Obtaining of copy of The Cheaters/The Castaway - The Cheaters (1945) Discussion

[–] MissWatusi 21 years ago

The last time I saw this movie must have been 20 years ago. It is NEVER on TV. Who can fans of this gem hound to put it on TV? I have been badgering Turner Classic Movies to play it. No response. I would love to see this movie again. I hope you can find a copy. Good luck.

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[–] gatorjacket 21 years ago

Did you locate a copy?
I to would like to have a copy of this fine movie.
Any help would be appreciated.

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[–] larcuri 21 years ago

Sorry, I haven't found one yet.

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[–] Dave-452 20 years ago

This is my favorite Christmas movie. It is an RKO movie and therefore owned by Ted Turner, the former Mr. Jane Fonda. I e-mail TMC every year to request that it be shown but so far no luck. Hopefully it will become available when the technology for film downloading gets established. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who loves this wonderful movie.

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[–] Jo562 20 years ago

This is a wonderful movie and I, too, would love to be able to obtain a copy of it. Would love to share with my children. Have been looking for it for years.

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[–] crisso 19 years ago

This was shown on UK TV (BBC 2) at Christmas 2002. I videod it and watched it on Christmas Eve that year. I'd have saved the recording if I'd known how rare it was! If it was shown 2 years ago then there's probably a good chance that it will be shown again (hopefully this year!). I'd love to see it again.

Crisso

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[–] Dave-452 20 years ago

This is my favorite Christmas movie. It is an RKO movie and therefore owned by Ted Turner, the former Mr. Jane Fonda. I e-mail TMC every year to request that it be shown but so far no luck. Hopefully it will become available when the technology for film downloading gets established. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who loves this wonderful movie.

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[–] biblio-5 20 years ago

I saw this film around Christmas every year on WGN-TV from childhood and it's my favorite. It went off around 1982 (wouldn't you know, the year VCRs hit every household). I called WGN and was told that the film was removed due to litigation. I emailed TCM to suggest it, glad others did too. I thought of writing to Republic Studio in their new incarnation to see what's up and if they could re-release it. It showed up in the early 80s on another local TV station for two years and disappeared. I have a poor video of it and managed to get it onto 2 CDs so it's playable on a computer screen. Not DVD but I'll work on it. I'm a busy person but maybe I can duplicate it. Any fans out there, let's write to Republic.

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[–] harrison-35 19 years ago

Just wondering if you have had time to duplicate the movie. Would love to have copy. I have written republic as you suggested.

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[–] JohnnyChill 15 years ago

Go to ioffer.com. You'll find DVD-R copies of it for sale. Just search the title.

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[–] harrison-35 19 years ago

I wrote WGN and was told this: Unfortunately, Paramount has not released it.

We also have not acquired the licensing rights to air it but your request
has been forwarded to our Director of Programming.

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[–] gmiller819 19 years ago

You all are absolutely right. I saw the movie on WGN well over 20 years ago. It was long before VCRs came into being. If anyone can find a copy of this movie please let me know. Each year I look for it hoping someone would show the movie. it a great film.

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[–] geostores 19 years ago

I purchased several copies of this film "The Cheaters" not too long ago. In fact, I bought every copy this small company had before they went out of business months ago. They are of great quality for a film this old. Looks just how it did when aired on television years ago. If anyone wants to purchase it, E-mail me at [email protected] Serious inquiries only. While supplies last!

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[–] geostores 19 years ago

I purchased several copies of this film "The Cheaters" not too long ago. In fact, I bought every copy this small company had before they went out of business months ago. They are of good quality for a film this old. Looks just how it did when aired on television years ago. If anyone wants to purchase it, E-mail me at [email protected] Serious inquiries only. While supplies last!

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[–] geostores 19 years ago

The cost is $24.99 plus $4.99 shipping (3 day priority mail) Those interested should E-mail me at [email protected] While supplies last!!!!!!!!
Also available on DVD (converted).

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[–] harrison-35 19 years ago

I have emailed and get no reply. I want a copy if still available. Did anyone get a copy from [email protected]??????? reply to [email protected]

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[–] MissWatusi 19 years ago

I'm not certain, but I don't think The Cheaters has ever been on video. Does anyone have any new information about when it might be shown on TV or released on video?

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[–] harrison-35 19 years ago

Geostores claims to have had copies but does not answer his email about selling them. If I get a copy I would be glad to make sure others get a copy.

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[–] hanacek 19 years ago

Hello,

I just put in my request to Geostores and will await contact. However if you were able to obtain any copy I'd gladly purchase one from you. Thanks!

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[–] geostores 19 years ago

I am selling the remainding copy on The Cheaters (1945) on E-bay. Only $9.99 starting bid.
Here is a link to the auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6424461179&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

or you may search for it by the item number 6424461179

Thank you,
George Sarkis

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[–] vickerich 16 years ago

Back in the '80's this film used to be shown on TBS every Christmas Eve. Now it is unfortunately not on ever. It seems to have been replaced with 24 hours of A Christmas Story. This is a shame. While A Christmas Story is enjoyable, it seems a waste to have it on 24 hours. They should certainly devote 2 hours to The Cheaters! Maybe then people will learn what really great films are.

