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Presents a discussion of American Foreign Policy. Points out the need of convincing our allies we are doing "the right thing" in foreign affairs. Features Mr. Paul Nitze, President of the Foreign Service Educational Foundation, and host Dr. Huston Smith. (KETC) Kinescope.
Discusses the role of the corporation and the corporate executive in political life. Reviews the laws which affect or restrict the active participation of each in politics. Presents an analysis of the responsibilities of a corporation in working for the good of the country. Explains how and why management and labor should participate more actively, and with more freedom, in the political affairs of the nation.
Pollywogs grow their legs and lose their tails as they become frogs. Dora Velleman tells the story of Polly, a pollywog, who is very vain of her beautiful tail. She snubs all her friends as a result, and she is very lonely. Finally she loses her tail and as she grows legs, she rejoins her friends who forgive her for being so vain. Fignewton Frog illustrates the story on the shadow theatre.
Uses laboratory experiments to explain the process of polymerization: the formation of compounds in which chains of carbon atoms are linked together. Demonstrates the process with the making of polyethylene, bakelite, foam rubber, and rayon. Presents examples of polymers which occur naturally. (KQED) Film.
Discusses imitative polyphony as a basic principle of musical structure. Illustrates two types of composition which use imitative polyphony as the structural principle, namely, the sixteenth century motet and the fugue as heard in Handel's Messiah. (WMSB-TV) Kinescope.
Presents a panel discussion on birth control as the most immediate answer for keeping the expansion of the world population in harmony with the gradual expansion of production. Featured personalities are Barbara Ward, Julian Huxley, and Harrison Brown. (KETC) Kinescope.
Examines the resources of the earth and their ability to support man. Discusses the expansion of population in relation to resources. Points out the possibility of birth control to curb the dangers of population growth which could outrace the ability to produce. Features Harrison Brown, chemist and author. (KETC) Kinescope.
Presents a look at the rapid growth in world population as a result of scientific advances in control of disease. Discusses the question of the expanding population with respect to economic and agricultural resources. Features Julian Huxley, biologist and author. (KETC) Kinescope.
Tells the story of the meat packing industry when Cincinnati was the pork capital of the Midwest. Describes conditions as they existed in the 1800s and the importance of meat packing to the rest of the states.
Explains how we learn from the portraiture left us, how ancient people looked. Indicates that the artist's styles are much the same today as they were 2500 years ago. (NYU) Kinescope.
Bash’s story begins when the only way letters were delivered was in a sack of mail throw on the corner table of a coffee house, to be picked up, perhaps, by the owner or his friend. Early envelopes, quill pens, sealing wax are shown, and then the first rides of the Post Riders, through difficult forest paths are described. The developments in various of the colonies add stories of letters passing from plantation to plantation, and of sheriffs empowered to commandeer horses and riders to deliver official papers. Then came the first paid postmaster, whose job it was to receive mail and see that it got to the proper addresses. Stagecoach delivery of mail ends the program, with a model of the famous Wells Fargo coach, and mention of the Pony Express. Songs include “Green & Yellow Basket,” “Cotton Eye’d Joe” and “Yankee Doodle.”
One of the first things civilized man learned was to mix clay and water and make utensils. Bash takes a trip to watch the making of pottery, to see how clay is fired, painted and finished. She tells of the development of pottery in this country and sings “Lolly Too Dum” and “Go Way from My Window.”
The visions of America as a religious sanctuary attracted many thousands to the New World. The settlement by the Rappites and the later settlement by the Owenites in New Harmony were symbolic of the diversified Utopias which had a deep and permanent effect upon our social history.
Tells the story of New Salem, Illinois where Abraham Lincoln developed many of his qualities of leadership. Explains how the frontier village met the farmer's social, economic, and political needs. Discusses Lincoln's life during his early adult years.
Discusses pre-convention activity. Considers the influence of public opinion and public opinion polls, the role of the campaign manager, and the strategy for winning delegates in both states that pick delegates by conventions and states that hold primary elections. Shows scenes from the 1952 primary campaigns in New Hampshire and Nebraska. (Dynamic Films) Film.
Shows how to make a template for the job; how to install knives in the spindle; how to use the template when smoothing squared edges; how to set up equipment for shaping a curved edge; and how to shape a curved edge in more than one cut.
