This rendition of America’s National Anthem is performed by the 2nd Armored Division Band based in Fort Hood, Texas. Also known as the “Hell on Wheels Band,” they were originally part of Colonel George S. Patton’s tank command during World War II. When not performing The Star Spangled Banner, the 2nd Armored Division Band were […]
MORE ...Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor […]
MORE ...Bob Wills’ feature film debut including performances with Leon McAuliffe and Tex Ritter. Bob Wills is one of the most important musicians in the history of 20th century country music. The King of Western Swing, Wills’ songs have become an influential part of the repertoire of Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Waylon Jennings, […]
MORE ...Strike up the band. Let’s celebrate the great day on which the Declaration of Independence was signed … July 4, 1776 … Be happy … Be glad we are living in the good old USA. Land of the free .. Home of fair play July 4th, 1940. PS: Get Well Soon.
MORE ...This Duncan Hines commercial circa 1980 is an early example of Madison Avenue putting more effort into appealing to a more diverse America.
MORE ...“These films are going to be made regardless of who directs them. There’s a market for them and the studios are going to continue to make them. I’ve been doing this long enough, I think I can make them as good or better than anyone else.” – Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla Director William […]
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 […]
MORE ...This tremendous educational documentary from the mid-1970’s examines the priceless contributions of African-Americans to musical heritage, so closely tied to their unique history in the United States. From Africa upon slave ships captive immigrants brought with them melodies, cadences and rhythms that inarguably gave rise to music considered ‘modern’ today. Beginning with the genius Louis […]
MORE ...Newsreel documentary from the 1920’s with photography and animations illustrating old New Orleans, the Crescent City, at work and at play. Duelling oaks. Influences of colonial France and Spain. Iron grille work. The old townhouses surrounding open courts. New Orleans, the industrial city, where ports and depot junctions distribute throughout, and out from, the heart […]
MORE ...In this educational film from the 1950’s, a laundry list of America’s Presidents shows where the nation came from and where it was going at the brink of the Eisenhower era. After hearing the short, and often sanitized, description of each US leader, one wonders how this film might have continued to Nixon, Carter, Reagan, […]
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