New CL tape w/ digital track

A little while back Bob Birchard claimed he had heard a new tape release of CL with the digitally recorded Davis reconstruction of CC's score was coming soon. (Tom Moran claimed that I could not *guarantee* that such a release would not happen in the future; technically accurate.) This was used as evidence to show a lack of respect for original material and presentations. Bob has since accused others of 'bluffing' as a tactic to support a position with which he disagrees.

We called Paris last night to speak with the woman in charge of managing the Chaplin family affairs about some other matters, so we asked her. She knows nothing about such a release or any plans for such in the forseeable future. So *who's* bluffing, Bob? However, if you really do know somthing, as I said before I know 8 siblings who would be *very* interested. Perhaps a bit more care in the accusation department might be appropriate (or does the phrase 'glass houses' ring a bell)?

Just wanted to save all of you from wasted time scouring the stores and catalogues.

I can't say I'm surprised, but I'm glad someone was scrupulous enough to seek out the facts. Thanks!

Connie K.

Actually, what I said on my earlier post was: 'I believe' CL with digital track had been released to video. I based this statement on the availability of the digital version on Laser Disc and the general market trend of releasing to video before Laser. I was incorrect.

As long as the truth police are out and about I would note publicly (as I have already privately) that in earlier posts to Tom Moran David Totheroh made the assertion that CC was adamantly opposed to any video release of his films. David's statement was not correct. In his licensing agreement with Black, Inc. in the early 1970's clearly granted TV rights and anticipated the sale of video cassettes. If I remember correctly the language in the contract read something like: 'Due to the nature of the market, cassettes may be sold.'

Bert Schneider controlled the CC rights in the U.S. under the Black, Inc. agreement, and he made an effort to license the films to CBS, and it looked like he migt succeed for a time. Ultimately that deal fell through, but several cable outlets approached Bert for cable rights. Initially, as I remember, one of the biggest cable operations of the time offered five cents per subscriber per film for several screenings. Bert refused the initial offer on the grounds that the price was too cheap. He figured that the longer he waited the more subscribers there would be and the more money he would make.

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I 'believe' what I said was something like CC was often quoted as saying TV, without larger audience interaction, was the wrong format for the proper appreciation of his work. This was presented as the basis for questioning why you and Tom would so adamantly oppose the live presentations as violations of the artist's original intent, and yet had no problems with TV viewings of same. The later arrangements for the video releases are a separate, and different, issue which does not negate my statement or the reason why I raised it in the first place.

If I am wrong in this, I stand corrected.