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"My Living Doll"?

post #1 of 151
8/10/07 at 4:31am
Thread Starter 

Last year I haerd that the obscure "My Living Doll" TV series was coming to DVD but I havn't heard anything about it since. Anyone have an update? Thanks.

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post #2 of 151
8/10/07 at 10:18am

Re: "My Living Doll"?

Last I heard the search was still ongoing to find the original elements which seem to have vanished over the years. There are about 10 episodes on 16mm that are known to exist, some in archives and some in private collections. No one has yet been able to locate the original 35mm prints or the negatives and that is what is holding things up. I guess they don't want to go through the time and expense of putting together an incomplete set from the currently available sources only to discover the complete run afterwards.
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post #3 of 151
8/10/07 at 10:32am
Thread Starter 

Re: "My Living Doll"?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hank Dearborn
Last I heard the search was still ongoing to find the original elements which seem to have vanished over the years. There are about 10 episodes on 16mm that are known to exist, some in archives and some in private collections. No one has yet been able to locate the original 35mm prints or the negatives and that is what is holding things up. I guess they don't want to go through the time and expense of putting together an incomplete set from the currently available sources only to discover the complete run afterwards.

Thanks for that information. I'd be perfectly happy with an incomplete set of episodes since I've never seen the show at all.
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post #4 of 151
8/12/07 at 8:10am

Re: "My Living Doll"?

Having seen several episodes a couple of years ago I can tell you that it is still funny and it holds up better than about 90% of the comedies of that era. Julie Newmar is just hysterical in the role. This could have been a successful show if cast properly. Unfortunately network politics forced the producer to use Bob Cummings instead of their choice, Bob Crane. Crane went on to a nice 6 year run with his series while this show limped along for a season with Cummings bailing out with 5 episodes to go. He was too old for the part and was a pain in the ass to work with besides, driving Newmar crazy with his criticisms. But in spite of all that, the show still is very funny.
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post #5 of 151
8/12/07 at 11:48am

Re: "My Living Doll"?

How in the world did the production company and CBS lose - misplace the negative or prints for that matter?
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post #6 of 151
8/12/07 at 9:12pm

Re: "My Living Doll"?

The show was never syndicated and never sold to any cable networks. Over 40+ years, things get moved around, different warehouses get used, facilities close, etc. Until 2 years ago no one was looking for this show and no one kept track of it. It was considered a property which had no commercial value and hence was treated as such.
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post #7 of 151
8/12/07 at 11:52pm

Re: "My Living Doll"?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hank Dearborn
The show was never syndicated and never sold to any cable networks. Over 40+ years, things get moved around, different warehouses get used, facilities close, etc. Until 2 years ago no one was looking for this show and no one kept track of it. It was considered a property which had no commercial value and hence was treated as such.

Good point.
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post #8 of 151
7/19/11 at 5:38pm
This series is reportedly coming to DVD by the end of this year from MPI home video. It seems that they are still looking for all of the episodes. I thought that I read that they located all of the episodes previously, but that is now not the case from what I have read. The DVD that is coming out is just volume 1. Perhaps a volume 2 will come out, if the other episodes ever surface? Any episodes are better than none. Sixties sitcoms are such fun to watch. I wish more obscure sitcoms would be released.
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post #9 of 151
7/20/11 at 8:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rcbrad View Post

This series is reportedly coming to DVD by the end of this year from MPI home video. It seems that they are still looking for all of the episodes. I thought that I read that they located all of the episodes previously, but that is now not the case from what I have read. The DVD that is coming out is just volume 1. Perhaps a volume 2 will come out, if the other episodes ever surface? Any episodes are better than none. Sixties sitcoms are such fun to watch. I wish more obscure sitcoms would be released.


Never say never, as in the last few years things have turned up that were thought to be "impossible", such as Super Bowl I, Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, the Don Larsen perfect game, a complete run of Beulah. But as of now, most of the episodes remain missing. They could be somewhere but entities don't have the time, manpower nor inclination to go on a hunting mission and scour the vaults for something like this. Its the type of thing that the only way it will surface is if some place does an inventory or more likely is looking for something else and just stumbles across it. Last I heard, they had gotten ahold of 16mm prints of all but one of the known to exist episodes and only one episode was being held for an exorbitant ransom by an unnamed collector (cough, cough, Larry Urbanski).
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post #10 of 151
7/21/11 at 12:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Neil Brock View Post



Never say never, as in the last few years things have turned up that were thought to be "impossible", such as Super Bowl I, Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, the Don Larsen perfect game, a complete run of Beulah. But as of now, most of the episodes remain missing. They could be somewhere but entities don't have the time, manpower nor inclination to go on a hunting mission and scour the vaults for something like this. Its the type of thing that the only way it will surface is if some place does an inventory or more likely is looking for something else and just stumbles across it. Last I heard, they had gotten ahold of 16mm prints of all but one of the known to exist episodes and only one episode was being held for an exorbitant ransom by an unnamed collector (cough, cough, Larry Urbanski).

