Long-Lost Classics
With the advent of the internet and the digital age, it’s hard to imagine a movie being completely lost or forgotten. But up until the last few decades, it wasn’t unheard of for movies to be destroyed or go missing, especially if there were only a few physical copies.
Luckily, some of these lost classics have been found and even restored for modern audiences to enjoy.
Here’s how they were found.
1. The Passion Of Joan Of Arc (1928)
The Passion of Joan of Arc is often hailed as a must-see gem from the silent film era. Directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, this cinematic masterpiece delves into the trial and execution of the French saint, Joan of Arc. What sets it apart is its captivating use of close-up shots and the fact that the whole movie was filmed on one set.
Société générale des films, The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
The Passion Of Joan Of Arc (1928)
The Passion of Joan of Arc faced a tragic fate when the last existing copy was lost in a fire. For years, fans mourned its absence, especially considering the controversy it stirred—even the Archbishop of Paris wanted it banned.
However, in 1981, a stroke of luck occurred when a full version of the movie was discovered in an unexpected place:
the Dikemark Mental Hospital in Oslo, Norway. It was stumbled upon by an employee sorting through a janitor's closet. Now, cinephiles have a chance to finally see what all the fuss was about.
Société générale des films, The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
2. Wake In Fright (1971)
Based on Kenneth Cook's 1961 novel of the same name, this psychological thriller follows a teacher whose moral compass goes haywire after he finds himself stranded in a peculiar town.
Upon its initial release, the film faced some scrutiny, leading to the removal of 15 minutes of footage due to its perceived graphic content.
NLT Productions, Wake In Fright (1971)
Wake In Fright (1971)
People were eager to find Wake In Fright as it had long been regarded as one of Australia's greatest films and most sought-after lost masterpiece. Usually though, the thrill of the search for the movie overshadowed the actual desire to watch it.
In 2004, the hunt finally came to an end when producer Anthony Buckle found the film negatives in a shipping container in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The contained was labeled "For Destruction".
NLT Productions, Wake In Fright (1971)
3. Incubus (1966)
The movie revolves around a mystical well in a remote village. The well has the power to heal the sick and enhance one's beauty, but its extraordinary powers attracted the attention of corrupt people bent on seizing control.
Incubus stood out in many ways, making its loss deeply felt by cinema enthusiasts.
Contempo III Productions, Incubus (1966)
Incubus (1966)
Not only was the film a rarity for being shot entirely in the constructed language of Esperanto, but it also challenged viewers by not having subtitles, leaving them to unravel its mysteries on their own.
Fortunately, in 1996, a stroke of luck led to a copy of the film turning up at the Cinémathèque Française in Paris.
Contempo III Productions, Incubus (1966)
4. Zepped (1916)
While not typically seen as one of the best classic war films, this Charlie Chaplin propaganda movie still manages to captivate audiences with its entertaining storyline.
It offers a glimpse into the German Zeppelin attacks during World War I, showcasing Chaplin's unique take on historical events.
Essanay Studios, Wikimedia Commons
Zepped (1916)
Some actors and filmmakers are so prolific that some of their projects slip under the radar, unnoticed by many. Zepped was one such hidden gem.
That is, until 2009, when an English citizen found a rare treasure on eBay:
a can of film labeled Zepped, which was bought for a mere $5. This chance discovery brought Chaplin's lesser-known work back into the spotlight, much to the delight of film enthusiasts everywhere.
Charlie Chaplin, Zepped (1916)
5. Tarzan And The Golden Lion (1927)
The earliest depiction of Tarzan on screen proved to be a hit at the box office.
However, after its initial run, the film vanished from circulation, leaving no known copies behind.
Lead actor James Pierce dedicated much of his life to tracking down lost copies of the film but despite his efforts, he was unable to locate any.
Film Booking Offices of America, Wikimedia Commons
Tarzan And The Golden Lion (1927)
Fortunately, a glimmer of hope emerged in the 1990s when a collection of silent films was discovered within the walls of a French asylum. Tarzan And The Golden Lion was among those films, resurrecting a piece of cinematic history thought to be lost forever.
Robertson-Cole Pictures Corporation, Tarzan And The Golden Lion (1927)
6. The Sentimental Bloke (1915)
The Sentimental Bloke is widely hailed as the pinnacle of Australian silent cinema, portraying the journey of a man determined to leave his gambling days behind to focus on his work in a factory.
His life takes a turn when he falls deeply in love with a woman.
Just as happiness seems within reach, he finds himself fighting another suitor for her affections.
Adelaide Review, Wikimedia Commons
The Sentimental Bloke (1915)
Tragically, a fire ravaged a Melbourne film library, leading to the loss of The Sentimental Bloke. However, hope was restored in 1973 when an original negative was unearthed at a film archive in Rochester, New York.
But why did it take so long to find? The answer lies in a case of mistaken identity. Due to the unfamiliarity of the term "bloke" in American culture, the film was mistakenly relabeled as "The Sentimental Blonde", causing it to remain hidden in plain sight for decades.
