ThinkStream Films - Your Gateway to Projectorville, the Home of Mr. Projector!

Libby Trapp Sings "Commie Lies" NEW!

2011-12-24T15:02:00.000-08:00

Mr. Projector brings you another musical public service announcement from glam-gal news reporting, commie-hunting, mega-patriot bombshell, Libby Trapp (played by Rachel Z Buckman)!

Libby Trapp Interviews Mr. Projector's Neighbors!

2011-12-21T13:16:00.000-08:00

Libby Trapp interviews Mr. Projector's neighbors, Frank and Martha Peterson, as part of her ongoing investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Mr. Projector.

Meet the Producers!

2011-12-21T12:24:00.001-08:00

Robin LaBelle

Robin LaBelle, Executive Producer for ThinkStream Films, is also a mad scientist and top-drawer businessman. Mr. LaBelle is a shining example of how to run a company and lead a proper life without accidentally blowing anything up. He is looking forward to his major motion picture debut, making not one, but two brief appearances in the soon-to-be-released film The Ghastly Love of Johnny X (2011), in which he delivers a stunning portrayal of a broom-pushing stagehand in one scene, and shows his great sensitivity and nuance as a screen actor with his portrait of a wild and crazy rock-n-roll concert-goer in another. Mr. LaBelle eats bananas for breakfast.

Aaron Ball

Aaron Ball, Producer, Director, Writer, and Actor for ThinkStream Films is understandably insane. He is one of our best examples of why some of us should go back to school and stay there. Mr. Ball is also looking forward to his appearance (as Mr. Projector) in the major motion picture sci-fi musical comedy thriller spectacular The Ghastly Love of Johnny X (2011). Mr. Ball sings Wagner in the shower and carries a five pound poodle named Adam with him wherever he goes. He almost died three years ago, but he's okay now. Physically, that is....

Mr. Projector! Episode #8: "The Ghastly Mind of Paul Bunnell"

2008-01-04T06:06:00.000-08:00

IT'S FINALLY HERE!
After a long absence, Mr. Projector is back!

In this latest installment of Mr. Projector!, Mr. Projector goes to Hollywood (the second in a three-part series) and finds himself stranded at a mysterious, old Hollywood mansion inhabited by none other than film producer, writer and director, Paul Bunnell ("That Little Monster" and "The Ghastly Love of Johnny X")! As Mr. Projector is about to discover, the old mansion has a rather "ghastly" history that closely mirrors the mind of its owner!

Visit Mr. Projector! on iTunes to download and watch this wonderful episode! (While you're there, write a review!)You can also download the show directly from the Mr. Projector! Episode Index on the ThinkStream Films blog, or from HERE (right-click and select Save Target As).

Enjoy the show!

The Russians are Here! The Russians are Here! Chapter One: "The Abduction"

2007-06-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

At last! After months of hard work and much footage shot, the folks here at ThinkStream films have finally released Chapter One of The Russians are Here! The Russians are Here! ("The Abduction"), an epic podcast serial featuring ThinkStream Films' own Mr. Projector!

The Russians are Here! The Russians are Here!
Chapter One: "The Abduction" Synopsis
Mr. Projector is abducted by two mysterious men in black (presumably under suspicion of being a communist spy).

We meet Projectorville news anchor Greg Grant, and field correspondent Libby Trapp who is following the story.

We are also introduced to Alfred J. Rieder, professor of Russian history, who has amassed a hodge-podge of Russian propaganda films to illuminate the encroaching threat of communism.

Mrs. Williams is revealed for the first time (as a missing person)!

Be on the look-out for clues in the KRZB Newsroom that foreshadow future episodes!

Visit Mr. Projector! on iTunes to download and watch this wonderful episode! (While you're there, write a review!)

You can also download the show directly from the Mr. Projector! Episode Index on the ThinkStream Films blog.

For those who simply cannot wait, here are some clips from Chapter Two of TRAH: "The Interrogation"

Next on Mr. Projector!: "The Ghastly Mind of Paul Bunnell"

2007-05-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

See the teaser for Mr. Projector! Video Podcast: Episode 8, "The Ghastly Mind of Paul Bunnell."

In this episode of Mr. Projector!, Mr. Projector goes to Hollywood (the second in a three-part series) and finds himself stranded at a mysterious, old Hollywood mansion inhabited by none other than film producer, writer and director, Paul Bunnell ("That Little Monster" and "The Ghastly Love of Johnny X," currently in production)! As Mr. Projector is about to discover, the old mansion has a rather "ghastly" history that closely mirrors the mind of its owner!

COMING SOON!

Mr. Projector! is Now Registered...

2007-05-11T06:14:00.000-07:00

...with the following podcast registries:

My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-6bfb10061a6976a9725c8a041b9d35d4}

Podcast News

Podcast.net

Mr. Projector! Episode #7: "Putting it Together"

2007-04-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

After much work on the Mr. Projector Goes to Hollywood series, Mister Projector! Episode 7, "Putting it Together" (with Russell Harnden, III) is now available!

In this episode, an interview with Russell Harnden, III!

Russell Harnden, III is a film and trailer editor working in Los Angeles. His credits include the prestigious MGM James Bond series of films with Pierce Brosnan, and more recent campaigns such as Night at the Museum and Snakes on a Plane among many other exciting projects.

