Compilation of man inventing strange contraptions in the 30's through 50's.Compilation of man inventing strange contraptions in the 30's through 50's.Compilation of man inventing strange contraptions in the 30's through 50's.
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One of the great documentaries of the 1970s . Manages to be both extremely amusing and fascinating thanks to an excellent collection of archival film clips ,a fine narration and some truly inspired original music. The message is clear. Don't knock the guy who comes up with some crazy invention because his next attempt at the same gadget could sell a million. The whole thing aims to celebrate the pioneering spirit of those who dare to attempt the seemingly impossible whether it be for the genuine advancement of their fellow humans or just to provide a few much-needed laughs to lighten up the world in which they live. A truly memorable and positive viewing experience which all students of documentary-making should see.
10Mister-6
It had to happen someday: a movie about people who DIDN'T succeed with their ideas.
At least they got their fifteen minutes of fame.
In "Gizmo", the excitement and virtue of creativity is embraced in full as a multitude of inventions from a ways back are shown, via newsreels. Some are pretty viable (indestructable head gear) while others are just plain silly (inummerable flying machines) but all show a lot of imagination behind the madness.
You have to hand it to the inventors, though: they were trying to better mankind. At least it wasn't through weapons of war.
All in all, "Gizmo" is a lot of fun, for the whole family, even. If you can find it, rent it, or even catch it on TV, watch it. Especially if none of your ideas ever succeed.
You'll feel better.
Ten stars. Let's hear it for the entreprenurial spirit!
At least they got their fifteen minutes of fame.
In "Gizmo", the excitement and virtue of creativity is embraced in full as a multitude of inventions from a ways back are shown, via newsreels. Some are pretty viable (indestructable head gear) while others are just plain silly (inummerable flying machines) but all show a lot of imagination behind the madness.
You have to hand it to the inventors, though: they were trying to better mankind. At least it wasn't through weapons of war.
All in all, "Gizmo" is a lot of fun, for the whole family, even. If you can find it, rent it, or even catch it on TV, watch it. Especially if none of your ideas ever succeed.
You'll feel better.
Ten stars. Let's hear it for the entreprenurial spirit!
Howard Smith's fizzy Documentary assembles dozens of newsreel style clips of all kinds of contraptions and oddball behavior into a highly entertaining stew. The basic idea here is a tribute to invention - whether by contraption or by physical feats. And, the motto is that even if one doesn't succeed, the effort is worth the risk of defeat. Of course, a large source of the enjoyment here is watching how spectacularly they often fail (although none of the footage seems to depict anything truly life-threatening). Transportation in it's various modes seems to be the invention of choice here (especially, attempts at flying).
Milt Moss narrates in his wry thick New York City accent. Loose dialogue is dubbed over some of the clips along with a large selection of songs (including a Randy Newman composition) and music, adding to the breezy lite tone. In some ways GIZMO! resembles a visual compilation of Ripley's Believe It Or Not and Guinness Book of Worlds Records by way of those 60s Mondo films (not to mention a predecessor of World's Funniest Home Videos). But, Director Smith (who won a Documentary Oscar for MARJOE) gives the film a more unified vision here of the indomitable human spirit. And, a darn delightful one at that.
Without question the funniest and most interesting documentary I've ever seen. I have been entertaining friends with this piece for years and they all love it. I love the fact that Gizmo has great humor and still is able to show the humans indomitable spirit.
10jimbo-93
I saw this film in the 70's (on PBS i believe) and remember laughing out loud at the unlikely inventions offered up with earnestness and enthusiasm by their slightly delusional inventors(before watching them go wrong, horribly wrong). Great b/w vintage footage. Its like America's Funniest Home Video's for The New Yorker readers.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaMuch of the newsreel footage, originally shot without sound, has dialogue dubbed in. A lip reader was hired to figure out what the people were saying in the newsreels, and actors lip-synched the lines.
- Quotes
Narrator: [Dedication] This movie is dedicated to all those inventive people who tried to do the impossible and succeeded. It is also dedicated to those cravers, who have the heart of crane in life. Because never before would pursuit of genius, of inventive type, with the crib of sworn-in nine. In life itself, men are said to laugh, or he has his foot in the crane sign. But in hearts anew we know, that praise of quorites is the important. Fingers of the hand are signed, in 1914.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Saturday Night Live: Ted Knight/Desmond Child & Rouge (1979)
- SoundtracksYesterdreams
Written by Monty Stark
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- Gizmo! - Ein Dingsbums zu Fuß
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- Runtime1 hour 17 minutes
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