Hemo the Magnificent (1957) (TV)

Directors:

Frank Capra
William T. Hurtz

Writer:

Frank Capra (writer)

Release Date:

20 March 1957 (USA)

Genre:

Animation | Family

Plot Keywords:

Bell System Science Series | The Human Body | Part Live Action | Educational | Science

Awards:

Won Primetime Emmy.

Cast

Frank Baxter	...	Dr. Research
Mel Blanc	...	Squirrel
Richard Carlson	...	Mr. Fiction Writer
June Foray	...	Deer
Marvin Miller	...	Hemo

Runtime:

USA:60 min (including commercials)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Company:

Frank Capra Productions

Quotes:

Hemo: What better way to love thy neighbor, than to heal thy neighbor?"

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Freaks and Geeks: Discos and Dragons (#1.18)" (2000)

Heart Facts

A Frank Capra WONDERS OF LIFE film.

Keeping the blood pumping through our veins is the responsibility of hardworking HEMO THE Magnificent.

In the mid-1950's, AT&T and Bell Science teamed with famed Hollywood director Frank Capra to produce a series of CBS television science films to educate the public about the Universe around them. A far cry from the dreary black & white fodder so often foisted off on young scholars, the Capra films would both instruct and entertain with lively scripts and eye-catching visuals shown in Technicolor. The four films - OUR MR. SUN (1956), THE STRANGE CASE OF THE COSMIC RAYS (1957), HEMO THE MAGNIFICENT (1957), THE UNCHAINED GODDESS (1958) - quickly became schoolhouse favorites, where they were endlessly shown in 16mm format.

The star of the series was Dr. Frank C. Baxter (1896-1982), an affable English professor at the University of Southern California. This avuncular pedagogue proved to be the perfect film instructor, genially imparting to his audience the sometimes complex facts in a manner which never made them seem dull or boring. Dr. Baxter, who won a Peabody Award for his achievements, continued making high quality instructional films after the Capra quartet were concluded.

HEMO THE Magnificent, which was produced, written & directed by Capra, relates the story of the human heart and blood circulation system, using animation and gentle humor. Film star Richard Carlson appears as the Fiction Writer, energetically helping Dr. Baxter tell Hemo's tale.

Movie mavens will recognize Sterling Holloway as part of the TV production crew, and the voices of Marvin Miller, Mel Blanc, June Foray & Pinto Colvig as various cartoon characters, all uncredited.

The devotional Scripture which begins the film is completely in tune with the tenor & tone of the production.