Emotional Maturity (1957)

The story of Dave, an emotionally unstable adolescent who cannot accept that his girlfriend has quit going steady with him and the football coach has benched him, and how he loses control and gets into trouble.

In the Suburbs (1957)

Thoughtfully made advertising sales promo film extolling 1950s suburbanites as citizens and consumers.

Thelma White and Her All-Girl Orchestra - Hamp's Boogie Woogie (1946)

Liberty

An interesting salute to the Statue Of Liberty and America in general.

Christopher Hitchens on Political Books (1997)

Participants talked about what they are currently reading and writing and reflecting on writing as a profession. They also took questions from the audience.

Panelists included:

• Christopher Hitchens, columnist, The Nation
• Stanley Karnow, author
• David A. Maraniss, correspondent, Washington Post
• Elsa Walsh, staff writer, New Yorker magazine

An American Girl: The Problems of Prejudice (1958)

An adolescent girl in a small town tests her democratic heritage when she wears a Jewish bracelet and encounters prejudice. She explores the problem of antisemitism by reading her diary at a PTA meeting.

Interrogation Techniques (1955)

From the CIA's archives, this film shows interrogation methods that were used on German escapees.

American Thrift (1962)

Expansive tribute to the "Woman American," her thrifty purchasing habits, and the American system of mass production.

Song of the Soldier

Members of the chorus of the U.S. Army Band sing the songs which have been identified with periods of crisis and conflict in the nation's history, from the Revolutionary War to Vietnam.

The House in the Middle (1954)

Atomic tests at the Nevada Proving Grounds (later the Nevada Test Site) show effects on well-kept homes, homes filled with trash and combustibles, and homes painted with reflective white paint. Asserts that cleanliness is an essential part of civil defense preparedness and that it increases survivability. Selected for the 2002 National Film Registry of "artistically, culturally, and socially significant" films.

Road Runners (1952)

Outlaw hotrodders become law-abiding gearheads after a community organizes supervised racing clubs and timing associations.

The Girl on the Magazine Cover (1940)

How professional models (and new automobiles) are photographed.

The Big Picture: Salute to the Canadian Army

This episode of THE BIG PICTURE series was filmed in Canada by U.S. Army Signal Corps cameramen. Tracing the history of the Canadian Army from the middle of the 18th century to present, the film examines the historic relations of Canada and the United States. The fruitfulness of Canadian-American solidarity is nowhere more evident than in the shoulder-to-shoulder fighting shared by Canadian and American soldiers on the battlefields of Europe and Korea. Evident throughout the story is the vigorous neighborly spirit which has contributed so mightily to the strength of Canada and the United States alike. As presented on THE BIG PICTURE, Canada's modern Army embodies a living tradition begun long ago and nourished by the many soldiers who contributed service and sacrifice, who led its regiments and filled its ranks on the battlegrounds of the world.

Chalmers Johnson on Blowback: The Costs and Consequences of American Empire (2000)

Chalmers Johnson talked about his book Blowback: The Costs and Consequences of American Empire, published by Metropolitan Books. The book details the unintended consequences of American policies kept largely secret from the American public that the author claims are responsible for much of the economic turmoil and political instability in the world today. After his prepared remarks, he responded to questions and comments from the audience.

Education Is Good Business (1947)

Shows how education influences the standard of living in a community.

Ask Me, Don't Tell Me (1961)

San Francisco teenage gangs and the unfriendly world they inhabit.

The Big Picture: Korea and You

In Korea the United States Army man plays a dual role. As a soldier he is constantly alert to the threat of aggression from the Communists in the north. As a representative of democracy, he is a bulwark against the internal conditions which could rob a friendly people of their strength and determination. This week's THE BIG PICTURE takes you to the frontier of the cold war that never freezes over, where Sgt. Clint Walker learned the full meaning of "Korea and You."

Noam Chomsky and Kathleen Cleaver on Race, Gender and Class Issues in America (1997)

Noam Chomsky and Kathleen Cleaver talked about race, gender and class issues that confront the United States today. They recalled their activism in the 1960s and offered advice on what should be done today relating to these issues. Following their remarks, Dr. Chomsky and Dr. Cleaver answered questions from the audience.

Make Mine Freedom (1948)

This Cold War-era cartoon uses humor to tout the dangers of Communism and the benefits of capitalism.

Poverty in Rural America (1965)

Visits poor areas of the United States and discusses "War on Poverty" social and economic programs.

Facing Reality (1954)

Surreal presentation of the common ways in which people escape from reality -- daydreaming, identification, suppression and malingering.

Eisenhower Presidential Campaign Ad - "I Like Ike" Animated Television Commercial (1952)

The "I Like Ike" animated television commercial, produced by Roy Disney and Citizens for Eisenhower-Nixon.

