251. A time to grow : the Louisiana Territory (20:31)

Date:
1953
Summary:
Teaching Film Custodians abridged classroom version of an episode of the DuPont sponsored Cavalcade of America television series (season 2, episode 6), "A Time to Grow", which aired November 3, 1953 on ABC-TV. This historical drama recreates the circumstances leading up to the 1803 purchase of the Louisiana Territory by Robert Livingston and James Monroe, American Commissioners to Paris, for 15 million dollars. An offer to purchase the Port of New Orleans from France is opposed by Joseph Bonaparte and Maurice Talleyrand. Napoleon later orders Talleyrand to sell the entire Louisiana Territory. But Talleyrand, in an attempt to prevent the transfer of the territory from French control, sets a price he believed the American Commissioners could not possibly accept.

252. A tree is born (28:59)

Date:
1959
Summary:
Shows the techniques Forest Service researchers employ to produce hybrid pines through controlled pollination and through the selection of superior pines and use of their natural seed. Shows a pine cone opening and tree seeds germinating and growing through time-lapse photography.

254. A universe of numbers (28:55)

Date:
1962
Summary:
Traces the history of computer development from the first mechanical calculators to ENIAC, the first electronic computer. Explains in lay terms how a modern digital computer stores both data and instructions in number form.

255. A visit with cowboys (11:01)

Date:
1949
Summary:
A city boy visits a real western ranch for the first time and sees cowboys rounding up, roping, and riding horses; watches cowmen roping and branding calves; meets a fence rider at work; helps to shoe and feed horses; and attends a rodeo. For primary and middle grades.

256. A World to Perceive (1:01:59)

Date:
1962
Summary:
Demonstrates the role of perception in handling the processing information from the environment and the way in which our personalities affect our perception. Reviews the research of Dr. Herman Witkin of the State University of New York Medical Center, Dr. Eleanor Gibson of Cornell University, and Dr. Richard D. Walk of George Washington University.

257. Abstract and non-objective painting in the world of art (30:01)

Date:
1957
Summary:
Discusses the transition in art from realism to the abstract. Explains the reasons underlying abstract and non-objective painting. Demonstrates important points with illustrations drawn in chalk and paint. Uses prints of abstract painting to clarify and develop a greater understanding of the artist's interpretation. (WQED) Kinescope.

258. Abstract Art, Part 1 (29:11)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Discusses abstract art and the elements in a machine society which have furthered its development. Discusses the influences of Cezanne, the cubists, and the futurists. Uses charcoal drawings to distinguish expressionistic from geometric abstraction.

259. Abstract Art: Part 2 (29:32)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Continues the discussion of abstract art begun in ABSTRACT ART: PART 1. Discusses inspiration, technique, and communication in abstract painting. Features Stuart Davis, American abstract painter, and shows works by Davis and by Jackson Pollock. (Hofstra College and WOR-TV) Kinescope.

261. Accident Scene (09:25)

Date:
1962
Summary:
What can happen when drivers of automobiles have questionable mental attitudes. Includes realistic and stark sequences of crash scenes

262. Across These Borders: Nato (29:21)

Date:
1957
Summary:
Discusses the purpose, successes, and failures of NATO, the prospects for extending its economic functions, and ways of making it more effective. Gives the history of NATO's formation and explains the financial contribution of each member country. (WTTW) Kinescope.

263. Across These Borders: The Afro-Asian Bloc (29:46)

Date:
1957
Summary:
Discusses the formation of the Afro-Asian bloc, the declaration issued by it, and the possible influences this organization may have in world politics. Considers official United States reaction to the bloc and the bloc's possible influence on the formation of United States foreign policy. (WTTW) Kinescope.

264. Across These Borders: European Federation (29:43)

Date:
1957
Summary:
Discusses attempts, from the Roman Empire to the present, at European unification. Examines the progress in economic unification through the Schuman Plan. Appraises the effects on the United States on the degree of unification in Europe. (WTTW) Kinescope.

265. Across These Borders; International Exchange (29:42)

Date:
1957
Summary:
resents the scope of international exchange programs now in process. Explains the various types of exchange. Discusses the Fulbright scholarships and shows a film on the experiment in international living in Austria. (WTTW) Kinescope.

