Italian VersionThe American Automobile Timeline 1899-1970
The American Automobile 1899-1970
Multimedial Historical Collection
Page 10
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1937-1938
The Golden Gate bridge is opened with a big parade in San Francisco.
On February 11, 1937 the sit-down strikes end with GM's recognition of the United Auto Workers (UAW) as having the right to represent workers who are union members.
At the beginning of the year a test laboratory is set up by GM in Phoenix, Arizona, so that heat, dust, and high-altitude tests can be conducted year around.
In 1937 Pontiac introduces the industry's first column-mounted gearshift.
Also this year GM Export Company changes its name to the Foreign Distributors Division.
Winton Engine Manufacturing Corporation becames GM Cleveland Diesel Engine Division.
Detroit Diesel Engine Division is also organized by GM for production of small diesel engines.
Linden Division, Linden, NJ, is established by GM to assemble Buicks, Oldsmobiles and Pontiacs closer to the points of sale in the eastern U.S.
1937 and 1938 are to Buick what 1932 was to Ford. These two years are often considered Buick's best by restorers and rodders alike. Clamshell fenders have more to them at the rear of the wheels, as they slope down, gracefully rounding off and dropping to the running boards. Buick's headlights nestled between the fenders and hood while the grille angle and curve to the bars giving Buicks a high priced look. Chrome vents runs down the hood side and bumpers have a rib in their center, running horizontally. All convertible buick's tops fold down into the package tray, eliminating the cluttery look which soft tops had been noted for. Despite this, Buick open cars are meeting their demise as three and five window coupes are increasing in popularity. Front and rear stabilizer bars are incorporated into the Buick's 1937 suspension system.
1937 Jan. 18: Ford builds its 25-millionth car.
The 1937 Lincoln Touring Cabriolet has a body by Brunn and is powered by a 414-cubic-inch 150-hp V-12 engine. It cost $8,915 in this Depression year.
1937: the Lincoln Tunnel's first tube open to traffic.
Drive-up banking begin in Los Angeles.
Tubeless tires are introduced.
The 1937 Cord 812 is one of the most technically innovative cars of its time, with front-wheel drive, retractable headlights and aircraft-style levers controlling throttle, choke and lighting.
During the year supercharged engines are added to the Cord Model 812 line.
Right after the Cord 812 Supercharged Hardtop Coupe is introduced, E.L. Cord sells a financially depleted Cord Corporation to New York financiers.
In 1938 General Motors Overseas Operations (GMOO) is established, encompassing all vehicle manufacturing and marketing outside the U.S. and Canada. Headquarters are in New York City and will remain there until 1978.
During this year GM sales outside the U.S. and Canada exceed 350,000 vehicles.
Also in 1938 GMC introduces it's pick-up T-14.
The 1938 Buick's styling is very similar to the previous year's one. The change is in the reduction of the number of grille bars, therefore they are spaced farther apart. Dynaflash Eights supplies the go for the amazingly fast Buicks, the most powerful of which is the 248 cubic inch block, cranking out 141 horses at 3,600 rpms.
This year coils replace the leafs in the rear as Buick's styling became even sharper.
1938 Oct. 6: Mercury line introduced by Ford.
In the German Ford plants at Cologne, a car is built every three minutes. The plant operates at full capacity for the first time this year.
Chrysler continues to expand its operations by establishing Chrysler de Mexico in 1938 as an importer and distributor of Chrysler products. Subsequently, the Company will be an assembler and later a manufacturer of power trains.
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1937-38ChryslerCars.mov
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:01:50 Audio/Visual: sound, C Quality: # # #
Producer: Romano-Archives
Slideshow. 1937-38 Chrysler cars images.
1937-38FordsAndLincolns.mov
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:02:13 Audio/Visual: sound, C Quality: # # #
Producer: Romano-Archives
Slideshow. 1937-38 Ford and Lincoln cars images.
1937amelia-earhart-parade.mov
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:00:17 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # #
Producer: Pathe News
Epoca newsreel. Lady aviator Amelia Earhart's parade in NYC.
1937ARideForCindarella.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:10:50 Audio/Visual: sound, C Quality: # # # # #
A Ride for Cinderella (1937)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Cinderella relies on a Chevrolet to carry her home by midnight through obstacles and storms.
1937ChevroletLeaderNews0301.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:09:12 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Promotional newsreels featuring a variety of Chevrolet-centric stories.
Shotlist
Women (models) wearing swimsuits while at beach and throwing snowballs in mountains; Inauguration of Bay Bridge connecting Oakland and San Francisco, CA; Lifestyle in travel trailer park, automobiles pulling travel trailers; Lobster trapping in Maine (New England); Commercial kitchen preparing dog food for home delivery.
Title Card: "Batter Up! In the Winter Sunshine...You Can Take Your Pick...Beach Balls or Snowballs...They're Only Two Hours Apart" superimposed over photograph of woman's bare back.
ECU woman's bare back (her swimsuit partially visible). VS several women (wearing swimsuits) playing catch while surrounding automobile parked at surfline (on beach); one woman playing catch while standing atop car roof (flock of seagulls appear from ocean); woman jumping off car roof; all women hurriedly getting into car; several women waving from window of car pulling away from surfline. MS automobile driving along snow-covered, mountain road (2 women riding atop hood; other women in car waving). MS automobile approaching (2 women, wearing swimsuits, riding on hood). MS automobile driving along snow-covered road (rear shot). MS several women (wearing swimsuits) surrounding car and throwing snowballs at each other (and at woman on hood). CU smiling woman throwing snowball at car's rear window (as seen from back seat).
Title Card: "Span Frisco Bay By New Skyway...Fifty Million Yearly To Use World's Largest, Longest, Highest and Most Expensive Bridge" superimposed over photograph of Oakland, CA waterfront.
LS San Francisco Bay Area Bridge (sweeping panorama of San Francisco Bay; wharfs prominent in FG); Bridge tower (pans up tower). LS 3 bridge towers (from below). Several businessmen and politicians standing beside chain (man cutting chain with acetylene torch; chain breaks). CU steam whistle blowing. LS fire boat spraying water cannons beneath bridge. VS several automobiles driving (3 abreast, as though in formation) across bridge. Bridge's suspension cables and 2-way traffic (from atop bridge tower). ECU guardrails (shot from moving car). Automobiles driving along bridge (from atop steel beams of bridge tower). Bus driving on lower level of bridge. Cruise ship (ocean liner) passing beneath bridge
Tomorrow...That's the Motto of Millions who Follow the Sun With a House on Wheels" superimposed over automobile pulling travel trailer.
Automobile (pulling travel trailer) driving along shady, country road (tracking shot); MS car (pulling travel trailer) navigating curve; climbing small hill. Travel trailer park with palm trees (panning, high shot). MS man working beside small trailer. Couple outside small trailer (man raking; woman, sitting in rocking chair, playing with dog). Man exiting travel trailer; walking to front of trailer; removing object from trailer hitch; turning to re-enter trailer. CU travel trailer (rear). VS travel trailers (homemade trailer resembling outhouse; trailer with brick facade; generic trailer). Obese woman tending to plants (flower boxes) in front of trailer; man, sitting on car bumper (with fishing rod on lap), tying flies (2 small children beside him). VS travel trailers (twin black models; trailer with huge "beak"; wooden "stage coach" trailer built on truck or bus chassis). Man crouching beside travel trailer hitch. MS wooden "stage coach" trailer. Int. curio shop. MS elderly woman drying cup at trailer sink (seen through opened door). Clothing, on line, hanging out to dry in breeze (beside trailer). Trailer (car tucked beneath awning; palm trees in BG); woman, 2 children and dog sitting in lounge chairs. CU hand turning radio dial and buttons on automobile dashboard. Travel trailer park with palm trees (panning, high shot). Automobile (pulling travel trailer) driving along shady, country road (tracking shot).