Topic of program is the pre-convention strategy of the candidates, and content covers the factors which make a candidate available for his party’s nomination, the advantages and disadvantages of frankness on the part of an aspiring candidate, and the political hazards of the preference primary campaign,
Sketches the background of the independence movement in the Latin Americas early in the nineteenth century: the intellectual revolution in Europe, Anglo-American and French breaks with the past, unrest in the Latin American colonies, and the events of the Napoleonic Age. (KETC) Kinescope.
Presents a panel discussion on ways and means of preparing people for more significant living. Discusses the importance of a continuing education after formal training has ended. Points out reasons why adults do not continue educating themselves and how to overcome these problems. Features Mr. Aldous Huxley, Dr. Robert Hutchins, and Dr. Clarence Faust. (KETC) Kinescope.
Introduces and outlines the twelve-program series AT HOME WITH YOUR CHILD. Discusses the baby's need for space in the home and suggests and shows furnishings for the nursery area. Describes some of the uses of various pieces of equipment in the nursery. (WQED)
Part 1: Discusses the importance of checking the car and becoming thoroughly acquainted with gauges, safety aids, starting devices, control devices, and car systems before starting the engine. Part 2: Shows the correct way to start the car, to steer, to stop, and to back up in a straight line. (Cincinnati Public Schools and WCET) Kinescope.
Discusses the effects of general pressure on Congressmen from a state, national, and world-wide basis. Examines the problems of lobbying. Features Dr. John T Dempsey, Professor of Political Science, University of Detroit, and members of Congress. (WYES-TV)
Dr. Lippisch introduces his series and the basic laws of fluid motion by means of new methods of visualizing the flow phenomenon. He also introduces the Smoke Tunnel (a type of wind tunnel) which is so designed as to make it possible to observe the entire flow field and to see clearly the action of the aircraft components. He shows how the first man-made flying vehicle, the kite, is a primitive application of the dynamic life of the flat plate.
National political leaders and newspapermen meet in a panel discussion to consider the main issues, strategies and personalities developing in the 1956 presidential campaign. Questions before the panel for consideration include: What will be the main issues in the coming conventions? Will they dominate the personalities or be controlled by the personalities? Who will be the influential leaders in each of the conventions? Who are the strongest candidates for the nominations of the parties? What is their relative strength? Is there a chance for a “dark horse” in either party?
In this program, criminologist Joseph D. Lohman outlines the extent of inmate unemployment and describes the work opportunities needed. Filmed scenes illustrate some of this work and a prison inmate describes his employment experiences. Alexander and Lohman indicate ways in which lack of work and “make work,” active idleness contribute to the maladjustment of inmates. They discuss the results of an increase in constructive prison employment.
In this program, the clandestine system of communication and standards operating in many penal institutions is examined, and illustrated with film clips of inmates passing information to each other without the administration’s knowledge. One inmate describes how the prisoners’ credo is established and maintained. Lohman and Gagnon discuss the “Grapevine,” the verbal contact of prisoners, and explain “kangaroo court,” used by the prisoners to maintain “law and order,” as they see it. Lohman points out that these things must be recognized as existing if administrators are to operate efficiently.
In this program, via an interview with a prison inmate, criminologist Joseph D. Lohman gets an internal view of prison riots. Lohman states that riots are evidence of shortcomings in the prison system. He feels that the causes of these riots are essentially the same as those which lead an individual away from the norms of society in the first place. With Bates, he points out both the immediate and underlying cause of riots. They explain that prison inmates are well aware of progress in the field of penology and they expect reform in their prison. There are many difficulties when practice lags behind publicity. Alternatives are suggested to the negative social life created by the prison environment.
In this program, Criminologist Joseph D. Lohman outlines the personality types produced by a prison environment – the “Prison-wise” man who does “easy time” by adjusting himself to life as a prisoner and may be unable to readjust to life in society, and the “stir bug” who is unable to adjust himself to the routine of the prison and consequently does “hard-time.” A “prison-wise” inmate is interviewed. With Burke he discusses the covert effects of prison on men’s lives, pointing out that prisons often maladjust inmates, rendering them useless or turning them into professional criminals.
In this program, criminologist Joseph D. Lohman points out the failure of walled institutions to serve a socially constructive purpose and indicates alternative types of imprisonment. An interview with a prisoner points up characteristics that illustrate the need for these alternatives. Harrison and Lohman discuss the economy of prison camps and the constructive life in these camps, which contrasts with the maladjustment occurring when men who are bitter and hostile toward conventional society are thrown together behind a large wall. They describe the prison camp as a way-station on the return road to a responsible life in conventional society.