Eisenhower Campaign Ads: 1956 Presidential Campaign (1956)

Collection of political commercials.

Laos: America's Not So Secret War in Asia (1970)

This film is an exploration of the history of the "secret" war in Laos, the Central Intelligence Agency's involvement in the war, and U.S foreign policy toward the country.

What Makes Us Tick (1952)

Cartoon promoting the stock market as the engine of America's prosperity.

Soundie - Sweet Sue (Just You) (1940s)

Features Six Hits & A Miss and the all-women Lorraine Page Orchestra. The song's words & music are by Will Harris and Victor Young.

Dating: Do's and Don'ts (1949)

Classic instructional film for teen daters, presented here in the rare Kodachrome version.

This Is Your Life: Dick Clark Interview (1959)

A Date With Your Family (1950)

Advises children to do whatever is necessary -- even lie -- to achieve harmonious family relations. This portrait of manners among the affluent places a premium on pleasant, unemotional behavior, and contains some interesting do's and don'ts sequences. Key line: "These boys treat their dad as though they were genuinely glad to see him, as though they really missed him..." Director: Edward C. Simmel. Cinematography: Harry F. Burrell. Script: Arthur V. Jones. Editor: Miriam Bucher. With Ralph Hodges ("Son"). Originally filmed in Kodachrome.



Outtakes from the well-known "mental hygiene" film, offering today's viewers a window on how these oft-mythologized films were actually produced and performed. Director: Edward C. Simmel. Cinematography: Harry F. Burrell. Script: Arthur V. Jones. Editor: Miriam Bucher. With Ralph Hodges ("Son"). Filmed in Kodachrome.

A Word to the Wives (1955)

How two women trick a husband into buying a new kitchen.

A Look at Capitalism (1955)

Economic lecture on the merits and workings of capitalism. With Professor Clifton L. Ganus of Harding College, Searcy, Arkansas.

Shotgun Joe (1970)

A documentary film about convicted felon Joe Scanlan nicknamed "Shotgun Joe." The film follows Scanlan in prison and his interaction with prisoners, staff, and family.

Are You Ready for Marriage? (1950)

Two teenagers, wishing to marry early, visit their minister for advice and receive counseling, some of it quite pragmatic, the rest a little strange.

Tomorrow Always Comes (1941)

Time-travel story promoting rayon lingerie.

West Point: Symbol of Our Army (1943)

The film West Point: Symbol of Our Army shows cadets training at West Point.

Weapons of the Field Artillery (1965)

U.S. military documentary on the features, use and capabilities of field artillery weaponry in the cannon-type artillery category and rocket and missile category.

Del Casino - Same Old Story (1940s)

Soundie - Casanova (1940s)

The Three Suns - Beyond the Blue Horizon (1944)

Kalua Islanders with Maurice and Esme Ash - Au-we Wahine / South Sea Lullabies (1947)

The Three Canadian Capers - A Little Robin Told Me So (1930s)

A Jazz Etude - Danced by Billy Burt (1941)

Yvonne De Carlo - Lamp of Memory - Directed by Reginald Le Borg (1944)

Capitalism (1948)

A group of teenagers on a high-school radio program discuss just what capitalism is, seizing onto the example of the butcher who supplies the weenies for their picnic. With Mickey Hugh (Ray Bennett); Franklyn Ferguson (John Howell). Educational Collaborator: James Harvey Dodd, Ph.D., Head, Department of Economics and Business Administration, Mary Washington College, University of Virginia.

The Wall (1962)

Government propaganda film about the erection of the Berlin Wall. From the holdings of the National Archives.

Are You Popular? (1947)

One of the best examples of post-World War II social guidance films, with examples of "good" and "bad" girls, proper and improper dating etiquette, courtesy to parents, and an analysis of what makes some people popular and others not. A sobering document of postwar conformity. Director: Ted Peshak. Cinematography: Bill Rockar. Writers: Robert Chapin and Patricia Kealy. Editor: George Wilbern. Educational adviser: Dr. Alice Sowers, Director, Family Life Institute of the University of Oklahoma. With Marilyn Fisher (Caroline Ames); Marilyn Fisher's mother (Mrs. Ames); Bill Fein (Larry); Bunny Catcher (Ellie); Lester Podewell (Mr. Ames); Shaya Nash (Ginny) and David Whitehouse (Boy at Lunch Table).

Christopher Hitchens, Bill Moyers and Others on the State of the Media (1997)

Panelists talked about the current state of the media and the blurring of lines between politically oriented magazines and more commercial magazines. They also discussed the onslaught of information from television and the content of news vs. entertainment. The panelists also answered questions from the audience.