Title Card: "One Lobster?...Yes Sir!...At Once, Sir!...Winter Winds Sweep New England Coast, But Lobster Fisherman Still Fill the Day's Orders" superimposed over photograph of fishing boats beside pier.
MS fishing pier (lobster dock). Man aboard small boat (boat draped with canopy); man reaching out with stick and snagging small buoy. CU hand raising wooden crate (lobster trap) from water; pulling it onto boat; VS fisherman pulling lobster crate onto boat; opening crate; removing 2 lobsters. CU hands placing pegs in lobster's claws. Fisherman removing lobsters from trap; removing object from crate; tossing it overboard. MS fisherman tossing traps and buoys overboard. Small boat (draped with canopy) pulling up to dock (fishermen, wearing traditional rubber raincoats and hats; several crates in rear of boat); fisherman jumping onto dock; steadying boat. Workers loading crates onto back of truck. Truck (loaded with crates) approaching from distance; passing; receding into barren, winter landscape (tracking shot). Truck pulling up to "Boston Lobster Company" warehouse; backing up to loading area. CU truck's grill (truck backing up). ECU hands holding and examining lobster (in crate). ECU lumbering lobster.
Title Card: "Canine Kitchens Grind to Serve...And Fido is Assured of a Dog Dinner DeLuxe Delivered Daily to His Door" superimposed over photograph of food service worker slicing huge slab of beef.
MS food service worker (wearing white chef's uniform and hat) slicing huge slab of beef; removing chunks of meat from large metal bowl; placing meat into grinder (ground meat falling from grinder into bowl). CU worker scooping ground meat into bowl on counter top (food trays in FG). Worker removing lid from large kettle on stove; carrying kettle to opposite counter top; pouring kettle's liquid over ground meat. Worker's hands dumping large bowl of ground meat on counter top; adding meal to meat; grabbing ladle and adding liquid (to meat and meal); mixing ingredients with scoop. Scientist, wearing white laboratory coat, working at table (scooping small amounts of various ingredients into bowl from canisters). Workers (wearing white dietary uniforms) filling containers with meat product (on kitchen assembly line).
Uniformed delivery man (carrying wire basket filled with containers) exiting storefront of "Canine Kitchens"; walking to rear of small van; setting basket on floor and slamming door; walking to passenger side. CU "Benji" dog sleeping on wicker chair (in house); jumping suddenly (placing front paws on chair's arm and looking out window). MS "Canine Kitchens" delivery van pulling up to curb. Dog (wagging its tail) jumping from wicker chair and running o.s. Delivery man stepping from passenger door of van; walking to rear of van (dog approaches and follows); removing wire basket; approaching house (dog at his heels). Delivery man exchanging pleasantries with housewife (while handing her container); dog standing on hind legs; dog following woman into house (as delivery man leaves). Shaggy dog beside empty food dish (on kitchen floor); sitting up and begging; wagging tail (as woman bends to place full dish of food); eating heartily. CU dog standing outside closed door; door opening; man (wearing white dietary uniform and hat) placing 3 bowls of dog food on threshold. CU 2 dogs eating heartily; sniffing around for more food. ECU brown dog with long, hairy ears (cocker spaniel?); dog looking about curiously; licking chops.
1937ChevroletLeaderNews0302.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:08:05 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Promotional newsreels featuring a variety of Chevrolet-centric stories.
Shotlist
Two fishermen on fishing boat spot their prey and clean their harpoon. Man dives in and wrestles with huge turtle; lands it, hoists it on top of 1937 Chevrolet and drive off. Detroit policemen are shown saddling up horse; they march out of stable to a van pulled by a Chevrolet truck; horses dismount from trailer; policeman directing traffic in the city of Detroit. Golfer performs tricks with bathing beauties around a 1937 Chevrolet. He drives the golf ball off car as it travels along beach with women. Dust Bowl: wind blowing soil in Kansas farm; devastation along fence row. Wind blows. Well riggers drilling water well. Farmer pulls ditches across field with his tractor for irrigation. CU of Chevrolet engine pumping water from well; water in irrigation ditch; shows field with grass growing. Pan shot to ditch filled with water. Pan of deserted farm. 1937 Chevrolet drives to farm buildings; lots of dust and soil on road. CU of Chevrolet engine pumping water. Two cats in "boxing" ring battle it out; dogs at ringside watch. Paws are covered with safety gloves to protect cats' eyes and faces.
1937ChevroletLeaderNews0303.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:08:27 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Promotional newsreels featuring a variety of Chevrolet-centric stories.
Shotlist
Title card: "Chevrolet Leader News" over montage.
Superimposed newspaper headline indicating "Purdue Goes Over the Top; Men March as Guns Roar."
VS soldiers firing cannons (lots of cannon smoke) in battlefield. VS army convoy; marching band approaches. CU R.O.T.C. marching band. CU drum major (wearing large hat) blowing whistle; automobile and band follow in BG. Giant drum mounted on approaching truck (which turns, revealing "Purdue" lettered on drum); CU 2 uniformed men standing on truck banging "World's Largest Drum." VS marching band and military trucks in convoy. Soldiers (ROTC) standing at ease in field, panning shot as they remove jackets in unison; perform calisthenics / exercises.
Superimposed newspaper headline indicating "Motorists Bank on Wheels; Safe Deposits Made Easy."
CU foot pressing concealed pedal. CU iron gate being lowered (building in BG). VS automobiles driving into entrance of drive-in (sign indicating "Entrance: Drive In"). VS cars pulling up to teller window. Ext. Security First National Bank building; car pulls into drive-in entrance. CU driver removing key from ignition, unlocking glove compartment and removing small, white sack; CU man placing bank book and sack into dumbwaiter. Male bank teller removing bank book from dumbwaiter. ECU dumbwaiter turning. Man in car retrieves bank book from teller and writes in book. Car drives off and peddler pushing vegetable or fruit pushcart rolls up to teller (bypassing car on line). Chubby, Italian vendor (with stereotype thick moustache, scarf and worn hat) runs around cart and places small sack into dumbwaiter; makes hand gestures to driver of car he bypassed; retrieves bank book, glances at it and places in pocket. Cars exiting drive-in bank (sign indicating "Exit Only."
Superimposed newspaper headline indicating "25,000 Boy Scouts Yawn at First National Jamboree."
ECU boy scout (wearing large hat) blowing bugle. VS boys sleeping on cots in tents, one stretches and wakes up; 2 boys jostle third and roll him out of bed to wake him. Boys wearing towels (one carries bucket) run out of tent. CU boy washing face with bar of soap under splashing shower; many boys in gang shower. LS hundreds of scouts running in field (observation tower in BG). Scouts dining in mess tent. CU scouts eating. Scouts running and scaling wall. Several scouts tying knots; ECU knot being tied around boy's wrist. CU scout blowing on smoldering clump of weeds until it ignites; drops burning weeds to ground. Scouts stand outdoors surrounding model of Eiffel Tower. Scouts gathered around large glider as one sits in cockpit and buckles up. CU 3 scouts bent over and examining automobile bumper. VS scouts adjusting drivers seat; opening glove compartment; playing with door locks and handles. Hundreds of scouts playfully boxing in large field. Organized boxing match between short and tall boy; smaller boy knocks down larger one. LS Washington monument with scouts marching with flags in FG, superimposed montage of other scouting activity. Scouts marching in front of Washington monument.