What does statehood mean to Alaskans? John MacVane conducts sidewalk interviews with the new citizens, and draws from them a series of interesting responses. Joe Kirkbridge, editor of The Daily Alaska Empire(a Juneau paper), tells about the many conditions that hamper Alaska’s future development. Governor William Egan, in an interview in his offices, speaks of the Alaskans’ inventiveness and their willingness to be self-reliant, to accept hardship, and to help one another. His statement is a remarkable combination of idealistic anticipation and realistic appraisal of the difficulties facing the development of Alaska.
Records a discussion of photography as a profession by Ansel Adams and Milton Halberstadt, an outstanding commercial photographer in San Francisco. Adams is shown applying his imagination and techniques to industrial photography, advertising photography, and portrait photography.
Discusses the role of progress during the history of mankind. Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr is questioned concerning areas where progress has occurred and relates this progress to the problems it has brought about.
After the lift, stability and control problems were solved, a propulsive system was needed to make the aircraft fly. The first propulsion device - the propeller - is still in use today. Dr. Lippisch explains the design of the propeller and demonstrates the lifting propeller - the Helicopter Rotor.
Warning: This film begins with combat footage and images of deceased soldiers.
Examines various methods of countering the possibility of governments using weapons of mass destruction and engulfing the major powers in an expanding local conflict. Presents some of the views held by international leaders and scientists on the potential dangers of chemical, bacteriological, and nuclear weapons, and some of the propositions by which the Western nations might cooperate to lessen these dangers.
The idea that the Bible can be read purely as literature is not new, but it receives much support from Dr. Boyd’s sensitive and moving interpretations and discussions. This is particularly evident in this program, which analyzes one of the most inspired of David’s psalms. Dr. Boyd explores the relation of the psalm’s view of God to others expressed elsewhere in the Bible, the influences that shaped the construction of this poem of praise, and the emotions that inspired it.
Discusses and shows the use of psychosurgery and shock therapy in the treatment of the mentally ill. Outlines the development of psychosurgery, and electric shock therapy; points out the uses and dangers of both, and discusses their future utilization as treatments for mental illness. Features Dr. Walter Freeman and Dr. Douglas Goldman.
Presents a simulated on-the-spot television report of a Congressional hearing where a Russian deputy-premier who has requested political asylum in the United States is answering questions concerning his change of loyalties. To everyone's surprise, the reason for his defection is not disappointment with a totalitarian regime, but a protest against the regime's philosophy of peaceful coexistence. In a heated discussion among the Russian, Congressmen, and the Congressional committee attorney, many of the differences between the processes of a democratic government and a totalitarian government are illuminated.
In this program, criminologist Joseph D. Lohman contrasts the public’s attitude and desires for penal institutions with the current knowledge of the social sciences. With Kenyon Scudder, he explains the facts which would disprove existing myths, such as “The way to deal with prisoners is to treat them rough” and “Anybody can run a prison.” Film clips illustrate the unreasonable penal practices that are a product of these myths. An Interviewed prisoner brings out his experiences under such systems.
Surveys the political and economic evolution of Puerto Rico. Explains Puerto Rico's new political association with the U.S. Describes present Puerto Rican efforts to realize economic benefits through this new status. (WTTW) Kinescope.
Discusses how to buy a new car, how to buy a used car, the variable and fixed costs of car operation, economies in operating your car, and advertised gadgets.
Explains how an understanding of pure science can lead to applied science. Demonstrates this relationship by reviewing a theory of heath and how it led to a number of inventions: smokeless fireplaces, new types of stoves, pressure cookers, and drip-style coffee pots. Features Dr. Sanborn C. Brown, Professor of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (WGBH-TV) Kinescope.
Marionettes are used to tell the delightful age-old story of the cat who wore boots when he visited the King for his Master. Puss told the King that his Master was the Marquis and presented him with his favorite good rabbit. The King invites the Marquis to visit him. Puss tells a servant at the Ogre’s castle to tell the King that all the land around the castle belongs to the Marquis. The Ogre is tricked into changing himself into a mouse which Puss quickly eats. The Marquis goes to the castle, meets the King and the Princess. The Princess and the Marquis fall in love and are married and live happily ever after.
Demonstrates and explains methods of manipulating elements and using them. Shows how iron is extracted and explains the derivation of a variety of products from petroleum. Uses a working model of a blast furnace and of a petroleum refinery. (KQED) Film.
