This collection follows the growth in thought and development of American public transportation development. These films are some of the first ever to deal with problems of traffic congestion and intercontinental travel Many of the film focus on the transportation problems of New York City.Topics Include: Americas Public Transportation History, Roads, Highways, & Interstate Development, Ferry & Boat Transpiration, Railroad Transportation, Inner City Light Rail Bus Transportation
Included Films:
Transportation: Bus, Truck, & Taxi
Transportation: Bus, Truck, & Taxi
Produced: 1946
Length: 10 Minutes
The creation of the wheel has enhanced modern civilization in a multitude of ways. Transportation: Bus, Truck, Taxi entreats viewers to understand transportation’s role in society and how it affects modern culture. Interested in working as a transporter, a man is required to undergo a meticulous physical exam. He has to possess fully-functioning eyes and ears, as well as a strong physical coordination. Step by step, this informational film details the regimen an applicant endures to become a transit operator. Enforcing safety and precaution, Transportation looks at a crucial job involving everyones security.
Along The Way: The Development Of BART
Along The Way: The Development Of BART
Produced: 1968
Length: 13 Minutes
A city exists, not for the constant passage of motorcars, but for the care and culture of human kind. BART, or the Bay Area Rapid Transit system in San Francisco, is protecting and enhancing the natural beauty of the bay area in turn enhancing the culture of human kind. In 1968 BART was building a high speed rail rapid transit system planned for the convenience of people in the bay area, designed for their comfort and deliberately aimed at giving them a faster, safer, more economical ride than the typical automobile. A revolution in engineering designing, working around nature rather than bulldozing it, BART established an economical train system that is still in operation today. Along the Way, is a fantastic vintage film about the development of new public transportation methods during the 1960s.
Wheels of Progress
Wheels of Progress
Produced: 1927
Length: 14 Minutes
Americas many successes stem from our mobility. So says, Wheels of Progress, a Rock Island Line produced film from the 1950s, which tries to convince the American public that without railroads, ocean freighters and trucks, our system of free living would collapse. This film is an excellent look into how things get transported and the free-market system, complete with anti-communist sentiments about how America is the best because of its democracy. A multi-functional film, Wheels of Progress, informs and entertains the viewer on the use of trains to transport goods in the 1950s.
Roads South
Roads South
Produced: 1943
Length: 18 Minutes
Latin America is a living history book of transportation, where old and new exists side by side. The seaplane and sailboat ride the same water. Dug out canoes ply the rivers and lands whose harbors welcome great steamers. Why the strange contrast? Roads South, takes a look behind Latin Americas seemingly rudimentary forms of transportation. In doing so they explain how topography affects transport and how the difficulties of transportation is dealt with throughout history. Part history lesson, part geography lesson and part loving tribute, this vintage black and white is sure to get you where you need to go.
March of Progress
March of Progress
Produced: 1945
Length: 20 Minutes
March of Progress highlights the importance of rail systems throughout history and how it has led to progress across the nation. Beginning before San Francisco was even a town we see the progress which allowed for the 1945 Key System Transbay rail system. While the system lasted under 20 years, it in turn paved the way for BART, or the Bay Area Rapid Transit, which is still in operation today. Not only a remarkably interesting look at early rail systems, this also includes vintage shots of the city post World War II.
Arteries of New York
Arteries of New York
Produced: 1941
Length: 9 Minutes
Many people believe business or money is the beating heart of a large city, but the truth is the citys transportation system is the heartbeat that keeps the city running. Without thoughtfully planned interstate systems, subway lines, and mass transit, a citys commerce would be meaningless. In the United States there is no better example of mass transit planning than New York City. Arteries of New York City, explores the transit problem of the 1930s and 1940s and explains how engineers are working to keep the arteries unclogged.
Big Train
Big Train
Produced: 1950
Length: 26 Minutes
The railroad industry helped move America through the nineteenth century into the twentieth century. Like many things that carried over from the industrial revolution the train has witnessed many changes in her design. Better engines, more efficient fuel resulting in leaps and bounds in technological possibilities. Progression has been the motto of the rail line. The click of the wheels on the sturdy rails was a crucial part of the 1950s economy. A propaganda piece aimed at making the 1950s audience see just how much their lives and their goods depend upon the railroad, Big Train delivers.
