The Black & White Minstrel Show - Top Hat, White Tie & Tails

[@erixxxblue2698]

why do they have to paint their faces black?

[@Aeonterbor]

I don't believe there was a good reason for it, I feel the show would still have been a success without it. Back in the early 50's when the group originally performed on the radio and stage it wasn't as taboo but by the early 60's it was certainly getting very questionable.

[@nickeden4418]

One day maybe the colour version may surface for all to enjoy!

[@Aeonterbor]

Yes, I know who has it: it's just the expense of getting such a thing scanned to digital which currently is keeping it locked away.

[@JesterJukebox]

Here you are, but you will be disappointed with the quality. The original print is fairly soft with muted colours, and uploading to KZbin all those years ago did it no favours. The opening text was pin sharp, so this gives you an idea of the quality lost. Alas, I no longer have the miniDV tape which was used to upload and can no longer run 35mm. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3utmX-EgrWLha8

[@Comfortzone99]

@@Aeonterbor Is it a complete version? If it was a straightforward conversion then costs may be under £1K which is obviously still a lot, but cost racks up if it is dirty and has to be cleaned or damage and edit points have to be repaired. The owner could perhaps talk to the 'Thunderbirds' people, they are having some outtakes of Thunderbirds scanned found in a shed in rusty containers.... Anyway this still looks good as it is.Just love Dai doing the walking stick on this and the 69 version.

[@Aeonterbor]

It's a complete episode but with the odd splice and wear, though it's not something that is a realistic proposition for scanning anytime soon.

[@albertclangence1342]

​@@Aeonterboris the colour version within the BBC archive?