The Nation chose one of its greatest all-time citizens, Washington, to guide the country through the first important years. Washington and his cabinet and the Congress set sound precedents and proved the workability of the government that the new Constitution had blueprinted. That men should read the blueprint differently was inevitable. Strong leaders like Hamilton and Jefferson differed in their conception of the government, but each man and each group of followers must share much of the credit for the successes achieved in the second stage of the “critical period.” The Constitution was working, and there was no reason to think that the change of management which the election of 1800 promised would affect the process.
Illustrates and explains the chief properties of the important quadrilaterals such as the parallelogram, rectangle, rhombus, square, trapezoid, and trapezium.
Answers representative questions about ideas on Eastern philosophy discussed in preceeding films in the series Eastern Wisdom and Modern Life. Lists recommended books useful for gaining additional understanding of Eastern thought.
Presents a dialogue between Indian spiritual leader Krishnamurti and the boys of the Thatcher School of Ojai, California, in which Krishnamurti encourages the students to question life in order to enhance their self understanding. Warns against the traditional intellectual and argumentative approach to questioning, which Krishnamurti believes dulls the mind. Shows the boys posing questions concerning war as a way of life, acceptance of death, and such world problems as hunger and poverty.
Dr. Joel Hildebrand reviews the important concepts of the preceding programs through questions and answers. Touches briefly on such concepts as the "law of survival," "law of averages," intelligence, and the criteria of scientific judgement. (KQED) Film.
Points out that genetic damage is one of the most serious effects of radiation and shows how the Atomic Energy Commission's genetics research program is geared to learn how radiation damages cells and what the long term effects of such damage might be. Presents Douglas Grahn, a geneticist in the Division of the Biology Medicine, explaining how radiation causes mutations and how these mutations are passed on to succeeding generations. Describes the work of Herman Slatis, also a geneticist in the Division of Biology Medicine, with fruit flies and induced mutations. Discusses fallout and its implications.
Indicates the preparation necessary for entrance into radio work, stressing a strong foundation in science and mathematics. The development of personality and a cultural background is stressed. Gives an overview of radio and its present importance and the application of radio principles to public address systems, sound reproduction, and television.
The causes of radioactivity, how it is detected, measured and controlled are noted by Dr. Warren F. Witzig and guest Edward Sanford. They also demonstrate the instability of energy and discuss the different types of radiation. Sanford explains the meaning of alpha, beta and gamma rays and explores the uses and dangers of radioactivity.
Records the activities and sounds in a freight yard upon the arrival of a freight train. Portrays a turntable in operation, a steam locomotive in a roundhouse for servicing, a diesel engine moving through an automatic washer, and the reassembling of cars into a new train. A recording of the film-sound and music accompanies the film.
After looking at the first railroad engine, the Tom Thumb, and the De Witt Clinton, and seeing an engine in a race with a horse, wherein the horse won, Bash climbs aboard a real engine of the early days, and has a ride. She shows how the engine worked, and even mounts to the cab to throw wood in the firebox, and handle the throttle. The engine is the “Genoa, #12,” of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, which hauled millions of dollars’ worth of gold from the Comstock Lode in Nevada. Songs include “Puffer Belly,” “Casey Jones,” and “Little Red Caboose.”
The fabulous story of the men who built the railroad to join the Atlantic and Pacific coasts is told by Bash Kennett. The struggles of the laborers in the west who battled granite cliffs in order to lay more track than the crews on the plains who had to import their lumber is told. Songs include “Midnight Special,” “Down in the Valley” and “Drill Ye Terriers.”
The Friendly Giant reads the book, Raindrop Splash, by Alvin Tresselt, illustrated by Leonard Weisgard, and published by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard. After the story, the Friendly Giant and Jerome the Giraffe talk about how you can keep dry when it rains. (WHA-TV) Kinescope.
A rocket motor operates for a short time and then the missile coasts the rest of the way up and down. Once into the coasting period there is no way to change its trajectory. Stray missiles are prevented from leaving the range by stopping their motors before the burning is scheduled to end. Some missiles can be guided from the ground. Three types of guidance systems are: Command, Beam Riding, and Homing.
Segment from episode 20 of Black Journal. Points out that discrimination within labor unions restricts minority membership, thus perpetuating the existing power structure. Notes that minorities in the New York local of the Transport Workers Union are trying to overcome discrimination by forming their own union. Indicates that although the TWU organizes on Transit Authority property, other groups are not allowed to do so.
