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

El Cortez Hotel Glass Elevator

1956

El Cortez Hotel Glass Elevator

Newsreel: El Cortez Hotel Glass Elevator - 1956

In this newsreel from 1956, the great newsreader Ed Herlihy describes the futuristic glass elevator recently installed in the El Cortez Hotel in San Diego, California. Believe it or not, this will be the future … of soon-to-be developed tract buildings everywhere.

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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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The Labor of Thy Hands

1950's

The Labor of Thy Hands

The Labor of Thy Hands ... - 1950's

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 […]

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Hawaiian Hula Song

1940's

Hawaiian Hula Song

Ana Lani & Ray Kinney: Hawaiian Hula Song w/Steel Guitar - 1940's

Hawaiian Hula Song, a classic. A seductive beauty does the hula while a duo play on guitar and slide. During the last third of the song, the rhythm picks up, becoming swingy. Where Hawaiian traditional and American Jazz meet, practically western swing.  

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A Journey By London Bus

1950's

A Journey By London Bus

A Journey By London Bus - 1950's

Produced by the British Colonial Unit, this film highlights how to get around the city of London in the 1950’s without getting off at the wrong stop.

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Greenwich Village Sunday

1960

Greenwich Village Sunday

Greenwich Village Sunday - 1960

Take a stroll through the streets, parks and neighborhoods that make up Greenwich Village. Before Washington Square became the NYU undergrad film school back lot, the area was known for its street art, spontaneous hootenannies, poetry jam sessions and neighborhood fairs. Take a walk around the Village before it became too cool for you.  

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Coney Island

1940's

Coney Island

Coney Island - 1940's

Coney Island, “the place where merriment is king!” Take a trip 75 years back in time. SEE masses of New Yorkers beat the heat by hitting the beach. SEE Side Shows! SEE Carnies! SEE Freaks! SEE Thrill rides! Includes the original Coney Island Hot Dog, the Bathing Girl Review, and people enjoying the frantic amusement rides of the day. […]

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California the Golden

1930

California the Golden

California the Golden - 1930

If you were taking a sea cruise from the Eastern Seaboard to the West Coast via the Panama Canal, this might be the film you’d see before disembarking in San Diego, Los Angeles, or San Francisco. An exquisite travel film documenting the magnificent landscape and locales of pre-WWII California, this film showcases classic school California, […]

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