We live in an age where countless films and television shows are available in an instant, thanks to streaming and physical media. People forget that behind the scenes, there is a whole world of eager film preservationists seeking to keep our film history alive. Many of these individuals fight the major studios to let the classics live for prosperity! Director and screenwriter Nate Neal tackles film preservation in this comedy-adventure flick, Treasure of the Lost Reel.
Hector “Heck” Burrows (Sean Shannon) is an enthusiastic college film professor with a deep love for saving our film heritage. He lives a double life as an Indiana Jones-style archaeologist rescuing rare films from yard sales. Burrows is in a contentious feud with Pinnacle Pictures, who feverishly want to hold the trademark on cartoon icon, Boffo (very reminiscent of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit or Bosko the Talk-Ink Kid). This is a character who was shamelessly stolen from an obscure animator. A producer, Colepean (Martin Barabas), is always chasing after Burrows because he needs to collect all rare prints for devious financial purposes.
This company couldn’t care less about the true history of Boffo. Burrows’ love of film preservation has cost him his career and romance with his girlfriend, Laurel Marsh (Katie Hannigan). Marsh aspires to have a bigger career beyond being a late-night TV host on a classic movie channel. Things escalate when a hermit-like film collector, Sam Crabb (Christopher Hagen), gives Burrows a rare film. It is a 16 mm copy of a Biffo cartoon made by Ike Edwards, a forgotten cartoonist. Edwards’ descendant, Bellamy Barker (Kevin R. Free), is targeted by one of Pinnacle’s agents. Barker is hesitant to be involved in taking ownership of his great-grandfather’s beloved character. Burrows, Marsh, and Baker are caught in a cat-and-mouse chase through New York City as Pinnacle sends their grizzled agent, Mr. Fixit (William Russ), to capture the rare film. Hijinks ensue with film cans being swapped and a healthy dose of kidnapping.
“Burrows is in a contentious feud with Pinnacle Pictures, who feverishly want to hold the trademark on cartoon icon, Boffo…”
Treasure of the Lost Reel is an earnest and tightly plotted tribute to the world of vintage cinema. Nate Neal’s screenplay takes terminology from the film preservation world and makes it digestible for casual movie fans. The cast leans into the film’s absurdist tone and physical comedy. William Russ chews the scenery in his tough guy role as Mr. Fixit. Katie Hannigan channels the smart-aleck, fast-talking characteristics of classic actresses, like Glenda Farrell and Joan Blondell, in her role as Burrows’ love interest.
The animation for the Biffo and Boffo shorts is beautifully crafted by Scout Baldwin and Erim Çetinel. For animation buffs, there are gags that honor the great work of Rudolf Ising, Otto Mesmer, and other iconic animators. I appreciate that Neal features a cameo from noted animation historian and preservationist Tommy J. Stathes. Stathes does more than just cameo; he provides his own classic memorabilia to fill out Burrows’ apartment.
Daniel Seth Pagel’s cinematography is versatile in its dynamic angles and works within the limits of his locations. There is never a bad shot in the entire film. Neal’s film feels very personal and also astute in capturing the challenges that film historians have to face. It has always been an uphill battle to keep our vintage films saved, whether it’s saving prints from deadly fires or badgering studio execs to put in the financial effort. Despite all this, we live in a time where the passion for it is even stronger. Older movies still sell, just look at Fathom Events’ success over the last couple of years.
Classic film fans will participate in Kickstarters, make pilgrimages to film festivals, collect Blu-Ray editions, and let their voices be heard on forums! This film feels like a “thank you” to many prominent figures in the vintage cinema realm, such as Kevin Brownlow, Jerry Beck, David Shepherd, and, most importantly, the late Ted Turner. Treasure of the Lost Reel is more than just another indie film; it is a piece that shows us classic cinema is the future. These celluloid treasures are pop culture, art, living history, and works that will shape artists of today and tomorrow.
"…Hijinks ensue with film cans being swapped and a healthy dose of kidnapping."
