July 9 - Hollywood Inferno: The 1937 Fire that Devastated Film History
Cherishing Our Blessings Before They're Lost
This is the day a devastating fire at a 20th Century Fox film storage facility in Little Ferry, New Jersey, destroyed over 75% of their film archive in 1937.
In today's lesson, we will explore how a catastrophic loss in Hollywood's golden age teaches us to value our present blessings. What irreplaceable treasures might we be taking for granted? How can we ensure that what truly matters isn't lost in the fires of neglect or indifference?
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." - Matthew 6:20 (NIV)
This Date in History
On July 9, 1937, in the quiet town of Little Ferry, New Jersey, an event unfolded that would send shockwaves through the glittering world of Hollywood and forever alter the landscape of film history. At a seemingly unremarkable storage facility owned by 20th Century Fox, a catastrophic fire erupted, consuming an irreplaceable treasure trove of cinematic history.
This storage facility, far from the glamour of Hollywood boulevards, was a crucial outpost for the burgeoning film industry. In the early days of cinema, studios like Fox had established storage vaults on the East Coast, closer to the film manufacturing plants and distribution hubs. Little Ferry, with its proximity to New York City and relative isolation, had become home to several such vaults.
The Fox facility housed countless reels of nitrate film, the standard medium of the era. Nitrate film, while prized for its clarity and luminosity, harbored a deadly secret - it was highly flammable and prone to spontaneous combustion, especially when stored in large quantities.
On that fateful summer morning, something went terribly wrong. The exact cause of the fire was never definitively determined, but the consequences were immediate and devastating. Flames engulfed the vault, feeding on the volatile nitrate film. Eyewitnesses described the fire's ferocity as "explosive," with bursts of flame shooting high into the air.
Local firefighters, led by Chief John Kentler, rushed to the scene. They faced an uphill battle against not just the flames, but also the toxic fumes released by the burning nitrate. The fire's intensity was so great that it melted the tar on the building's roof, creating rivers of molten material that further fueled the inferno.
As news of the disaster spread, the implications began to dawn on Hollywood executives and film enthusiasts alike. This wasn't just a fire - it was the potential obliteration of a significant chunk of cinema history. The Little Ferry vault contained original negatives and prints of countless Fox films, many of which existed nowhere else.
By the time the flames were finally extinguished, the toll was staggering. Over 75% of Fox's films produced before 1932 were lost forever. This included all of the studio's silent films, save for a precious few that had been sent to the Museum of Modern Art for preservation just months earlier.
The magnitude of the loss was personified in the destruction of films starring Theda Bara, the silver screen's original "vamp." Of her 40 films, only a fragment remained. Similarly, the early works of director John Ford, who would go on to become one of Hollywood's most celebrated filmmakers, were reduced to ashes.
In the aftermath, the film industry was forced to confront its cavalier attitude towards preservation. The fire became a catalyst for change, spurring discussions about the importance of film archives and the need for safer storage methods. It accelerated the transition from volatile nitrate film to a more stable acetate-based "safety film."
The 1937 Fox fire stands as a pivotal moment in cinema history, a tragic reminder of the fragility of our cultural artifacts. It underscored the importance of preserving our artistic heritage and sparked a movement towards better preservation practices that continue to this day.
As we reflect on this event, we're reminded of the power of film to capture moments in time and tell stories that resonate across generations. The loss of these films is not just a loss for Fox or Hollywood but for our collective cultural memory. Yet, from the ashes of this disaster arose a renewed commitment to safeguarding our cinematic legacy, ensuring that the magic of film would continue to enchant and educate for generations to come.
Historical Context
The 1937 fire at the 20th Century Fox storage facility in Little Ferry, New Jersey, occurred during a transformative period in both American history and the film industry. This era, known as the Golden Age of Hollywood, was paradoxically set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, which had begun with the stock market crash of 1929 and continued to affect millions of Americans.
Despite widespread economic hardship, the film industry had managed to thrive, serving as a source of escapism and entertainment for a nation in need of distraction. The 1930s marked a period of tremendous creativity and innovation in cinema. The transition from silent films to "talkies," completed earlier in the decade, had revolutionized the moviegoing experience. Major studios like 20th Century Fox, MGM, Paramount, and Warner Bros. were at the height of their power, operating under the studio system that controlled all aspects of film production, distribution, and exhibition.
The storage of films in facilities like the one in Little Ferry was a direct result of the industry's rapid growth and the centralization of film production in Hollywood. These East Coast repositories were strategically located near the manufacturing plants that produced film stock and the ports from which films were shipped internationally. This geographic dispersion of assets, while practical for distribution, would prove to have unforeseen consequences for film preservation.