Marionettes are used to tell the story of a wife who longed for some rapunzels (cross turnips and rutabagas) which grow in a witch's yard. The husband agrees to give the witch his first child in exchange for the rapunzels, but does not tell his wife of this. Their first child is born and the witch comes for her and takes the child away to a tower and names the child Rapunzel.
Uses such situations as computing a baseball player's batting average and adapting a recipe to illustrate the principles and uses of ratio and proportion. Explains the terms used, the difference between ratio and proportion, and the application of the principles to gears.
Shows that ratio expresses a relationship between two numbers. Points out that equal ratios form a proportion, which may be used in solving problems, stressing that the units must be the same in finding ratios between two numbers.
Explains the principle of propulsion, and illustrates the way in which the design of a rocket engine increases the speed of escaping gases. Illustrates the law of momentum as applied to propulsion. States that one of the biggest problems of jet designers is that of making jet gases go faster. (New Mexico College of A. & M.A.) Film.
Discusses and demonstrates different types of nuclear reactors. Explains the fission process and how it is used and controlled in a reactor. Illustrates three basic reactor types and points out their advantages and functions.
Presents physical education as an essential part of the modern school curriculum. John Glenn explains why the astronauts need to be ready physically and mentally for space travel. Describes how body motor skills are developed in early grades by tumbling, rope climbing, and rhythms. Pictures older students playing team games, as basketball and volleyball. Stresses the need for well-planned activities, accurate records, and competent, well-trained teachers.
George follows carefully planned preliminary operations in getting ready to type. Jane, who makes her preparations haphazardly, learns later to practice George's methods and is then ready to type with self-control and self-confidence.
Defines realism and discusses style, subject matter, and motivation with reference to realism in painting. Identifies and contrasts genre painting and illusionary realism and illustrates these with prints. A realistic portrayal of a landscape is done at the easel. (Hofstra College and WOR-TV) Kinescope.
Presents a panel discussion on ways and means of realizing the potential economic and agricultural resources of the world. Features Barbara Ward, James McDonnell, and Henry Wallace. (KETC) Kinescope.
Shows types of reamers; how to check the size of reamers; and how to ream straight holes with straight-fluted helical-fluted, and adjustable-blade reamers.
Presents an edited version of a speech delivered in September, 1958 to Boston's Atlantic Treaty Association. Provides an analysis of NATO, its effectiveness in dealing with current world problems and its future directions if it is to continue to be a force for peace. Speaker is Paul-Henri Spaak, secretary-general of NATO.
The Indian idea that man has forgotten who or what he is through identifying himself with his individual personality is considered by Alan Watts. The “person” as the dramatic mask or social role is discussed also.
Shows how to check, recondition, and repair the cutter and adjust the knife clips and bar mechanism; how to remove and replace worn sections in the sickle and sharpen the sickle section; how to repair, sharpen, replace, and straighten the guard unit, replace wearing plates, and adjust the cutter bar to the proper lead; and how to adjust the sickle for register.
The use of coordinates in simplifying the solution of problems involving time and distance is demonstrated. Teaches how a point is located by the use of two coordinates and explains what a coordinate is.
Discusses the criticisms of the present party system and evaluates proposed changes. Points out the changes in the election system that would be necessary for any party reform. Suggests that any reforms would depend on greater public participation in the parties, which in turn would create less need for party reform. (University of Michigan Television) kinescope.
Uses demonstrations to explain the principle of light refraction. Illustrates with a penicle in water and a magnifying glass. Shows an optical illusion and tells how it happens. (WCET) Kinescope.
Shows how pigeons are taught abnormal behavior patterns by means of selective reinforcement of response and how the removal of the reinforcement causes the gradual extinguishing of the learned response. Derives from the experiments basic principles about learned behavior which are applicable in the training of children.
Shows how behavior that is reinforced does get learned while non-reinforced behavior is extinguished.
Presents a discussion of the use of man's freedom. Tells how freedom can best be utilized to bring about and adjustment between aspirations and needs. Panelists include Dr. Erich Fromm, psychoanalyst, Barbara Ward, economist and author, and host Dr. Huston Smith. (KETC) Kinescope.