266. Action + Agency: Storytelling + Filmmaking (13:30)

Date:
2025
Summary:
Camera-less film made by participants at an event 'Action + Agency: Storytelling + Filmmaking' held at the Grunwald Gallery of Art on Thursday March 6, 2025. This multi-faceted event featured live interviews facilitated by Alex Chambers, host of WFIU’s Inner States podcast, about moments that embody a resistance to the status quo. Attendees had the option to participate in experimental camera-less filmmaking, creating art inspired by the action and agency in the stories told from Amy Oelsner, Stephanie Littell, and Ileana Haberman. At the end of the evening, the strips of film were spliced together and projected in the gallery. This event was part of the YOU (probably) HAVEN’T SEEN THIS BEFORE exhibit which was held at the Grunwald Gallery of Art from January 17 - March 8, 2025.

267. Activating human potential (29:45)

Date:
1957
Summary:
Presents a synthesizing of many aspects of education as discussed in the preceding programs. Points out how education can be used most effectively in activating man's potential. Features Mr. Frank Laubach, Mr. Robert Hutchins, and Mr. Aldous Huxley. (KETC) Kinescope.

268. Activity group therapy (53:56)

Date:
1950
Summary:
Activity group therapy as developed at the Jewish Board of Guardians, New York City, by S.R. Slavson, Director of Group Therapy. Shows socially-maladjusted children 10 to 11 years old being benefited therapeutically by "acting out" their disturbances upon their environment and each other. Presents Henry's anxiety hysteria, Bob's aggressiveness, and Albert's effeminacy in a realistic situation with an emotionally neutral therapist and concealed cameras and microphones. Argues for encouraging boys to form a club and work things out for themselves. Recommended for use only by individuals or groups professionally concerned with psychiatric, social, and medical fields.

269. Actua tilt (11:22)

Date:
unknown/unknown
Summary:
Portrays man's callousness towards war and violence by viewing unemotional and noncommunicative men who press triggers on pinball machines in a Parisian bistro and cause real battleships to sink, airplanes to explode, and cannons to blow out the wall.

270. AD-Land Revisited (1:00:54)

Date:
1961
Summary:
Analyzes advertising in twentieth century America, and its dual function as mirror and molder of our culture. Demonstrates that admen have long been fluent with the familiar slogan, jingle, testimonial, and doctor's endorsement--by which values and dreams, rather than commodities, are made the fare of public consumption. Reminds us that we must guard against the temptation to make advertising the scapegoat for our own materialism, for admen can erect and support only the images that society tacitly permits.

271. Adaptation (29:24)

Date:
1959
Summary:
Dozens of marine animals are shown in action in the natural habitats as Dr. John F. Storr explains the wonderful adaptations of sea creatures to their environment. With dramatic emphasis on devices for escaping physical damage by wily enemies or power of waves, Dr. Storr demonstrates the armor, camouflage, speed and agility of these animals.

272. Adaptation in plants (17:21)

Date:
1962
Summary:
Illustrates the variety of environments in which plants survive, and shows adaptations developed by various plants for survival and reproduction within their own environment. The role of man as a mediator of environment is shown as he modifies living conditions of plants, and then must provide protection for them. The viewer is encouraged to search for adaptations in the plant world around him.

273. Adaptation in plants (17:47)

Date:
1962
Summary:
Illustrates the variety of environments in which plants survive, and shows adaptations developed by various plants for survival and reproduction within their own environment. The role of man as a mediator of environment is shown as he modifies living conditions of plants, and then must provide protection for them. The viewer is encouraged to search for adaptations in the plant world around him.

274. Addiction among teenagers (29:28)

Date:
1957
Summary:
Discusses the conditions and effects of drug addiction among young people. Reveals how an individual may be enticed to use narcotics. Outlines some of the causes of addiction and considers the possibilities of treatment and cure. (WTTW) Kinescope.

276. Adjustments of the scientist (28:42)

Date:
1959
Summary:
Uses film sequences of the second Byrd expedition, 1933-34, and recent film footage to show how technological advances have improved the work of the scientist. Explains how Antarctica scientists face problems and make adjustments unknown elsewhere in the world. Compares the two expeditions in transportation, building construction, living conditions, equipment, and food. Features Dr. Laurence M. Gould.

277. Adolescence and alcohol (28:32)

Date:
1955
Summary:
Portrays the psychology at work in the use of alcohol by adolescents. A documentary approach is taken in presenting the origin, development, and results of an actual research project, "A Study of the Use of Alcohol Among High School Students", made by the Hofstra College Bureau of Social Research. (Hofstra College & WPIX) Kinescope.

