Whenever I watch an old-timey short like this one, I wonder if kids in this time period were so oblivious to what a farm is. Also, I need to make a point about farms and what is on them. Shorts like this make farms seem that every conceivable barnyard animal is on each and every farm. Growing up on a hog farm in Iowa (I know that this is worth a laugh or two), it would be economically stupid to raise all these animals (it is supposed to be a dairy farm, why are they raising chickens -- is it a tie in to a short about chicken farming). Back to the point about schoolkids watching these and not knowing what a farm is, I wonder if farmkids had to watch a similar strip in the 60s to discover that there were cities?
14 Reviews
Watch as two children are sent to their uncle's farm!
Aaron137519 February 2012
This scenario was a favorite of parents back in the day. Send the kids off to a relatives farm so they can have the summer to themselves. The relative, meanwhile, gets some free help for their farm. Its a win win as the children are often to dimwitted to see that they are being essentially abandoned and used as labor. Here you get to watch this practice as two kids are left at their uncle's farm for the summer where they get to help with all the stuff on the farm and it is presented as fun. Not sure what this short was trying to do as most shorts back in this time frame try to sell something as there are numerous phone ones or they are trying to promote something like the military. I guess this one was trying to promote farms and give parents ideas for ways to get rid of their kids for an extended period of time. Watch as the girl gets to feed the cute little animals, marvel at the young boy as he becomes stronger as he works the fields and such. Why heck, by the end of the summer I am sure both were very happy to see their parents and remember being at the farm in their nightmares!
noneducational short
movieman_kev13 June 2005
Two city kids visit a dairy farm owned by Uncle Jim for the summer. They see how they milk cows, make wheat, the hayloft. But the boy can't climb rope because he's lazy so Jim makes them all work for the summer, feeding pigs and whatnot. This 'educational' shorts is beyond lame and doesn't teach anyone anything whatsoever. But at the end of the summer the boy can climb the rope (with the help of a stagehand) Thankfully the MST3K crew saved it from being tedious and provide some humorous moments to the otherwise awful chore of watching this short."So long, you corn-chucking suckers" indeed hehehe
My Grade: D-
My MST Grade: B+
My Grade: D-
My MST Grade: B+
Gone the way of the Dodo...
Douglas_Holmes10 January 2003
First, while I've trashed one of these instructional videos on this site before ("Cheating,") I will say that this film was made for elementary school students in 1960. It's very similar to films I watched in grade school in the early-mid '60s. So we can't expect anything.
This one gives us a look -admittedly VERY sanitized- of a dairy farm in 1960, when there was a seemingly bright future for such things. But today the family farm is virtually gone, its labors absorbed by huge agri-business. Therefore, I see this film as a document about a bygone era.
This one gives us a look -admittedly VERY sanitized- of a dairy farm in 1960, when there was a seemingly bright future for such things. But today the family farm is virtually gone, its labors absorbed by huge agri-business. Therefore, I see this film as a document about a bygone era.
Is Velveta apart of the Dairy Counsel?
Smells_Like_Cheese21 March 2005
You know, I always thought it was just a joke with these old films, like an urban legend. How these shorts make the best of Albert Einsteins' go "Huh?" But it's true I guess, they do make horrible shorts. And they treat people as if they did not know what a farm was. Sad, very sad. This short is so incredibly cheesy and beyond boring. Only by the help of MSTK3 could this short be saved. "Good white hardie bread for white white people!". So true. Thanks to MSTK3 for making this horrible short enjoyable. Other than for the MSTK3 purpose, stay away! Keep everyone away from this short! It's bad! Oh, it's that bad!!! 1/10
... is as exciting as watching paint dry.
icehole411 April 2002
Sadly, Jam Handy would never get the same fame as his teammate Johnny Weismuller. Then again, he hung his star on making instructional films in the 1940's-1960's. This short film basically describe life on a 1960 dairy farm. It's downright boring at best. Everyone is obscenely cheerful, especially the narrator.
Avoid this one if at all possible.
Hey, yet another #1 for me.
Avoid this one if at all possible.
