1. Abel Gance : hier et demain (29:08)

Date:
1963
Summary:
Focuses on the life of French filmmaker Abel Gance and examines his contributions to the motion picture industry. Explains that Gance pioneered such film techniques as polyvision and the use of the picturegraph and the picturescope. Illustrates these techniques through excerpts from some of his films, including Napoleon and J'Accuse.

2. The expressive society (29:22)

Date:
1963
Summary:
Focuses upon actress Ingrid Thulin and producer-director Ingmar Bergman. Shows Miss Thulin at home and at work as she comments upon the acting profession in Sweden. Presents background to the development of Bergman. Contains scenes from some of his work, including "Winter Light" in which Miss Thulin played the leading female part.

3. Bauernvolk in den bergen (10:28)

Date:
1960
Summary:
Uses the activities of a farmer, his wife, and nine children living in the Alpine country of southern Austria as an example of a cooperative family enterprise. Shows members of the family participating in the harvest and other farm activities of late summer and early fall. Includes scenes of lumbering, sheep shearing, a funeral at a sixteenth century church, the children's school in session, and a village dance.

4. World War II prologue, U.S.A. (28:29)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Reviews, through documentary scenes taken from the National Archives, the historic events which led to the entry of the United States into World War II. Records the failure of the League of Nations to take strong action against the aggressive acts of Japan, Italy, and Germany. Highlights the war of nerves, the successive Axis aggression, U.S. Neutrality Acts, the various agreements and pacts, and the declaration of war by England, France, and the United States. Documentary of events leading to United States entry to World War II. Different stages through which American public opinion passed as events in Europe took place are described.

5. Blue ice (30:18)

Date:
1954
Summary:
Pictures and describes the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition in 1954. Traces the route of the expedition and follows the ship which took the men and supplies to the various scientific stations. Shows details of the ship going through the pack ice. Pictures in detail the trip to and establishment of the new scientific station on the Antarctic continent.

6. Australia's platypus (13:15)

Date:
1952
Summary:
Tells how Johnny and the noted Australian scientist, David Fleay, embark on a trip to capture a platypus. Shows the method of capture and close-ups of the animal, and reveals Mr. Fleay's success in breeding them in captivity. Illustrates the teacher's use of Johnny's experience to present the animal's characteristics and to urge its conservation.

7. Bakuba (17:25)

Date:
1952
Summary:
Describes the arts and crafts of the Bakuba people of the Congo and briefly describes other aspects of their culture. Indicates the probable origin of the Bakuba in northern Africa. Pictures weaving, embroidery, tattooing, and making of statuary. Shows trinkets used to decorate costumes and presents details of the most ornate costume of the hereditary king.

8. Hopi horizons (20:42)

Date:
1946
Main contributors:
Mary L. De Give, Margaret Cussler, Social Documentary Films
Summary:
Shows the Hopi Indian as a farmer, herder, craftsman, and trader. Pictures how difficult it is for him to live on the desert, especially with some of the government controls. Gives the Indian a chance to speak about his problems in education, place in American society, and means of making a living.

10. Army in overalls (07:32)

Date:
1941
Summary:
Shows the Civilian Conservation Corps working with Army engineers to improve and expand military reservations in the United States. A defense report on film.