The words “lost film” can carry with them an eerie, mysterious connotation, one that suggests permanence: that a film is truly gone forever, never to be seen again. And many times, that is the case; films are frequently lost, destroyed, or simply locked away indefinitely by creators who wish to keep their works private for whatever reason. However, there are times when lost films are miraculously found and made available to the public, and it often happens when it is least expected.
As film preservation techniques improve over the years, we have been able to salvage more movies from being completely destroyed than ever before; while 75% of silent movies are considered forever lost, modern movies have fared way better. This thought rightfully brings many historians and enthusiasts hope that one day their favorite lost film will find its way to the public once again.
Today, we look at some lost movies that bring hope to the lost media community; from Cruel Summer to Firelight, we explore the lost films that might just be found.
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10 Deep Kick (1995)
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are a famous rock group that rose to prominence in the 1990s with songs like “Give it Away” and “Under the Bridge.” In 1995, at the height of the band’s popularity, production started on a documentary entitled Deep Kick which is said to have followed the band as they produced their upcoming album entitled “One Hot Minute.”
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Though the documentary was said to feature clips of the bandmates interacting, recording sessions, and focused segments on each musician, the film was ultimately scrapped in 1998 after tensions in the band began rising. The only remaining footage of the documentary can be seen in the background of a music video; the clips are hard to make out and are entirely shot in black and white. However, more clips have since made their way online, suggesting that a member of the production team may still have a copy in their possession and could potentially release the full footage in the future.
9 Hollywood (1923)
Paramount Pictures
The 1923 film Hollywood is one of the most sought-after silent films of the early 20th century. Said to feature cameos from tons of notable Hollywood stars of the era, Hollywood was a comedy film that saw a cheerful woman move to California to pursue her dreams of achieving worldwide success as a famous actress.
Though the original film is considered lost, it is possible to see a completed screenplay through a private collector and a multitude of posters and stills are easily accessible online. Thankfully, unlike some of the other silent films that were indefinitely destroyed like those of the 1965 MGM vault fire, Hollywood was produced by Paramount and has a slim but decent chance of having been preserved in its entirety.
8 Cruel Summer (2012)
Island Def Jam
Another entry from a musician, Kanye West’s Cruel Summer is a short film that was screened only one time; the film was meant to accompany his album of the same name and featured performances of prominent figures in Hollywood and the music industry.
The plot was said to revolve around a car thief, played by famous rapper Kid Cudi, who falls in love with an Arabian woman; along the way, he must overcome various trials and tests to prove his love for her and earn the acceptance of her disapproving father. Clips from the original showing have appeared on YouTube, but the entire production in its original form remains lost. However, it is likely Kanye West himself still has a copy of the original, meaning it may be possible that Cruel Summer sees a public release in the future.
7 B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations (2015)
DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Animation is one of the most well-known and respected animation companies of the modern day. Known for its vibrant and at times, silly movies, DreamWorks Animation is known to consistently produce quality work. That’s why it came as such a shock when the advertised film, B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations, was abruptly scrapped after its release date was repeatedly pushed back.
Set to be released in 2015, the film was said to explore the fun and complex relationship between humans and ghosts. As of today, some production materials have been recovered including around 2 minutes of actual footage. Though the official website for the movie was deleted in 2019 and has not been acknowledged since, it is likely that the studio would have maintained a full copy of the film.
6 Linda (1960)
Bryanston Films
Linda is a teen drama film that follows a boy named Phil as his love and attraction toward a woman named Linda make him second-guess his life of crime. As a gangster, Phil frequently finds himself in the middle of trouble; that is, until Linda shows him a better way of living, urging him to be a better man.
The film is highly sought after, even being named to the BFI’s Most Wanted list of lost films. Despite the fact that the film is only known to have been screened one time, there is little information on the whereabouts of the film. Even so, available information would suggest that Linda was not destroyed, and may exist in a private collection.
5 The Blinkumentary (2012)
Handsome Randsome
Another American rock band, Blink-182 gained widespread success in the 1990s with the release of songs like “What’s My Age Again” and “All the Small Things.” However, The Blinkumentary was an aptly titled documentary-style film that was said to document the band’s comeback in the early 2010s. However, after multiple delays and setbacks, the film was shelved indefinitely by 2016 and has not been acknowledged since.
Though only clips of the film have been released publicly, it is likely that a member of the band has maintained a copy of the completed film. The band has also seen a resurgence in popularity thanks in part to the original guitarist, Tom DeLonge’s return after a hiatus and drummer Travis Barker’s recent marriage to socialite Kourtney Kardashian. Perhaps this newfound momentum will inspire the band to release the footage!
4 The Oregon Trail (1936)
Republic Pictures
John Wayne was a notable movie star, known specifically for his iconic roles in American western movies. The 1936 film, The Oregon Trail, is one of his few works that remain lost today. As one of the earliest movies to include sound, The Oregon Trail is a historic piece of media that is full of action, adventure, and even a little romance.
Production stills have been found, but no clips of the movie have ever been discovered despite the search efforts of longtime enthusiasts. However, some think that a reel of The Oregon Trail may simply be sitting inside a warehouse and is only one search away from rediscovery!
3 Firelight (1964)
Miramax Films
Today, Steven Spielberg is one of the most beloved and awarded directors of all time. However, at just 17 years old, Spielberg directed Firelight, a science-fiction film that follows a town as strange, otherworldly occurrences begin to take place.
The film was only known to be shown one time; as rumor has it, Spielberg supposedly spent $500 on the film and made a profit of $501, after charging guests at his local theater a single dollar to view the production. It is said that he gave two reels of the film away only for them to never be returned; however, this fact alone confirms their existence and would imply that a resurfacing of the completed Firelight may be possible.
2 Dead End (1985)
Emerson Bixby
Dead End was a 1985 horror-comedy that centered around a zombie apocalypse. Directed by Emerson Bixby, Dead End was said to feature some truly gruesome effects, which supposedly included using real animal blood and remains.
Though the director has since lost his copy of the film, he acknowledged that other cast and crew mates may have a copy in their possession. Though the film has never been shown in its entirety, some internet users claim the film is available in some other form or under some other name, with some reviews popping up online. Only time will tell if dedicated sleuths can uncover this gory flick!
1 Batman Dracula (1964)
Andy Warhol
Directed by one of the most influential artists of all time, Batman Dracula came from the mind of pop artist Andy Warhol. Though created in 1964 well after the height of the silent film era, Batman Dracula was known to have no sound. Since the film had no affiliation with the creators of the original Batman and Dracula characters, the film was only shown a limited number of times as a part of an art exhibit.
Unlike other films on this list, Batman Dracula has a surprising amount of footage available for public viewing. Today, the film is considered partially found, with about 40% of the movie being recovered over time. The high amount of recovered footage has given lovers of cinema and lost media fanatics hope that one day the film will be found in its entirety.