278. Adolescence and Alcohol (56:53)

Date:
1955
Summary:
Portrays the psychology at work in the use of alcohol by adolescents. A documentary approach is taken in presenting the origin, development, and results of an actual research project, "A Study of the Use of Alcohol Among High School Students", made by the Hofstra College Bureau of Social Research. (Hofstra College & WPIX) Kinescope.

279. Adult learning (28:47)

Date:
1957
Summary:
Discusses the nature and importance od adult learning, and points out the fallacy of thinking that the school is the only place where education occurs. Explains that adult learning is the gaining of wisdom and understanding and is for everybody, regardless of formal schooling. States that "adults are more educable than children as children are more trainable than adults," and stresses that when we cease to learn our mind starts to die. (Palmer Films) Film.

280. Adventures of Chico (10:26)

Date:
1954
Summary:
"Roadrunner conquers rattlesnake" is an excerpt from the feature "Adventures of Chico." A young boy, Chico, is sleeping while his roadrunner pet explores nature. The roadrunner comes across a dangerous rattlesnake and the two go head to head.

281. Adventuring in conservation (15:06)

Date:
1959
Summary:
Shows the adventures of Nip and Tuck, two little goats. Presents brief scenes of various farm animals including billy and nanny goat. Identifies the little goats as kids and shows them drinking milk from their mother. Pictures their first adventure in the pasture and explains what goats prefer to eat.

282. Adverse Conditions (29:31)

Date:
1959
Summary:
Stresses recognizing adverse conditions as they appear in the traffic picture. Describes the safety factors involved for utmost driving efficiency in snow and ice. Discusses the special problems of rain as more fatalities occur on wet streets than on snowy or icy streets. Show the changes in traffic conditions in fog, on mountains and in deserts. (Cincinnati Public Schools and WCET) Kinescope.

283. Africa speaks (18:10)

Date:
1961
Summary:
Five African university students discuss present African leaders, African students, chances for African unity and Africa as a major power. An American tells of the problems of the Negro in the United States. The film stimulates class and audience discussion on problems of contemporary Africa. The students are from: Dahomey, Cameroun, and the Central African Republic.

284. Africa's future (29:35)

Date:
1959
Summary:
The future of Africa, discussed by representatives from Ghana, Ethiopia, Ceylon and the Union of South Africa, raises questions such as: Why is foreign aid necessary? Where does it come from? How is it best administered? What can the smaller nations do to help one another? Does aid imply dependence? What are the prospects for African independence? What are prerequisites to independence? What effects does education have on a nation as a whole, and on the individuals in the nation who are more highly educated than the rest? Participants: P. Tissa Fernando, Ceylon; Bizuayehu Agonafir, Ethiopia; Nii Tetteh Quao, Ghana; Marita Wessels, Union of South Africa.

285. Africa: East Africa (29:40)

Date:
1957
Summary:
Describes the lands of East Africa that are members of the British Commonwealth. Discusses variations in degree of self government and in the composition of populations. A native of Tanganuika presents his views on independence for his homeland and outlines a course of action. (WTTW) Kinescope.

286. Africa: the Belgian Congo (29:43)

Date:
1957
Summary:
Outlines the political history of the Congo and discusses the success of the Belgian colonial policy. A native of the Congo proposes a program for more self-government of the people. Stresses the economic importance of the Congo to Belgium and to the United States. (WTTW) Kinescope.

287. African musicians (15:09)

Date:
1957
Summary:
Pictures and describes a number of common African musical instruments. Indicates the probable origin of the instruments. Among those shown and played are the tom-tom, skin drums, horns of various types, and the xylophone.

288. African nationalism and prejudice (29:25)

Date:
1959
Summary:
This program concentrates chiefly on racial prejudice as exhibited in South African and the United States. The panelists consider topics which include: How does race prejudice begin? Can it be justified? Are apartheid and other forms of racial segregation defensible? What role does education play in removing the causes of prejudice? What are the prospects for the end of prejudice, and how do individuals from different parts of the world view the current situations? Participants: Nii Tettah Quao, Ghana; Constantinos Fliakos, Greece; Marita Wessels, Union of South Africa; Cora Brooks, United States.