Superimposed newspaper headline indicating "Topside-Down Zip-Upper Makes Fun for Acrobats." TitleÊCards
VS automobile with acrobatic equipment (revolving ladder) attached to frame. Camera follows moving car as acrobats spin. CU car tires driving over rocky terrain. CU spinning acrobats.
Superimposed newspaper headline indicating "Swing Gang Goes
ECU truck grill and headlights; camera pulls back revealing small truck driving; truck driving on highway, lettering on side of truck indicates "Dodson's Hollywood Monkey Stars, World's Best Dressed Performing Monkeys." Man in dressing room opens small cage and monkey jumps out; man struggles to put pants on it (monkey, wearing hat, is seated atop baggage; observes). Monkey truck passing theater marquee. Truck rear door opens and man emerges with monkey on his back. CU man emerging from truck with several costumed monkeys on leashes; they all enter doorway. VS monkeys jumping into chairs in make-up room; one monkey reaches into container of facial powder and eats some, then reaches for more. CU man's hand applying eye-liner to monkey wearing striped jacket and lip powder to monkey wearing dress. CU monkey (wearing striped jacket) with vexed expression. ECU 2 very expressive monkeys. Monkey grabbing her dress away from hand that touches it. Monkeys seated on high chairs on stage; one skates to and pushes wheelbarrow. CU 2 monkeys whose jaws drop open as if in shock. Skating monkey pushing wheelbarrow, drops it and goes back to seat. Monkey (wearing hat) riding tricycle; monkey (wearing dress) jumps on back of tricycle. CU monkey with surprised expression.
1937ChevroletLeaderNews0304.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:06:17 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Promotional newsreels featuring a variety of Chevrolet-centric stories.
Shotlist
CU hand operating telegraph lever.
Communications, ElectricTelegraphsHands (operating telegraph)TechnologyNewsreels
Title Card: "Chevrolet Leader News" over montage.
Superimposed newspaper headline indicating "Tricky Trims While-U-Wait; Clipper Cuts 'Em Quick."
Automobile pulling travel trailer through oceanfront campground (probably located near Malibu, California or Santa Monica, California on the Pacific Ocean). Smiling man (with moustache), wearing white lab coat and carrying feather duster, emerges from trailer (lettering indicating "Ton's Tonsorial Establishment" painted on trailer) and dusts barber pole; young boy, wearing cap, approaches and they talk. Barber snatches cap from boy's head, tousles boy's hair; both walk to nearby car where barber opens trunk. CU shelves (inside car's trunk) with neatly arranged barber supplies (above car tire); barber removes stool, sits boy down and puts apron on him; removes scissors and comb from car's trunk, closes it and instructs boy to watch him dust it with feather duster. ECU barber trimming boy's hair. CU barber opening trunk and reaching for bottle of hair tonic. ECU smiling boy pinching nostrils and grimacing from odor. ECU smiling boy with greasy, plastered hair; boy looks at his reflection on car's trunk and smiles. Barber removes boys apron; boy pays him with coins. Barber bites coin, then reaches into trunk for can; ECU he drops coin in can. Barber's car and trailer driving through residential area.
Superimposed newspaper headline indicating "Iron Horse Ready to Choo; Gangway for Mountain Men."
ECU automobile ("car-train" -- hybrid rail and automobile vehicle) front-end with bars welded to bumper. VS above "car-train" (Oneida & Western Railroad, U.S. Mail) rolling on railroad tracks; slows to stop in front of station; door opens and women exit; man and woman standing at rail siding as "car-train" rolls to stop. CU mechanic (engineer) lifting hood of car and looking at engine; CU engine. VS "car-train" rolling through mountain passes.
Superimposed newspaper headline indicating "Fire Chief Barks Orders; Rescue Averts Tragedy."
CU firehouse alarm. Staircase; German Shepherd running down stairs. Fireman slides down pole, he and dog jump into firetruck. CU fireman at steering wheel as dog pulls chain and rings bell. Firemen clinging to truck as it pulls from station; dog continues to ring bell. Firetruck rolling down street. Fireman raising ladder to side of building above storefront as several children point upwards. CU young girl jumping up and down and pointing. German Shepherd climbing ladder as smoke billows from below; climbing into window; climbing down ladder with stuffed doll in mouth; running passed crowd to fireman who embraces him; fireman removes stuffed doll from dog's mouth and hands it to girl; she hugs doll, then pats dog. Several men and German Shepherd seated around table. ECU panting German Shepherd wearing fireman's hat.
Superimposed newspaper headline indicating "Puzzled Police Take to Air; Families Get Home Faster."
Automobile parked in airfield (small airplane in BG). 2 New Jersey State policemen exit car and walk o.s.; approach two-seater airplane; one removes cap and puts on aviator cap; they climb aboard. ECU taxiing airplane; tail wing. Heavy automobile traffic on city street. CU pilot wearing radio headgear. Aerial shot highway interchange (few cars). CU dispatcher (wearing headphones) operating microphone and radio system at desk. 2 policemen in operations center, one at teletype machine, the other on telephone; CU policeman on telephone taking notes, hangs up and stands (clock in BG indicates 1:30). ECU bumper-to -bumper traffic. Radio announcer (W.O.R.) picks up microphone and speaks. Couple driving in bumper-to -bumper traffic (from back seat of car); man adjusts volume on radio; they look at each other and woman points o.s.; CU automobile turning on highway; above couple driving on less congested highway.
Panning shot boats in marina draped with decorative flags; man in FG shades his eyes (using binoculars?) and looks o.s. Crowd lining wall, looking over iron fence at water. VS speedboats racing on river; ECU speedboats racing. VS entusiastic crowd. VS model speedboat on lake; man grabs it; CU man lifting and displaying model boat while standing in lake (wearing shirt, tie and sweater).
1937ConqueringRoads.mpg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:08:48 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Conquering Roads (1937)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Highway engineering and development in the pre-Interstate era.
1937curb-service.mov
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:00:10 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # #
Producer: unknown
Early samples of curb-service.
1937FreeAir.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:09:38 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Free Air (1937)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Dramatic depiction of how gasoline and air mix to provide power in the automobile engine.
1937FromDawnToSunset.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:24:56 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
From Dawn to Sunset (1937)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
A classic example of "capitalist realism" depicts a day in the life of Chevrolet workers in the U.S., while attempting to convince them that their own fortunes were inextricably linked to the fortunes of General Motors.
1937goldengate-bridge-open-mu.mov
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:00:33 Audio/Visual: silent, B&W Quality: # # #
Producer: unknown
Footage abouth the 1937 Golden Gate Bridge opening in San Francisco.
1937HelpingYouSell.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:09:04 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Helping You Sell (1937)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
How Chevrolet uses sponsored theatrical motion pictures to promote its products.
1937ItHappenedInMayfair.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:17:09 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
It Happened in Mayfair (1937)
Sponsor: Mayfair Business Men's Association
Producer: Cooper (Edwin) Productions
Advertising film presenting landmarks, businesses and people of a neighborhood in northeast Philadelphia during the Depression. Presented by Herb Shulman, manager of the Mayfair Theatre. Producer and director: Edwin Cooper. Photography: Fred Delavan. Advisory Director: Maurice L. Lieber. Supervisor: Herb Shulman.