Hey, yet another #1 for me.
Good hearty white bread for white white people
ticklemetorgo23 July 2005
What can we say about "Uncle Jim's Dairy Farm?" Well for one thing it's not just a dairy farm it seems. We got chickens, pigs, sheep, wolverines and other animals here too. And all of them are sooooo cuddly. City cousins visit their country cousins for the summer and "help" on the farm and learn what it means to do some real work, instead of hanging out with friends or watching TV all day. I wonder if Uncle Jim showed the kids where that chicken, hamburger, sausage really come from and if they got to help Uncle Jim load up animals to the slaughterhouse. I also wonder how many kids decided to go to a farm after watching this film only to be sorely disappointed to find out what farm life really is like.
MST had fun with this short too, rightfully so. Thanks you Jam Handy for providing the clowns of Minneapolis with source material.
MST had fun with this short too, rightfully so. Thanks you Jam Handy for providing the clowns of Minneapolis with source material.
It's a Farm For Blond People
boblipton26 April 2020
A blond mother drops her two blond children off at a farm -- supposedly their uncle's. They are briefly instructed in how cow feed looks like breakfast cereal, and then they wander around, playing with the cats and dogs.
I saw this short on MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000, and it's prime material, for its lack of actual information and puerile narration. The camerawork is competent, which is something, but the impulse to make this movie remains a mystery to me. Which is, I suppose, why I saw it on MST3000.
I saw this short on MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000, and it's prime material, for its lack of actual information and puerile narration. The camerawork is competent, which is something, but the impulse to make this movie remains a mystery to me. Which is, I suppose, why I saw it on MST3000.
down on the farm
johnny_burnaway23 April 2015
It's funny how some entities back in the day took the roundabout approach to swaying public opinion. This short is sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the underlying point of it seems to be that milk and other dairy products come from a clean, wholesome environment and should be consumed without reservation. To convey that message, however, we get to sit through the saga of George and Betty's Summer on the Farm.
George and Betty, city kids whose parents apparently REALLY need a break from them, exchange a summer of the usual activities (parks, libraries, movies, endless TV) for a vacation at hard labor fantasy camp in the form of Uncle Jim's dairy farm. George and Betty may have the kind of boundless energy that only farming can burn out of them, or maybe Mom and Dad need some marriage rehab. Anyway, we're headed for the provinces to roll around in hay, good food, and cute baby animals.
I'm sure there's some merit in living close to the land and developing a good work ethic. I didn't grow up on a farm so I have no idea how close to reality this short is. The other reviews here have been enlightening. We never do see Uncle Jim mucking out a stall or calving or butchering one of his cows after it gets hit by a train. We can only speculate if the song "Country Comfort" by Elton John sent George into a violent rage the first time he heard it while on R & R in Saigon.
Watch this one for the MST3k riffing, which is hilarious, and spend a few minutes imagining what George and Betty's parents did while the kids were away for three months.
George and Betty, city kids whose parents apparently REALLY need a break from them, exchange a summer of the usual activities (parks, libraries, movies, endless TV) for a vacation at hard labor fantasy camp in the form of Uncle Jim's dairy farm. George and Betty may have the kind of boundless energy that only farming can burn out of them, or maybe Mom and Dad need some marriage rehab. Anyway, we're headed for the provinces to roll around in hay, good food, and cute baby animals.
I'm sure there's some merit in living close to the land and developing a good work ethic. I didn't grow up on a farm so I have no idea how close to reality this short is. The other reviews here have been enlightening. We never do see Uncle Jim mucking out a stall or calving or butchering one of his cows after it gets hit by a train. We can only speculate if the song "Country Comfort" by Elton John sent George into a violent rage the first time he heard it while on R & R in Saigon.