289. After jail, what? (29:34)

Date:
1959
Summary:
In this program, criminologist Joseph D. Lohman explains that a major portion of the crime problem is a result of what society does about initial and relatively less serious crime. An interviewed inmate tells that he was less damaged by his prior criminal experience than by his prison experiences. Public sentiment has not kept pace with the progress of penological attitudes, say Lohman and Bates. This is a cause of prison experiences making an inmate more dangerous to the public. They emphasize that a prison must make offenders self-reliant, rather than dependent, and indicate methods by which this can be accomplished.

290. After jail, what? (29:34)

Date:
1959
Summary:
In this program, criminologist Joseph D. Lohman explains that a major portion of the crime problem is a result of what society does about initial and relatively less serious crime. An interviewed inmate tells that he was less damaged by his prior criminal experience than by his prison experiences. Public sentiment has not kept pace with the progress of penological attitudes, say Lohman and Bates. This is a cause of prison experiences making an inmate more dangerous to the public. They emphasize that a prison must make offenders self-reliant, rather than dependent, and indicate methods by which this can be accomplished.

291. Aggression and destruction games : balloons (17:33)

Date:
1941
Summary:
Two boys, both between the ages of four and five, are subjects in a study of aggressive and destructive impulses. The film shows how differently two children, but a few months apart in age and from similar backgrounds, respond to a graduated series of opportunities and invitations to break balloons. Demonstration film of a projective technique developed by L. Joseph Stone.

292. Agriculture (29:38)

Date:
1958
Summary:
Special Guest: DR. RICHARD S. CALDECOTT –Dr. Caldecott is a geneticist with the cereal crops brand of the United States Department of Agriculture and an associate professor in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics at the University of Minnesota.There is an area of scientific endeavor that will serve to illustrate one important method in which atomic energy is being utilized by agriculture scientist. This area envelopes the science of genetics. Dr. Warren F. Witzig and Dr. Caldecott discuss this science and the use of atomic energy in this area to provide basic information of life and life processes for the use of the applied agriculturalist. Many examples of how radioactivity has helped the agriculturalist are demonstrated in this program.

293. Agriculture : corn, hogs, beef, and dairy cattle (29:28)

Date:
1955
Summary:
Discusses agriculture in terms of the raising of hogs, beef, and dairy cattle. Explains that corn is the vital link between the soil and the production of these animals. States that the large production of corn and farm animals in the United States enables us to eat 61 times as much meat per person per year as the average Japanese citizen.

294. Agriculture : corn, wheat, cotton, and rice (29:28)

Date:
1955
Summary:
In this program, Dr. Sumner uses maps and graphs to demonstrate another reason why the soil is considered to be the most precious of all natural resources. He draws the attention to the variety of crops which we raise in large quantities within our borders. He gives production figures added meaning with descriptions of the agricultural production of Japan and India.

295. Agriculture's showcase abroad (14:07)

Date:
1962
Summary:
Visits a number of international trade fairs and identifies their purposes and contributions to the United States agricultural program. Illustrates ways United States agricultural products are introduced to actual and potential customers. Studies some of the agricultural export items which have been favorably influenced by the trade fair. Proclaims the importance of foreign markets as an outlet for our agricultural surplus.

297. Alaska (15:25)

Date:
1959
Summary:
Bash tells of the new state’s mountains, tundra and the cities on the coast. She tells of the modern farmer, salmon fishing, mining and the Eskimos. Her songs include “Greenland Fishery,” “Sacramento” and “Jennie Jenkins.”

298. Alaska's silver millions (30:55)

Date:
1936
Summary:
This informative short film narrated by Father Bernard Hubbard 'The Glacier Priest' shows in detail the large and lucrative salmon fishing industry in Alaska, from the catching of the fish to their canning.

299. Alaska, The 49th State, Its People and Resources (Second Edition) (17:00)

Date:
1960
Summary:
Uses photographs to tell about Alaska, America's 49th state and the continent's last frontier. Describes the history of Alaska from the dreams of Peter the Great to its admission as a state in the United States. Includes views of the people, of the cities, and of the countryside from the frozen arctic tundra to the flower filled Matunuska Valley.

300. Alcoa [unknown title] (01:19)

Date:
1961
Summary:
A female narrator forecasts a bright future for aluminum as she lists recently developed products that contain aluminum. The commercial concludes with another narrator asking the viewers to choose Alcoa for all their aluminum needs.