231. The indomitable blacksmith : Thomas Davenport (20:54)

Date:
1953
Summary:
Teaching Film Custodians abridged classroom version of a Cavalcade of America television series episode, "The Indomitable Blacksmith: Thomas Davenport" (season 1, episode 14), which originally aired April 1st, 1953 on NBC-TV. Dramatizes blacksmith Thomas Davenport's discovery in the 1830's of the principal behind the electric motor, and his efforts to develop a practical, working model. Professor William Henry, a leading scientist of Harvard University and first director of the Smithsonian, recognizes the genius of Davenport's invention and assists him in obtaining financial backing to perfect it. Industrialists of the period, committed to steam power, remained unconvinced of the potential of Davenport's invention.

233. Osmosis (19:47)

Date:
1948
Summary:
Teaching Film Custodians release of a Motion Picture Association of America short film. A high school student, who is having difficulty understanding the textbook explanation of osmosis, discusses the problem with his detective friend. They go to a police laboratory. There a technician demonstrates osmotic pressure and clarifies the student's questions. This film addresses the following concepts: 1) Cells receive air and liquid through cell walls and tissues; 2) cells release waste products as liquids and gasses through the tissues; 3) diffusion of molecules of salt with molecules of water; diffusion through a membrane, or osmosis.

234. Dad explains about people (07:20)

Date:
1947
Summary:
An excerpt from "Gentleman's Agreement" (1947) produced and copyrighted by Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp. A widowed father tries to explain anti-Jewish prejudice to his young, precocious son.

235. David Copperfield : the boy (42:01)

Date:
1935
Summary:
Abridged from the first half of the feature film based on Dickens' novel. Includes his infancy, his visit to the seaside with Peggotty, his difficulties in his stepfather's home, his experiences in London, the trip to Dover, and the pleasant relationships at his aunt's home. Closes with his leaving for school.