Watch this one for the MST3k riffing, which is hilarious, and spend a few minutes imagining what George and Betty's parents did while the kids were away for three months.
shortie aimed at very young children
ksf-24 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
City slickers spend a day (?) on the world's cleanest farm. Farm animals never get sick, everything and everyone is spotless, and we gloss over all the details of what the farmer actually does. Most of the film is spent showing the kids driving to or away from the farm. They show the farmer cleaning the cow parts, but they don't show the farmer attaching the milk machine to the actual cow. Much time spent on showing feeding the pigs and various animals, but no mention of where the pork chops, steaks and burgers come from. Guess this was aimed at a very young crowd which must not be ready to face that reality. and the rope climbing chapter pretty much mocked the kid who couldn't climb the rope. Not very encouraging! thumbs down for this one. skip it. More of an advertisement for chevrolet than for the dairy farm. Was that product placement ?? Currently showing on comet channel.
Golly Gee Whillkers!
z800525a-115 April 2006
Yeah..10 out of 10 on the ludicrous scale. For some reason, imagining the country hick cousins of that era transported to, let's say NYC's Central Park of today..now THAT would make a short. Would rival the Brady Bunch Movie for comedy.
This film had Bush Country written all over it and during the dinner scene, I was expecting them to bow their heads and loudly thank God for their dinner.
I never would have known about this had it not been for MST3K. As usual, they can make a short that rivals root canal without novocain into something that made me and the wife roll on the floor.
Not surprised I never saw this as a kid. Suburban school in the Boston area...not exactly The Heartland Of America.
One thing I'm trying to figure out. How the hell are they driving a 1962 Impala in a film that was shot in 1960?
This film had Bush Country written all over it and during the dinner scene, I was expecting them to bow their heads and loudly thank God for their dinner.
I never would have known about this had it not been for MST3K. As usual, they can make a short that rivals root canal without novocain into something that made me and the wife roll on the floor.
Not surprised I never saw this as a kid. Suburban school in the Boston area...not exactly The Heartland Of America.
One thing I'm trying to figure out. How the hell are they driving a 1962 Impala in a film that was shot in 1960?
Weird. Just weird.
Jordan_Haelend19 June 2003
George and Betty spend the summer on the farm of their genial Uncle Jim, seemingly mute aunt Helen, older son Bill and the younger kids, their two fat-assed cousins, Jane and Andy. Of the whole herd, the latter two are easily the most grating.
Apparently George is addicted to ugly, predominantly green, vertically-striped shirts (very similar to one worn in the film "Eegah!" by Arch Hall, Jr.) since it seems that he is without a change for most of the film; "Betty" recites her lines as if she's trying to insure that everyone in the neighborhood can hear her (that she stammers doesn't help); the two young country cousins are something of an anomaly, as in a farm family of five they are the only ones who talk like stereotypical country hicks.
Easily one of the stupidest moments comes at the beginning, when Andy and Jane are seated atop the gate and the former blurts out, "Ah think they're here! Ah see thay-ur cawr!" It would be difficult to miss, as the road in is completely straight all the way to the horizon and "thay-ur cawr" is the ONLY one visible on it. If he KNOWS it's their car, it's rather self-evident that they're "here." There's no indication that Jane has problems with her vision.
The National Dairy Council created this film, and if it isn't propaganda, the word has no meaning. Everything on the farm is so peaceful, quiet and fun. No one sweats from heavy exertion, there are no arguments, there are no distractions by evil city influences like television, radio or even newspapers. Let me tell you, I lived on a farm and believe me, arguments about politics, the weather, and everything else are considered recreation, ESPECIALLY around the dinner table. As MST3K's Crow says, "Why, it's a wonder cities even exist!"
Apparently George is addicted to ugly, predominantly green, vertically-striped shirts (very similar to one worn in the film "Eegah!" by Arch Hall, Jr.) since it seems that he is without a change for most of the film; "Betty" recites her lines as if she's trying to insure that everyone in the neighborhood can hear her (that she stammers doesn't help); the two young country cousins are something of an anomaly, as in a farm family of five they are the only ones who talk like stereotypical country hicks.
Easily one of the stupidest moments comes at the beginning, when Andy and Jane are seated atop the gate and the former blurts out, "Ah think they're here! Ah see thay-ur cawr!" It would be difficult to miss, as the road in is completely straight all the way to the horizon and "thay-ur cawr" is the ONLY one visible on it. If he KNOWS it's their car, it's rather self-evident that they're "here." There's no indication that Jane has problems with her vision.