If that is true,I don't blame Urbansjki for holding out - he knows the value of the print he has - if they were careless to neglect the series, it's their fault. Why shouldn't he be compensated for what he has.

They found out all "Beaulah" episodes? I hadn't heard - what's the story.?
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post #11 of 151
7/21/11 at 1:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeWilson View Post


If that is true,I don't blame Urbansjki for holding out - he knows the value of the print he has - if they were careless to neglect the series, it's their fault. Why shouldn't he be compensated for what he has.

They found out all "Beaulah" episodes? I hadn't heard - what's the story.?



This may be a stupid question, but who is Larry Urbanski (Urbansjki)?
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post #12 of 151
7/22/11 at 9:53am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Soyke View Post



This may be a stupid question, but who is Larry Urbanski (Urbansjki)?
 


Not a stupid question at all because I didn't know either.  I googled him and it looks like he's a dealer in 16mm and 35mm film.   I don't want to link to his website because I'm not sure if some of items he sells violates HTF policy but google his name and his comes right up.
 

 

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post #13 of 151
7/22/11 at 11:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve...O View Post

Quote:


Not a stupid question at all because I didn't know either.  I googled him and it looks like he's a dealer in 16mm and 35mm film.   I don't want to link to his website because I'm not sure if some of items he sells violates HTF policy but google his name and his comes right up.
 

 


He's a well known dealer of film and film supplies.. He also has a line of public domain VHS videos under the MOVIECRAFT name. in face, the still hasn't switched to DVD and might be the last VHS only outfit on the planet!
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post #14 of 151
7/22/11 at 12:24pm
Yes. he also has the best quality versions of the only extant episodes of the 1955-56 'Sheena, Queen Of The Jungle" series. In fact, *all* p.d. DVD releases featuring episodes of that show are from VHS dupes from the Moviecraft masters, often blown-up to obscure the Moviecraft bug in the lower part of the screen.
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post #15 of 151
7/22/11 at 2:32pm

I'd never heard of My Living Doll before reading the posts in a thread. I like the sound of this sitcom, something different.

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post #16 of 151
7/22/11 at 3:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeWilson View Post


If that is true,I don't blame Urbansjki for holding out - he knows the value of the print he has - if they were careless to neglect the series, it's their fault. Why shouldn't he be compensated for what he has.





No, he has nothing except hypothetical dollars, which are worth less than Linden Dollars.

Sure, whatever episodes he's holding for ransom are, hypothetically, worth some money, but if no one pays the high price he sets, he'll have nothing but some moldy old 16mm prints that will likely be tossed out when he dies by some relative who doesn't care about them, or, sold to the highest bidder for a quick cash grab by the relatives.

It's kind of like how music rights owners refuse to allow their songs to be used in DVDs for older shows... they want too much money, the people trying to release the shows won't pay the outrageous fee, so no one makes any money, and no one is happy.
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post #17 of 151
7/22/11 at 5:37pm

If this is true he sounds a bit like the guy who allegedly has the uncut Star is Born.  Yes, having the only known copy of something means it has some value, but if steps aren't taken to preserve it for posterity it will end up worthless because eventually some unknowing person will toss it or send it to Goodwill.

 

At least Star is Born is an iconic film and I can see where the  print owner is concerned about his/its treatment.  My Living Doll isn't exactly a household name anymore and it isn't going to make mega $$$ for whoever puts it out.

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post #18 of 151
7/22/11 at 7:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve...O View Post

If this is true he sounds a bit like the guy who allegedly has the uncut Star is Born.  Yes, having the only known copy of something means it has some value, but if steps aren't taken to preserve it for posterity it will end up worthless because eventually some unknowing person will toss it or send it to Goodwill.

 

>


We're not taking some guy that doesn't know how to store and keep film - we're talking a well known film and film supplies dealer who has been around for decades.