Technologically, the industry was in a state of flux. While the transition to sound had been largely completed, color film was just beginning to gain traction. Technicolor, introduced in the late 1920s, was becoming more widely used, adding a new dimension to visual storytelling. Ironically, just months after the Fox fire, Disney would release "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," the first feature-length animated film, marking another milestone in cinema history.
However, the very medium on which these technological marvels were captured posed significant challenges. Nitrate film, the standard of the day, was not only highly flammable but also prone to decomposition over time. The instability of nitrate film meant that many early films were lost not just to fires, but to chemical deterioration as well. The industry's focus on current productions often meant that older films were neglected or discarded, their historical value not yet fully appreciated.
In the realm of film preservation, the 1930s were a crucial time. The importance of preserving films was just beginning to be recognized. In 1935, the National Film Registry was established in the United States to preserve films of cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance. However, the film industry as a whole had not yet fully grasped the historical value of their productions, often viewing old films as having little worth once their commercial life had ended.
The entertainment landscape was also evolving. While cinema remained the dominant form of popular entertainment, radio was becoming an increasingly important medium. The first regular television broadcasts began in the UK in 1936 and would soon follow in the US, signaling the dawn of a new era in visual media that would eventually challenge cinema's supremacy.
Politically, the world was in a state of increasing tension. In Europe, the rise of fascism was causing alarm, with Nazi Germany annexing Austria in 1938 and the Spanish Civil War raging from 1936 to 1939. These events would soon lead to World War II, which would have a profound impact on Hollywood and the types of films being produced.
In Hollywood itself, the studio system was at its peak. The major studios not only produced films but also owned theater chains, allowing them to control all aspects of the film industry. This vertical integration would later be challenged by antitrust legislation, but in 1937, it allowed studios like 20th Century Fox to operate as powerful, self-contained entities.
Labor issues were also coming to the forefront in Hollywood. The Screen Actors Guild, formed in 1933, was gaining strength, and other craft-specific unions were becoming more active. These developments would eventually lead to significant changes in how films were made and how workers in the industry were treated.
The 1937 Fox fire, therefore, occurred at a pivotal moment in cinema history. It underscored the vulnerability of the medium at a time when its cultural importance was greater than ever before. The disaster served as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for better preservation techniques just as the film industry was reaching new heights of artistic and technological achievement. In many ways, the fire marked the end of an era of casualness about film preservation and the beginning of a more conscious effort to protect cinema's legacy for future generations.
This catastrophic event would not only change how the industry approached film storage and preservation but also spark a broader conversation about the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage. The lessons learned from this tragedy would influence archival practices far beyond the realm of cinema, underscoring the fragility of our historical record and the need for vigilance in preserving it for future generations.
Did You Know?
One of the most significant losses in the 1937 fire was thought to be the film "Cleopatra" (1917), starring Theda Bara. This lavish production was known for its spectacular sets and costumes, with Bara reportedly wearing 50 different costumes throughout the film. For decades, only about 20 seconds of footage was known to exist. However, in an exciting recent development, researcher James Fennell identified additional footage from the film in a clip purchased on eBay. This new discovery, screened at the Mostly Lost film identification workshop, is longer, clearer, and more spectacular than the previously known fragment. While we still have only a tantalizing glimpse of this extravagant blockbuster, the discovery proves that hope remains for finding more lost film treasures.
Learn More
Lost Films: Important Movies That Disappeared - Peter Bergan
Nitrate Won't Wait: A History of Film Preservation in the United States - Anthony Slide
Flammable Celluloid: The History of Film Conservation - David Pierce
Theda Bara: A Biography of the Silent Screen Vamp, with a Filmography - Ronald Genini
Today’s Reflection
In the early hours of July 9, 1937, as flames engulfed the film storage facility of 20th Century Fox in Little Ferry, New Jersey, the world stood to lose far more than just reels of celluloid. Each frame that melted away in that inferno represented a piece of our collective cultural heritage, a visual time capsule of dreams, innovations, and human expression. The loss was immeasurable, not just in monetary terms, but in the erasure of artistic achievements and historical records that can never be fully recovered.
This catastrophic event serves as an emotional reminder of the fragility of our earthly treasures and the importance of valuing what we have before it's lost. In our modern world, we are often so focused on acquiring more that we fail to appreciate the abundance already in our possession. We chase after the newest technologies, the latest fashions, or the most recent entertainment, often neglecting the richness of what we already have.
Jesus, in His wisdom, understood this human tendency. In the Sermon on the Mount, He cautioned His followers, "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:20 (NIV) This verse isn't just about material possessions; it's a call to reassess what we truly value and where we invest our time, energy, and affection.
The films lost in the Fox fire were more than mere entertainment; they were artifacts of human creativity, windows into the past, and vehicles of shared cultural experiences. Similarly, in our lives, our most precious treasures are often intangible - relationships, memories, moments of joy and growth. These are the "treasures in heaven" that Jesus speaks of - the things that truly matter and that no earthly disaster can destroy.
