American road rage had a long history on the roads. Beginning 30s the U.S. government along with the auto industry started to try to educate the public about the dangerous of losing your temper when driving. A rare chance to watch these classic films. If these films dont make you laugh nothing will.
Included Films:
Driven To Kill
Driven To Kill
Produced: 1950s
Length: 9 Minutes
Driven to Kill, narrated by Lowell Thomas, tells the story of Hal, an upstanding U.S. citizen who changes into a dangerous madman when he gets behind the wheel. With Thomas classic dry delivery as a backdrop, the film captures Hal as a real red-blooded American: he hunts and isnt afraid to let his kids play with knives in the kitchen! Hes a different man when hes driving, though, and his road rage (or aggressive driving) causes him to get in an accident that kills the other driver. Throughout this educational video are beautiful shots of classic cars and vintage automobiles. The ruining of Hals life in this scare tactics video serves as a stern message about the dangers of reckless driving. Bad drivers at their best, Driven to Kill is an amusing glance at the history of road rage in America, with some important lessons car safety features and safe driving.
Borrowed Power
Borrowed Power
Produced: 1952
Length: 16 Minutes
Borrowed Power is a typical drivers education film meant to scare kids into being cautious and responsible drivers. Jerry Thomas, quarterback of his high school football team and all-around great guy (the classic 1950s perfect young man), turns into a different person when he gets behind the wheel of a car. He drives aggressively, speeds, and generally abuses the borrowed power of the car. When he and two friends get hauled into court on suspicion of a hit-and-run in their (now) vintage cars, Jerry gets a lesson in the responsibilities of safe driving from the judge. In a touching showing of loyalty, a parade of friends and family come in to testify about how Jerry is such a great guy. The judge comments to Jerrys father that Jerry received enough training to be a good pedestrian and bicyclist, but that he needed some more guidance when it came to being a good driver and vehicle safety. Life lessons abound by the end of the film as Jerry begins to understand what a serious matter safe driving is. One of many educational videos to employ scare tactics, Borrowed Power effectively contrasts reckless driving with defensive driving, car safety, and safe driving habits.
Turnabout Man
Turnabout Man
Produced: 1936
Length: 6 Minutes
(Note: This film is incomplete. The last minute of the ending is missing) A bizarre film about a man who has a dream in which his road rage is used against him as his chaotic personal life and driving life collide in dramatic fashion. Youll just have to watch to see it for yourself.
Stop Driving Us Crazy!
Stop Driving Us Crazy!
Produced: 1950s
Length: 9 Minutes
Stop Driving Us Crazy! is a strange animated film, sponsored by the General Board of Temperence of the Methodist Church, that equates reckless driving with sin in a rather unique storyline. The Christian video introduces Rusty, an alien from Mars (who looks somewhat like a cross between an insect and a car) who comes down to spy on Earthlings. The little Martian is shocked to find how disrespectfully drivers treat each other on the road (and the viewer is treated to great 1940s vintage and classic cars). After showing many driving errors, the film gives safe driving tips and techniques. The animation is quintessentially 1950s and the soundtrack to this funny and dated film, which seems to be a jazz combo of some sort, only adds to its quirkiness. Of all the car and driving educational videos, Stop Driving Us Crazy! is one of the strangest. But the lessons on vehicle safety are fun and the 1950s cartoon characters are precious. Lessons on safe driving have never been more entertaining.
