| Description |
1 videodisc : sd., col., b&w ; 4 3/4 in. |
| System Details |
DVD. |
| Note |
Title from container. |
| Summary |
Features four short films produced in the 1940's and 1950's. Crossroads for America is an anti-Communist scare film detailing how an average American citizen is chosen for corruption by the Reds. In Telephone Courtesy we see a parade of stupid, gum-chewing, and gabby secretaries, to demonstrate how companies can lose business if their employees have bad telephone etiquette. In Yours Truly, Ed Graham introduces a cross-section of average Americans (and a bunch of familiar Hollywood bit players). And who's there to take care of them all? Why Ed Graham, of course. How? By selling them life insurance. |
| Contents |
Crossroads for America (1947, 30 min.) -- The Inner man steps out (33 min.) -- Telephone courtesy (23 min.) -- Yours truly, Ed Graham. |
| Note |
Crossroads for America (b&w) examines one the most insidious problems plaguing post-WWII America: yup, the Commies! Eager to infiltrate and overthrow our freedom-loving way of life, this 1947 30-minute Anti-Communist Scare Film details how an average citizen is chosen for corruption by the Reds. Troubled by skyrocketing costs and social unrest, disgruntled factory employee Dave Nelson becomes friends with fellow worker Ed Rheme, unaware that Ed is an official "Communist party organizer." Bowling and beers lead to "Communist ideology" and Dave quickly ends up pretty confused about everything, especially when his factory goes on strike.... Full of dark brooding shots, incredible montages, cartoon animation, spooky music, and even a Ku Klux Klan lynching, Crossroads for America is nothing less than pure Americana Noir! |
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The Inner Man Steps Out (b&w) is one of the greatest psychological shorts ever made: a 33-minute portrait of a man so full of anger he's at the breaking point. Manager of a factory, Jerry is short-tempered with his workers, bawls out his secretary until she bursts out crying, and argues with the front office. So he goes to his family doctor who tells him all about the "inner man" lurking in his body, and this seriously tense short is suddenly interrupted... by an animated cartoon! Made by General Motors, this one is a wow. |
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Telephone Courtesy (b&w), made in the days when phones needed wires and global communications were controlled by switchboard operators, this 23-minute film attempts to demonstrate how companies can lose business if their employees have bad telephone etiquette. Of course, that bad etiquette -- which is called not being "telephone wise" -- is what makes this so damn hilarious: we see a parade of stupid secretaries, gum-chewing secretaries, gabby secretaries, and even exasperated secretary HOPE SUMMERS (The Andy Griffith Show). But with the aid of the Telephone Company, we're shown good telephone manners, all of which are carefully and simplistically spelled out. |
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Yours Truly, Ed Graham (b&w) introduces us to a cross-section of Average Americans (and a bunch of familiar Hollywood bit players): Henry Vaughn is always in a rush; Tony Giurlani is the nervous type; Larry Taylor and Wilma McBride are optimistic newlyweds; and Fred Squire is a nasty old coot. And who's there to take care of them all? Why Ed Graham, of course. How? By selling them Life Insurance. If not, they'll end up like poor Mrs. Dunlop who lost everything when her husband died. |
| Subject |
United States -- Civilization -- 1945-
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United States -- Social life and customs -- 20th century.
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Popular culture -- United States -- 20th century.
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Communism -- United States.
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Propaganda, American.
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Supervisors, Industrial.
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Telephone etiquette.
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Life insurance -- United States -- Marketing.
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| Added Author |
Something Weird Video (Firm)
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| Added Title |
Lifestyles USA. Vol. 20 |
| Music No. |
35653 Something Weird Video |
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