| If you're looking for a person, a film title, etc., go to the databases noted below. If you're looking for a videotape of a serial or western, links are also below. Next are some websites that offer 'streaming videos' --- i.e., online movies you can watch on your PC, assuming your connection speed is fast enuf. The last section has links to Satellite/Cable/TV schedules. |
There are several movie databases available on the Internet. The main issue is that they are generally updated by folks like you or I, thus some of the data may be inaccurate or incomplete. But if you have a question about a movie title or a person associated with films, you should check these websites:
The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) has a searchable database on actors, actresses, films, directors, studios, etc.: http://us.imdb.com/
There are several websites that offer 'streaming video' of old movies, serials and TV shows --- some offer free access to these films, while others require payment.
To play these on your PC, you need a reasonably current version of the RealAudio Player, Quicktime or Microsoft's Media Player (which can be downloaded from their websites).
You also need a speedy online connection (bare bones minimum is a 56kb modem; preferably a cable modem or DSL). For those of you with slow connections, or an old machine with a dial-up modem, I would suggest NOT trying to play/download these online videos. You'll also need a PC or Mac with a fairly large hard drive (and vacant hard drive space) to store the downloadable file and/or temporary files from the streaming video.
Sorry - I can't provide any technical support or trouble-shooting.
If you find other websites with online/streaming videos of old B westerns and cliffhangers, shoot me an e-mail and I'll add it to the list.
Though sometimes slow and unavailable, the Internet Archive website is the clear winner on old movie downloads. No fees, no registration, no ads ... just download the file to your PC or Mac. They have a bunch of public domain features, cartoons, serials, TV shows, more. They even have old time radio broadcasts for you to download. When you get to this webpage, look at the box toward the top center of your screen, and you can browse their film list in alphabetical order, by recent additions, etc.: http://www.archive.org/details/feature_films
YouTube has a variety of public domain westerns and serials which you can view or download. At the top of the homepage, enter "Ken Maynard" or "Tim McCoy" or whatever into the search box: http://www.youtube.com/
Here are some other streaming/download sites for films and TV shows. I've found these to require registration ... or some kind of payment ... or they want to install some kind of special media/video player onto my PC. My suggestion is to stick with the Internet Archive above, and you can download the files onto your PC in various formats and sizes. Then use your own media/video player to see the films.
Many of 'Satellite/Cable/TV schedule' websites require you to do some work in order to deliver your particular schedule ... so you have to identify your zip code, the name of your cable or satellite dish company, etc. Some require you to 'register' (most are free) in order to access some content.