Mr. Harnden also is an avid 16mm educational film collector, and speaks regularly about these films, placing them in social and cultural perspective, bridging the gap between what we learned fifty years ago and what we know today.

Visit Mr. Projector! on iTunes to download and watch this wonderful episode! (While you're there, write a review!)

You can also download the show directly from the Mr. Projector! Episode Index on the ThinkStream Films blog.

Enjoy the show!

The Rain in Spain....

2007-04-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

Let's Pronounce Well (1952)
Coronet Films

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 5/1/07!

We here at ThinkStream Films think it most important to learn to speak well in public. The rewards of a clearly and naturally communicated speech are limitless. The pitfalls of not having this critical competency are equally as limitless, for example, one may be cursed with the unfortunate occupational title of "politician" or "world leader."

It is through the articulate journey of young Tom Webb in this funny little film from Coronet, that we learn that no one will ever accomplish anything important in life without speaking well (especially like a "sports announcer"). We follow Tom as he progresses (with help from his dowdy speech teacher Miss Taylor) from a state of unintelligible babble to one that at least allows his classmates to "understand what [the hell] it is he is saying."

Once Mr. Projector viewed this film, he simply could not prevent himself from screening yet another fine film (albeit on a much larger scale), based on the very same subject matter (with a little help from George Bernard Shaw).

Next on Mr. Projector!

2007-04-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

Mr. Projector Goes to Hollywood!
Episode 7: "Putting it Together" with Russell Harnden, III

Coming next week: Mr. Projector goes to Hollywood (the first in a three-part series) and chats with film and trailer editor Russell Harnden, III about educational films, directors Thomas Bradford and Paul Bunnell, Heather Locklear, and his work with secret agent, James Bond!

View the teaser here, then subscribe to show!

Mr. Projector! Teaser: Episode 7 "Putting It Together" With Russ -

Missed an episode? Check out the Mr. Projector! Episode Index.

Mr. Projector! Episode Index

2007-02-27T09:28:00.000-08:00

There are currently two ways to watch Mr. Projector!, one of which is to simply
download each monthly show directly from the blog; however, we recommend
“subscribing” to the show through the iTunes Store. It’s fun, it’s free, and it comes
delivered to your virtual door each time a new episode is released!

Don't have iTunes?
You can download and install it for free right here!

Have iTunes?
You can subscribe through Apple’s iTunes store, or by accessing the following link:
Subscribe to the Mr. Projector! video podcast

Can't get iTunes?
You can download any one of the outstanding Mr. Projector! episodes and watch them on your computer by right-clicking (ctrl + click on a Mac) an episode below. Select "Save Target As," then choose a location on your hard drive to save the episode.

Mr. Projector! Episode Index

Episode #8: "The Ghastly Mind of Paul Bunnell"
In this episode of Mr. Projector!, Mr. Projector goes to Hollywood (the second in a three-part series) and finds himself stranded at a mysterious, old Hollywood mansion inhabited by none other than film producer, writer and director, Paul Bunnell ("That Little Monster" and "The Ghastly Love of Johnny X")! As Mr. Projector is about to discover, the old mansion has a rather "ghastly" history that closely mirrors the mind of its owner!

The Russians are Here! The Russians are Here! Chapter One: "The Abduction"
Mr. Projector is abducted by two mysterious men in black (presumably under suspicion of being a communist spy). We meet Projectorville news anchor Greg Grant, and field correspondent Libby Trapp who is following the story. We are also introduced to Alfred J. Rieder, professor of Russian history, who has amassed a hodge-podge of Russian propaganda films to illuminate the encroaching threat of communism.

Episode #7: "Putting it Together" (with Russell Harnden, III)

Mr. Projector goes to Hollywood (the first in a three-part series) and chats with film and trailer editor Russell Harnden, III about educational films, directors Thomas Bradford and Paul Bunnell, Heather Locklear, and his work with secret agent, James Bond!

Episode #6: "Love is a Many Chambered Thing"

Mr. Projector gets some very interesting news from his physician and explores the functions of the (normal) human heart. Also in this episode, a mysterious photo provides clues into Mr. Projector's romantic past.

Teaser #2: "The Russians Are Here! The Russians Are Here!"

Libby Trapp, field reporter for KRZB Channel 27 News, Projectorville, puts down the mic and lets down her hair after bribing Dick Green, Projectorville's own weatherman, into using the KRZB news room's green screen to deliver this important (musical) public service announcement in this sequence from our first feature-length podfilm scheduled for a Summer 2007 release!: "The Russians are Here! The Russians are Here!" (COMING SOON) - currently in production.

Teaser #1: "The Russians Are Here! The Russians Are Here!"

Mr. Projector has been abducted by two men (presumably under suspicion of being a communist spy), according to Libby Trapp, field reporter for Channel 27 KRBZ News! One of the suspects is incredibly tall, and the other - well, pretty damn short.Who will save the "red" in St. Valentine's Day? How will Mr. Projector make it out of this predicament? Only time will tell, friends.... Only time will tell.... Our official "teaser" for our first feature-length podfilm scheduled for a Summer 2007 release!

Episode #5: "Merry Christmas, Mr. Projector!"

Our holiday special in which Mr. Projector examines poolside (and pool-in) the Castle Films legacy, highlighting one of their very last offerings, the 1946 short classic, "The Night Before Christmas"; not to be missed!

