a few moments, at random — click one to read what the model saw
Target Invisible
1945
- Several small aircraft fly across the cloudy sky.
- A military jeep drives across the dirt lot.
- A man points at a map with a pencil.
This black-and-white historical film segment, titled "An Army Air Forces Film," transitions through several distinct settings. It begins with a title card featuring a military emblem against a cloudy sky. The scene then shifts to a wide shot of a cloudy sky where several small, dark objects, likely aircraft, fly across the frame. A title card reading "TARGET INVISIBLE" appears over a smoky background. The setting changes again to a silhouetted propeller plane on a runway at dusk, followed by a close-up of a man in a military uniform pointing at a map. The film then cuts to a group of men in a military camp, some sitting on benches and others standing near a sign that reads "HEADquarters BOMBER COMMAND." A man in a military uniform is shown inside a large, dimly lit hangar, surrounded by other men. Finally, the camera focuses on a close-up of a map where a pencil draws a line from a city toward a specific point, illustrating a strategic plan.
Stillman Fires Collection: Industrial Fires
undated
- A large wheel spins rapidly on a mechanical assembly.
- A metal rod ignites with a flame on the assembly.
- A man stirs the contents of a metal can.
The video begins with a title card on a white background stating "Overheated Bearings & Friction 10%", followed by a close-up of a mechanical assembly where a large wheel spins rapidly, causing a belt to slip and a metal rod to ignite with a flame. The scene then transitions to a workshop or storage room where a man, dressed in a white work jacket and a matching cap, stands at a cluttered workbench. Behind him, wooden shelves are packed with numerous metal cans and containers. The man is focused on a large metal can on the counter. He uses a metal tool to stir the contents before setting it aside. He then turns and walks away from the workbench, exiting the frame. The camera then zooms in on the workbench, showing the metal can and some rags. A small flame is seen rising from the metal can, indicating a fire has been ignited. The environment is dimly lit, emphasizing the industrial nature of the setting.
Flying the Lindbergh Trail (Part I)
1937
- The title card displays film information and credits.
- A man in a flight helmet stares intently ahead.
- A large globe rotates to reveal various geographical names.
The video opens with a black-and-white title card for a film titled "Flying the Lindbergh Trail," featuring a vintage airplane in flight against a cloudy sky. The text identifies the film's subject as an aerial travelogue of the Southern Americas and credits the narrative by Gene Hamilton. This introductory sequence transitions into a close-up of a man wearing a leather flight helmet, his face set in a serious expression as he gazes into the distance. The scene then shifts to a detailed view of a large, dark globe, likely a globe of the world, which is spinning. As the globe rotates, various names and geographical regions are visible on its surface, including "Wake wake 15" and "Cape Town." The camera captures the globe from a high angle, moving in a smooth clockwise arc that highlights the spinning motion and the changing orientation of the landmasses. The overall atmosphere is one of historical exploration and cinematic narrative, characteristic of early 20th-century travelogues.
Soundie - Beyond The Blue Horizon
1944
- The three men play their instruments together in the studio.
- The guitarist strums his instrument while the pianist plays.
- The accordionist expands the bellows while playing his instrument.
The scene is set in a classic mid-20th-century television studio, characterized by its minimalist yet professional aesthetic. The background features a neutral-toned wall adorned with a round analog clock and vertical architectural elements that suggest a formal room. Three men are the primary focus, all dressed in formal suits and ties, indicative of a mid-century musical performance. On the left, a man stands playing a white hollow-body electric guitar. In the center, a man sits at a white upright piano, his hands actively moving across the keys. To the right, another man stands playing a large, white button accordion. A fourth man is partially visible in the background, standing behind the piano and observing the others. The lighting is bright and even, typical of a studio setting, highlighting the textures of the instruments and the expressions of the performers. The camera alternates between wide shots showing the full trio and close-up shots focusing on individual musicians, capturing their rhythmic movements and joyful expressions as they perform together.
Speech: Stage Fright and What to Do About It
1949
- A man in a suit walks toward a building.
- The man stands still with his hands in his pockets.
- The man in the suit shakes hands with another man.
The video begins with a series of black-and-white title cards on a dark background, featuring the text "YOUNG AMERICA FILMS presents" and "SPEECH STAGE FRIGHT AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT," followed by production credits for "A Centron Production." The scene then transitions to an outdoor setting during the day, likely a university campus or a public square, characterized by brick pillars and a paved ground. A man in a dark suit and tie is the primary subject, walking from a shaded area into the sunlight. He approaches another man wearing a suit and a fedora, who is standing near a building. The background includes a street with vintage cars and trees, suggesting a mid-20th-century period. The lighting is high-contrast, typical of classic film noir, with deep shadows and bright highlights. The two men engage in a conversation, with the man in the fedora handling a small object, possibly a key or a card, while the other man observes and eventually crosses his arms.
Detroit You've Never Met, The (Part II)
undated
- A man in a suit speaks at a podium.
- A marching band plays brass instruments in the foreground.
- A man in a white shirt runs along the track.
The video opens in a formal indoor setting where a man in a dark suit and tie stands behind a wooden podium, addressing a large audience. The background consists of heavy, pleated curtains. The scene then transitions to a massive outdoor stadium at night, where thousands of spectators fill the stands, many wearing hats and suits. A large marching band with brass instruments is visible in the foreground. The focus shifts to a man in a white t-shirt and shorts running along the inner curve of a dark, multi-lane track. He is holding a flare that emits bright sparks and a trail of smoke. The camera captures various angles, including wide shots of the stadium and close-ups of the running man and the cheering crowd. The atmosphere is celebratory and high-energy, typical of a major sporting event. The lighting is dramatic, with the bright sparks of the flare contrasting against the dark night sky and the stadium's artificial lights.