The National Dairy Council created this film, and if it isn't propaganda, the word has no meaning. Everything on the farm is so peaceful, quiet and fun. No one sweats from heavy exertion, there are no arguments, there are no distractions by evil city influences like television, radio or even newspapers. Let me tell you, I lived on a farm and believe me, arguments about politics, the weather, and everything else are considered recreation, ESPECIALLY around the dinner table. As MST3K's Crow says, "Why, it's a wonder cities even exist!"
Summer of Fun on Uncle Jim's Dairy Farm
montecellic27 November 2013
Like everyone else, I saw this as part of an MST3K episode and wished the puppets would shut up a minute so I could enjoy the show.
The film is a harmless, nostalgic trip back in time which the jaded, ghetto-emulating pot heads of 2013 could not possibly understand. However, if you were around in the 1950s or 1960s, you'll remember how simple and innocuous life really was for children...playing in the yard was a daily fact of life (no video/computer games, thank God) and the prospect of visiting the country (if you lived in the city) was a big deal. Even bigger if there were animals, always a huge attraction for children back then.
A most charming moment comes when the kids enter the barn and swing on a rope, diving into a bed of hay. Again, VERY nostalgic for those of us who REALLY DID JUST THAT as children! This little movie captures the innocent fun we used to have before acid rock, drugs, excessive politics in the media, etc. spoiled everything.
For grown ups in the audience, added pleasures may be had checking out the stud who plays the college-aged older brother (this was before all young men were fat, surly skin heads with tattoos). Come to think of it, Uncle Jim wasn't half bad, either. I'd do them.
My grandmother worked for Jam Handy as a model around 1940. So it was quite something for me to see that he produced this film years later. A quaint little curio probably filmed during the summer of 1962, given the family is driving a 1962 Chevy in a couple of scenes.
The film is a harmless, nostalgic trip back in time which the jaded, ghetto-emulating pot heads of 2013 could not possibly understand. However, if you were around in the 1950s or 1960s, you'll remember how simple and innocuous life really was for children...playing in the yard was a daily fact of life (no video/computer games, thank God) and the prospect of visiting the country (if you lived in the city) was a big deal. Even bigger if there were animals, always a huge attraction for children back then.
A most charming moment comes when the kids enter the barn and swing on a rope, diving into a bed of hay. Again, VERY nostalgic for those of us who REALLY DID JUST THAT as children! This little movie captures the innocent fun we used to have before acid rock, drugs, excessive politics in the media, etc. spoiled everything.
For grown ups in the audience, added pleasures may be had checking out the stud who plays the college-aged older brother (this was before all young men were fat, surly skin heads with tattoos). Come to think of it, Uncle Jim wasn't half bad, either. I'd do them.
My grandmother worked for Jam Handy as a model around 1940. So it was quite something for me to see that he produced this film years later. A quaint little curio probably filmed during the summer of 1962, given the family is driving a 1962 Chevy in a couple of scenes.
milksop
lee_eisenberg19 November 2011
Yes, once again, the Satellite of Love crew got subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by having to watch an excessively cutesy short film. "Uncle Jim's Dairy Farm" should remind us that factory farming dominates these days. Fortunately, Mike, Servo and Crow spare no effort in lampooning the short. To be certain, the three of them bounced their heads from side to side to impersonate the filming style.
This was the short that Mike and the 'bots had to watch right before Dr. Forrester and TV's Frank showed them "Bloodlust!", a "Most Dangerous Game" movie that starred a pre-"Brady Bunch" Robert Reed. Needless to say, the feature was the more interesting movie.
Anyway, this is a VERY dated movie. "MST3K" made it worth watching.
This was the short that Mike and the 'bots had to watch right before Dr. Forrester and TV's Frank showed them "Bloodlust!", a "Most Dangerous Game" movie that starred a pre-"Brady Bunch" Robert Reed. Needless to say, the feature was the more interesting movie.
Anyway, this is a VERY dated movie. "MST3K" made it worth watching.
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