Part travelogue/home movie/sales pitch, this film is a great snapshot of smalltown USA in the late 30's. Somewhat built around a hoary love story, the fim just showcases a lot of businesses in the area, with many nervous salespeople looking into the camera when they arent supposed to. Also showcasing the churches and the 'schools' although no schools are actually shown. Just the students. Some interesting epoca cars sequences.
1937JustASpark.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:09:02 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Just a Spark (1937)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Chevrolet automobiles fight forest fires. A careless fisherman drops a cigaret and starts a forest fire. Then it's to the rescue of a bedridden woman alone in a forest cabin, and the Chevrolet carries the firefighters through to save a life and a forest.
1937PeopleOfTheCumberland.MOV
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:20:53 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # #
PeopleOfTheCumberland (1937)
Frontier Films Production
Directed by Sidney Meyers ("Robert Stebbins") and Jay Leyda ("Eugene Hill")
Assisted by Elia Kazan and William Watts
Photography by Ralph Steiner
Narrated by Richard Blaine
Sound Editing by Helen Van Dongen
Commentary by Erskine Caldwell [Assisted by Ben Maddow ("David Wolff")]
Music by Alex North
Choral arrangements and introductory music by Earl Robinson
Conducted by Elie Siegmeister
In 1932 a group of teachers aware of the horrible conditions in the Cumberland organized the Highlander Folk School, under the direction of Miles Horton. Produced with the cooperation of the Highlander Folk School and the People of Cumberland, Stebbi ns and Hill take cameras to the Plateau of the Cumberland, the ruined badlands of a forgotten people. The film demonstrates a new beginning for the coal miners and mill workers and the advantages of labor unions. "Get wise, Organize!" is its main theme .
Like Native Land, this combination documentary of re-enacted drama and actual footage shows the poverty-stricken, uneducated community struggling to become an efficient, productive society through education and the labor movement. "There's a new spirit in America. Men and women are more than machines! They've got a union coast to coast! The People of the Cumberland are not alone!"
However, "there were powerful forces that still denied the right of these people to a happy life." Union members were hunted down and murdered. A labor rally proves that Americans are too tough to be frightened, believing that "it's a new kind of independence day. No more terror, no more insecurity, no more gangsters, no more fear in the streets." Displaying dancing, boxing, tug-of-wars, and hog calling between scenes of poverty and death, the film ends with a plea for "a new kind of America," symbolized by the national flag and projects like the TVA, and voiced-over with narration stating: "The bad lands remain. The people must be fit. No more routine of birth and death and scurvy. The land must give life. Youth takes over. A new generation of American children, of Union men in a Union town. The people stand together. A new kind of power. A new morning for America, for the hope of the Cumberland." Some interesting epoca cars sequences.
1937PreciselySo.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:19:10 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Precisely So (1937)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Surreal film on measurement of tiny quantities.
1937presidential-packard.mov
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:00:15 Audio/Visual: silent, C Quality: # # #
Producer: Romano-Archives
A 1937 Packard, once used by President Roosevelt.. Actual footage. Filmed at a historic-cars auction.
1937SafetyPatrol.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:09:23 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Safety Patrol (1937)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Shot in and around the urban landscape of 1930s middle-class Detroit.
A member of a schoolboy safety patrol in one of our typical cities tells the story of how children can prevent accidents by taking wise and careful traffic precautions. )
1937SeeingGreen.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:09:04 Audio/Visual: sound,B&W/C Quality: # # # # #
Seeing Green (1937)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Inside the electrochemical "brain" of the traffic light.
1937SpotNews.mpg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:09:15 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # #
Spot News (1937)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Dramatization of how photographs are transmitted by wire, an exciting new technology in the 1930s.
1937StreetOfMemory.mpg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:08:43 Audio/Visual: sound, C Quality: # # # #
A Street of Memory (1937)
Sponsor: N/A
Producer: Pizor (William M. )
Vericolor production offering touristic view Olvera Street and the old Mexican quarter in Los Angeles, California. Some interesting epoca cars sequences.
1937TheOtherFellow.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:08:14 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
The Other Fellow (1937)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Comedian Edgar Kennedy teaches a driving safety lesson.
1938AllInOne.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:10:41 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
All in One (1938)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Homage to the dog and comparison of canine attributes with Chevrolet features.
1938BackOfTheMike.mpg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:09:15 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # #
Back of the Mike (1938)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Insider's view of the 1930s radio studio showing the production of dramatic sound effects.
1938BrittonSouthDakota-1.mpg
Available on DVD
Run time: 00:19:09 Audio/Visual: silent, B&W Quality # # # # #
1938BrittonSouthDakota-2.mpg Available on DVD
Run time: 00:20:11 Audio/Visual: silent, B&W Quality # # # # #
1938BrittonSouthDakota-3.mpg Available on DVD
Run time: 00:14:13 Audio/Visual: silent, B&W Quality # # # # #
1938BrittonSouthDakota-4.mpg Available on DVD
Run time: 00:16:45 Audio/Visual: silent, B&W Quality # # # # #
1938BrittonSouthDakota-5.mpg Available on DVD
Run time: 00:16:07 Audio/Visual: silent, B&W Quality # # # # #
1938BrittonSouthDakota-6.mpg Available on DVD
Run time: 00:19:32 Audio/Visual: silent, B&W Quality # # # # #
1938BrittonSouthDakota-7.mpg Available on DVD
Run time: 00:17:08 Audio/Visual: silent, B&W Quality # # # # #
1938BrittonSouthDakota-8.mpg Available on DVD
Run time: 00:14:10 Audio/Visual: silent, B&W Quality # # # # #
1938BrittonSouthDakota-9.mpg Available on DVD
Run time: 00:16:06 Audio/Visual: silent, B&W Quality # # # # #
296 1938BrittonSouthDakota-10.mpg Available on DVD
Run time: 00:09:13 Audio/Visual: silent, B&W Quality # # # # #
[Amateur films: Ivan Besse collection: Britton, South Dakota 1938-39] (10 Reels)
Producer: Besse (Ivan)
Daily life in a South Dakota town during the Great Depression, shot by Ivan Besse. (10 Reels)
1938Buick-videoDescription.WMV
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:01:25 Audio/Visual: sound, C Quality: # # #
Producer: Romano-Archives
Video description of a 1938 Buick.
1938campbell-land-speed-1.mov
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:00:18 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # #
Producer: unknown
Footage from Daytona Beach. Campbell tries to break the land-speed world record.
1938campbell-land-speed-3.mov
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:00:37 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # #
Producer: unknown
Footage from Daytona Beach. Campbell tries to break the land-speed world record.
1938ChevroletLeaderNews0401.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:07:29 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Promotional newsreels featuring a variety of Chevrolet-centric stories.
Shotlist
Promotional newsreel sponsored by General Motors: Automobile driving along coastline, men and women surfing; Supply truck driving through desert (Death Valley) to remote campsite; Man lying on railroad tracks (photographing trains from odd angles), developing photographs in trunk of car; Police using paint guns to measure automobile's braking distance; Family with pet deer.
Title Card: "Chevrolet Motor Division...General Motors Sales Corporation...Presents...The Leader News" superimposed over montage.
