Lost Hitchcock Film 'The White Shadow' To Premiere In L.A.
In this image released by the National Film Preservation Foundation, Betty Compson, center, is shown in a scene from the Alfred Hitchcock film, "The White Shadow." The New Zealand Film Archive and the National Film Preservation Foundation announced the discovery of the 1923 film, thought to be the earliest surviving feature by Alfred Hitchcock. (AP Photo/National Film Preservation Foundation)
Film preservationists at the National Film Preservation Foundation at the New Zealand Film Archive have discovered the first half of Alfred Hitchcock's The White Shadow, reports The Associated Press.
The first three reels of the six-reel film have been uncovered 88 years after its production in 1923.
Hitchcock's credits include writer, assistant director, editor and art director. Graham Cutts directed the film; Hitchcock made his directing debut in 1925 with The Pleasure Garden.
Found among films donated by the family of Jack Murtagh - New Zealand projectionist and collector - the reels are the only copy of the film in known existence.
Foundation Director Annette Melville describes the film as a silent melodrama starring Betty Compson who plays a dual role as twin sisters - one angel, one evil.
"At the time, people said the plot was improbable. I'm putting a polite spin on it. Many said it was ridiculous," Melville said. "It's a totally crazy, zany plot with soul migration back and forth and all these improbable meetings."
The White Shadow will grace the silver screen in Beverly Hills on September 22 at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater at Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences headquarters. The premiere will screen a fully restored print of the film, and two other recently discovered short films will show.