Episode #4: "À Votre Santé"

A four-part series that finds Mr. Projector exploring the food production of Northern France with master French chef and usherette, Renee Sprokette as she walks (and drinks) us through the process of making a classic French soufflé (with a twist). Originally distributed as one of the first films in United World Films' ethnology series, "The Earth and its Peoples" (produced from 1948-1957), the featured presentation in this series, "Food for Paris Markets" (1949), provides a fascinating glimpse of rural life in post-war northern France, driven by the economic needs of one of the world's greatest cities, Paris.
À Votre Santé, Part 1
Food for Paris Markets, Part 1
À Votre Santé, Conclusion
Food for Paris Markets, Conclusion

Episode #3: "Curse of the Hungry Puppet People!"

Watch in amazement (or horror) as Mr. Projector (Devlin Rogue) battles the issue of holiday binge eating - with, yep, you guessed it - puppets! Featuring the rare Centron classic, "Your Food" (1956) My goodness! What will they think of next?!

Episode #2: "It's Atomic!"

This episode finds Mr. Projector hiding out in his fallout shelter and eating radioactive snow. Features the amazing film, "Fallout: What it is, and How to Protect Yourself From it." Great cosmic bits of radioactive matter! It's Atomic!

Episode #1: "The Mistakes We Make"

"Some folks just never seem to learn, do they?"

Our premiere episode featuring an incredible montage of events from educational films centered around mistakes, accidents, and catastrophes!

"Bet they didn't teach you that in school! "

Mr. Projector! Episode #6: "Love is a Many Chambered Thing"

2007-02-20T21:43:00.000-08:00

"Love is a Many Chambered Thing"
(Mr. Projector! Episode #6)
ThinkStream Films (2007)

Mr. Projector gets some very interesting news from his physician and explores the functions of the (normal) human heart. Also in this episode, a mysterious photo provides clues into Mr. Projector's romantic past.

View the teaser for Mr. Projector! Episode #6, "Love is a Many Chambered Thing" right here, then watch the show!

Subscribe to the Mr. Projector! podcast through iTunes by clicking the iTunes button on the side bar (on the left). To download "Love is a Many Chambered Thing" directly from this blog, Right-click Here (ctrl + click on a Mac), select "Save Target As," then choose a location on your hard drive to save the episode.

My Mr. Projector Space!

2007-02-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

Announcing: Mr. Projector! on MySpace!
Woah. When we hired our new Media Relations Associate and Marketing Director, we didn't know we would be tossed so fast and so furiously into the Internet media fire-pit like so many sprigs of fragile kindling; however, as fragile kindling does, we're starting a big ol' go-to-camp-like-Hayley-Mills-in-Parent Trap-BONFIRE!

See special rushes/dailies of Mr. Projector! episodes currently in production by clicking the "videos" link under Mr. Projector's devilish mug! Find out what interests Mr. Projector by visiting www.myspace.com/mrprojector

Coming Soon (only on MySpace): The Mr. Projector! Blog! Get the inside scoop (no, we're not talking about ice cream here) of what really goes on in Mr. Projector's life "between the scenes" (i.e., after one episode ends and before the next one begins)!

"So.... Until next time!"

Our First Press Release!

2007-01-31T19:41:00.000-08:00

Awwwww. Remember baby's first word? Remember the first time you kissed your soul mate? Remember reading The Prophet for the first time - and the first person you gave it to afterwards? Remember your first adult beverage? Scratch that one. Remember your first trip away from home? Remember Mr. Projector! Episode 1, "The Mistakes We Make"?

Well, someday, you'll look back on everything you've ever accomplished that made you feel complete; and suddenly - quite unexpectedly, in fact - in a moment of sublime self reflection and pride, you'll say aloud (perhaps in a crowded bar or noisy office - perhaps even to a perfect stranger on the street), you'll say, "I remember ThinkStream Films' first Press Release...." And everyone around you will nod in silent agreement, understanding. Or maybe they're just nodding because they think you're an alcoholic nut case for staring starry-eyed into your drink and mumbling to yourself.

In any case, ThinkStream Films is proud to announce our very first Press Release for print and broadcast media. Here is a sneak peak. You can download the complete PR forever via the link over there on the left. See it? No? Uh-uh. That's not it. Yeah. Up a little.... Nope. Not there - okay, down just a little - yeah, that's it! Whew!

Thanks to all our contributors for helping to jump-start our year with power-house strategic planning, amazing coaching, and stellar tech support! You all know who you are! Now! "Let's get those reels a-rolling!"

Mr. Projector! Episode #10: "The Russians Are Here! The Russians Are Here!"

2007-01-28T18:03:00.000-08:00

"The Russians Are Here! The Russians Are Here!"
(Mr. Projector! Episode #10)
ThinkStream Films (2007)

Mr. Projector has been abducted by two men (presumably under suspicion of being a communist spy), according to Libby Trapp, field reporter for Channel 27 KRBZ News!

One of the suspects is incredibly tall, and the other - well, pretty damn short.

Who will save the "red" in St. Valentine's Day? How will Mr. Projector make it out of this predicament? Only time will tell, friends.... Only time will tell....

View the teaser for Mr. Projector! Episode #10, "The Russians Are Here! The Russians Are Here!" Part 1, right here, then watch the show, when available! (We're looking at a Summer release!)