Title Card: "Water Babes Slam Slippers, Strike Permanent Waves" superimposed over newspapers coming off of printing press.
Malibu, California: LS 3 automobiles driving along winding road (at base of oceanfront mountain). MS above automobile (leaving dusty trail). Several women (wearing swimsuits) getting out of car (parked on beach; surfboards strapped to roof); women removing surfboards. Men and women (carrying surfboards) running toward ocean. VS several men and women paddling surfboards; riding waves; man surfing while standing on head; falling from surfboard. CU 4 women (wearing swimsuits) waving from rock.
Title Card: "Death Valley Record Set, Trona Flyer Battles Heat" superimposed over newspapers coming off of printing press.
ECU wall thermometer (illustration of terrier at top) indicating 112 degrees. Shirtless boy checking temperature on thermometer (wiping sweat from brow). MS rustic settlement in rugged hills at rim of Death Valley (wooden shacks; people working outside). Boy, standing beside shack door, holding headphones to his ears (boy sitting beside him; third boy approaches). 2 boys loading cartons onto truck parked beside small "Retail Store". CU boy tossing mail sack through open passenger window; walking around front of truck. LS small, desert settlement (resembles prison camp) with tents, small buildings and water tower (hills in BG). Truck driving passed Spanish-style building. VS truck (leaving dusty trail) driving through (and negotiating grades in) rocky desert. CU sign in desert indicating: "Warning...Poison Water...Do Not Use For Any Purpose"; truck passing sign. Truck approaching sun baked bones (skeleton) of large animal. Truck passing through ghost town (adobe building and small wagon prominent). CU weathered wooden signpost with arrow indicating direction to "Wild Rose" and "Death Valley". LS truck approaching desert settlement. Boys (waving) running out of shacks. 3 boys (one listening to headphones) running o.s.; 2 shirtless boys running from shack (boy with towel around neck is pulling up his pants; other boy is waving arm). Several boys converging on truck. CU several boys anxiously watching boy opening package; CU melted box of chocolate. Laughing, rowdy boys grabbing at box; CU hands reaching into box (grabbing melted pieces of chocolate)
Title Card: "Shoot Engineer on Sight, Addicts Seek Dizzy Angles" superimposed over newspapers coming off of printing press.
Man (wearing suit and carrying shoulder bag) frantically waving arm and running onto railroad tracks (in path of oncoming train); man lying down on tracks as train approaches; taking photograph of train (as it switches tracks and passes him by, showering and obscuring him with steam). Man taking photograph of locomotive; (pan to) well-dressed passengers taking photographs atop locomotive. VS photographers setting up tripods (to photograph locomotive inside train maintenance building). VS photographers. Photographer lying on back beside locomotive. VS locomotive suspended by chains (crowd beneath). VS man running across railroad tracks (beside spectators on rotating platform). VS man assisting man into automobile trunk (mobile darkroom); man in trunk with bottles of fluid (as trunk closes). Man placing sign on car indicating "Halt...Do Not Disturb"; CU above sign with illustration of soldier (sentry) holding rifle. Man (on hands and knees; camera dangling from neck) inside automobile trunk; trunk opening; man sitting on automobile bumper, examining film (negatives) with another man. CU boy (wearing beret) adjusting camera setting; something (resembling a snake-in-a-can) springs out, hitting him in eye.
Title Card: "Guns Bark as Paint Flies, Put Driver on Two Spots" superimposed over newspapers coming off of printing press.
Elkhart, Indiana: CU hand loading 2 pistols (resembling "Saturday Night Specials") mounted on steel plate. Hand loading bullet into gun. Policeman rising from knees beside automobile; putting on gloves and nodding while talking to someone o.s. CU hand placing wire (with taped button) onto car seat. Policeman adjusting wiring beneath steering wheel. ECU hands attaching (tying) wire to brake pedal. Men standing beside car (2 guns mounted on car's grill); car pulling away (revealing policeman standing beside motorcycle). 2 policemen driving car along highway. CU hand pressing taped button. 2 pistols (resembling "Saturday Night Specials") mounted on steel plate on car's grill (Elkhart Police Dept.); one gun firing. ECU foot stomping brake and clutch pedals; second gun firing. CU above car pulling to stop. 2 policemen and inspector getting out of car; walking behind it; placing tape measure on ground. MS policeman (tape measure in hand) bending to pavement. CU hand holding tape measure beside splotched area. ECU "Elkhart Police Dept. Division of Traffic Safety Test Card" indicating test results. Policeman writing (what appears to be) traffic ticket (man, standing beside him, watching); another policeman appears (winding tape measure; removing papers (documents) from coat pocket.
Title Card: "Soft Life for One Buck, Pete Adopts New Quarters" superimposed over newspapers coming off of printing press.
CU deer (buck) running down flight of stairs. Woman exiting doorway followed by deer (deer wearing a collar and licking its lips); both walking down sidewalk o.s. Parked automobile; woman opening back door of car, prodding deer to climb in. Car pulling alongside curb (store's awning indicates "Abramowitz's Department Store"); woman (driver) sliding across front seat; exiting passenger door (small town, residential BG). CU woman's hands locking and slamming car door (deer's nose visible). Woman beside car (pointing finger at car window), admonishing (unseen) deer to wait in car and behave; woman turning and entering store. Businessman walking along sidewalk (in residential area); glancing at parked car; stopping (with surprised expression). ECU deer's head (looking about curiously). Businessman glancing into car; (walking away) scratching head in confusion. Woman entering doorway, followed by deer. Deer standing in bedroom; jumping onto bed. ECU deer chewing; deer's ear flapping; deer resting on bed; deer abruptly raising head (in response to sound(?); ear cupping forward). ECU eggs frying in skillet. ECU deer (looking about curiously). Deer, standing on bed; jumping off bed. Deer licking jar on table (in kitchen beside woman cooking at stove). ECU eggs frying in skillet. Deer nosing around kitchen counter; jumping up and putting front hooves on countertop; placing head in cupboard and eating napkin(?). ECU deer licking plate in cupboard. Family, sitting around dinner table, drinking coffee (deer, wearing straw hat, licking plate at table). ECU deer, wearing straw hat, eating from plate at table.
1938ChevroletLeaderNews0402.mpg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:08:19 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Promotional newsreels featuring a variety of Chevrolet-centric stories, including: photographing human and automobile models; automobile brake tests on a steep San Francisco street; diamond-tipped machine tools; the Ohio River floods of 1937; and an animal circus featuring performing rats.
Shotlist
Title Card: "Chevrolet Leader News" over montage.
Superimposed newspaper headline indicating "Two Magazine Maids Shot, Snap Experts Show Wiles" over newspapers coming off printing press.
Fashion Photography.
Woman thumbing through magazine (p.o.v. over her shoulder); photograph of woman wearing swim suit at beach; CU photograph of same. Camera pulls back, revealing above model, in same pose, in photographer's studio as several crew members set-up shot. Women applying cosmetics in dressing room; one woman dons heavy, winter jacket; seated woman disrobes. Woman steps into photo set; man, wearing lab coat, places rug. VS photographer adjusting camera, loading film and waving for model to move; man, wearing lab coat, adjusting model's clothes and prop; smiling model. Men working on set; worker moving props on set beside automobile (men, lights, photo equipment in scene). Man, wearing lab coat, positions model beside car. CU photography lights placed in front seat of car. Model holds pose as man rolls car window; CU ventilator window being cranked to eliminate reflection. Photographers reflected in finish of car. Photographer concealed behind screen (looks like a poor attempt at a hidden camera). CU model stiffly posed by car.
