Reel

Biography of U.S. President Harry S. Truman from 1948 and onward.

Remarks at a Dinner of the Presidential Electors Association. January 19th, 1949. Harry Truman speaking, "I went back to bed, and went to sleep. About 4 o'clock in the morning, the Chief of the Secret Service came in and said, 'Mr. President, I think you had better get up and listen to the broadcast. We have been listening all night.' And I said, 'All right.' I turned the darn thing on, and there was Mr. Kaltenborn again. And Mr. Harkness came on and analyzed the situation. I called the Secret Service men in, and I said, 'We'd better go back to Kansas City, it looks as if I'm elected.' Along about 10 o'clock, I had a telegram which said that the election was over, and that I should be congratulated on the fact that I had won the election. Apparently it was too bad, but it happened!"

Harry Truman and Alben Barkley in open automobile waving. President Harry Truman ride through the streets of Washington DC in an open car. He waves his hat to the crowds.

Address at the Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner. February 24th, 1949. Harry Truman speaking again, "I am happy to be up here talking to you once more from the same old stand. This is right where I expected to be. I don't know whether you remember it or not, but I told you on the 19th of February last year that you were looking at the next President. And you are! There were a lot of people at that time who disagreed with me. I m sorry to have disappointed them."

President Harry Truman on ship. Truman in civilian clothes.

January 20th, 1949 Inauguration. Capitol building in background, parade in foreground. Harry Truman wearing top hat in open automobile waving. Truman being sworn in. Truman giving speech, "In the coming years, our program for peace and freedom will emphasize four major courses of action. We will strengthen freedom-loving nations against the dangers of aggression. We are working out with a number of countries a joint agreement designed to strengthen the security of the North Atlantic area."

Nations flags. MCU men, leaders of nations signing NATO treaty.

Margaret Truman speaking to a female press audience. Female press reporters asks a question to summarize her role. Margaret Truman replies, "I've learned a great deal about singing, getting audience reactions to various songs that I sing on my program. I always that people were nice, but on this tour I know they are." Reporter asks question about the secret service, "They follow me on tour, but they don't go with me on my dates. I'm positive on that, I put my foot down on that in the beginning." Margaret laughing.

Margaret Truman singing part of "God bless America." Boy scouts.

US President Harry Truman walking. Press step in front of him to take photos.

US General Harry Vaughn. Vaughn speaking, "My association with President Truman covers a period of some 30 years. Inquiries from persons having business with various government agencies come to my attention in my capacity as a member of the White House staff. At no time have I taken action as a member of the White House staff in exchange for a gift or other favor." Senate hearing floor filled with people.

US Senator from Wisconsin Joseph McCarthy (Communist infiltration).