Weirdo Video Rare & authentic films of cultural, historical, and ironical significance.

Iran

1953

Iran

Iran - 1953

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 […]

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Art in Italy

1950's

Art in Italy

Newsreel: Art in Italy - 1953

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 […]

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Mid-Atlantic Sea Rescue

1950's

Mid-Atlantic Sea Rescue

Newsreel: Mid-Atlantic Sea Rescue - 1953

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 […]

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Teddy Roosevelt

1919

Teddy Roosevelt

Newsreel: Teddy Roosevelt - 1953

“Keep your eyes on the stars and keep your feet on the ground.” – Theodore Roosevelt This biography of Theodore Roosevelt details the important milestones in his life, growing from a sickly child to the rugged individualist he so proudly became. It includes archived photos from Roosevelts’ experience as a frontiersman, a Dakota cowboy and […]

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Who Are The People of America?

1950's

Who Are The People of America?

Who Are The People of America? - 1953

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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Trailer: Bright Road

1950's

Trailer: Bright Road

Trailer: Bright Road - 1953

A great new name in entertainment! Millions have read about this amazing girl … Thousands know her as the reigning sensation of smart night clubs … BRIGHT ROAD! To see Bright Road will be a delight – To miss it … a regret – Bright Road has everything a great picture needs … Beauty of […]

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Report on Korea

1950's

Report on Korea

Report on Korea - 1953

In this newsreel from 1953, visit the demilitarized zone on the Korea peninsula during the height of the Cold War. As a frigid truce continues between North Korea and South Korea, UN troops provided by India take on their role assisting allies in the struggle to keep the red tide of the DPRK at bay. […]

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Military Science Tests Nukes

1950's

Military Science Tests Nukes

Military Science Tests Nukes - 1953

In this short piece from 1953, experience the raw power of nuclear weaponry. Watch the US government test soldiers in the unbearable heat of California’s deserts to observe the effects on men and equipments, launched from the barrel of a mobile cannon. MILITARY SCIENCE Tough Test for Men and Equipment Amid temperatures averaging 120 degrees […]

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Dr. Heard’s Fire Magic

1950's

Dr. Heard’s Fire Magic

Newsreel: Dr. Heard's Fire Magic - 1953

The story of fire told through magic – Fire Magic – that’s entertaining and educational, too. The magician is Dr. Llewellyn Heard who likes to play with fire. A research chemist, he studies oil processes and products. Some of the products, this rubbery grease for instance are most unusual. But the principle subject of his […]

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