Info:

Shot in color in November 1966 during the original mixing sessions for the self titled album. Directed by Mark Abramson, this film includes a freshly mixed 'Break On Through' lip synced by Jim and the band. Originally sent out to television stations for airplay but was rarely broadcast. Later throughout 1967 and 1968, the film would be used on stage as a warm-up to the actual performance. Nowadays, it has new use as a promotional music video for television stations like MTV and MuchMoreMusic. Recently, MildEquator.com has uncovered an original 16mm film, revealing an introductory segment not present in the official release.

In a letter to promotional agents dated December 28th/1966, Jac Holzman writes:

"A 16mm color film of THE DOORS performing their first single, Break On Through, has been filmed and is available to any bandstand show in your market. This is a highly unusual provocative film with splendid color and excellent sound. We have expended a goodly sum to take this film for both your benefit and ours. It is important that it be properly offered to your local dance shows. Steve Harris wil be in touch with you in regard to special DOORS LPs which can also be used as prizes on each of these shows."

Info:

16mm publicity film produced and directed by Edward Dephoure and Mark Abramson. The soundtrack features the studio version of 'The Unknown Soldier'. The film was sent out to the media around Feb-March 1968 for airplay, but was banned within a few days of its release due to the relevance to the Vietnam War. As an alternative, the film was shown at various concerts throughout 1968, with the earliest known screening taking place in Boston at the Back Bay Theatre on March 17th. Includes footage of Jim Morrison tied to a cross and shot specifically for this production. Introductory segments have not seen a modern release and may only be found on the original 16mm films.

Jim Morrison comments: "We conceived and directed the large sequence, the execution on the beach, but the rest of the film was stock footage that was done in New York. We had nothing to do with the final editing. But I think that it was a very effective film. I enjoyed it. A couple of times, we've run the film at a concert. As the film ends, we join in 'live' and continue to play after it's over."

< Click Here to See an Original Tin & Reel owned by collector BallroomDays67!

Screenings:

03/17/1968 - Back Bay Theatre - Boston, MA (Earliest Known Screening)
03/22/1968 - The Fillmore East - New York, NY
03/23/1968 - The Fillmore East - New York, NY
03/27/1968 - Hotel Diplomat - New York, NY
09/06/1969 - Varsity Arena - Toronto, ON
03/27/1970 - Orpheum Theater - Vancouver, B.C.

Info:

8mm B&w footage with a studio version of Not To Touch The Earth for a soundtrack. In March 1968, The Doors management hire famed New York artist Bobby Neuwirth to 'babysit' Jim Morrison and complete a short documentary film titled 'Not To Touch The Earth' as a companion to their recently recorded epic 'The Celebration of the Lizard'. The film includes footage of the The Doors performances taken on March 16th in Rochester, and March 17th in Boston. Also included is behind-the-scenes footage of the band in flight and backstage. Linda Ronstadt can be spotted briefly. Outtake footage is known to exist. Although intended to be a promotional film, it was never used for that purpose.

Film Locations:

Note: Portions of this filmwork do not contain performance footage.

Rochester - March 16th 1968 at the Eastman Theatre
Boston - March 17th 1968 at the Back Bay Theatre