhaps it was for family matters, or perhaps it was for reasons of which I have never wrote on a blog.
ReplyDeleteYet it had an inspiration for a band which called themselves " Led Zeppelin". Go figure.
ReplyDeleteBut as I arrived home late last night. This was vintage material on Chaplin. There are interesting things of which amaze me. Thus I share it.
ReplyDelete