Idealistic. Authoritarian. Dated. Simplistic. Propagandistic. These words perfectly describe many educational filmstrips shown across the U.S. from the 1950s through the early 1970s. These short films, aimed at grade school, junior high, and high school students, often tried to impart serious lessons with a friendly, sometimes humorous, tone. From puppets teaching lunchroom manners to cartoons explaining economics, these films are now nostalgic glimpses into the past, revealing the perspectives, social conventions, values, and politics of a bygone era. While informative, they also strike modern viewers as wonderfully hokey. Here are ten of the best (or should we say, most amusing) examples, all in the public domain.
10. “Beginning Responsibility: Lunchroom Manners”
This 1959 Coronet Films production teaches young schoolchildren about cafeteria etiquette. Uniquely, it features a puppet instructor named Mr. Bungle. Mr. Bungle demonstrates all the *wrong* behaviors: skipping hand-washing, jumping to the front of the line, knocking things over, and being impolite. The children realize they don’t “want to be like Mr. Bungle,” who has no friends, and conclude that lunch is much more enjoyable without him. The film humorously highlights the importance of good manners and consideration for others in a shared space.
9. “Duck and Cover”
Produced in 1951 by Archer Productions and sponsored by the U.S. Federal Civil Defense Administration, “Duck and Cover” stars Bert the Turtle, who demonstrates how to survive an atomic bomb attack. When a monkey drops a lit explosive, Bert drops to the ground, covers his head, and retreats into his shell. The narrator assures viewers that “if they duck and cover like Bert, [they] will be much safer.” While the effectiveness of this technique against an atomic blast is highly questionable, it was the only safeguard offered during the early Cold War years. The film now serves as a stark reminder of the anxieties of that era.
8. “Make Mine Freedom”
This 1948 filmstrip, a product of Harding College, contrasts the perils of communism with the blessings of capitalism through cartoon characters. Disputes between labor, management, politicians, and farmers are presented before a snake oil salesman offers “ISM” as a cure-all, requiring people to surrender their possessions and freedoms. John Q. Public then extols the virtues of the American “system of free enterprise,” highlighting how Joe’s invention of a horseless carriage leads to the automobile industry. In contrast, communism is depicted as a tyrannical blue giant. The film serves as blatant propaganda promoting American capitalism.
7. “Why Play Leapfrog?”
Another Harding College production, this filmstrip uses animation to explain supply and demand and their effect on inflation. A rolled dollar bill and a price tag jump over each other as the narrator states, “Prices and wages often play leapfrog.” Joe, a doll factory worker, learns that raw materials are cheap, but taxes and labor costs for production, transportation, manufacturing, and selling drive up prices. The solution, he learns, is “increased productivity,” which allows “wages to keep ahead of prices.” It’s a simplified, somewhat comical, take on economic principles.
6. “What about Prejudice?”
This Centron Corporation film tells the story of Bruce Jones, a high school student unfairly prejudiced by his peers. He is seen as unintelligent, unemployable, and the instigator of a fight. However, after he rescues a couple from a burning car and suffers severe burns, his schoolmates realize their unfair treatment. They grapple with their consciences, acknowledging their prejudice. The film ends by posing questions about the causes of prejudice, such as “a lack of understanding,” parental influence, and peer pressure. It’s a heavy-handed but well-intentioned exploration of social issues.
5. “Despotism”
This 1946 Encyclopedia Britannica filmstrip contrasts democracy and despotism. It argues that no single form of government can protect against tyranny, but experts suggest that examining the respect-power scale and the economic distribution-information scales can indicate whether a nation is despotic or at risk of becoming so. Despotism is likely when few people have respect or power, when there’s a shrinking middle class, increased control of employment and commercial opportunities, unequal taxation, and censorship. It’s a rather academic, albeit crucial, lesson in political science.
4. “Are You Popular?”
Coronet Instructional Films tackles the topic of dating popularity. The film presents high school boys’ views of Carolyn Ames, a popular new girl. They value her well-groomed appearance, sociability, and scandal-free reputation. Carolyn shows interest in others and includes them in conversations. Her dating partner, Wally, is considerate. In contrast, the film criticizes Jerry Brown for last-minute date invitations and Jenny for “dating all the boys.” It implies that consideration and respect are better paths to popularity than thoughtlessness or promiscuity. It’s a quaint, gendered view of teen social dynamics.
3. “Supervising Women Workers”
This 1944 United States Office of Education Training Film reflects blatant sexism. Foreman Joe admits women scare him in a factory. His supervisor, Mr. Brooks, reminds him that women are new to industrial jobs but also adds the sexist notion that they aren’t “naturally familiar with mechanical principles.” Mr. Brooks suggests simplifying processes and assigning women “routine, repetitive work.” Joe’s perspective shifts slightly after his wife reminds him that women perform two jobs. Despite this, the film contains numerous sexist comments, showcasing the era’s problematic views on women in the workplace.
2. “What About Juvenile Delinquency?”
This 1955 Centron Productions film addresses street gangs and curfews. Gang members beat a man for waiting too long at a stop sign, and the victim’s son, James, a gang member himself, stands up to his fellow thugs. He defends law-abiding students to the city council, averting restrictive laws. The film ends with the question: “What can you do to prevent juvenile delinquency?” It’s a melodramatic take on youth crime and social responsibility.
1. “Stillman Fires Collection: Five Fires”
This silent film shows the aftermath of several fires, including the 1946 La Salle Hotel fire in Chicago, where 58 people died. Hallways and rooms are gutted, and corpses are laid out for identification. Other fires include those at Weehawken Pier, San Francisco, a Tokyo barracks, the Yokohama Post Exchange, a Whiting, Indiana refinery, and the Staten Island Ferry. The film features dramatic scenes of flames, smoke, firefighters, and destruction, offering a stark lesson on the dangers of fire. Though labeled “Five Fires,” there are actually seven.
These educational filmstrips offer a fascinating, often humorous, look into the past. They reveal not only what educators thought important to teach but also the social and political perspectives of the time. While some of the lessons may seem outdated or even absurd today, they provide valuable insights into the values and anxieties of mid-20th century America.
Which of these filmstrips did you find the most surprising or amusing? Leave your comment below!