Superimposed newspaper headline indicating "Police Hunt Safe Drivers, Wooden Chief Stops 'Em" over newspapers coming off printing press.
San Francisco policeman checking automobile's brakes on steep hill; wooden Indian pops up from manhole. VS chubby policeman, standing beside motorcycle (S.F.P.D.), waving traffic on. Automobile appears over crest of steep San Francisco hill, stops beside policeman writing on clipboard; CU policeman writing on clipboard. Policeman approaches car and examines device mounted on running board; ECU device ("Brake Tester"); policeman removes card from device and hands it to driver; writes on clipboard. Sign indicating "Street Closed for Brake Tests, San Francisco Police Dept." Car driving up steeply graded street; same car driving downhill. Wooden statue of Indian Chief pops up from open manhole; car stops just in time; Indian partially visible through windshield (from inside of car). CU Indian statue wearing full headdress and holding tomahawk.
Superimposed newspaper headline indicating "Sparkling Teeth Bite Steel, Dazzlers Invade Industry" over newspapers coming off printing press.
Diamond necklaces; diamond-tipped drill bits; automobile assembly line.
CU large diamond necklace in jewelry box (on table with doily); woman's hands picks necklace up. Woman, seated in front of large mirror, trying on diamond necklace; she smiles and admires it. CU rough diamonds (resembling small, white pebbles) pouring from bag onto table containing precision drill bits. ECU diamond studded drill bit. CU moving engine valves and rocker arm(?). ECU hand inserting diamond chip (with tweezers) onto drill bit; ECU hand holding diamond studded drill bit; spinning diamond studded drill bit. CU hand picking up engine connecting rod; bathing engine. High shot men building automobiles moving along assembly line.
Superimposed newspaper headline indicating "River Haunts Ghost Town, Residents Desert Homes" over newspapers coming off printing press.
Damage and reconstruction efforts in small town ravaged by flood.
Door of brick house opening slowly (angular shot). Opened window with tattered shades and drapes being blown by breeze (shot from inside). VS devastated streets and abandoned buildings. Int. house in total disarray. Ext. house, damaged household items, including piano and stove. ECU book of musical scores with pages blowing in wind. High panning shot of battered homes along riverbank. Man riding oxcart. ECU pickaxe digging in dirt. CU 2 men and elderly woman looking at papers (blueprints) beside pile of crates. Horses pulling plow (automobiles and men in BG). CU man sawing wood; CU man hammering 2X4 and framing house. MS men framing new structure. Tent city. Man and woman walk passed small building, sign indicates "Headquarters American Red Cross Tent City, Leavenworth, Ind." Woman removing laundry from clothes line. Steam shovel dumping load of dirt into bed of dump truck; dump truck driving uphill passed men digging in FG. House under construction. Man digging dirt in front of small house. MS small house.
Superimposed newspaper headline indicating "Hooded Rats Foil Cats, Zoom to Fame on Wires" over newspapers coming off printing press.
Circus featuring performing rats. VS animals (fox, monkey, owl, skunk) in cramped cages. Children holding balloons, walking in line and pulling cages. Circus entrance (Smallest Wild Animal Circus), man on podium sells tickets to entering children. Hand opens small cage and removes rat. Smiling children watch man place rat on ladder; CU rat climbing ladder; rat slides down wire. Young blonde girl applauding; VS applauding children. Ringmaster removes another rat from cage; CU rat walking across tightrope, then climbing up small flag pole displaying American flag; hand gives rat a morsel; rat slides down pole. CU rat walking back and forth on tightrope; climbs over wooden obstacle. ECU rat spinning around rope, ringmaster repeatedly hits rat's nose to spin it, then rewards with food. Rat placed in small tube atop pole. Ringmaster sets fire to hoop below. CU 3 children, one girl with worried expression. Blazing fire; ringmaster raises tube with rat. CU flaming hoop. Rat looking down. CU boy eating ice cream (slacks his jaw in anticipation); girl eating ice cream. CU rat leaping; landing safely. CU girl, with jelly apple in mouth, clapping enthusiastically. ECU cat wearing collar.
1938ChevroletLeaderNews0403.mpg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:09:29 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Promotional newsreels featuring a variety of Chevrolet-centric stories.
Shotlist
Dissolve to marching band, large crowd, building on sides, car in rear. Cut to another marching band wearing white with black capes. Car slowly going down street followed by men in white raincoats and hats-one carries a sign. Cut to crowd of boys in parade all wear same outfit and all carry flags. CU boys in crowd. Rear shot car driving slowly -- 'safety education' written on back of auto.
Dissolve to LS kids coming out of school building, walking down steps. Shot of busy intersection, children walking down street. CU rear of boy with beanie opening electrical box on pole. He takes out cord with handle and button. Side shot boy holding handle, thumb on buzzer. Other children walk past him. He looks around. LS car coming down street. Cut to boy with handle at electric box. CU traffic light in trees. Cut to boy (crossing guard) who looks up, then blows whistle. CU hand pressing button. CU traffic light changing to yellow then red. Shot of boy (girl?) crossing guard waving flag, standing in front of 'slo' sign. Cut to CU traffic light-red. Camera pans quickly left to another red light. Shot of car approaching. Shot of child with flag in street. Front of car seen at right screen stopping. Children wait at corner. Cut to child in front of sign waving flag. Cut back to kids crossing street where car has stopped. Crossing guard stands with both arms outstretched. LS intersection as kids walk on all street corners. No car visible. Fade.
Dissolve to 'Used Cars' sign with protruding lights. Cut to small parking lot with horseless carriage in center. Trees, houses in BG. CU carriage-two seater with hood, large wooden wheels. Dissolve to two men in office sitting at desk. One wears a suit -- he hands the other (wearing sweater and jeans) an opened booklet. Man examines while suited man points out things with a pen. Other man takes pen and signs booklet. Dissolve to man in jeans, hat, bending over, petting and admiring hubcaps and other parts of car. He stands erect, puts his hands on his waist, smiles, shakes his head 'yes', turns, walks to driver's side of car. Side shot of him peering into car. Turns, smiles, laughs, shakes his head as if in disbelief. He is missing teeth, has a very long nose and is generally very goofy looking. He turns, gets into car. Man in suit enters scene-watches man, closes car door for him. Man behind wheel smiling. He has his hand on the wheel and 'play drives' while laughing. (About 10:43:01). Shot from inside car of man in suit who shakes his head no and points to something. CU hand on lever in car-hand pulls lever. Man waves as driver takes off. Dissolve to LS car coming down rural road. VS car on road. Long side shot of horse pulling carriage. Car approaches from behind and slows down. CU face of driver-angry, upset, impatient. He honks horn in agitation. Shakes his head in exasperation. Makes a face, honks the horn. FS horse and carriage with car passing it. Cut to rear shot as horse watches car go by. Shot of rear of car going down the road. Fade.