Huston Smith interviews Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt in New York City and, in Cambridge, Dr. and Mrs. Walt Rostow of MIT, on our relations with our Western Allies. Are they an asset or an embarrassment? Is the alliance as it should be; if not, why not, and what might be done to improve it?
Explains how a child learns ethical and spiritual values. Discusses the process through which a child develops a mature understanding of God. Answers questions concerning the telling of lies, stealing, using the concept of God to punish, and whether or not a child should go to church if his parents do not. (KECT) Kinescope.
Discusses religion as a force of individual freedom. Stresses the theses that the family is the core of freedom and freedom can be found only in obedience. Featured guests are the Reverend John Courtney Murray, S.J., Woodstock College, the Right Reverend Stephan J. Bayne, JR., Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, Washington, and Barbara Ward, Editor of THE ECONOMIST. (WOSU-TV) Film.
World War II film showing the horror of the Pacific war with extensive coverage of the care and treatment of the wounded. Created in support of the 7th War Loan drive, the film encourages the general public to purchase war bonds to aid the recovery of wounded servicemen.
Shows how terra cotta clay may be used to create a reproduction. Demonstrates two different methods of using terra cotta. Explains several large pieces of terra cotta sculpture and presents them in their natural setting. Discusses and shows how this technique of sculpture can be used for monuments and on buildings. Features Merrell Gage, sculptor and Professor of Fine Arts, University of Southern California. (USC) Film.
Modern reptiles have body structures and characteristics much like their giant ancestors of long ago. This will be an introduction to the contemporary reptiles, the ones living now which we can watch and observe and study. On this program, Meyer Bornstein, who is studying biology at Northeastern University, will introduce through living examples the four kinds of reptiles; alligators, lizard, snakes and turtles. He will tell you about their habits, and show you how he cares for and learns from reptiles as pets.
Shows how to check a repulsion-induction motor for electrical and mechanical faults; how to dismantle a repulsion-induction motor; how to clean and plug the commutator; how to turn the commutator; how to remove a damaged sleeve bearing; how to ream to size and install a new sleeve bearing; how to remove a damaged coil and wind and insulate a new coil; and how to assemble and lubricate a repulsion-induction motor.
Uses charts, pictures, and specimens to explain how the geologist discovers what lies beneath the earth's surface. Shows how earthquakes provide information about the interior construction of the earth. Tells how examination of effects at the surface of the earth provides a picture of what lies below. Demonstrates and discusses the instruments used to provide knowledge upon which the geologist can theorize. Features Dr. Kirtley F. Mather, Professor of Geology, Harvard University. (WGBH-TV) Kinescope.
Shows in detail what happens in a stimulus-response situation. Illustrates with a startle response. Explains the sensitivity of the five senses. Discusses the rods and cones of the eye and their purposes. Describes the type of response caused by muscles and glands. Points out the interrelations of the endocrine glands. (WGBH-TV) Kinescope.
Presents and demonstrates the value of three ways to rest: sleep, relaxation, and change. Relates rest, exercise, and food to good health and pictures a boy, his sister, and his dog observing the rules to achieve good health.
Continues the discussion of hypnosis from the preceding program, "HYPNOSIS." Explains hypnotism as an interpersonal reaction between the hypnotist and the subject. Points out how hypnotism functions in relation to sensitivity, anesthesia, action, rigidity, amnesia, hypermnesia, contradiction, and post-hypnotic suggestion. (WGBH-TV) Kinescope.
An elementary school orchestra, rehearsing for a school program, is having some difficulty in keeping the rhythm. The teacher illustrates familiar kinds of steady beat with a stethoscope, pulse rate, a clock, and a metronome. The drummer illustrates accented beats, and members of the orchestra play tunes in each rhythm. The rhythm of the piece they were practicing becomes clear, and the rehearsal proceeds.
The exciting topic of “stretching time” is explained by Professor Jones in this program. Devices used for continuity without change of character in the music include postponement or avoidance of cadences and extension and overlapping of phrases. To the commentator this is truly the most “exciting” area of music appreciation.
