Rare John Ford film found in Chile sparks debate over lost cinema treasures

In recent weeks, Jaime Córdoba, a Chilean film researcher and academic, discovered a significant piece of film history while sorting through a large collection acquired from a warehouse sale in Santiago, Chile. Córdoba, who has dedicated decades to preserving cinematic treasures, rescued about 300 rolls of film that were in danger of being discarded. Among these rolls, he found a 40-minute fragment of a lost 1918 Western film titled The Scarlet Drop, which was directed by the renowned American filmmaker John Ford during the early years of his career. The Scarlet Drop stars silent film actor Harry Carey and represents one of Ford's early works before he found success with famous titles later in his career. Córdoba's archival efforts not only showcase his passion for film but highlight the historical significance of early cinema that can often be overlooked or forgotten. The rediscovery of this film is particularly poignant as it exemplifies the fragility of film preservation and the importance of dedicated individuals like Córdoba who work to recover and maintain such valuable cultural artifacts. Córdoba’s journey into film preservation began in his childhood when he became enamored with film projections at local cinemas. Over the years, he has amassed a diverse archive of over a thousand titles, indicating his commitment to preserving film history. His find comes after a friend alerted him to a batch of film reels up for sale - a common occurrence in his line of work, where lots of films often surface before being discarded. The print of The Scarlet Drop was found in a severely damaged condition, with missing opening credits and signs of heavy use, raising questions about its journey and how it ended up in the warehouse. Córdoba’s primary intention is not profit but to restore and share the film with the public. He hopes to collaborate with Getty Images, which holds portions of the film, to complete the restoration process and eventually showcase The Scarlet Drop or at least provide a more comprehensive glimpse of its historical importance. His work stresses the relationship between film, history, and the influence of early cinema on the development of modern filmmaking narratives. His efforts reflect an ongoing struggle to preserve aging film stock and advocate for the film heritage that shapes cultural identity.