New Towns-- The City Footage - WPA Film Library

NEW TOWNS--"THE CITY"
This clip is not available for streaming at this time. Please contact WPA.	Tape Master:	11284
	Catalog #:	490663
	Clip Number:	490663-1
	Orginal Film:	NTOWNS-007
	Timecode:
	Location:	N/A
	Year Shot:	1987 (Actual Year)
	Audio:	Yes
	Color:	Yes
	Headings:	CITY PLANNING: New Towns
	Description:	WETA "NEW TOWNS" 1930's film decrying the pollution and congestion of industrial cities, advocating the development of carefully designed "New Cities" outside the existing metropolises, an early expression of the Suburban ideal, also has early advocacy of Automobile Culture. 17.49.23-Shot of young men playing Baseball, two put hands on the handle of the bat to choose sides. Shots of the spectators of this intra-town ballgame. A home-run ball rolls into a marsh where a toddler retrieves it. A boy is unsuccessful fixing the flat tire of his bike, which means he's missing a few innings of the game in progress. In celebration after the game, members of the winning team chase down their pitcher, tackle him, strip him to his drawers, and throw him in the lake. Shots of kids at play on a playground with slide, swings, see-saws, and monkey bars. The boy from before is still trying to fix that gosh-darn flat tire. Next, we see he's fixed the flat, gets his bag lunch from mom, joins his mates to go for a ride, passes a young couple working contentedly in their garden, They end up down at the swimmin' hole. 17.53.48-series of shots emphasizing the clarity and relaxed pace of life in a New City. A man sits in the yard to read the paper, while wifey bathes the baby. Shots of libraries, gardeners. Shots of a woman loading clothes and soap into a washing machine, which has thankfully [next shot] left her free time to join the other wives of the neighborhood for bridge and gossip, which the announcer notes is "good for the complexion" [gag, barf, retch]. Shots of people [mostly women] doing the grocery shopping. Shot of line of boys with their Radio Flyer wagons outside store, hauling home the groceries like good sons. 17.55.33-Excellent shots of PRINTING PRESSES, announcer talks about the importance of the press to build local society around. Shots of people riding buses and driving cars to work, shot from car of a broad, tree-lined parkway that constitutes the commute in this heaven-on-earth. Shots of workers entering factories, the announcer praises the spirit-building character of work here. 17.56.36-More shots of cars on the parkway over light-sounding flute music, the announcer talks about the liberation of mobility, AN EARLY EPISTLE OF CAR CULTURE. Shots of picnicking families by a scenic lake, shot of a man teeing off on the golf course as his foursome looks on. Shots of kids and families ROLLER SKATING. Shots of a community swimming pool and a beach with boardwalk cafes, announcer talks about the promise of physical well-being in the New City. Shot of an outdoor concert ampitheater, shot of a community health center. Shots of kids entering school, two girls sketch the building for art class, kids go outside for recess, play at being chefs, work and buy at a mock Post Office [since this is a school, "Post Office" does not appear to be a kissing game]. Close shots of elementary schoolers working at various art projects. Close shot of one boy's fantastic-realist depiction of the idyllic countryside and crowded city. 17.59.36-Interspersed shots of the crowded slums [ominous music] with the healthful, carefree suburban setting [light flute music]. The announcer calls for the courage to redesign cities, says that the question is not whether we can afford to build "New Cities" but whether society can afford not to do so, emphasizing the juvenile delinquency fostered by the city as a gateway to wasted lives of crime. Shots of happy kids on a playground. Long shots of New York City, the announcer decries the misapplication of human intelligence and energy. Shots of people at work in dehumanized tasks, anonymous crowds moving through city. Aerial of the countryside with the new city. Shot of boys riding bicycles through paths of the town. Shot of city skyline viewed over tops of wheat field. Shots of line of kids launching down a playground slide. A baby takes steps between two parents, more kids on monkey bars. Music swells triumphantly. 18.03.02-THE END.