Panelists included:

• Farai Chideya, correspondent, ABC Television
• Christopher Hitchens, columnist, The Nation
• Walter Isaacson, managing editor, Time Magazine
• Mark Crispin Miller, professor, Johns Hopkins University, Media Studies
• Bill Moyers, analyst, NBC News
• Victor S. Navasky, publisher, The Nation
• Katha Pollitt, correspondent, The Nation

Crisis in Levittown (1957)

The black upper middle-class Myers family moves into all-white Levittown, PA in August, 1957, and are snubbed and mistreated, in this powerful landmark documentary showcasing racism in the United States.

The Big Picture: The Hidden War in Vietnam

From remote and hazardous locales in South Vietnam comes this documentary report on what the United States Army, Air Force, and Navy are doing to contain the spread of Communism. The Big Picture camera crews on location in South Vietnam show the military operations of our Special Forces units--how they live--how they operate--and what they are doing to help the Vietnamese. The host-narrator of this issue is television and motion picture star Mr. James Arness.

Journey to Banana Land (1950)

United Fruit's paternalistic vision of Central America and its banana business.

Noam Chomsky: A Critique of Madisonian Democracy (1997)

Noam Chomsky examined the principle and practice of democracy in the United States over the past 200 years. He argued that the democratic order encapsulated in the Constitution, principally by James Madison, declared the right to own property as the preeminent foundation of the social order and was therefore designed to protect those who owned property by ensuring their control over the government. He also argued that this system has not evolved to include broader segments of the population, as some have claimed, but has made possible the development of industrial capitalism which depends on governmental largesse and exploits the bulk of the population. After his remarks, he took questions from the audience. Topics included technology, corporations, propaganda, labor unions, Cuba, and slavery.

Deadline for Action (1946)

How labor unions engaged in political activism to combat corporate influence on the U.S. Congress in the years following World War II.

I'm From Arkansas (1944)

I'm from Arkansas is a 1944 American film directed by Lew Landers.

Cast

Slim Summerville as Juniper Jenkins aka Pa
El Brendel as Oly
Iris Adrian as Doris
Bruce Bennett as Bob Hamline
Maude Eburne as Matilda Alden Jenkins aka Ma
Cliff Nazarro as Willie Childs
Al St. John as Farmer
Carolina Cotton as Abigail 'Abby' Alden
Danny Jackson as Efus Jenkins
Paul Newlan as Farmer
Harry Harvey as Stowe Packing Company Representative
Arthur Q. Bryan as Commissioner of Agriculture
John Hamilton as Harry Cashin, Vice President of Slowe Packing Company
Douglas Wood as Governor of Arkansas
Walter Baldwin as Packing Company Attorney
Flo Bert as Showgirl
The Pied Pipers as Quartet
The Sunshine Girls as Girl Trio
Jimmy Wakely as Jimmy Wakely

Soundtrack

The Pied Pipers - "You're the Hit of the Season"
Jimmy Wakely and The Sunshine Girls - "You Are My Sunshine" (Written by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell)
Jimmy Wakely - "Don't Turn Me Down Little Darlin'"
Jimmy Wakely and The Sunshine Girls - "Whistlin' (Walkin') Down the Lane With You" (Written by Jimmy Wakely and Oliver Drake)
Carolina Cotton - "Yodel Mountain" (Written by Carolina Cotton)
The Pied Pipers - "Stay Away from My Heart" (Written by Jimmy Wakely)
The Milo Twins - "Pass the Biscuits, Mirandy"
Carolina Cotton - "I Love to Yodel" (Written by Carolina Cotton)
The Pied Pipers - "If you Can't Go Right, Don't Go Wrong"
The Milo Twins - "Pitchfork Polka"

Who Are the People of America? (1953)

Explains how the United States came to be a diversely populated nation.

What Makes a Good Party? (1950)

Shows teenagers how to plan and attend a party, suggesting games to play and songs to sing ("Jimmy Crack Corn").

What About School Spirit? (1958)

School spirit and its social function for teenagers.

The Singing Powers' Models featuring Jimmie Dodd - What This Country Needs (1941)

Christopher Hitchens and Wesley Pruden on Newspaper Roundtable (1997)

Topics included the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, religious tax exemptions, Muslim law, faith, the Royal Family, and Dodi Fayed.

Bloody Pit of Horror (1965)

A group of models and cameramen go to a castle to shoot covers for horror novels where they're captured and tortured by the castle's owner, the Crimson Executioner.

Why Braceros? (1959)

Produced to justify the bracero farm labor program to the general public, especially American citizens in California who felt threatened by the influx of workers over the border from Mexico.

Who's Right? (1954)

Dramatization of the experience of a young married couple whose quarrels undermine their happiness and prevent the development of adult love based on mutual understanding.