Subscribe to the Mr. Projector! video podcast through iTunes by clicking the iTunes button on the side bar (on the left).

Mr. Projector! TEASER: "The Russians Are Here! The Russians Are -

The Prometheus of Microscopy

2007-01-16T05:50:00.000-08:00

Division in Cells (circ. 1941)
Phase Films

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 1/23/07!

This amazing find of a film brings together for the first time then Director of the California Academy of Sciences Dr. Robert Miller, who incidentally "discovered" a new species of Alona Baird in the 1930s (as documented by the American Microscopical Society), and the now famous Kurt Michel, the first person to apply the phase contrast method to the presentation of chromosomes in live cells.

This is more Michel's film - his magnum opus, if you will - than Miller's however, as it brought to the public for the first time ever, time-lapse microscopy of living cells.

When viewed in context, this film's images produce chills of amazement. We here at ThinkStream Films wonder in awe how much more powerful this film was when viewed for the first time by the micro-sciences community. This was Star Trek before there was Star Trek. This was the apex of a time when the microcosm was our focus of exploration - before we were jettisoned (after a 180-degree spin) into the macrocosm of space exploration in the fifties. This was the new frontier. This film represents nothing less than the very horizon of scientific achievement. And one man brought it to us. His name was Kurt Michel.

As a final note, we can't help but appreciate the temporary "production" name attributed to this important scientific offering, "Phase Films," an obvious direct reference to the phase contrast method used by Michel.

This wonderful film is one of the last remaining testaments of Michel's work at the time (we've not seen another print) and deserves immediate preservation to hold its rightful place as one of the most significant early documents in the ever-growing body of research in the fields of genetic and microbiology science.

Highlights clip edited to a fraction of film's original ten minute running time.

The Penalties of Urban Living!

2007-01-12T04:51:00.000-08:00

Cities - How They Grow (1952)
Encyclopedia Britannica Films

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 1/19/07!

Well. For all you urbanites forced to shoulder the heavy burden of taxes, education, city government, noise-air-and-water pollution, traffic, claustrophobic housing, tourists, psychotic taxi drivers who look (and behave) uncannily like clones of a young Robert De Niro, and overall daily mayhem, this film is for you!

But "with proper planning," the narrator pipes hopefully, someday we'll be able to have our cake and eat it too (all math withstanding). Or something like that.... What they didn't know then was that the very title of this film was an unintentional euphemism for the phenomenon we now understand as urban sprawl.

This rare EB print was one of several post-war film efforts to massage the urbanite masses (those who didn't join the suburban exodus that served as incubator to the baby-boom) into a more hopeful, optimistic mental space (albeit overpriced and overcrowded). "And this too," we can imagine our narrator adding, "shall pass...."

Would You Allow Your Child to Do This?!

2007-01-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

What is Soil? (1947)
Films Incorporated
Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 1/17/07!

"Bobby has a problem....

....He wants to grow something in soil he makes himself."

To learn about soil, the narrator of the film carelessly instructs Bobby to do that which no parent on earth would allow their child to do - climb 50,000 feet up jagged rock to explore the altitude's effect on soil!

(Of course, our wonderful ThinkStream editors did a number on this clip, mixing in footage of Bryce Canyon, Utah, from the same film, for fun)!

At the end of the film, Bobby replicates Bryce Canyon in his kitchen in a scene that surely influenced the famous kitchen scene in Close Encounters!

This wonderful film from FILMS INCORPORATED was an early attempt to mix the concepts of independent exploration and science in educational films targeted to young learners - a formula that remains effective to this day.

Announcing: www.ThinkStreamFilms.com!

2007-01-10T05:40:00.000-08:00

It's for REEL! We now have our very own (tiny division) of the World Wide Web!

ThinkStream Films has registered its domain! For you non-computer geeks, what that means is we now have ownership of the Internet URL: www.thinkstreamfilms.com!

Please update your bookmarks to reflect this new Web address. For now, it will redirect you to this blog; but as our popularity grows (and boy, is it growing!), we will be developing an Internet presence through our official site - and you don't want to be left behind, do you?

So - take some time to update your bookmarks and shortcuts to www.thinkstreamfilms.com. As our web developers begin the daunting task of building our website, you will be among the first to see it's birth and evolution!

Bye, now!

Mr. Vibration!

2007-01-07T12:58:00.000-08:00

SOUND FOR BEGINNERS (1960)
Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 1/14/07!

We here at ThinkStream Films can only refer to the narrator in this wonderful film from Coronet as "Mr. Vibration!"

This educational gem, albeit somewhat ineffective, attempts to introduce children to the concept of sound waves.

Film features a prudish and sadistically grumpy looking kitchen-mom, a total nerd with tuning forks, and the aforementioned wacked-out narrator (Mr. Vibration!).

Our editors had fun putting the following highlights clip together. Enjoy!

Mr. Projector! Episode #5: "Merry Christmas, Mr. Projector!"

2006-12-23T21:42:00.000-08:00

Our holiday special in which Mr. Projector examines poolside (and pool-in) the Castle Films legacy, highlighting one of their very last offerings, the 1946 short classic, "The Night Before Christmas"; not to be missed!