Yet, how often do we take these treasures for granted? How many times have we postponed that phone call to a loved one, put off pursuing a passion, or neglected to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives? In our digital age, we're often more concerned with capturing an Instagram-worthy photo than truly experiencing the moment we’re photographing. We fail to put down our phones and engage fully with the people and experiences right in front of us. Like the film industry before the 1937 fire, we often fail to recognize the value of what we have until it's gone.
The Fox fire spurred a revolution in film preservation as the industry suddenly realized the importance of protecting its heritage. In the same way, losses in our personal lives can serve as wake-up calls, prompting us to cherish and protect what truly matters. But why wait for a catastrophe to appreciate our blessings?
Imagine if we lived each day with the awareness that our time, our relationships, and our opportunities are precious and finite. How would it change the way we interact with our loved ones? How would it influence our priorities and the choices we make? By consciously "storing up treasures in heaven," we shift our focus from the temporary to the eternal, from the superficial to the meaningful.
This doesn't mean we should live in constant fear of loss. Rather, it's an invitation to live more fully, to be more present, and to invest in what truly matters. It's about creating a legacy of love, kindness, and positive impact that extends far beyond our earthly existence.
The lesson of the Fox fire and Jesus' teaching converge on a profound truth: true wealth lies not in what we possess but in what we value, how we live, and what we live for. By appreciating the blessings we have, nurturing our relationships, and focusing on spiritual growth, we create a richness that no fire can consume and no thief can steal.
As we reflect on this historical event and its spiritual parallel, let's challenge ourselves to take stock of our "treasures." What are we grateful for today? What relationships can we invest in? What actions can we take to create a lasting, positive impact? By doing so, we can enrich our lives and contribute to a legacy that, unlike those lost films, will endure for eternity.
Practical Application
Take a "digital detox" day this week. Turn off notifications, put away your devices, and focus on the people and experiences around you. Use this time to engage in meaningful conversations, enjoy nature, or pursue a neglected passion. At the end of the day, journal about what you noticed, felt, and learned. Consider how this experience aligns with storing up "treasures in heaven" and how you might incorporate more mindful, present living into your daily routine.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blessings that surround us each day. Open our eyes to see the true value in relationships, experiences, and spiritual growth. Help us to store up treasures in heaven by living purposefully and lovingly. Guide us to be present in each moment, to cherish what truly matters, and to create a legacy that honors You. May we learn from the past and live wisely in the present, always keeping our hearts fixed on eternal things. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Supplementary Study
"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."
This passage reinforces our lesson by emphasizing that true wealth comes from good deeds, generosity, and sharing. It directly connects these actions to laying up treasure for the future, aligning with our theme of valuing what truly matters.
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
This verse encourages us to focus on spiritual matters rather than worldly concerns, supporting our lesson's emphasis on valuing eternal treasures over temporary ones.
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
This teaching of Jesus reminds us that what we value most is where we will invest our time, energy, and affection. It challenges us to consider what we truly treasure in life.
Final Thoughts
The 1937 Fox fire serves as a powerful metaphor for the importance of recognizing and preserving what truly matters in our lives. Just as this disaster led to improved methods of film preservation, our own experiences of loss can guide us toward a deeper appreciation of our blessings. By consciously choosing to value our relationships, experiences, and spiritual growth over material possessions or fleeting pleasures, we align ourselves with Jesus' teaching about storing up treasures in heaven. Let this historical event remind us to live each day with intentionality, gratitude, and a focus on what's truly irreplaceable in our lives.
Community Engagement
Share your thoughts or use these questions to get the conversation started.
What "films" in your life - memories, relationships, or experiences - do you wish you had cherished more before they were lost?
How can we balance appreciating our cultural heritage with focusing on "storing up treasures in heaven"?
In what ways might our digital habits be preventing us from fully engaging with the blessings in our lives?
How can we apply the lessons learned from the Fox fire to our spiritual lives and our relationships with others?
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In tomorrow's lesson, we'll explore how a bold decision in America's frontier challenged societal norms and reflected a timeless biblical truth. Prepare to examine your own views on equality and divine design as we uncover the profound implications of being created in God's image.
Thank you Jason! This hear what you said means a lot to me... "We fail to put down our phones and engage fully with the people and experiences right in front of us. Like the film industry before the 1937 fire, we often fail to recognize the value of what we have until it's gone." People don't do that any more...it's sad. I see it in restaurants, even. On their phones, and other gadgets, while their family members are sitting right there being ignored.. I have an older sister, she told me that she rarely sees her adult children, on only lives a half hour away. She said that if she got off fb, she wouldn't know what was going on. Even on Social Media the people don't communicate... constantly putting imoges....what have we become..,...
A great lesson!