Free (Legal) Download: Uncle Josh in a Spooky Hotel

It seems only natural that the Free (Legal) Download series would eventually have to dip into the world of public domain films. Although there have been many instances where copyrighted films were generously made available for free online by the creators, the pool had to diminish at some point.

Thankfully, the Library of Congress has a nice collection of from the dawn of cinema available online for free. The subject of today’s article is Uncle Josh in a Spooky Hotel, a 1900 comedy short based on Cal Stewart’s (then) wildly popular “UncleJosh” character.

As it’s a silent film, the file sadly has no score. Thankfully, Incompetech has a huge selection of (copyrighted) silent film music available for free download. As the film only runs a little over a minute in length, I recommend “Amazing Plan – Distressed” or “Hand Trolley.” The film’s short length is also the reason I’m including links to several other short subjects with horror-related subject matter.

Uncle Josh’s Nightmare
Hooligan Assists The Magician
Dud Leaves Home
Dreamy Dud-He Resolves Not to Smoke
The Dinosaur and The Missing Link
Gertie on Tour
The First Circus

It should be noted that, starting with Dud Leaves Home, all files include a newly-created (and therefore copyrighted) piano score written and performed by Philip Carli. It should also be noted that The Dinosaur and The Missing Link features stop-motion animation by Willis O’Brien (best known for his work on the original King Kong movie from 1933), while Gertie on Tour offers the only known surviving footage from the sequel to the famous Gertie the Dinosaur cartoon.

UPDATE: It turns out Hooligan Assists The Magician is based on the comic strip Happy Hooligan.

As always, Gravedigger’s Local 16 is not to be held responsible for anything that may occur (be it good or bad) as a result of downloading from any links given here. Attempt at your own discretion. Blah blah blah…