1939, 43 mins.
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.
Directed by Ralph Steiner
Willard Van Dyke Writing Credits
Pare Lorentz...(outline)
Henwar Rodakiewicz...(scenario)
Lewis Mumford...(commentary)
Produced by Henwar Rodakiewicz...associate producer
Music by Aaron Copland
Cinematography by Ralph Steiner
Willard Van Dyke
Film Editing by Theodore Lawrence
Production Management Oscar Serlin...production supervisor Camera and Electrical Department
Roger Barlow...camera operator Music Department
Henry Brant...assistant orchestrator
Max Goberman...conductor