21. Grassland (09:07)

Date:
1944
Main contributors:
United States. Department of Agriculture. Soil Conservation Service
Summary:
Presents problems of soil conservation and overgrazing in the western U.S. Narration states "the problem of saving the grasslands is before us," showing that careless management has resulted in the depletion of this vital natural resource. "This range, once capable of supporting 22,000,000 animal units, can now carry only half that number. Overstocking results in over-grazing. When the land is stripped of vegetation, erosion begins. How to prevent over-grazing, and restore areas of desolation to productivity is the problem presented in this film. Interesting photography of sheep and cattle on the range" (Motion Pictures of the United States Department of Agriculture, 1945, 42).

23. Ground controlled approach (32:47)

Date:
1944
Summary:
Shows in detail how a plane is directed to landing by the ground controlled approach team. Illustrates the principles of operation of the system, and shows the members of the GCA team in action.

24. Home electrical appliances (11:05)

Date:
1944
Summary:
Animated drawings explain the principles involved in the operation of the electric iron, fluorescent lighting, and the refrigerator. Alternating current is used in all scenes involving the flow of electrons. The principles of the thermostat are given detailed study. The maintenance of electric motors is illustrated in connection with the vacuum cleaner.

25. Improving the job (09:37)

Date:
1944
Main contributors:
See Other Contributors
Summary:
A supervisor asks an employee for work-improvement suggestions; the employee talks the problem over with his father and sister, obtains their advice, and makes some worthwhile suggestions.

26. In The Wake Of The Armies... (16:31)

Date:
1944
Summary:
Briefly explains the purpose of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) and shows President Roosevelt signing the agreement that led to its formation. Through scenes of war-ravaged Europe, families fleeing their homes and ruined cities, this film shows the necessity of UNRRA to provide food and medical supplies to countries in need. Focuses on the importance of relief work throughout Europe to build a stable post-war future.

27. Introducing the new worker to his job (15:21)

Date:
1944
Main contributors:
See Other Contributors
Summary:
Dramatization of how not to orient a new employee and get him started on his job; then by contrast, what should have been done.

28. Is Your Trip Necessary (02:09)

Date:
1944
Main contributors:
War Activities Committee of the Motion Picture Industry : distributed and exhibited by
Summary:
A short bulletin urging people to travel only when absolutely necessary in order that space can be saved for millions of troops and millions of essential civilian war workers. States that every non-essential traveler may be preventing a serviceman from joining his family during the holiday season. Civilians are told "on every highway and mainline, war has the right of way" and "we've got a battle of transportation to win here in the U.S., you can help to win it just by staying home."

29. Kids Must Eat (16:06)

Date:
1944
Main contributors:
United States. Department of Agriculture, Office of Information, Motion Picture Service
Summary:
An episode of the popular "Quiz Kids" radio program introduces the U.S. Department of Agriculture's school lunch program. The four precocious children, ages 7 to 12, demonstrate knowledge of Shakespeare, chemistry, math and geography as they answer a series of quiz questions given by host Joe Kelly. Concludes with a message from the host about importance of adequate and healthy food for schoolchildren. Showing women in wartime factory jobs, the narrator states "in busy America many mothers perform many necessary jobs outside the home, but we must never become too busy to feed our children." Community groups are called upon to sponsor school lunch programs with the support of the Department of Agriculture.

30. Maintaining Quality Standards (10:02)

Date:
1944
Main contributors:
United States. Office of Education. Division of Visual Aids, United States. Federal Security Agency, Mode-Art Pictures : produced by
Summary:
Set in a typical wartime factory, the film discusses the supervisor's need to keep up production quantities while meeting quality standards. Narration states "quality work, like a mirror, reflects the one who produces it." Points emphasized include: the necessity for proper instruction of workers, making sure the right tools are provided and correctly used, matching the right man to the job, workers must have "job pride," the supervisor must assure that technical specifications are being met. "Bert Bowdler, a supervisor, learns that quality as well as quantity production is necessary, and how such quality standards can be achieved and maintained" (U.S. Government Films, U.S. Office of Education, 1954, 109).

