Has the economy changed over the past 70 years? Why yes! Have economic principles changed over the past 70 years? Well, not so much. Watch this special DVD compilation of vintage economic films and discover the answer for yourself. This DVD makes a great reference, teaching tool or collector?s item. The classic economic animation films are a must-have! This DVD includes nine digitized films from 1939-1957.
Included Films:
Working Dollars
Working Dollars
Produced: 1957
Length: 11 Minutes
Fred Finchley is a typical American who works hard to enjoy the peace and quiet of home. One day at Finchleys office his boss gives him a 60 dollar a month promotion for his hard work. Working Dollars takes Finchleys situation to explain how the Stock Exchange works with things like a Monthly Investment Plan. Glorious 1950s animation adds life to the story of Fred Finchley in a way that makes economics and trade interesting for the average American.
Round and Round
Round and Round
Produced: 1939
Length: 6 Minutes
This movie is interesting, quirky, fun to watch and easy to understand. It explains the basics of capitalism and business theory using animated puppets in a dramatized factory setting
Capitalism
Capitalism
Produced: 1948
Length: 9 Minutes
What is Capitalism and what does it mean as an economic and political system? “Capitalism” uses a forum of high school students talking on a radio show to develop ideas about what capitalism means, discussing it’s most important attributes and what makes it tick. While it does not make an attempt to define capitalism in absolute terms, it does provide examples of how it operates, often ignoring the down sides of the system in lieu of the Cold War Americanism (capitalism is the best system) that was prevalent at the time. Made for teenagers “Capitalism” is an excellent method for starting discussion on a still very relevant topic.
Understanding The Dollar
Understanding The Dollar
Produced: 1953
Length: 12 Minutes
Understanding the dollar means more than knowing what a dollar bill looks like. Knowing what the dollar means to the human story, the day to day business of the world is integral to that understanding. “Understanding the Dollar” is a simple, yet informative explanation of Capitalism over all and covers such topics as dollars versus purchasing power, fixed income versus wage earners, and the benefits of money to business people and the consumer. With no frills attached and packed with information, the power of the dollar, consumerism, and capitalism has never been clearer than in this 1953 educational film.
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America’s Distribution of Wealth
Produced: 1955
Length: 12 Minutes
Made by the wealthy, Americas Distribution of Wealth, discusses how wealth is equally distributed among Americans during the 1950s, making America great. Several specious arguments include a British socialist explaining how someone like a railroad engineer might not be able to afford food and a communist Russian claiming how bad things are in his country. Obviously propaganda, yet highly informative, we are taken on a journey of capitalism and Americanism at its finest.
A Look at Capitalism
A Look at Capitalism
Produced: 1955
Length: 13 Minutes
Neither Socialism nor Communism ever will become established in the U.S.A if each generation of Americans gets a clear understanding of our American system of Capitalism, how it works, and the comparative advantages it produces for all citizens. Produced at the height of the Cold War scare A Look at Capitalism begins with what capital means and builds an understanding of the unique system of American Capitalism. Through the example of buying clay to make a toy to sell to children the lecturer, Dr. Ganus explains the concepts of free enterprise, private ownership, and the goods of service – provides a working explanation for capitalism, with clear and concise examples, despite the economic changes since the 1950s.
Story of Enterprise
Story of Enterprise
Produced: 1955
Length: 12 Minutes
Story of Enterprise is an exceptionally made capitalist propaganda film from the 1950s. Though unabashed propaganda, the film is based on the true success story of Thomas A. Carvelas, who went from ice cream stand owner to multimillionaire corporate head. Humanizing the advantages of capitalism with honesty and zeal, the film successfully glorifies the system of commerce that has been such a focal point in American history. Quintessentially 50s, American, and uplifting, Story of Enterprise is an enjoyable riff on the American Dream.
The Secret Of American Production
The Secret Of American Production
Produced: 1955
Length: 13 Minutes
This is a video of a touchstone boastful 1950s lecture on America and what a great nation it is. During the cold war, propaganda of this type was common and this is a superb example. For instance, the professor explains that the three foundations of American success are faith in God, a constitutional government, and capitalism. Dr. Ganus further explains how these three ideals are shown in American values. The film focuses on freedom. Americans who have the freedom to work in a profession of their choosing are better for it. Many citizens of other nations are not allowed such a privilege. Freedom to dream allows Americans to reach their full potential and happiness. This film, which borders on xenophobia and jingoism, is the perfect example of mainstream 1950s values that promote an idealized, heterogenous America.
Why Kill The Goose
Why Kill The Goose
Produced: 1955
Length: 11 Minutes
This 1950s pro-America film expounds on the virtues of the free market system and capitalism. It goes into how profits, even if small, lead to research and new designs, which yield increased productivity for American industry, which in turn brings in higher profits. The film argues an ever-increasing engine of technological advancement is all fueled by profits, which would not be possible under another economic system. The film is impressive for its powerful rhetoric and entertaining speaker.