Mr. Projector and ThinkStream Films wish you and yours a very happy and safe holiday week! Don’t forget to spread the word of Mr. Projector! cheer to all your friends, family, and acquaintances!

Happy Holidays!

View the teaser for Mr. Projector! Episode #5, "Merry Christmas, Mr. Projector!" here, then watch the show!

Subscribe to the Mr. Projector! podcast through iTunes by clicking the iTunes button on the side bar (on the left). To download "Merry Christmas, Mr. Projector!" directly from this blog, Right-click Here (ctrl + click on a Mac), select "Save Target As," then choose a location on your hard drive to save the episode.

New Feature! Announcing "Projector Facts!"

2006-12-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

As part of our growing audience-education initiative here at ThinkStream films, we are proud to announce a new feature of the Mr. Projector! video podcast: Projector Facts!

What are Projector Facts?
Projector Facts are on-screen scrolling factoids and trivia from the world of today that bridge the gap between the educational films of yesteryear and the twenty-first century! You might think of Projector Facts as a kind of "then and now" snapshot of anything and everything over the past fifty or so years!

Do you have your very own Projector Fact you would like to send us regarding one of our featured films? Be sure to submit it to us as a comment on this blog (or email us at thinkstream16mm@aol.com!)

Take a sneak peak of this exciting new feature in this short clip from the fourth and final installment of Mr. Projector! Episode 4, "À Votre Santé!"

Get the final installment in the Mr. Projector! "À Votre Santé" series:
Subscribe to the Mr. Projector! podcast through iTunes by clicking the iTunes button on the side bar (on the left). To download "À Votre Santé: Food for Paris Markets, Part 2" directly from this blog, Right-click Here (ctrl + click on a Mac), select "Save Target As," then choose a location on your hard drive to save the episode.

About the Film:

Originally distributed as one of the first films in United World Films' ethnology series, "The Earth and its Peoples" (produced from 1948-1957), "Food for Paris Markets" provides a fascinating glimpse of rural life in post-war northern France, driven by the economic needs of one of the world's greatest cities, Paris.

Missed one of the four episodes in the Mr. Projector! "À Votre Santé" series? Download all four right here:

Mr. Projector!: "À Votre Santé, Part 2" Now Available!

2006-12-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

The conclusion of our special two-part episode! Mr. Projector explores the food production of Northern France with master French chef and usherette, Renee Sprokette as she walks (and drinks) us through the process of making a classic French soufflé (with a twist).

Stay tuned for the conclusion of the classic (and rare) 1949 film by renowned French documentary filmmaker, Louis de Rouchemant, "Food for Paris Markets," as an accompaniment to the show!

Subscribe to the Mr. Projector! podcast through iTunes by clicking the iTunes button on the side bar (on the left). To download Episode 4, "À Votre Santé, Part 2" directly from this blog, Right-click Here and select "Save Target As," then choose a location on your hard drive to save the episode.

View the teaser for this week's show:

Mr. Projector! Episode #4 Supplement, Part 1: "Food for Paris Markets" Now Available!

2006-12-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

As a special accompaniment to Mr. Projector! Episode 4, "À Votre Santé," watch the first part of the amazing (and rare) 1949 film on French food economy produced by renowned documentary filmmaker, Louis de Rochemont, "Food for Paris Markets."

Originally distributed as one of the first films in United World Films' ethnology series, "The Earth and its Peoples" (produced from 1948-1957), "Food for Paris Markets" provides a fascinating glimpse of rural life in post-war northern France, driven by the economic needs of one of the world's greatest cities, Paris.

Subscribe to the Mr. Projector! podcast through iTunes by clicking the iTunes button on the side bar (on the left). To download "À Votre Santé": Food for Paris Markets, Part 1" directly from this blog, Right-click Here (ctrl + click on a Mac), select "Save Target As," then choose a location on your hard drive to save the episode.

"À Votre Santé" with Renee Sprokette!

2006-12-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

View the teaser for Mr. Projector! Episode 4: "À Votre Santé," with special guest star and French chef extraordinaire, Renee Sprokette!

C'est si Bon!

Global Concepts in Maps (1947): "Those Conical Projections Look a Little Flat to Me...."

2006-12-05T11:49:00.000-08:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 1/25/07!
In this early Coronet gem (Ms. Coronet? Are you listening?), boy Danny just doesn't "get" why map projections are important for him to understand. Actually, neither do we after watching this film; but after an afternoon visit from the disembodied voice of our narrator, Danny seems to understand that global map projections are relevant and add some larger meaning to his life. Highly entertaining way of learning the various concepts of global cartography, from "conical projections," to "polar projections," every imaginable global map distortion is represented here!

Of special note is the involvement of Dr. Erwin Raisz (perhaps the most famous cartographer and scholar of cartography of the twentieth century, and who taught cartography at Harvard for twenty years; also serving post as Harvard's map curator) as principal collaborator in the production of this film! (Notice the Harvard banner used as a set prop in the film still above!)

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to a mere fraction of the film's original length.

Decimal Fractions (1948): "Eat Your Math!"

2006-12-05T05:26:00.000-08:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 1/18/07!
This hard-to-find print from Jason Hunt Productions explains the “what” and the “how” of fractions converted to decimals; though, as was typical with math education for the better part of the last century, neglects to explain the “why.”

