DEFIANCE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL FILMS 1977
DEFIANCE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
SUPER-8 FILMS FROM 1977
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO VIEW SOME OF THE FILMS
(not recommended for dial-up users -- will take awhile to download)
A HISTORY
In the Spring of 1977 our 8th-Grade English teacher, Frank Coughlin assigned us students to make movies. We had to come up with a story, draw out a storyboard, film, edit and act in these films (I don't think they were ever edited).
Most of these films were based on tv shows and movies of the time. All filmed in Defiance, Ohio (by the "Class of '81). After they were made, we screened some of them during class. The films were then placed in the Defiance Junior High School Library where they were viewed (and abused) by the students.
Over the years I wondered if these films still existed, and finally in 1990, after much procrastination, I visited the school library and inquired about them. The Librarian had a look of surprise when I asked. She stated they were about to throw them out! So she let me have them.
Film Condition
Many of these were damaged (i.e. broken sprocket holes, spliced film breaks, etc.). So, there are a couple "film jumps." Some of these films are missing footage. And some are a little warped, causing some slightly out-of-focus scenes. Some were filmed with improper light settings, so some scenes are over-exposed. Each film runs about 3 minutes or less, with a total of about 75 minutes.
About the DVD
TekMor of Bryan, Ohio, transfered the films to a digital master tape. They were originally silent, but I have added music and sound effects to them. I also added some new video title footage. DVD copies are available
CONTENTS
- BATMAN
Missing footage. In one scene Batman & Robin are gassed by the villians, then in the next scene, they have captured the villians
- TWO MINUTE WARNING!
- AIRPORT '81
I'm in this, sitting next to the "bomber"
- WELCOME BACK KOTTER
- MURDER AT THE WEDDING
- LAVERNE & SHIRLEY GET ROBBED
- BATTLE FOR RIVERSIDE
- GREATEST DRUNK OF THE WEST
- STARSKY & HUTCH
I remember a scene with Starsky & Hutch in their car, but it is now missing.
-
GILLIGAN'S ISLAND
When I first found this one I noticed it was in the most pristine condition. After I viewed it, I realized it was also the best filmed -- perfect exposure, beautiful color, no mistakes! Strange how the best filmed was also in the best condition -- as if it were "protected"
- PHANTOM OF THE SCHOOLHOUSE
- THE KIDNAPPERS
Basically, boys wearing stockings on their heads abducting girls, investigated by three "detectives" who reminded me of "The Three Stooges" playing Sherlock Holmes.
- DR. JECKYL & MR. HYDE
I was also in this one, as victim #3
- BONNIE & CLYDE
- BARROOM BRAWL
- MONTY PYTHON'S FLYING CIRCUS
Missing footage. "The Dull Life of a Stockbroker" is almost completely gone, and I suspect more is missing.
- POLICE STORY
- THE BIONIC MAN
- THE GONG SHOW
- PEANUTS
(CHARLIE BROWN)
- THE ALMOST GREAT BANK ROBBERY
- M*A*S*H
- THE HAUNTED SCHOOLHOUSE
Email: defiancefilms77@yahoo.com
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WANE-TV in Defiance in 1986 I gave my "two cents" in "two seconds" in this 1986 news segment. The city of Defiance was proposing the closing of Fort Street. WANE-TV in Fort Wayne, Indiana decided it was newsworthy enough to do a segment on the six o'clock news. I was one of four drivers asked about the issue. Fort Street was not closed. Click the link above to view the video.