DIVING INTO FILM CLASSICS
About Bootleg Cinema
Classic films. No permission required.
Bootleg Cinema is your new favorite hangout on Monday nights (or whenever is convenient for you!) for movie watching. We're not talking about the latest nonstop action blockbuster thrillride in theaters or the newest smash hit on Netflix or Hulu, but films from decades past you've never seen before.
Many are films you've never heard of before, like 1920s comedy classics starring the great Harold Lloyd or weird experimental films from the 60s that slipped into public domain, while others are ones you may be familiar with but have still never seen, like the first ever film adaptations of classic stories like Robin Hood and Dracula.
Each week, we stream one of these classic films, and talk through the good, the bad, and the beautifully bizarre. Think of it as Mystery Science Theater meets late-night cable access with a dash of the Wonderful World of Disney, hosted by two friends with wildly different takes on everything from acting styles to social subtext.
We won't, however, be talking through the movies or making fun of them - seriously, we are picking GOOD films that will surprise you. We will take breaks throughout the screenings to discuss interesting behind-the-scenes trivia, spotlights on the directors and actors who made these films, and fun discussion about what we think of them and how they hold up today. Some moments will make you laugh. Others will make you think. And a few might leave you wondering how a film this strange, bold, or brilliant has gone overlooked for nearly a century.
Our main gimmick for the films we pick is that they must be public domain so that we don't get in (too much) trouble for screening them live online. This forces us to stay in a specific lane and work with what is available to us - which is actually a lot.
Bootleg Cinema is made with love—for old movies, for good conversation, and for anyone who’s ever stayed up too late watching something weird on TV and loved every minute of it. Whether you're a film buff, a curious newcomer, or just someone looking for a different kind of movie night, you’ll fit right in.
Who We Are
David Fite
Brian Lambrecht
Jeni Floyd
David Fite is your host and the audience’s stand-in: he’s seeing these movies for the first time; reacting live, asking questions, and frequently wondering what he’s gotten himself into.
Brian Lambrecht is the co-host and resident film expert: a lover of old cinema, armed with trivia, behind-the-scenes stories, and a habit of defending even the worst editing choices.
Jeni Floyd directs the show behind the scenes, making the stream look sharp and feel like something out of a bygone era. She keeps everything on track and flowing smoothly.
We aim to bring a little humor, history, and honesty to films that are free to watch and fun to roast.
Films in the public domain belong to everyone. And honestly? Some of them are just as wild, weird, and wonderful as anything in theaters today.
We believe in free expression, open culture, and the idea that old movies still deserve good conversations. Whether it’s a forgotten noir, a dusty B-western, or a silent-era epic, we dive in headfirst—and bring you with us.
Why Public Domain Films?
Tune In, Laugh Loud, Stay Weird
Bootleg Cinema is streamed weekly on Rumble, YouTube and X and archived so you can watch at your leisure.
Want to know what’s coming next or get access to behind-the-scenes content and trivia packs?
Join the Bootleg Cinema newsletter.
See you in the theater.
Why Bootleg Cinema?
Christopher Darnell, aka the Bootleg Libertarian, brought humor and a devil-may-care attitude to life. An army veteran, and loving father whose rebellious spirit lives on in those who knew him.
Jay Warren, photoplay organist, who spread his love of silent cinema far and wide. A generous and kind soul always ready to laugh and speak lovingly about movie stars long since gone. His music is dearly missed.