subject: There Are Classic Films Other Than "casablanca" [print this page] Some of us fans of old classic films are noticing a disturbing effect when we discuss the merits of one classic or another. Someone within earshot of the conversation will start foaming at the mouth, babbling incoherently and generally behave like he is having a stroke, while someone dials 911.
What Causes this Satanic Downfall?
To some people's minds, classic films have an evil reputation much like cream-free chocolate cream pie or low calorie fettuccini Alfredo. There are enough such people to leave a modern audience in a major frown as they view on the screen the words "classic film." These two innocent words inspire an almost allergic reaction akin to peanuts or shellfish of which there is no cure.
They don't like classic films, they never will, they will never see one, and they never have. So, shut up already.
What Public Domain is Doing to Ensure the Future of Classic Film
If you have given yourself the chance to check out the amazing selection that vintage film provides, you are aware of the thousands of options at your disposal. If "Casablanca" doesn't ring your bell, (you should probably be committed, but you didn't hear it from me), it is not a sure thing that you won't like "Night of the Hunter" or "Now Voyager" or the original Italian production of "Antony and Cleopatra."
There are classic films in all flavors, all genres, all across the board. The fantastic number of options available to you are mind boggling. Online companies taking full advantage of public domain are doing their level best to make certain that finding the classics is a simpler, less expensive and more convenient task than ever before.
How? By taking vintage film out onto the web.
The Beauty of Public Domain
Most of us grew up with a knowledge that there were such a thing as classic films. Maybe you were even coerced into sitting through various showings of films like "Casablanca." These classic romances are what comes to most people's minds when they think about vintage films, but there exists a much greater variety of classic movies than the romances. Public domain comes into view here.
We don't see so many of today's movies as perhaps we would like because they are so expensive. The expense is largely due to obtaining licensing rights to distribute the films. A part of the profit made on that film distribution reverts back to the film maker. This is how copyright works.
So, what if we didn't have to concern ourselves with copyright? If we could do that, than everyone could see this vast arena that is classic filmdom. Not only that, but more people would become aware of their existence and be enlightened to the fact that enjoying a classic film doesn't mean you need to sit in front of the screen with a box of tissues in one hand while sobbing vociferously when Bogie elicits the famous line "Here's looking at you kid" to the heartbroken, trembling Ingrid.
This is what online businesses are trying to get you to do. They are unleashing the power of public domain where films go when the copyright has expired or they don't have them at all. The are spreading the joy to film freaks all over the planet, and in so doing, are educating movie audiences that there is more to the classics than "Casablanca." There are movies of adventure, horror, you name it, and yes, of course, romance.