Southern Cross Feature Film Company, The Sentimental Bloke (1915)
7. Outside The Law (1920)
In Outside The Law, a gang leader and his daughter decide to leave their life of crime behind. However, when the leader is framed for murder by a rival, their plans for retirement are shattered, prompting the daughter to revert to her former ways.
It's astonishing to think that a film starring Lon Chaney, one of the brightest stars of the Silent Film era, could vanish from existence. Yet, that's precisely what happened to the original copies of Outside The Law.
Universal Pictures, Wikimedia Commons
Outside The Law (1920)
In the 1920s, a Universal Pictures delivery person left some copies of the movie with friends, leading to their disappearance. It wasn't until 1975 that a new resident of a house found a stash of old movies in their barn.
They reached out to historian Bob DeFlores, who made a remarkable discovery among the collection: a copy of Outside The Law.
Universal, Outside the Law (1920)
8. The White Shadow (1923)
In this exciting tale, twin sisters with contrasting personalities find themselves entangled in a complex love triangle, vying for the affection of the same man. The great twist is that the man is unaware that he's dating siblings.
And adding to the intrigue, Alfred Hitchcock contributed as an assistant director to this lost masterpiece.
The White Shadow (1923)
Sometimes, treasures lie hidden in plain sight, as was the case with New Zealand collector Jack Murtagh. It wasn't until an American archivist stumbled upon Murtagh's collection 22 years later that the true significance was realized.
Among the treasures was a videotape labeled "Twin Sisters", which upon closer inspection turned out to be none other than The White Shadow.
Balcon, Freedman & Saville, The White Shadow (1924)
9. Their First Misunderstanding (1911)
In this silent film, the legendary Mary Pickford shares the screen with her husband Owen Moore in a portrayal of newlyweds navigating their first argument.
Set entirely within their home, the film offers a unique glimpse into the dynamics of marital discord.
C.C. Pierce Photography Collection, Wikimedia Commons
Their First Misunderstanding (1911)
The movie also serves as a tutorial on handling disagreements in marriage, so those needing some help in that department can rest easy knowing that the film has been rediscovered.
That's all thanks to carpenter Peter Massie, who found a copy tucked away inside an old New Hampshire barn.
It's speculated that the film was originally intended for the teenagers who visited the farm when it served as a summer camp.
Independent Moving Pictures, Their First Misunderstanding (1911)
10. The Old Dark House (1932)
In the spooky tale of The Old Dark House, a group of five travelers takes refuge from a raging storm inside an eerie, decaying mansion. Little do they know, their sanctuary harbors horrors beyond imagination.
The Old Dark House (1932)
For decades, this movie was revered among fans of gothic horror as one of the genre's earliest and finest examples. However, its brilliance remained unseen by many.
Thankfully, director Curtis Harrington stumbled upon a pristine copy while delving into the vaults of Universal Studios. With Universal's resources and newfound enthusiasm for the film, it got a fresh edit and a re-release.
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Esculpiendo el tiempo, Wikimedia Commons
11. The Amusement Park (1975)
The Amusement Park stands out as one of the more recent additions to this list. Originally produced in 1975, the film was tucked away by acclaimed director George Romero, who thought it was too unsettling for its intended audience:
Lutheran Society Community Centers.
Laurel Productions, The Amusement Park (1975)
The Amusement Park (1975)
In this psychological thriller, viewers are introduced to Maazel, an elderly man grappling with the challenges of aging. The film opens with Maazel addressing the audience directly, offering insight into its underlying metaphor about how society neglects the elderly.
After being rediscovered by chance at the Torino Film Festival in 2001, a restored version of The Amusement Park was unveiled in 2019. It's now available on several streaming platforms.
Laurel Productions, The Amusement Park (1975)
12. Shadows (1959)
Shadows, released in 1959, boldly confronts social issues like race relations and prejudice. Set in New York City, the film follows three Black siblings whose varying skin tones influence their experiences and acceptance within the community.
One sibling, who is darker-skinned than the others, grapples with barriers to pursuing his passion for jazz music, while his lighter-skinned sister appears to thrive more easily.
Lion International, Shadows (1958)
Shadows (1959)
Directed independently by John Cassavetes, Shadows underwent two separate edits. However, the original version of the film remained lost until 2003.
Professor Ray Carney's decades-long search for the movie led to the recovery of the first edit, unveiling a vital piece of cinematic history that had long been forgotten.
Lion International, Shadows (1958)
13. The Portage Trail (1915)
The Portage Trail is a charming tale of romance set in Akron, Ohio. This over 100-year-old film, spanning 16 minutes, offers a nostalgic glimpse into the city's past, featuring clips of local landmarks and snapshots of day-to-day life.
What makes this discovery even better is its ensemble cast of prominent locals, including Akron businessmen, child stars, and socialites.
Akron Chamber of Commerce, The Portage Trail (1915)
The Portage Trail (1915)
Only one print of the original film is believed to exist today. However, thanks to the efforts of a Los Angeles-based company called Periscope Film LLC, The Portage Trail has been found. The company released the film on YouTube in 2018.
