The City (1939)

Visionary documentary that contrasts the conditions of life in small towns and in the industrialized cities, starting with a brief portrait of pre-industrial United States, then moving into... See full summary »

Directors:

Ralph Steiner, Willard Van Dyke

Writers:

Pare Lorentz (outline), Henwar Rodakiewicz (scenario)

Star:

Morris Carnovsky

1 win.

Cast

Credited cast:
Morris Carnovsky	...	Narrator (voice)

Storyline

Visionary documentary that contrasts the conditions of life in small towns and in the industrialized cities, starting with a brief portrait of pre-industrial United States, then moving into the modern chaotic, industrial and commercial city to reflect on the effects of this environment on family life and the raising of children, and finally proposing a return to a simpler life, in an idyllic "new city" in Maryland, constructed as a New Deal project, to promote proper upbringing of children, as well as a stable family life.

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Plot Keywords:

national film registry | city | new york world's fair 1939 1940 | world's fair | alienation | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Short

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Did You Know?

Trivia

This film was made to be shown at the 1939 New York World's Fair. It was screened at the Little Theatre in the Science and Education Building.

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Connections

Edited into This Is Tomorrow (1943)

User Reviews

Good City/Bad City

In this appeal to razing down neighborhood slums, the plea to build new cities, and get rid of the ghettos is emphasized. Strikingly visual for such a messaged film, the narration is pretty sparse, sticking with visuals of the city ala Baraka and Koyaanisquatsi. What I like about this film is again the visuals, treating petty items such as road signs into work of art, and it's salute to the car is very masterful as well. What I didn't like, I didn't really think the narration needed to be there, I would be perfectly happy with just the visuals alone, rather then the somewhat stilted narrative. Still, I think this is a recommended film. Turn down the volume during the narration, and then turn it back up again when the (excellent) music starts up again.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 May 1939 (USA)

Filming Locations:

New Jersey, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

American Documentary Films Inc., American Institute of Planners

Technical Specs

Runtime:

43 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1