Dissolve to cars coming down dusty road. VS and CU cars and trucks on road including one where they pass a pile of sand. Dissolve to two men working on a truck. One fills it with gas. CU man's head looking in radiator. He pulls his head back. Hand replaces radiator cap. Dissolve to LS trucks on road, oil riggers in BG. Shot of trucks driving near small building. Tower in BG, barrels in FG. Closer shot of truck pulling in. Trucks with pipes loaded on back. 'Rock Glycerin Co' written on side of truck. Truck turns -- 'explosives' written on back. Dissolve to rear shot of same trucks parked with two men unloading pipes and laying them on the ground. Other men working with crates. Camera pans-pipes propped up. Man puts something in it, then takes a plunger and shoves it in further. Another man in BG squats while doing something indecipherable. CU stuff (explosive material) piled up on crates with knife in picture. Knees and hands of man visible at right. Man takes package of this stuff, slits it open with knife and takes it out. (looks like big crepes). Stuff jiggles as he places it on crate. CU stuff being placed into opening of propped up pipe. Hands take plunger and shove it' in. Shot of men picking up loaded pipe, they walk out of scene. Kneeling man in BG still working on something. CU hands holding small metal bomb with round dial on top. Hand turns top screw to set dial. Cut to men in front of steel equipment. One man loads pipe into cannister and places cap on. Side shot man placing cannister in larger container. Shot of rear of men near equipment with arms up holding rope, slowly letting something down. CU bucket being lowered into black metal shapely pipe (looks something like a fire hydrant.)
1938chevy-bw-epoca.mov
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:00:38 Audio/Visual: silent, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Fragment of a Chevrolet sponsored movie showing a 1938 Chevrolet running on paved roads.
1938Chevy-epocaFilmBW.mov
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:00:17 Audio/Visual: silent, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Fragment of a Chevrolet sponsored movie showing a 1938 Chevrolet running on paved roads.
1938DeSotoRadioAdGrouchoMarx.mp3 Available on CD
Run Time: 00:00:05 Audio/Visual: sound Quality: # # # #
Filetype: Mp3 Filesize: 48 KB
Producer: Chrysler Co.
1938 De Soto radio ad featuring Groucho Marx.
1938Extra-Esso-screen-ad.mpg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:01:00 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Sponsor: Esso Standard Oil Company
Producer: Unknown
Part-animated screen ad for Esso "Extra" gasoline.
1938Firestone-shops.mov
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:00:37 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W/C Quality: # # #
The role of Firestone shops in US automotive history.
1938KnightsOnTheHighway.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:08:55 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Knights on the Highway (1938)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
How drivers (especially truckers) can drive safely at night.
1938New York555.rm
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:00:48 Audio/Visual: silent, B&W Quality: # #
Producer: unknown
Footage of 1938 NYC streets.
1938newsreel-Snite-iron-lung.mov
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:00:45 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # #
Producer: Universal Newsreel
Arlington Heights, Ill. Fred Snite, Jr. (the poor guy had to live his life in an jron-lung) sees races by periscope from inside his new trailer .
Click HERE to watch this video on videoclick.com
1938OldCarSharingPrankster-b.mov
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:00:08 Audio/Visual: silent, B&W Quality: # # #
Producer: unknown
A guy put inside his car some decoy puppets, to ride undisturbed on the car-sharing reserved lane.
1938OverTheWaves.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:09:19 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Over the Waves (1938)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
How the Chevrolet suspension system smooths out a rough ride. "
Great shots of POV Roller coaster and other amusement park rides. Late 1930s car bouncing over rough road/ unpaved "road".
1938packard-mayfair001.mov
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:00:30 Audio/Visual: silent, C Quality: # # #
Producer: Romano-Archives
A 1938 Packard Mayfair. Actual footage.
1938Peg-LegPedro.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:09:17 Audio/Visual: sound, C Quality: # # # # #
Peg-Leg Pedro (1938)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
Chevrolet advertising cartoon in Technicolor on a "Treasure Island" theme.
1938stunt-dancers-newsreel.mov
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:00:40 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # #
Producer: unknown
A couple of stunt-dancers dance on the edge of a high building. Parked cars are visible down below.
1938ToughFriends.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:10:36 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Tough Friends (1938)
Sponsor: Chevrolet Division, General Motors Corporation
Producer: Handy (Jam) Organization
How steel and steel alloys make the modern automobile safer and more durable.
1938TrueExperienceOfOHSewell.mpeg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:01:19 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
The True Experience of Officer Harold Sewell (1938)
Sponsor: National Carbon Co. (Eveready Batteries)
Producer: Unknown
Dramatized screen ad showing how a flashlight powered by Eveready batteries prevents a train wreck.
1938ParkConscious.mpg
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:07:41 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # #
Park Conscious (1938)
Producer: U.S. Department of the Interior
Produced by the U.S Department of the Interior, this 1938 film about the state parks in Minnesota was well done. Too bad it wasn't photographed in color. The cars and people's outfit of the era are clearly shown and quite interesting.
1937TheTopperBuick.mp4
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:09:28 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # #
Topper (1937) (Excerpt)
Producer: Hal Roach
Film released July 16, 1937. One of the biggest stars of the 1937 Hal Roach film "Topper" is Marion Kerby's "extreme-lined" convertible coupe. The car was unique and was not something made up by General Motors. Well, an important part of it was: the chassis was made by General Motors for the Buick Roadmaster. It was sold to the filmmakers so they could transform it into the sporty and luxurious roadster that the script demanded. In the film it is driven by the debonair Cary Grant (as George) and the timid but hilarious Roland Young (as Cosmo Topper.) After the car's first accident, Constance Bennett, as Marion Kerby, refers to it as her car.
During the era of custom bodied cars, one of Los Angeles' most prestigious coachbuilders was Bohman & Schwartz, responsible for many "dream car" bodies ordered by customers in the movie colony. (One of their most famous designs was the Duesenberg created for Clark Gable in 1935.) Tony Gerrity, one of their designers, is the one responsible for the amazing transformation, which contained elements of several advanced design vehicles. Distinctive features included the incredible fin, the exhausts protruding like a supercharged Cord, a shark-like nose similar to the Graham, teardrop fenders, and a very slanted, divided windshield. Car collectors will notice the telltale appointments that were stock Buick accessories, such as the bullet-shaped parking lights on the fenders, and the "banjo" spoke steering wheel. (There were also hidden controls for a stuntman to operate when the car appeared to not have a driver.) The enormous dorsal fin made it impossible to have a rumble seat or trunk lid. But think of the stabilizing qualities it must have had! Legend has it that the director, Norman Z. McLeod, wanted to buy a new "coffin-nosed" Cord, but its body design was far more difficult to modify than the Buick. Elements of this car's styling must have worn off at General Motors, because a similar door-to-fender design was later used in building the Cadillac Special and other G.M. cars.
The car stayed in the Roach Studio until 1939, when it was sold to Gilmore Oil. The oil company redesigned it as a parade car, with styling more in tune with the 1940s. It was used to promote their "Red Lion" gasoline, and rented for special events such as car shows and parades.
After Mobilgas absorbed Gilmore Oil (in the late 1940s), the car was sent back to Bohman & Schwartz for new paint and some exterior updating. B&S designer W. Everett Miller created a new look for what would become the "Mobilgas Special."
By 1954 the Buick straight-eight "Dynaflash" engine was showing its age. C. Bohman & Son (now minus Mr. Schwartz) was chosen again as the renovator for the Buick. The body was remounted on a 1954 Chrysler Imperial Newport chassis and now had a big Chrysler Hemi V8. When put back into service, it was "seen annually by more than five million people" when it glided through such events as the Tournament of Roses Parade, Rodeos, horse shows and the Seattle Seafair Pageant. Eventually the car became property of the Jim Brucker's "Movieland -- Cars of the Stars." Although it served as the Gilmore and Mobil car for most of its life, it is still referred to by many as the "Topper" car.