Personal Hygiene (Part II)
1950
- A man in a dark jacket eats and talks.
- A man in a dark jacket gestures while speaking.
- Several men stand up and gather around a table.
The scene is set in a bustling, monochrome military dining hall, likely during the mid-20th century. The room is filled with rows of small, square tables where numerous men in dark, utilitarian uniforms are seated. The atmosphere is lively and social, with the men engaged in various activities. In the foreground, a man in a dark jacket is seen eating and talking, while another man nearby holds a white mug. As the camera zooms out, more of the room is revealed, showing many other men seated at similar tables, some eating and others drinking. The lighting is bright and even, typical of an indoor institutional setting. Later, a group of men gathers around a central table, some standing and some sitting, engaged in a spirited conversation. The background features large windows with horizontal blinds and heavy curtains, adding to the period-specific aesthetic. The overall mood is one of camaraderie and relaxed interaction among soldiers in a communal living space.
How to Use the Dial Phone
1927
- A title card for a telephone company is displayed.
- A hand reaches toward the rotary telephone dial.
- The hand turns the dial to a specific number.
The video is a vintage black-and-white instructional film about dial telephones, set in a studio environment. It begins with a title card for "The Pacific Telephone &Telegraph Co." featuring a bell logo. The scene then transitions to a close-up of a classic rotary telephone resting on a dark surface. A hand enters the frame to interact with the dial. The film includes several text overlays: a title card reading "HOW TO dial THE DIAL TELEPHONE," a service announcement for dial telephones, and a "Fresno" telephone directory notice from June 1927. The camera remains mostly static, with some slight unsteadiness and a subtle zoom-in during the telephone interaction. The overall aesthetic is that of a mid-20th-century educational or promotional film, focusing on the mechanics of the telephone.
Nonesuch Coffee Ad
1934
- A woman walks from the right to the left.
- The woman holds a coffee jar and talks to the man.
- The woman places the coffee jar on the table.
The scene is set in a monochrome, mid-20th-century diner or cafe. A man in a dark suit and tie sits at a table covered with a white cloth, which holds a silver coffee pot and a small plate. To his left stands a large, white vintage refrigerator. A woman, dressed in a light-colored, short-sleeved dress, enters the scene carrying a large, dark glass jar of coffee. The background features a window with a view of a building across the street and a sign for 'GROCERIES' with a 'MOVIE WEEK' special sale notice. The atmosphere is casual and conversational. The camera uses various techniques, including zooms and pans, to focus on the interaction between the two individuals and the product being showcased. The clip concludes with a static graphic advertisement for 'The New None Such Coffee' during the movie week, detailing a special sale price and deposit requirements.
Troubles of a Merchant and How to Stop Them, The (Part II)
1925
- A man and woman walk away from a produce table.
- A woman walks across the store floor from right to left.
- A man in a white coat prepares a small bag.
The video is set in a mid-20th-century general store, captured in black and white. The scene begins with a title card listing five business ideas, followed by a wide shot of the store interior. A man in a light-colored suit and a woman in a dark coat and hat are seen browsing a large wooden table piled with produce. The store is filled with shelves of goods, and other customers are visible in the background. The camera then cuts to a close-up of a 'Cash take with' sale. A man in a white lab coat and a woman in a dark dress and white cap stand at a wooden counter. The man is busy preparing a small bag of goods, while the woman waits. The focus then shifts to a close-up of a mechanical cash register. A hand reaches in to insert a paper slip, and the register's dials are adjusted to record the transaction. The clip concludes with a close-up of the register's printed slip, which includes the store's name and contact information.
Island of Yesterday: Sumatra, Dutch West Indies, The
1920
- Dancers perform a synchronized routine in a large crowd.
- A dancer in a decorated headpiece speaks to the camera.
- musicians play traditional drums and a steel drum.
This black-and-white archival footage captures a festive scene in Dolok Merengir,Sumatra,utch East Indies, as indicated by the opening title card. The video begins with a title card and then transitions to a large, open-air gathering where a group of men in traditional attire, including patterned trousers and headpieces, perform a rhythmic dance. They move in a synchronized fashion, with some men carrying large, ornate shields. A dense crowd of onlookers, dressed in a mix of traditional and Western-style clothing, surrounds the performers. The camera captures close-up shots of the dancers' faces and their intricate costumes, emphasizing the cultural significance of the event. Later, the scene shifts to a musical performance where several men sit on the ground, playing traditional instruments like the gourd drum and the steel drum. The footage also includes a brief shot of a record player in a room with a window, suggesting the spread of the event. The overall atmosphere is one of celebration and cultural preservation.
Tupperware Commercial #1
undated
- candles are lit
- a hand points at a newspaper advertisement
- a hand opens a gold compact mirror
The video presents a sophisticated and warm-toned montage centered around luxury and the Tupperware brand. It begins with a close-up of several tall, slender candles that are lit, casting a soft glow in a dimly lit indoor setting. The camera then reveals a large, rectangular gift box wrapped in brown paper with a green grid pattern and a white rose on top, suggesting a celebration or a gift-giving occasion. The scene transitions to a display of elegant, sparkling earrings hanging from a glass rod, with the word VOLUPTÉ prominently displayed on a red sign. A close-up shot features a gold compact mirror with the brand name Veuverly visible on the cushioned lid. A hand enters the frame to point at a newspaper advertisement for Tupperware, highlighting the brand's presence in the market. The montage continues with a close-up of a hand holding the gold compact mirror, which is then opened to reveal the brand's logo. The clip concludes with a brief shot of the lit candles and a final close-up of the hand opening the mirror.