Here, we have an epitomical representation of the “math vs. food” film phenomenon. See previous blog posting, “Math for Dessert” for a thorough examination of the subject.
So – go ahead, boys and girls: Eat your Math!

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to a mere fraction of the film's original length.

Mr. Projector! Episode #3: "Curse of the Hungry Puppet People!" Now Available!

2006-12-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

Featuring the Rare Centron Classic,
YOUR FOOD (1956)
Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 1/18/07!
Jump-start your weekend by downloading (and subscribing to) the Mr. Projector! video podcast! Episode three, "Curse of the Hungry Puppet People!" is now available!

Watch in amazement (or horror) as Mr. Projector (Devlin Rogue) battles the issue of holiday binge eating - with, yep, you guessed it - puppets! My goodness! What will they think of next?!

Subscribe to the Mr. Projector! podcast through iTunes by clicking the iTunes button on the side bar (on the left). To download Episode 3, "Curse of the Hungry Puppet People" directly from this blog, Right-click Here and select "Save Target As," then choose a location on your hard drive to save the episode.

Watch the trailer for Mr. Projector! Episode 3: "Curse of the Hungry Puppet People!" here, then download and watch the show!

Parts of Nine (1947): "Math for Dessert"

2006-11-29T12:44:00.000-08:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 1/25/07!
This hard-to-find, early Young America Film explores every possible mathematic summation and subtraction of parts totaling and taking away from the number nine. Several times. This is presumably so that if you don’t catch on with the nine paper party hats, party favors and plates that little Peter sets out and counts and counts with the mechanics of an obsessive compulsive, you’ll definitely have figured out the various mathematical compositions of “nine” by the time you start counting those damn balloons! Midway through the film Mr. Projector had a horrifying thought: Is it remotely possible that YAF (later to become Centron) just may have produced such a film for all the natural numbers?! And why is seven year-old Peter coordinating his own party anyway? You have to admit there is something just an arm's length from tragic about Peter shouldering the burden of making all the arrangements for his own birthday party – but he seems to have that “if-you-want-it-done-right-do-it-yourself” type of happy-go-lucky assertiveness so uncommon in children his age, that we simply can’t feel sorry for him.

If you keep up with this blog regularly, as we here at ThinkStream Films are confident you do, you know that all of our staff is decidedly mathematically challenged. That’s why we like to have so much fun with chopping up the “math films” to help make them just a wee bit more entertaining. Fact is, we didn’t “get it” then, and we sure as heck don’t “get it” now.

In the process of cutting up this particular gem, it occurs to us that there is a startling common denominator (mathematical pun intended) present in most every “math film” we’ve come across from this era: Food! Primarily sweets such as cakes, cookies, and ice cream! Some of us may hearken back to a comparatively recent past, albeit two decades after this film was produced, when a blue, cookie counting monster revived such an association through the magic of children’s television programming. We may not come out of the classroom having learned much about numbers, but golly gee -do we have a sugar craving something fierce! Ironically, it’s perfectly feasible to guess that in a single school day in 1947, children might be exposed to one of these films bribing them to learn mathmatics with the enticement of something horribly sweet and bad for them, then turn right around and view one of the scarier dental hygiene or nutrition films - a basic slap-on-the hand as if to say, “we’ll give you all the tasty treats we know you want if you only learn to associate them with numbers so that you can be good (even if overweight and diabetic) little mathematicians; but you really need to know the repercussions of eating those tasty treats (i.e., becoming overweight and diabetic) before you're able to make that decision wisely...." Sound familiar? It should. This is the way the game of American politics has been played ever since the Whigs and the Jacksonians first made the reluctant decision to shake hands with one another (but only after spitting in them first).

Another thought: This film was released in 1947. So many things happening that year in post-war America: The US Government’s lawsuit against the motion picture giant Paramount was in full swing, ultimately leading to the US Supreme Court’s wholesale slaughter of the vertically integrated structure of the movie industry by enforcing a strict break-up of what had become a monopoly of distribution control and theatre and studio ownership. This was also the year that gave birth to the first successful children’s television program in America, Small Fry Club, as well as a whole host of “firsts” in television; among them, the first ever televised World Series - an event so momentous, many to this day erroneously consider 1947 to be the birth year of television itself. This was also the year that marked the first noticeable signs of urban sprawl, the unparalleled growth of suburbs, and the near immediate economic death of giant urban movie palaces (as well as many of the urban centers they inhabited). 1947 was also a year of overall peace, contentment, and conformity…. Incidentally, my parents were both born that year….

With all this as a backdrop for the unknowing baby-boomers just learning to add and subtract, we can’t help but think while viewing this film, of a more recent amazing year: 1969 – the year yet another milestone in children’s television programming premiered, Sesame Street, ushering in an unprecedented new era of non-commercially supported, education-driven entertainment. 1969 (lest we forget) was also the year of Apollo 11, Woodstock, war, and (this time) resistance to conformity….. Incidentally, that happened to be the year I first poked my head into the world….

In a nutshell, when we see this film from 1947, we feel as though what we are really seeing are the creative seeds of what would eventually grow and evolve to become that which was so eloquently represented in children’s educational television programming throughout the seventies, proudly pushing through the thick soil of history from which it sprouted its first noticeable greenery over half a century ago.

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited (with all the numbers mixed up, of course!) to a mere fraction of the film's original length.

