Q: My mom, who was born in 1925 and passed last summer, was given a “Kodatoy” projector and reels of Mickey Mouse cartoon film when she was young. The projector seems to be in very good shape, although I haven’t plugged it in. The films have been kept in an old tobacco tin. Some time ago, Mom played the films for my sister who remembers it/them as being “Tugboat Willie”, but I don’t want to possibly damage them by trying to run the projector on my own. I hope you can guide us to additional information of value or safekeeping or who might be able to help. Thanks!
Rebecca, Saint Joseph, Michigan
A: According to an article in the March 1931 issue of Modern Mechanix, the 16mm Kodatoy projector, made by Eastman Kodak, was “recently introduced.” It was during this same period that Disney licensed Hollywood Film Enterprises to release shortened versions of its cartoons for home movie use. The projector itself is unrelated to Disney. The projector is, of course, an antique; the films have little or no value because all have been released on DVD in recent years.
Dave Smith