Q: In the 1930s my grandparents owned a movie theater and when they pass on I was left a copy of a 1929, 16MM, B/W copy of a Mickey Mouse film call Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The film is in the original can and still on the original reel but missing some of the leader. The film is still in one piece and needs some cleaning and correct care and that why I’m sending you this message. I can’t find anyone who can help me with the proper care or what to do with this film.
Michael, Fredericksburg, Virginia
A: “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” is actually a shortened version (for home use) of the theatrical cartoon Mickey’s Mellerdrammer. Hollywood Film Enterprises released such home versions of the Disney cartoons on 8mm and 16mm, usually with new titles. All the cartoons have now been released on DVD, in their complete form, so these early films have little or no value.
Dave Smith