Functions of a City (1950s)

2006-11-24T10:12:00.000-08:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 12/01/2006!
This hard-to-find print from Progressive documents the various functions of a city from fire control and policing, to water refinement and zoning challenges. Features drowning victim, old jails, theft, fingerprinting, play grounds and children, parks, swimming pools, traffic flow. Lots of great cityscape and street shots (pedestrians and cars).

We here at ThinkStream Films really like these drowning scenes. They are suspensful and dramatic! It is curious just how many people actually seem to drown in these films.

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to a mere fraction of the film's original length.

Mr. Projector Goes Radioactive!

2006-11-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

View the teaser for Mr. Projector! Episode 2, "It's Atomic!" right here, then download and watch the show! Great cosmic bits of radioactive matter! It's Atomic!

Mr. Projector! Episode #2: "It's Atomic!"

2006-11-17T12:03:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness it's Friday! Jump-start your weekend by downloading (and subscribing to) the Mr. Projector! video podcast! Episode two, "It's Atomic!" is now available!

Subscribe to the Mr. Projector! podcast through iTunes by clicking the iTunes button on the side bar (on the left). To download Episode 2, "It's Atomic!" directly from this blog, Right-click Here and select "Save Target As," then choose a location on your hard drive to save the episode.

We here at ThinkStream films sincerely hope that among the many wonderful things you do this weekend, you will build into your schedule time to ensure that your fallout shelter, whether it be built in accord with OCMD guidelines, or simply the basement in your home, is equipped with everything you will need when the enemy strikes! Remember to include lots of games, wine, books to read, your iPod with this show on it, and (did we mention?) wine! Remember, you could be trapped in your fallout shelter for quite some time! Might as well make a vacation of it!

Speaking of vacations, Mr. Projector is going to have to wait for things outside to clear up a bit before he'll be able to leave his fallout shelter. And he was so looking forward to the upcoming holiday! Because of this, Episode 3 will not be released until Friday, December 3rd, when Mr. "P" presents an interview with a special surprise guest!

Enjoy this week's show! And don't forget about the CONTEST! (Tomorrow is your last day to enter!) Keep those reviews coming in!

Until next time!

Mechanisms of Breathing (1936)

2006-11-15T11:18:00.000-08:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 12/01/2006!
This very early Erpi film was produced in collaboration with the University of Chicago’s Biological Sciences Series and features animal experiments and a dramatized (or is it?) drowning and victim of carbon monoxide poisoning from a car left running in a garage – both incidents complete with (very outdated) administration of what would later become CPR!

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to a mere fraction of the film's original length.

LBJ Speaks to Students on US Vietnam Presence (1965)

2006-11-11T12:51:00.000-08:00

You asked for it, you got it!

Due to popular demand (from a frenzy of email received after the podcast of the very first episode of Mr. Projector! : "The Mistakes we Make"), we are proud to present for your viewing pleasure this gem, featured on Friday's show!

Many of you had questions regarding the source of the LBJ portions of the show. Here are some answers:

This clip is from the Hearst-Metronome Publishing Company's amazing Screen News Digest series of films that flooded the American public school system throughout the sixties. The clip has been significantly cut (thanks to our fabulously creative ThinkStream staff) from the original 16mm print entitled "Why Are We in Vietnam?". Oh yeah, and we've added a new soundtrack.

If the subject matter seems uncannily familiar to you, it's none of our doing; it's simply the nature of history.

Enjoy, and keep those comments, questions, and emails coming! Mr. Projector wants to hear from you!

Oh - and did Mr. "P" remind you to ENTER THE CONTEST? Do it. You'll be happy you did!

The Mistakes We Make - Mr. Projector!: Episode 1

2006-11-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

Some folks just never seem to learn, do they?

ThinkStream Films is proud to present our premiere episode of Mr. Projector!

Subscribe to it through iTunes (you won't have to go get it every week, it will come get you!) right here, , or by clicking the iTunes button on the side bar!

To download Episode 1 directly from this blog, Right-click Here and select "Save Target As," then choose a location on your hard drive to save the episode.

Don't forget to ENTER THE CONTEST!

It's Official! The Mr. Projector Store is Open for Business! Get a FREE Mr. "P." Tee!

2006-11-08T06:05:00.000-08:00

The Official Mr. Projector Store!

And Mr. "P." is so full of projectionist glee, that he is giving away a free (whoever said "nothing in life is free?!") "official" Mr. Projector T-shirt to the fan who writes the most creative "rave" review of our very first episode of "Mr. Projector", premiering this Friday, November 10th, 2006!

T-SHIRT GIVE-AWAY CONTEST RULES:

Watch the episode! (on this blog, on your nifty iPod, or via subscription through the iTunes Store)
Post a comment on the blog letting us know how excited you are about having Mr. Projector in your life! Or just to say "hello," for that matter!
Shoot an email to ThinkStream16mm@aol.com with your official "rave" review! Don't forget to let us know who you are and where you are from, your shirt size preference (small, medium or large) and shipping address!
Deadline for entry is Saturday, November 18, so don't dilly-dally!

It's that simple! Entries will be judged by a panel of ThinkStream Films experts and the winning contestant will receive an email notice that they have won!

The winner receives:

The "official" Mr. Projector Tee!
Their "rave" review posted here on the blog and featured in an upcoming episode of "Mr. Projector!"