Groucho Marx: You Bet Your Life Episode - Secret Word "Door"

Lane Truesdale and the Kingsmen - Who's Yehoodi? (1943)

A novelity song inspired by a running gag by Jerry Colonna from Bob Hope's radio shows after violinist Yehudi Menuhin made a guest appearance on the program. Colonna was ever in search of a mythical (and invisible) figure named 'Yehudi.' "Yehudi" soon becoming synonymous with anything hidden or invisible and is said to have inspired a 'Project Yehudi' during WWII for the camouflage of ships and airplanes.

Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps (1935)

One of Hitchcock's earliest hits, The 39 Steps sees The Master unraveling the soon-to-be-typical plot of an innocent man on the run, trying to prove his innocence.

This Is Your Life - Jesse Owens Interview (1960)

Episode featuring Jesse Owens, sports hero: the American track and field athlete who won four Gold Medals at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany. First broadcast on April 27, 1960.

M - Eine Stadt sucht einen Mörder - A Fritz Lang Film (1931)

M is about the search for a child murderer in Berlin, and as the story, and the search progress, the high profile murderer begins to inhibit the lives of everyone from the Police, to the criminals, to innocent bystanders who are accused of being the murderer for even the slightest contact with any child.

The film is nothing less than a masterpiece. It is a highly structured and stylized film, which created the serial kill genre, which includes such entries as Psycho and Silence of the Lambs. Alfred Hitchcock (director of Psycho) was a disciple of Lang as were Jacques Tourneur (The Leopard Man (1943)) and Michael Powell (Peeping Tom (1960)). M was not only the originator of the genre, but arguably remains its preeminent entry.

Bugle Woogie Starring Susan Miller with Danny Hector and Lorraine Paige (1941)

Parade of Hits describes "Bugle Woogie" as "a fast dance tune featuring soundie's new singing discovery Susan Miller with Lorraine Paige orchestra, clever Danny Hoctor and six pretty chorus girls."

Gags and Gals: Male Order / At Your Service / Playmates - A Musical Film Revue (1941)

The Big Picture: The WAC is a Soldier, Too

The privilege of serving the United States Army in uniform is no longer limited to men. To prepare the women who will serve with the Regular Army, the Women's Army Corps recently opened a new training center at Fort McClellan, Alabama. THE BIG PICTURE camera goes to Fort McClellan to film and record this first good look at the new "college" for WAC officers and enlisted women. Since 1942 when the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps was created, women training for service with the U.S. Army have had a number of temporary homes, ranging from Florida to Massachusetts, from Iowa to Virginia. Today, the permanent WAC Center is a cluster of 22 cream-colored buildings in a natural setting at Alabama's Fort McClellan. Today, women are playing increasingly important role in the nation's defense. Thanks to the modern WAC Training Center, graduates are better trained and better qualified for more responsible jobs than ever before.

Christopher Hitchens and James Pinkerton on Newspaper Roundtable (1997)

In the newspaper roundtable, Christopher Hitchens and James Pinkerton talked about current news stories of interest to them and took viewer calls. Topics discussed included the Iranian elections, the Marshall Plan, capital punishment, Charles Dickens, Alexis de Tocqueville, ghostwriters, Mother Teresa, God, religion, atheism, NATO, Gorbachev, and gays in the military.

Driving Tips (1958)

Warnings of drinking and driving, speeding, approaching a stopped school bus, the dangers of signal jumping "usually jumping into trouble", driving too slowly, drowsiness, driving on street car tracks, getting stuck in sand or mud.

Alfred Hitchcock Films: Movie Trailer Collection

A collection of Alfred Hitchcock trailers/featurettes.

Reefer Madness (1938)

Considered the archetypal sensationalized anti-drug movie, but it's really an exploitation film made to capitalize on the hot taboo subject of marijuana use. Like many exploitation films of the time, Reefer Madness tried to make a quick buck off of a forbidden subject while skirting the Motion Picture Production Code of 1930. The Code forbade the portrayal of immoral acts like drug use. ("The illegal drug traffic must not be portrayed in such a way as to stimulate curiosity concerning the use of, or traffic in, such drugs; nor shall scenes be approved which show the use of illegal drugs, or their effects, in detail.")

The film toured around the country for many years - often being re-edited and re-titled (Tell Your Children, Dope Addict, Doped Youth, Love Madness, The Burning Question). It was re-discovered in the early 1970s by NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) and screened again as an example of the government's demonization of marijuana. NORML may have been confused about the film's sponsorship since one of the film's distributors, Dwain Esper, testified to the Arizona Supreme Court that Reefer Madness was not a trashy exploitation film but was actually sponsored by the U.S. government - a convincing lie, but a lie nonetheless.

That being said, the film is still quite enjoyable since it dramatizes the "violent narcotic's ... soul destroying" effects on unwary teens, and their hedonistic exploits enroute to the bottom.