This compilation features films about the globalization of the worlds economies and how technological advances have increased peoples ability to travel and communicate worldwide.
Included Films:
Conquer by the Clock
Conquer by the Clock
Produced: 1943
Length: 11 Minutes
The clock started its count on December 7th 1942 and that count lets up for no man, no leisure, as boys risk their life fighting the oppression of German and Japanese rule. “Conquer by the Clock” is World War II rhetoric at its prime, insisting that a moment of slacking off results in the death of a GI overseas. Several ridiculous stories are added as proof, such as a bullet inspector who sneaks off for a smoke only to have one of her un-checked bullets misfire for a soldier on the front lines, that laziness aids the enemy. A heavy dosage of guilt ensures that the viewer stays on course and works extra innings until the war is won. Though propaganda the message of unity, of a country at war, is a stark reminder of how seriously the people took the second world war and how hard people worked to ensure it was a war the allies won.
Our Shrinking World
Our Shrinking World
Produced: 1946
Length: 10 Minutes
In the age of flight and communication, where barriers mean little and distance even less we have “Our Shrinking World” The post war era of the 1940s saw a revolution in technology and the ways people viewed other nationalities. With the power of the improving airplane and developing communications system globalization was becoming more of a reality. With that development however, came the responsibility of understanding others and retrieving the extent of information offered. A nice little tribute to the modern times it was facing the message of transportation and communications affecting globalization is as true now in the age of ‘Youtube’ and streamed lined airplanes as it was decades ago.
Trading Centers of the Pacific Coast
Trading Centers of the Pacific Coast
Produced: 1947
Length: 11 Minutes
Trade is the birth of industry, of cities, bringing with it wealth, people and broad ideas from all around the world. Port cities that specialize in trade are important not only for the profit they generate but the understanding of other cultures they bring. “Trading Centers of the Pacific Coast” discusses the ports and trading centers of the US west coast, their influence on the rest of the world, and the import of ideas its shores see. It also includes an overview of how trade creates a large city, showing in animated form how they grow.
Introduction to Foreign Trade
Introduction to Foreign Trade
Produced: 1951
Length: 11 Minutes
Why is foreign trade important to the United States? Why bother when America produces everything it could ever need? “Introduction to Foreign Trade” introduces the reasons why exporting and importing goods is so important. It goes over the concepts of international commerce, shows the importance of foreign trade to our economy and emphasizes the necessity of recognizing the problems of all peoples in a world so closely tied together.
Round Trip: The USA in World Trade
Round Trip: The USA in World Trade
Produced: 1952
Length: 19 Minutes
With interviews from workers in places all over the world like England, France, and Mexico, “Round Trip: The USA in World Trade,” introduces the importance of foreign trade to U.S viewers. It claims that it not only helps the economy stay strong through exportation of goods but enhances foreign trade through their own exportation of goods. A classic look at economics in the global sense, it attempts to explain how trading internally is not nearly as lucrative as trading globally.
Six and a Half Magic Hours
Six and a Half Magic Hours
Produced: 1958
Length: 12 Minutes
When Lindbergh flew to Paris it took him thirty three hours. With the advance of technology a flight from New York to England only takes six and a half hours in the late 1950s. “Six & ½ Hours” explores all the benefits of traveling by air – the friendly stewardesses, diner quality meals, smoking on board, rich, relaxing time spent in the air – particularly aboard PanAm. Though much has changed in the wake of 9/11 and through years of technological progress, the power of flight, and the marvel of travelling between continents in mere hours, is no less astonishing now than it was then.
General Motors Around the World
General Motors Around the World
Produced: 1927
Length: 24 Minutes
“General Motors Around the World” is a comprehensive look at the glory and wealth of one of the largest corporations in the 1920s. Factories and operations around the world are shown in detail showing such cities as Brazil, Sweden, Australia, Japan, and Peru. Vintage shots of people at their desks and workers in the factories add character to this self congratulatory pat on the back from one of the most influential companies in American history.
Desert Venture
Desert Venture
Produced: 1958
Length: 28 Minutes
In light of todays volatile energy climate, Desert Venture becomes a highly ironic and intensely interesting classic video about American oil production in the Middle East. A propaganda film through and through, Desert Venture seeks to lionize the American investors who came to Saudia Arabia and invested in energy at great risk. The rosy face that the narrator puts on the relationships built between Americans and suspicious, strange people is powerful. This film is also one of the greatest collections of footage of 1950s oil factories and plants in the Middle East. Stirring scenes of Saudi and American workers toiling in the heat for energy is captivating. For its outrageously positive tone and jingoistic viewpoint, as well as precious footage, Desert Venture is of crucial viewing importance today more than ever.
Assignment: Venezuela
Assignment: Venezuela
Produced: 1956
Length: 24 Minutes
Assignment: Venezuela is a fabulously 50s old film about an American oil executive who has to move to South America for his profession. The film is packed with 1950s cultural values and perspective. The shots of Venezuela in the 50s are gorgeous, and make for a fun travelogue and historical exploration of this beautiful country. The lives of the people are also shown: at work, at bars, or at home. The film also hints at the trappings of globalization, implications that would continue to change the landscape of business and cultural exchange in the coming decades. Assignment: Venezuela offers valuable information and insight on several engaging topics.
The World At Your Call
The World At Your Call
Produced: 1960s
Length: 9 Minutes
Part travelogue, part ad encouraging consumers to waste money on long distance calls in an era when long distance calling was expensive, The World At Your Call, is a treasure chest of telephone history. As we learn about the many benefits of calling long distance we see extraordinary panoramic views of places like the White Mountains, New Orleans, Washington D.C. and England. As the vivid scenery changes from wild forest to urban forest we view the different ways in which the phone can bring people closer together. One man calls his sweetie 1,000 miles away another man confirms his vacation plains in the wild west, both using the invaluable tool of long distance calling. Made in the 1960s this film not only informs the viewer on the United States ever changing telephone industry but shows the grandeur that is her wilderness.
