This is topic Correct aspect ratio for "Baby Doll" (1956)? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.


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Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 08-24-2014, 07:31 PM:
 
I'm showing a 35mm print of this in just over two hours' time, and am stumped as to the ratio. As it's Hollywood, not 'scope or VV and post-1954, I'm guessing that it should be 1.85. The footage all has a 1.37 matte. I've just played the opening reel and 1.85 looks good for most of the shot compositions, but two of the title cards are just slightly cropped and the others look tight. I suppose the crop could be because our aperture plate is a little bit overcut (it is - you can see it with an RP40). The position of the changeover cues suggests 1.85 to me, too.

I'm guessing that this is shoot-to-protect and that I could use either, or 1.66. Needless to say, the leaders of the print have both 1.37 and 1.85 marked in different handwriting, so two projectionists who've shown this print before me have come to different conclusions about it. If anyone has the definitive answer, it would be greatly appreciated.
 

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Posted by Jim Cassedy (Member # 4115) on 08-24-2014, 07:52 PM:
 
Hi Leo-

I ran a 35 print of this 2 or 3 years ago, and had the same issue.
I screened a reel at both 1:66 & 1:85 and both looked workable,
although I had a slight preference for the way it looked in 1:85.
(and that's how I ran it)

A bit of research going through old issues of the "BOX OFFICE
BOOKING GUIDE" confirms that it was originally released in 1:85.

(Box Office Booking Guide, Dec 8th 1956)

I hope this helps. Good luck with your screening!
 

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Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 08-24-2014, 07:58 PM:
 
Thanks so much - F-T to the rescue once again!

This is a print from Warners on 1969 stock, with quite a bit of wear on it (including some strained perfs in reel 3) but amazingly, no splices on the heads and tails. How it survived 45 years on the rep circuit without being plattered is somewhat of a miracle.

Anyway, this makes for an easy night - the other show in the double bill is The Misfits, also 1.85, and so no new ratio lineup needed during the intermission.
 

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Posted by Jim Cassedy (Member # 4115) on 08-24-2014, 08:21 PM:
 

quote: Leo Enticknap

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the leaders of the print have both 1.37 and 1.85

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quote:

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I get the impression that a lot of "flat" shows made around the time widescreen came in were "shot to protect",

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