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Up for sale is an exceptional and rare archive lot of original vintage 3/4-inch U-matic broadcast and work tapes originating directly from HBO Studio Productions (historically located at 120A East 23rd Street in New York City). Dating back to the early-to-mid 1980s, this collection offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of early premium cable television, affiliate marketing, and classic television syndication.
Every single tape shell in this lot has been manually opened and inspected: the physical tape stock looks remarkably clean, clear, and well-preserved, showing no mold, oxidation, or binder degradation.
I DO NOT HAVE A UMATIC PLAYER. I'VE JUST DONE A VISUAL INSPECTION BY LIFTING UP THE FLAPS. NO MOLD OR OXIDATION PRESENT.
**What is Included in This Lot:**
* **The SCTV / John Candy Comedy Tape:** A prized piece for television historians and comedy fans alike. Features the classic *Second City TV* (SCTV) sketch "Harry's Scramble Days" starring John Candy as Harry (the unforgettable man with a snake planted on his face). While "Harry's Scramble Days" runs as a distinct segment, the tape also functions as a broadcast compilation/montage capturing additional SCTV sketches from the era when HBO handled and broadcasted SCTV programming between 1983 and 1984.
* **HBO "Sell-A-Thon" Reels:** Original internal network, marketing, and affiliate promotional tapes utilized by HBO to pitch, sell, and expand pay-TV subscriptions and cable packages to operators.
* **"Liza" Production Reel:** A substantial broadcast reel with a listed running time of 1:25:56, containing archival production or entertainment material from the era. This was from a concert in 1979 in New Orleans. It was broadcast by HBO 1980 it's part 2. It's half of the concert.
* **"Partners in Pay TV" Reel:** A 14-minute industry feature highlighting the historical growth, partnerships, and expansion of premium pay-cable television.
* **Additional Archival Project & Stock Tapes:** Includes extra studio work reels complete with original typed HBO Studio Productions labels and operational tags.
**Item Details:**
* **Format:** 3/4-inch (3/4") U-Matic Professional Videocassettes
* **Origin:** HBO Studio Productions, New York City
* **Era:** Early 1980s Broadcast / Cable Archive
* **Condition:** Pre-owned vintage collector's condition. Binders, cases, and internal tape paths show standard minor handling wear, but the tape stock itself has been visually checked and verified to be clean and clear. Please carefully inspect all photos for exact label details, stock numbers, and physical appearances.
Ships securely and with tracking.