31. Maintaining Workers' Interest (11:27)

Date:
1944
Main contributors:
United States. Office of Education. Division of Visual Aids, United States. Federal Security Agency, Caravel Films, Inc.
Summary:
Explains that the job of the supervisor includes preventing problems caused by a worker's loss of interest in the job. Narration explains "one of the most powerful spurs to production is the interest of the worker in his job." Shows various scenarios leading to loss of worker interest: monotony of the job, lack of advancement, a sense of failure in the job that is beyond the worker's control, a failure to appreciate the importance of the job, among others. Remedies for each of these scenarios are suggested.

33. Men of Fire (17:58)

Date:
1944
Main contributors:
Army Pictorial Service : produced by, Combat film units of Signal Corps, Marines, Army Airforces, United States Navy
Summary:
Wartime American audiences are shown the need for workers in the physically demanding metal forging and casting jobs, using scenes of combat from the invasion of France. The fictional American tank driver "Bill" is killed in combat in Normandy. His spirit returns to the factory where he used to work and finds that many of his former fellow foundry workers have left for higher paying, easier jobs. Bill's spirit dissuades a forge worker from leaving his job by describing the need for castings in the war effort. Bill's spirit insists “every single foundry in America and every single foundry worker counts. It's up to you. You can bring us victory."

34. Molding with a gated pattern (11:17)

Date:
1944
Summary:
Shows what a gated pattern is and why it is used, how a match or follow board can simplify making a parting, how facing sand is prepared and used, and how and why some patterns are rapped.

35. Molding with a loose pattern (21:05)

Date:
1944
Summary:
Shows how to identify and use common bench molder's tools; how molding sand is prepared; how to face a pattern; how to ram and vent a mold; how to roll a drag; how to cut a sprue, runner, gates and riser; how to swab, rap, and draw a pattern; and, by animation, what takes place inside a mold during pouring.

36. Northwest by air (15:16)

Date:
1944
Summary:
Shows how Canada's northwest airlines have conquered the almost impenetrable natural barriers of rivers and mountains on the Pacific coast. Reveals how air bases were built, supplied, and serviced during World War II. Shows the city of Edmonton as a gateway to the new North, to Russia, India, China, and the Orient.

37. Out of bed into action (15:36)

Date:
1944
Main contributors:
United States. Army Air Forces. First Motion Picture Unit
Summary:
This film outlines the convalescent training program for hospitalized U.S. airmen in World War II. It is designed to acquaint the convalescent with the program in which he will take part. Patients are shown in their beds, doing light calisthenics in the wards, exercising specific muscles using specially designed equipment, exercising and playing games out-of-doors, and engaging in hobbies and crafts. Other aspects of the program involve convalescents sharing wartime experiences with their fellow patients, teaching them new material and new skills, brushing up on their old skills acquired on duty, taking courses, and even earning degrees. The program also includes updates and discussions on the war, watching duty-related films, and engaging in purely social activities. The circulation and blood supply to various parts of the body are shown in animation.

38. Out of Bed into Action (16:26)

Date:
1944
Summary:
This film outlines the convalescent training program for hospitalized U.S. airmen in World War II. It is designed to acquaint the convalescent with the program in which he will take part. Patients are shown in their beds, doing light calisthenics in the wards, exercising specific muscles using specially designed equipment, exercising and playing games out-of-doors, and engaging in hobbies and crafts. Other aspects of the program involve convalescents sharing wartime experiences with their fellow patients, teaching them new material and new skills, brushing up on their old skills acquired on duty, taking courses, and even earning degrees. The program also includes updates and discussions on the war, watching duty-related films, and engaging in purely social activities. The circulation and blood supply to various parts of the body are shown in animation.

39. Photography fights (13:36)

Date:
1944
Main contributors:
Quackenbush, Robert S., 1904-1985
Summary:
Dramatization showing how Navy photographers and photographic interpreters provided the intelligence necessary to launch a strike against a Japanese airfield in the Solomon Islands. Ends with a statement by Commander R.S. Quackenbush, Jr. urging viewers to purchase war bonds.

40. Pincers on Japan (18:58)

Date:
1944
Main contributors:
National Film Board of Canada
Summary:
"Canada's place in the strategy of Pacific warfare is the subject of this wartime film. Convoys, carrying the sinews of war, steam out from her ports, while along her western coast lookouts and patrol boats keep constant vigil. The close cooperation between the United States and Canada in the Pacific is illustrated."--NFB website.