271. The nature of humor (29:40)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Dr. Feinberg delves into the basic nature of humor as it is known in everyday life. “Fake” laughter, often used on radio and television, is demonstrated and its importance and value explained.

272. The nature of satire (28:53)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Dr. Feinberg addresses satire; why satire is used, how it combines humor and criticism, its relationship to the nature of reality, and how it causes laughter. Dr. Feinberg points out that cosmic irony, social irony, and individual irony are the basis for satire, and discusses and illustrates each of these three forms.

273. The nature of the satirist (29:34)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Dr. Feinberg addresses just what makes the satirist tick, what kind of a person it is who twists elements of a person or of a thing to make the whole appear funny.

274. The Necessity of Government (26:21)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Discusses opposing views concerning the necessity of government, and illustrates why some form of government is essential for the common good of the group. Explains the two general types of government--leader centered and majority rule. Points out the danger of the two extremes of government--anarchy with unlimited individual rights or a powerful government with no individual rights. (Mortimer Adler-San Francisco Productions) Kinescope.

275. The New Baby Comes Home (28:51)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Shows and discusses baby clothing and pictures the actions of two babies less than six weeks old. General styles of various items of baby clothing are displayed, their advantages are pointed out, and minimum quantities needed are suggested. (WQED) Kinescope.

276. The new old Greece (29:31)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Considers the recently deciphered tablets from Pylos and Knossus that have furnished evidence calling for a thorough revision of Greek history before Homer. Discusses this "brand new" world of Ancient Greece and the possibility that Homer could actually write. (NYU) Kinescope.

277. The nominating process re-examined (28:40)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Discusses trends in the nominating process and the changes in sectional voting patterns. Briefly mentions the influence of third parties and splinter candidates. Summarizes criticisms of the political convention and the primary system, concluding that the process, whatever its weakness, has proved workable. Considers the influence of television on American elections. (Dynamic Films) Film.

278. The office of the President (29:09)

Date:
1956
Summary:
This program considers the role of the president and the significant changes in that role during the past half century. Interviews and discussion also consider the presidential role as administrator of public policy and political leader; the methods used for nomination of candidates for the presidency, and the development of the convention system.

279. The old man and the sea (29:48)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Discusses The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. Appraises the artistic quality of the book and examines its purposes and the ideas that it contains. Concludes that this rather short, simple story is Hemingway's technically most competent book. (Syracuse University) Kinescope.

280. The organization and operation of the National Convention (29:42)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Here, working politicians consider selection and preparation of the convention site, the role of the National Committee in the organization and operation of the convention, the functions of standing committees of the convention, and settlement of disputes in seating of contested delegates.