This documentary about Iran produced in 1953 is a fascinating look at the nation of Iran before the 1979 revolution. Iran: 1953 is not merely a survey of Persian history, but examines a civilization undergoing a transition into 20th century modernity. Although made nearly sixty-five years ago, this short film portends the inevitable tensions that would […]
MORE ...In this vintage promotional film produced by the Jewish women’s group Hadassah, viewers are reminded of the need to develop a skilled workforce in the young state of Israel. Interesting footage of early kibbutzim and Israeli industry are highlighted in this film, with a stress on modernizing the economy and culture, the stress is on […]
MORE ...So They Tell Me, circa 1919, skewers the top headlines of its day, the World War I era. Crude animation attempts to punctuate the sardonic and off-color humor supplied by political raconteur Warren W. Brown. Though the jokes are somewhat arcane by today’s standards, the tone tries to balance between being bombastic and nativist. Targets include labor […]
MORE ...Before the History Channel produced such hard-hitting documentaries about the History of Cheese or the Story of French Fries, trade groups had to rely on themselves if they wanted to promote their industry. Hence came the short As We Like It, an industry trade film that revolves around one of the world’s greatest pastimes, Beer, produced […]
MORE ...In this 1954 educational documentary tightly condenses the American Civil War into a snug fifteen minutes. Beginning with John Brown’s revolt at Harper’s Ferry, the film uses artwork, photographs, dramatizations and panoramas of significant locations. As we move from the attack on Fort Sumter to the Battle of Antietam to Lee’s great defeat at Gettysburg, […]
MORE ...This newsreel is an overview at art in Italy in 1953, specifically at an exhibition in Milan, showing great works of art scaled to fit to postage stamps by Carrado Mezana. The crowded event displaying the detail and craftsmanship of Mezzana even draws the president of Italy, Luigi Einaudi. Stamps include portrayals of Galileo, Saint Catherine […]
MORE ...Experience a rescue at sea in 1953 as the Liberian registered cargo ship Greenville sinks in the treacherous Atlantic Ocean under the assault of 80 MPH winds and 50 foot waves. In harrowing footage captured by a guest on the luxury liner SS Ile de France, the crew rescue 24 of the 26 sailors abandoning […]
MORE ...It is November 19, 1863. We witness the minutes leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s momentous Gettysburg Address. After Lincoln asks his Gettysburg host, Judge David Wills, to request the band awaiting outside play Dixie, the president ponders his speech. “A mighty fine tune,” Lincoln proclaims. The following day, Lincoln gives his poignant speech before an audience beside […]
MORE ...As the Bears would return to the World Football Crown in 1937, the burgeoning Redskins withstood the challenge with a newly signed rookie from Texas Christian University, a quarterback by the name of Sammy Baugh. Slingin’ Sammy Baugh, as he would come to be known, was particularly notable for his forward pass, a somewhat unusual […]
MORE ...Who Are the People of America? is a relatively egalitarian look at America, a country of different races, religions and ethnicities, in the country, in towns and in cities. The diversity of the US is seen through the conventional wisdom of the 1950’s, where conquistadors like Christopher Columbus, Vasco Núñez de Balboa, and Sir Walter […]
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