I'm the first person who's against hording, but he's know what the value of the episode is - not only for DVD, but future airings on one of the retro channels,as well as on-line streaming,etc.

They should just pay him what he wants!
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post #19 of 151
7/22/11 at 7:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeWilson View Post


We're not taking some guy that doesn't know how to store and keep film - we're talking a well known film and film supplies dealer who has been around for decades.

I'm the first person who's against hording, but he's know what the value of the episode is - not only for DVD, but future airings on one of the retro channels,as well as on-line streaming,etc.

They should just pay him what he wants!

And if they're not paying, odds are what he wants is too much.

My Living Doll isn't going to be a big seller, so the budget for it probably isn't too high in the first place. That episode is pretty much worthless, except to this guy, and the company that wants to put the DVDs out. If they don't pay for it, no one makes any money off of it. And, if we're all really lucky, the people who want to release the DVDs will find an alternate source for this episode, so the dealer who wants too much money now will eventually be holding onto a worthless piece of film once the DVDs are released without using his print of the episode.

I'm not saying he shouldn't be compensated... but he should also be realistic and realize that his precious is worthless to everyone but him and one other group. And when it's explained, most people who were going to buy these DVDs would probably be disappointed, but understand why this one episode couldn't appear if the company releasing the show on DVD were to leave it off the set altogether.
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post #20 of 151
7/23/11 at 12:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Soyke View Post


This may be a stupid question, but who is Larry Urbanski (Urbansjki)?

A very well known collector/dealer of film who has been in the hobby for decades.
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post #21 of 151
7/23/11 at 12:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeWilson View Post


We're not taking some guy that doesn't know how to store and keep film - we're talking a well known film and film supplies dealer who has been around for decades.

I'm the first person who's against hording, but he's know what the value of the episode is - not only for DVD, but future airings on one of the retro channels,as well as on-line streaming,etc.

They should just pay him what he wants!


Just pay him whatever he wants? Really? Wow, you're pretty generous with other people's money. Its worth very little as its a niche release of a show which no one has seen in over 45 years meaning that no one under 50 would likely even know what it is. And considering that only around 10 or 11 exist, there is no chance anything could be done with it other than this DVD release. Not to mention that due to negligence on the part of the producer, most episodes hadn't been registered for copyright, which allowed this guy to be making money on VHS sales for the last 30 years. But now that they are copyrighted, he can't do that anymore. But anyone who thinks this thing is going to sell very much is delusional. It'll make its money back if they're lucky.
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post #22 of 151
7/23/11 at 7:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Neil Brock View Post



Just pay him whatever he wants? Really? Wow, you're pretty generous with other people's money. Its worth very little as its a niche release of a show which no one has seen in over 45 years meaning that no one under 50 would likely even know what it is. And considering that only around 10 or 11 exist, there is no chance anything could be done with it other than this DVD release. Not to mention that due to negligence on the part of the producer, most episodes hadn't been registered for copyright, which allowed this guy to be making money on VHS sales for the last 30 years. But now that they are copyrighted, he can't do that anymore. But anyone who thinks this thing is going to sell very much is delusional. It'll make its money back if they're lucky.


Yes,Really - What, he should just give them the episode,or sell it them for a token fee? I am the last guy to advocate hording, but It's no different than if they found all the negative someplace with 45 years of storage/lab fees due. Regardless what they may or may not make on the DVD's is not the point, they see value in doing something with the property after DECADES of neglect. Urbanski sees value in what he is asking for his episode, perhaps the only film print existent of that episode.

At the end of the day, whatever episodes they locate it is still a package of episodes that can be used beyond DVDs. Even if it's sold to one of the minor classic TV networks.
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post #23 of 151
7/23/11 at 8:02am
So they'll take that episode off of one of the VHS tapes of it he sold over the years. It won't look as good as it could but it will have to do. And he can take his print and use it for an ornament. And once the DVD set comes out, his print goes back to being worth about a third of what he asked for it. As someone above posted, its just like the music publishers. 100% of nothing is still nothing.
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post #24 of 151
7/23/11 at 9:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Neil Brock View Post

So they'll take that episode off of one of the VHS tapes of it he sold over the years. It won't look as good as it could but it will have to do. And he can take his print and use it for an ornament. And once the DVD set comes out, his print goes back to being worth about a third of what he asked for it. As someone above posted, its just like the music publishers. 100% of nothing is still nothing.

