The N.Y. World’s Fair, From the Air (film 1)To the Fair (film 2 on this same roll)

Duration: 12:00

Year Published: 1964

Creator: Association Films Inc

Complete Record: These films might logically go together even though the quality of the second film is superior. The first film is the fair from the air. The second film shown the buildings’ architecture, color, and abstract designs from the ground level or inside the buildings. FILM #1: A narrator points out from a slow moving helicopter or blimp an aerial view -- (1) the geographical and designed layout of the fair; architectural contributions and programming by over 34 countries; crowds moving on walkways. Contributing countries include: Malaysia, Jordan, Argentina, Mexico, China, Philippines, Hawaii. ‘Peace Through Understanding’ is the theme. “Man’s search for a world that should be.” Amusement park; puppet shows; dances from around the world, circus. Interior of helicopter shown to illustrate how visitors can get to the fair as well as see the fair. Fair at night. FILM #2: “Practically everyone in the world is coming to the fair!” The New York World's Fair viewed through the eyes of young adults, foreign visitors, the Boy Scouts, and an American family. All possible modes of transportation to the fair are shown: Stage coach, floating car, camel back, DOG sled, airplane, floating water shoes, boat, hot air balloon, double-decker bus, carriage, tandem bicycle, eight on a tandem bicycle, trains, light aircraft, helicopter, car . . . . etc. To illustrate the diversity of people attending fair, there are crowd shots including visitors from foreign lands, families, and boy scout troop. A motorized train gives visitors and overall view of the fairgrounds. This motorized train is prominently marked with a Greyhound and the words --”Leaving the driving up to us.” Children shown gaping at the symbol of the Fair, the great Uni-sphere and its fountains. Dramatic themes develop: a boy scout troop (Troop 295 from the Bronx) loses some of its members and the lost ones try frantically to find the troop by attempting to spot the troop from heights and then dizzy chases on amusement park rides. Two college men are attracted to two women and track them down through the various attractions of the fair. Two teachers view exhibits to learn how to teach children some new ideas. Indian guests shown looking at a new structural principle, then the Wonderful World of Chevrolet, a show where the audience revolves around the theater, the story of the United States, an old European town, etc. Ground level view of fair so unusual perspectives of buildings’ architecture. A machine that playfully demonstrates the law of averages appears like a sculpture. There is also: History of communications by Bell Communications. Eskimo Pie booth. An elevator going up to the highest tower of the fair is depicted. The elevator views show what a rider would see going through the many floors of the tower. Two college boys run up the interior stairs and the viewer sees what kind of visual experience this would offer. Many views from the tower shown including the tower architecture and construction. Various amusement rides are depicted. Countries’ pavilions that appear: Spain, India, Venezuela, Korea, Spain, Indonesia, buildings. Indonesian shadow play. The film shows The Pieta of The Vatican City --this is the first time a major Michelangelo sculpture has traveled to the US. Cultures are ‘demonstrated’: Art of Drinking Tea in Japanese Pavilion. African drumming group. In the Native American and World of The Old West building there is an automatic musical instrument section where these whimsical machines are displayed. There is an area for “Parking Children.” The East Indian couple and American couple ride in the newest cars from USA that go around on a track. They also view a Futurama exhibit. Eating courts shown. Boys chase the two girls and end up in ‘old timey’ cars chasing each other, and then together in one car. Belgian Village explored. Children ride carousel. Gondola rides over fair as evening falls. Abstract and glowing shots of the buildings at night. There are some aerial views and views of the fountains at ground level. Finally, there is a crescendo of water fountains and fireworks at night to see.