Hi, let me start off by inviting you to comment on my guide, correcting me where I"m wrong, and adding information where you think might help.

There are very few guides to the relatively obscure hobby of collecting Castle Films.  There is the one published a few years back that pops up on eBay once or twice a year.  A very good source of information, its saved me lots of time, trouble, and frustration, as well as pointing me in the direction of better/scarcer movies to collect versus the common ones.

Many collect for the art covers.  Nearly all of the covers are a marvel in itself, the fact that there is a spool of film in the box or tin is a bonus! 

You will discover though, that the people at Castle got lazy as they got busier, that is, alot of the movies were eventually put in what I term, 'Generic Boxes'.  Boxes that would be used for whole categories of films.  It took me a while to notice this, but when I did, I felt ripped off.  I bought movies to fill 'gaps' in my collection, not realising I was getting the generic box, where there existed in many cases a vibrant colourful and spectacularly painted/designed box.  Live and learn! But what an expensive lesson!  Maybe this will save you a few dollars?  I personally dont give any value to the generic boxes, I do collect for the art covers, so, someday, as I replace my generics with regular issue covers, I'll be putting a few dozen movies on eBay.

From studying the trends for a few years on eBay, it seems there's usually between 40 and 100 Complete 8mm on during any 7 day period.  The fewest being during the slow times of year in the North American economy (post Xmas), but that doesnt have much influence on price.  I've seen the same movie sell for $30 one week, and no sale the next with a starting bid of $5.  Go figure!?!?! Collectors of all types are fickle to say the least!

I've now managed to amass a collection of over 260 movies at last count , with a few duplicates for 8mm and super 8. 

In general, with Castle there are basically 3 sizes.  Headline, 50ft (about 4 min), Complete, 200 ft (about 8 min) and finally 16MM, which normally came on the 7inch spools, and usualy ran around 400 feet.  Eugene Castle certainly was an entertainment genius of the time.  Most homes in North America had a projector, or knew someone that did.  The films weren't cheap. But, they allowed the average family to have a movie right in their own living room! Anytime they wanted (at least when the sun went down!).   My dad would buy a few, and play them over and over.  We loved it.  We didnt mind seeing them over and over and over..... It was a Sunday afternoon ritual actually.   Usually in this order (or as close as my memory serves)... Play all day,.. come in for Supper.... eat.. eat..eat... help with the dishes, or cleaning up,.. clear kitchen table for the projector, hair cuts would ensue, one at a time (2 other brothers) .. so a meal, movie and haircut.. that was the 60's.  We were spoiled!

If you have any movies you are planning to sell, or related Castle items, feel free to ask me for unbiased opinion or help. (I only buy ON eBay, never off of eBay, so don't ask, and neither will I.)

I've received dozens of emails from sellers, thanking me for my corrections to their listing, normally they have the film number missing or wrong. 

If you are selling, be sure to mention the following in your wording:

1. title of film

2. sub-title if it applies

3. Castle film (as the manufacturer, in the title)

4. the film size, either in inches, by name or in feet or all 3

5. the general condition of the box

6. the condition of the movie if you know it

* don't bother mentioning the 'vinegar' smell thing, that only applies to certain types of film that Castle never used, or if they did, used so little its of no consequence.

If you know the film name/number the catalog that exists for Castle films often tells a bit about the film itself, or a unique point about the film.

Thats all for now, I think my Carpel Tunnel is acting up..... OOOOOUCH!!!

Check out my sales!

Bye ,

Tom