You don't like Larry Urbasnki, I take it?
Edited by DeWilson - 7/23/11 at 11:53am
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post #25 of 151
7/23/11 at 9:48am
Without knowing what he is asking and what he has been offerred it is really a mute point. All we know for sure is that the two parties can't agree on a price, which only means that either both parties are being unrealistic or one is, but without further evidence no one can say which side. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised at all if it is both sides.
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post #26 of 151
7/24/11 at 7:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeWilson View Post


You don't like Larry Urbasnki, I take it?

Nothing against the man. Just unhappy about the inability he is showing to compromise and be realistic. For some people it is impossible for them to perceive that someone is putting something out commercially and not expecting to reap any huge monetary reward. The concept that there might be entities that actually have an interest in putting a show out for the benefit of letting it be seen and because it deserves better than to be buried forever is incomprehensible to them. I don't put Doll in the same category, but believe me, releases like Mr. Peepers and The Goldbergs will never break even. But thankfully they were released because of their historical importance not their commercial viability. While Doll is nothing more than another fluffy fantasy sitcom typical of the era, it is a very funny show and certainly no worse than Bewitched, Jeannie and My Favorite Martian, all similar type shows. Its just a shame that it was so mistreated and neglected. But what would expect from someone who is still selling VHS tapes in 2011?
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post #27 of 151
7/27/11 at 11:13am
Well, I do know that Julie Newmar herself has posted on her website that the search is still onoging, and even listed the episodes that are being sought after (most likely for the best source materials). This I learned a few weeks ago- check out her official site for yourself:

http://julienewmar.com/
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post #28 of 151
7/29/11 at 7:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles Ellis View Post

Well, I do know that Julie Newmar herself has posted on her website that the search is still onoging, and even listed the episodes that are being sought after (most likely for the best source materials). This I learned a few weeks ago- check out her official site for yourself:

http://julienewmar.com/


"Best source materials", as in ANY because right now all they have on about 15 shows is air.
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post #29 of 151
8/27/11 at 5:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeWilson View Post


If that is true,I don't blame Urbansjki for holding out - he knows the value of the print he has - if they were careless to neglect the series, it's their fault. Why shouldn't he be compensated for what he has.

They found out all "Beaulah" episodes? I hadn't heard - what's the story.?



Just to let you know Mr DeWilson..we have had a great deal of help from some like minded film collectors who do not feel the need to hold the show to ransom, unfortunately when Jack Chertok passed away he took the information of where these negatives went with him.

I have personally spent considerable time and much of my own money to try and find this show and return it to classic television fans, The Chertok company lost thousands of dollars that have yet to been recouped from producing this show.

So Urbanski demands 1500.00 dollars to just borrow one print..together with another thousand or more to do the transfer at a facility of his choice.(when MPI had contacted him he upped it to 2K), based on your assertions Mr DeWilson we would never be able to bring this show back from the brink.

26 episodes in Black and White of a show that has not been seen since 1965..in today's market this show is a hard sell on a grand scale..with only 11 shows in hand we need to thank MPI for being willing to at least put those onto a set for all of you to enjoy.

Frankly if I had read this post before the MPI deal had gone through..it would have perhaps given me a reason to walk away from this really almost impossible project.
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post #30 of 151
8/27/11 at 7:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chertok Television. View Post


Just to let you know Mr DeWilson..we have had a great deal of help from some like minded film collectors who do not feel the need to hold the show to ransom, unfortunately when Jack Chertok passed away he took the information of where these negatives went with him.

I have personally spent considerable time and much of my own money to try and find this show and return it to classic television fans, The Chertok company lost thousands of dollars that have yet to been recouped from producing this show.

So Urbanski demands 1500.00 dollars to just borrow one print..together with another thousand or more to do the transfer at a facility of his choice.(when MPI had contacted him he upped it to 2K), based on your assertions Mr DeWilson we would never be able to bring this show back from the brink.

26 episodes in Black and White of a show that has not been seen since 1965..in today's market this show is a hard sell on a grand scale..with only 11 shows in hand we need to thank MPI for being willing to at least put those onto a set for all of you to enjoy.

Frankly if I had read this post before the MPI deal had gone through..it would have perhaps given me a reason to walk away from this really almost impossible project.




So, going by this account, I was correct in my earlier post... Collector thinks he has something, prices his collectible too high, no one will pay his ransom demand, so collector gets nothing, and in fact, no one gets anything.

But, hey, he still has a priceless collectible!!!

...or is that "worthless"?
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