That's good to hear. Please tell him it is MUCH healthier to keep the film out of the can. Keeping it in the can will eventually cause vinegar syndrome. The film base lets out acidic acid that it needs to out gass. Dust and dirt that may result from keeping it out of the can can be cleaned away. Vinegar syndrome, at this time, cannot be reversed.
There is also the option of buying a couple of archival cans from Urbanski Films (
www.urbanskifilms.com) out of Illinios. These are specially made plastic film cans that have ventilation to allow the film to outgass while keeping it free of dust and dirt. I assume this print is on at least two 1600 ft. reels since there is no way under normal circumstances the whole show would fit on one reel. So he would need a can for each reel.
Now, on to the matter of hopefuly getting a copy of this circulating in the community. Keep working on it. This is a great find. Pretty much too good to be true.
If he were to ever sell the film and you did not want it, let me or Kevin B. know, We both have the knowledge to keep it around for generations to come.
Also, we may have resources to get it transferred that you or him may not. Many transfer facitities are very strict about copyright laws. They will not transfer copyrighted work unless the person asking for the work has proof that they own the copyright. One of us may be able to find the services required.
If getting it transfered comes down to an issue of money, let us know. If the conditions were right, some of us fans may pool together to cover costs of the transfer. Most likely in exchange for nothing more than a copy for ourselves.
Just some stuff to keep in your head when dealing with this guy.
If you'd like to contact me privately, give me a call, or whatever. PM me and we'll exchange numbers, e-mail, etc.