1938WhiteSands.mp4
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:08:55 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # #
White Sands (1938)
Producer: U.S. Department of the Interior
Nice shots of sand-surfing... with a table, a car and a rope!
1937Topper.mp4
Available on DVD
Run Time: 01:37:17 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Topper (1937)
Producer: Hal Roach
Film released July 16, 1937. One of the biggest stars of the 1937 Hal Roach film "Topper" is Marion Kerby's "extreme-lined" convertible coupe. The car was unique and was not something made up by General Motors. Well, an important part of it was: the chassis was made by General Motors for the Buick Roadmaster. It was sold to the filmmakers so they could transform it into the sporty and luxurious roadster that the script demanded. In the film it is driven by the debonair Cary Grant (as George) and the timid but hilarious Roland Young (as Cosmo Topper.) After the car's first accident, Constance Bennett, as Marion Kerby, refers to it as her car.
During the era of custom bodied cars, one of Los Angeles' most prestigious coachbuilders was Bohman & Schwartz, responsible for many "dream car" bodies ordered by customers in the movie colony. (One of their most famous designs was the Duesenberg created for Clark Gable in 1935.) Tony Gerrity, one of their designers, is the one responsible for the amazing transformation, which contained elements of several advanced design vehicles. Distinctive features included the incredible fin, the exhausts protruding like a supercharged Cord, a shark-like nose similar to the Graham, teardrop fenders, and a very slanted, divided windshield. Car collectors will notice the telltale appointments that were stock Buick accessories, such as the bullet-shaped parking lights on the fenders, and the "banjo" spoke steering wheel. (There were also hidden controls for a stuntman to operate when the car appeared to not have a driver.) The enormous dorsal fin made it impossible to have a rumble seat or trunk lid. But think of the stabilizing qualities it must have had! Legend has it that the director, Norman Z. McLeod, wanted to buy a new "coffin-nosed" Cord, but its body design was far more difficult to modify than the Buick. Elements of this car's styling must have worn off at General Motors, because a similar door-to-fender design was later used in building the Cadillac Special and other G.M. cars.
The car stayed in the Roach Studio until 1939, when it was sold to Gilmore Oil. The oil company redesigned it as a parade car, with styling more in tune with the 1940s. It was used to promote their "Red Lion" gasoline, and rented for special events such as car shows and parades.
After Mobilgas absorbed Gilmore Oil (in the late 1940s), the car was sent back to Bohman & Schwartz for new paint and some exterior updating. B&S designer W. Everett Miller created a new look for what would become the "Mobilgas Special."
By 1954 the Buick straight-eight "Dynaflash" engine was showing its age. C. Bohman & Son (now minus Mr. Schwartz) was chosen again as the renovator for the Buick. The body was remounted on a 1954 Chrysler Imperial Newport chassis and now had a big Chrysler Hemi V8. When put back into service, it was "seen annually by more than five million people" when it glided through such events as the Tournament of Roses Parade, Rodeos, horse shows and the Seattle Seafair Pageant. Eventually the car became property of the Jim Brucker's "Movieland -- Cars of the Stars." Although it served as the Gilmore and Mobil car for most of its life, it is still referred to by many as the "Topper" car.
This is the complete "Topper" original movie.
1938YoungInHeart.mp4
Available on DVD
Run Time: 01:31:25 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
The Young in Heart (1938)
Director: Richard Wallace
Production Company: Selznick International Pictures
This is the complete movie, starring Paulette Goddard and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and featuring the concept car Phantom Corsair, here presented as the "Flying Wombat".
1938The FlyingWombat.mp4
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:03:50 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
The Young in Heart (1938) (Excerpt)
Director: Richard Wallace
Production Company: Selznick International Pictures
A compilation of sequences from the movie "The Young in Heart", featuring the concept car Phantom Corsair, here presented as the "Flying Wombat".
Click HERE to watch this video on YouTube
1937StudebakerhampionAdSC01.mp4
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:02:48 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Producer: Studebaker
1937 Studebaker heatrical ad.
1938StudebakerhampionAdSC01.mp4
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:08:04 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Crowning Achievement (1938)
Producer: Studebaker
1938 Studebaker heatrical ad.
1938StudebakerhampionAdSC02.mp4
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:02:53 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Producer: Studebaker
1938 Studebaker heatrical ad (fragment).
1938StudebakerhampionAdSC03.mp4
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:02:51 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Producer: Studebaker
1938 Studebaker heatrical ad (fragment).
1938FordHarvestOfTheYearSC.mp4
Available on DVD
Run Time: 00:20:02 Audio/Visual: sound, B&W Quality: # # # # #
Producer: Ford
1938 Ford theatrical ad.
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The American Automobile Timeline 1899-1970 - Multimedial Historical Collection (Over 1200 files)
We do provide duplicates of the multimedial files of the Collection on a customized DVD-ROM on a (1) cost-recovery basis.
Almost all the digital copies of the films are good quality Hi-Res editable videos.
All the videos in this Collection are available in different format, size and definition. We can suggest you the right one for the use you have in mind.
PRIVATE USE: home TV vision (DVD-Divx player), PC, iPod.
WE LICENSE FOOTAGE from our Collections for: multimedial creations on CD or DVD, TV commercials, film or TV programs, documentary Productions, web sites, marketing/ad campaigns, video email, electronic kiosks, trade shows, business seminars, cultural events, museums, expositions... and more.
Hi-Res videos from our Collections are available on DVD, CD or directly in your inbox. Clips and movies can also be downloaded from our servers using a PW or uploaded by us to your FTP.
WE ARE JUST WAITING FOR YOUR INQUIRES!!!
(1) It is possible to obtain digital duplicates of the multimedial files (movies, videos, audio documents, and Virtual Reality files) from Romano-Archives for research, teaching, general interest user information, and private study purposes.
The fees charged for these files are on a cost-recovery basis.
The size, run-time, quality, and detailed informations regarding any multimedial file are indicated in the list inside our demo-DVD, where you can find images and/or animated gifs illustrating any file, 10 demo-videos, 2 for every different quality class, and 10 samples regarding the other kind of multimedial files composing the collection.
The files are available on a customized DVD-ROM.
Billing is done when the order is fulfilled. Payment instructions will follow. Normal turn around time for requests is 3 weeks. Rush (2-3 business days) is available for an additional fee of 40 Euros. Romano-Archives will provide up to 250 (or about 20% of this Collection) multimedial files to a single requesting party.
To know the fees applied for these files please contact Vincent Romano.
To order the Demo DVD or if you need clarification of the service of providing digital multimedial files, please contact Vincent Romano.
The multimedial files of the Collections are compatible with the free version of the most common players: Quicktime Player, Real Player, Windows Media Player.
Mac users can easily view MPEG 1, MPEG 2, MPEG 4, and Divx movies in MacOSX with the free version of this program: VLC Media Player.
All the material in the Romano-Archives Collections is in the public domain and has no copyright attached to it. Only exception are original articles or texts published on this Website and the Romano-Archives' original compilations on CDs or DVDs that are subject to copyright.
Material of the Romano-Archives Collections is made available solely for historical research and educational purposes only. Any trademarks appearing on the material are the sole property of the registered owners. No endorsement by the trademark owners is to be construed, nor was any sought. The products, brand names, characters, related slogans and indicia are or may be claimed as trademarks of their respective owners.
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Last update: June-07-2009
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