Richard Rodgers was brought up in a passionately musical family. His mother was brilliant pianist; his father, a doctor, sang. They would sing and play the comic operas of the day. He was weaned on “The Merry Widow” and “Chocolate Soldier.” “These are the happy memories of childhood.” When he was sixteen years old, he met 23-year-old Lorenz Hart, who proceeded to explain his theory of lyric writing. Rodgers was proud that the age of sixteen he understood Hart. Rodgers played a couple of tunes for him and that was the beginning of a 24-year partnership. Nothing has ever been more gratifying than his first success to its fullest ... loved every minute of it. Everything that’s come along since, I’ve loved. I roll success around in my mouth like a piece of candy.” He hates failure –but thinks it’s the result of being alive –and readily admits to several: “Chee Chee,” “Pipe Dream,” and “Higher and Higher.” “I love it when it’s good and I hate it when it’s bad,” he says. Another Rodgerism: “In writing for people, there are two facets –one is emotional, the other is intellectual.”
A reminiscence about Lorenz Hart is naturally followed by Rodgers’ personal and professional transition in Oscar Hammerstein II. One big difference: Oscar was interested in what to say, Larry in how to say it. The first thing Rodgers and Hammerstein ever did, “Oklahoma!,” turned out to be one of the greatest American musical theatre hits. But there was nothing about “Oklahoma!,” to suggest success. The original play was a flop … the producers announced it was their last show, they were so sure it would die … Hammerstein had had eleven years of failures … the director couldn’t get a job before they hired him … the choreographer had only one other show to her credit. Rodgers and Hammerstein declared they wouldn’t touch “My Fair Lady,” as they didn’t have the courage to tamper with GB Shaw. When they decided to do “Carousel,” based on Molnar’s “Liliom,” they dared to change the ending. At an early run-through, they learned the author was in the theatre and were thoroughly intimidated by his presence. But they were relived at his enthusiastic response and particularly at his approval of the ending. In this program there is a moment of great poignancy as Oscar Hammerstein is shown reciting “Surrey with the Fringe on top,” a song which always makes Rodgers cry because of its sentimental simplicity. More Rodgers philosophy: “Somehow or other, we find what we need – in marriage, work, friends and music.
Richard Rodgers talks about his collaborators, Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein, and the difference in the relationship he had with these two men as compared to that of Gilbert and Sullivan “who loathed each other.” Hart was “way out,” says Mr. Rodgers, whereas Hammerstein was more down to earth. In the Rodgers and Hammerstein team, Rodgers acquired the reputation of the businessman – the man who transacted the deal, took care of the finances, and knew how to count. Rodgers pooh-poohs this with “I don’t know the salary of one person who works for me. I have a business office and people who take care of that end. I don’t want to be known as a good business man. I like the reputation of writing good music, if I do.” When Hammerstein realized that his days were numbered, he told Rodgers to get a young person to work with. “A young person will give you energy, new ideas, direction; you will give somebody young experience,” he said. When 20th Century Fox wanted to remake “State Fair,” they asked Rodgers and Hammerstein for three songs to add to the old score. When it became obvious that Oscar could never do it, Rodgers decided to undertake both music and lyrics, for the first time in his life. The songs were accepted, and he says, “I never had more fun working my life. I’m on a new road whether it’s with another collaborator or alone.”
Interviews Richard Wilbur and Robert Lowell (Pulitzer Prize winners) and explores their interests in poetic expression, and the origins of the ideas in their respective poems. Presents Wilbur reading "On The Marginal Way," "Love Calls Us To The Things of this World," and "Advice to a Prophet." Shows Lowell reading "Water," "Soft Wood," "A Flaw," "Fall, 1961," and "The Opposite House."
Barry Ulanov, associate professor of English at Barnard College, discusses the poetry of Richard Wilbur with the poet. Wilbur reads and discusses “Exeunt,” “A Simile for Her Smile,” “Part of a Letter,” part of “Candide,” and other poems.
Barry Ulanov, associate professor of English at Barnard College, discusses the order, clarity and tonality which are outstanding in the poetry of Richard Wilbur. Wilber reads and comments on “Digging for China,” “Statues,” “Two Voices in a Meadow,” and other poems.
Shows Guatemala's natural resources, crops, and other products. Includes the cultivation of coffee, bananas, corn, pepper, cinchona for quinine, and plants for rotenone. Includes a short Spanish lesson.
Early use of rivers is described, form the Indian canoe of hollowed log to the flatboats and keelboats of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Bash tells of the importance of water transportation, of families building flatboats and traveling down the currents with even their cows and chickens aboard, and she shows the ways the keelboats were propelled upstream by sweeps and by men with tow ropes walking along the banks. Cargoes of wheat, corn, animal skins and log rafts are related in their importance to the lives of the people. Songs include “Sewanee River,” “Shenandoah,” and “Old Woman.”