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[–] harrison-35 19 years ago

I got one of the copies from geostores. I have watched it several times already. The quality of the movie is not the best but it is watchable.

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[–] mblabe 18 years ago

My whole family loves this movie, and we recorded it in '85 or '86 when it was on WGBO (I think), Channel 66 in Chicago.

While previous searches came up dry, I just found two Web sites that sell The Cheaters — one that sells DVDs of it (!).

I Googled "the cheaters," "schildkraut" (to rule out the horrible TV show), and "video." www.moviesunlimited.com and www.learmedia.ca both offer it, and their sites are third and fourth up on this Google search. I ordered the VHS from Movies Unlimited so I could make DVD copies for my family; keeping my fingers crossed that it actually works out.

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[–] MissWatusi 18 years ago

Hey, did you get your copy of The Cheaters? I just ordered mine. I pray that it is in stock. I thank you so much for the information. I've been waiting for this movie to come on TV for years and years. Thanks again.

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[–] mblabe 18 years ago

Got it (after only about a week). Bad picture quality, but that's better than nothing. Good luck!

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[–] harrison-35 18 years ago

I have extra copies if anyone needs one. Sounds like the quality of mine is about the same as the ones bought on Movies unlimited. Merry Christmas to all.

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[–] beckhamda 18 years ago

I'd like to purchase a copy. How do we go about it?

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[–] harrison-35 18 years ago

I can send you one. Must tell you it is watchable but the quality is not the best. Let me know your address. email is [email protected]

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[–] MissWatusi 18 years ago

I went to Movies Unlimited on the web. The Cheaters can be bought for about $14.95 plus shipping. I ordered online and got my copy in about one week. The quality is bad but it is watchable. Hope this helps!

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[–] 18 years ago

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[–] ktscorner 18 years ago

I just purchase a copy of The Cheaters thru the Turner Classic Movies website for less that $20 delivered. It only available on VHS. www.turnerclassicmovies.com

The Cheaters [VHS] (1945)
Thought-provoking dramedy follows the members of a rich family as they prepare for their Christmas celebrations. Taken by the spirit of giving, they decide to help out a struggling actor by giving him food and shelter for the holiday season. Quickly, they discover the consequences of their actions when their guest provides them with a fresh perspective on life. Joseph Schildkraut, Billie Burke, Eugene Pallette star. AKA: "The Castaway." 87 min.
Category: Drama

Rated: NR B&W #105397
Was $19.99 $14.99 VHS

Katie

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[–] MissWatusi 18 years ago

How was the quality, ktscorner?

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[–] drgnldy223 17 years ago

Thank you so much for this information. My mother has wanted this movie for years, she watched it on WGN every Christmas Eve. I just ordered it from Turner Classic Movies and I hope it's in stock. If it is, this will be her favorite Christmas present ever! Merry Christmas, everyone!

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] s_applegate 17 years ago

I wish I had found this message board sooner!!
My mother just turned 75 in December, and The Cheaters is her favorite movie. She too watched it on WGN every Christmas Eve, and unfortunatly my Grandmother used to talk through most of it.
If I can get a copy, I will make her the happiest woman on Earth.
Thanks for the information!!

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[–] Sorcerersbroom 16 years ago

I could have sworn that I saw it at Movies Unlimited last year, but I didn't buy it. I couldn't find it on Ebay, TCM, or Movies Unlimited this year so I ordered what I figured was a bootleg copy.

Don't be tempted to order from that site; the picture quality was terrible, then towards the end, the DVD just kept stopping and then it ended very abruptly. I know that wasn't the end. I don't think it cost me very much, but I was very disappointed.

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[–] EJWCOMMRE 16 years ago

I know from a mutual friend of TCM's Robert Osborne that they are trying to secure rights to show this Republic Pictures gem.Osborne and my friend were in line for a movie and were approached by a fan requesting this Christmas film but so far they haven't been successful I have a copy taped off of WGN in good quality which I view every Christmas Eve. BUT I accidentally taped over a few minutes toward the end-the scene where Schildkraut challenges the Pidgeon family to tell their secret.

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[–] kingcody3 16 years ago

Sam "Boompa"Nova. I watch this movie every year. My wife and I watched it every year till she passed away August 2006. I taped it on Beta years ago when BETA was the best, I still have my BETA copy with ads I've made DVD copies of it, not pristine but very viewable I'll be watching it tonight let me hear from the real movie fans say the magic word I'll be waiting. Sam
[email protected]

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[–] johnwindt 16 years ago

The cheaters is now available from a video catalog I could give you there name if you would like? john

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[–] cinema_universe 14 years ago

It's available on Amazon, and on Alibris. They both sell the same 2010-issued DVD-R version (from a small publisher). I have a copy, and it looks just fine.

If interested, it's cheaper on the Alibris website.
Amazon wants about $7.00 more than Alibris.

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[–] rioisla 10 years ago

Could not find it on Alibris and Amazon wanted $46.00! However, I found it here http://www.lovingtheclassics.com/the-cheaters-1945.html for $14.99

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