Akron Chamber of Commerce, The Portage Trail (1915)
14. The Flying Doctor (1936)
The Flying Doctor, a 1936 Australian film, transports viewers to the rugged terrain of the Australian outback, where the Royal Flying Doctor Service operates.
In the movie, Sandy's decision to abandon his wedding to pursue his artistic dreams sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery.
With his new friend John, Sandy embraces his calling as a pilot, leading to unexpected twists and turns in their lives.
The Flying Doctor (1936)
One of those twists is a love triangle between Sandy, John, and Sandy's jilted bride, Jenny. The film is a timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption that we're lucky to still have—it was saved from the trash pile when an office worker intervened just in time.
Queensland Newspapers Pty Ltd, Wikimedia Commons
15. Frankenstein (1910)
As the earliest entry on this list, the 1910 adaptation of Frankenstein was long thought to have vanished into the annals of history. Drawing inspiration from Mary Shelley's novel, this film stands as one of the pioneering adaptations of her iconic tale.
Edison Manufacturing Company, Frankenstein (1910)
Frankenstein (1910)
While the film's narrative diverges from Shelley's original text, it remains faithful to the essence of her characters and themes. In a stroke of luck, the movie resurfaced in the possession of a private collector.
Eventually, it found its way to the archives of the Library of Congress in 2014 where it is kept safe.
Edison Manufacturing Company, Frankenstein (1910)
16. Deranged (1974)
Like The Amusement Park, Deranged was another horror-thriller film from the 1970s that had been lost. Rediscovered in the 1990s, it quickly gained a devoted following among horror enthusiasts.
Notorious for its gruesome content, the film tells a chilling story that's inspired by the real-life atrocities of serial killer Ed Gein.
Karr International Pictures, Deranged (1974)
Deranged (1974)
Drawing from Gein's crimes, Deranged follows the character Ezra Cobb as he perpetrates a series of heinous murders and grave desecrations, including the exhumation of his own departed mother.
Though Deranged was lost for only a brief period, its rediscovery was met with excitement, and today, it is available for viewing on streaming platforms.
Karr International Pictures, Deranged (1974)
17. Europa (1931)
In 1931, husband-and-wife filmmakers Stefan and Franciszka Themerson shot the surrealist short film Europa. The movie featured strong anti-fascist themes, as Europe teetered on the brink of WWII.
When the Themersons moved to Paris in 1938, they left Europa and four other films behind in a Warsaw film laboratory, which was later seized by the Nazis.
Séeberger brothers, Wikimedia Commons
Europa (1931)
Thought to be lost, Europa gained legendary status over time, with a remake made in 1983. However, it wasn't until 2019 that researchers found the original movie in Germany's national archives, the Bundesarchiv.
Donated to the British Film Institute (BFI), Europa underwent restoration and finally premiered on October 6, 2021, at the BFI London Film Festival.
Holger Weinandt, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
18. The First Degree (1923)
The 2019 pandemic brought about few silver linings, but for Olivia Babler, director of film transfer operations at the Chicago Film Archives, it meant extra time at home.
In early 2020, Babler seized the opportunity to sift through a bunch of film reels that came from a Peoria, Illinois basement.
Among them lay the long-lost 1923 Universal Pictures murder mystery, The First Degree.
Universal, The First Degree (1923)
The First Degree (1923)
This cinematic relic, described as a blend of sheep farming and blackmail, had vanished since its initial release nearly a century prior. Its rediscovery not only revived a forgotten piece of film history but also shed light on Chicago's heritage as a significant film production center during cinema's early years.
The First Degree made its modern-day debut at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago on September 29, 2021.
Universal, The First Degree (1923)
19. The Intruder (1975)
Mickey Rooney's illustrious career spans decades, boasting an impressive 343 acting credits. With so many movies under his belt, it's unsurprising that some may have slipped through the cracks. Such was the case with the 1975 slasher film The Intruder.
Luckily, in 2016, Harry Guerro uncovered a storage site filled with forgotten cinematic treasures.
Among them lay The Intruder.
Garagehouse Pictures, The Intruder (1975)
The Intruder (1975)
Turns out the film had been shelved by its distribution company, leading it to vanish from collective memory. Guerro, owner of Garagehouse Pictures, spearheaded the restoration effort of the movie.
Following six months of painstaking restoration work, The Intruder was released on Blu-ray in 2017.
Garagehouse Pictures, The Intruder (1975)
20. Salome (1918)
Theda Bara, Hollywood's original sex symbol, captivated audiences with her daring portrayals of man-hunting vamps, clad in risqué attire that pushed boundaries of the era.
Sadly, most of her films have been lost to time, but in 2021, a piece of her cinematic history was rediscovered.
J. Gordon Edwards, Wikimedia Commons
Salome (1918)
In late 2021, an announcement stirred excitement among Theda Bara fans: fragments of her 1918 film Salome had been found in a Spanish archive. While we still don't have the full movie, the rarity of any surviving Theda Bara footage is cause for celebration.
For fans and cinema historians, this find ignites hope that more treasures from Bara's illustrious career may still lie waiting to be discovered.
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