Good luck! VISIT THE STORE, and stay tuned for Friday's premiere episode of "Mr. Projector!"

To receive future exciting news from ThinkStream Films, be sure to subscribe to Mr. Projector Fans!

Bookmark This Blog! A Store and a Show! How Grand is That!

2006-11-06T14:39:00.000-08:00

Some exciting changes coming your way this week!

The Mr. Projector Store! We will be launching our retail store with some mighty fine Mr. Projector items for the office, home, and your body! Show off your pride in vintage 16mm educational films wherever you are! Golly gee, isn't that swell!
The Mr. Projector Show! Yup, that's right! We're taking our show off the screen and right onto your iPod! Be among the first to see our premiere episode of Mr. Projector - coming at you later this week, and only available on this blog and through the iTunes Store!

We here at ThinkStream films are so excited, we don't remember which side of the reel to thread!!

The Golden Rule: A Lesson for Beginners (1953)

2006-11-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 11/11/2006!
This amazingly campy Cornet send-up on early social behavior is nothing less than the ultimate case study in hypocrisy! We are introduced to “The Golden Rule” it is taught in the classroom (!!) and at home from the Holy Bible (!!!!) and its application to “everyone,” (“everyone” apparently being only comprised of Christians and Caucasians!)We see the basic teachings of various incarnations of The Golden Rule from Confucious to Jesus, then follow three scenarios where children at first want to do the wrong thing, but then are transported to this magical, albeit Orwellian realm that Coronet calls “Thought-land” (where we can see what people are thinking!), and ultimately change their minds to do what they in turn would like to have done to them. Sheer hilarity, this one!

Note: the following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited (severely and to reverse the intent of the children’s’ actions) to a fraction of the film's original length.

Simple Changes in Matter (1953)

2006-11-03T06:21:00.000-08:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 11/10/2006!
This wonderful little Coronet film begins looking an awful lot like an early sex education flick with its bucolic, spring-time nature photography and lush, over-the-top romantic scoring that underlines our lead (who we here at ThinkStream Films will simply refer to as “Nature Boy.”) “Changes,” the narrator blissfully pipes, “are everywhere around you….” Just at the moment when we really want to dust off the old vinyl and scratch out some David Bowie, we realize that we are not watching a film about pubescent change, but rather one about physical, chemical, and other types of changes in matter! What the…? Film contains some funky text animation, lots of cool laboratory experiments with test tubes, etc., and what has to be the cutest boy ever captured on educational film stock!

Of special note is the forgoing of the traditional Coronet title card for a super-cool superimposed job. The contradictory feeling we get from this film is akin to reading a maudlin greeting card inked with the sappiest of contrivances while standing in a sex shop in West Village. We think you’ll like this one.

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited (with blissful glee - is that a redundancy? - and a remixed soundtrack) to a fraction of the film's original length.

Teeth: Their Structure and Care (1956)

2006-11-02T14:43:00.000-08:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 11/9/2006!
This film is simply the ultimate in hygiene films from the 50’s! See what happens when seventeen-year-old Dave neglects his teeth for two years! His dentist discovers bits of chocolate and breakfast in his rotting teeth! At least David goes to the dentist in time to not end up like his toothless friend, Jimmy! Yikes! What a grin! This film was produced in conjunction with the American Dental Association, and is one of several dental hygiene films we have seen from Coronet that makes no mention whatsoever of dental floss! We end up with the dentist instructing Dave to not “crack nuts” with his teeth, then afterwards see Dave mowing the yard half naked! Very, very interesting!We here at ThinkStream Films are very curious to know what has happened to Dave since starring in this film. We highly suspect he moved quickly into the porn industry circa 1976, retiring to the American Midwest some ten years later. Mr. Projector thinks he may have even caught a glimpse of him around ten years ago pumping iron at the gym – still looking right swell too, if Mr. Projector has anything to say about it (as he so often does)!

Note: The following clip has been edited to under half the film's original length.

Expanding World Relations (1956)

2006-11-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 11/9/2006!
This film was produced by the United States Government to promote Foreign Policy, boost post Korean War morale, and to highlight the dangers of a potential impending atomic attack! Truly a piece of American political propaganda in subtle form. Film is mostly animated (in top Disney fashion) with very nice use of color! Reference the frequent use of the color red for bombs, etc. This print appears to be an IB Technicolor print (if it isn’t, it has been incredibly well preserved)! Some nice live action photography of war's aftermath (devastation in London, Berlin, etc.) and industrial advances such as wheat farming machines and trains. Great graphic art!

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to a fraction of the film's original length.

The Water We Drink (1952)

2006-11-02T06:21:00.000-08:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 11/9/2006!

This little Coronet gem teaches the rules of what water is good water to drink. Check out the bucolic, overly romantic nature music! We, as well as little Jimmy, through the help of his big brother, learn the following.

Why it’s important not to drink out of lakes like an animal!
Why we should never share a drinking glass!
That our body looses water when we “go to the toilet!”
How waste water gets refined – so that we can then drink it!
Why we should never push someone in line at a drinking fountain!
Why we should never put our hands in a drinking fountain!

Note: The following clip was edited to under half the film's original running time.

Measuring Ounces, Pounds and Tons (1956)

2006-10-30T14:28:00.000-08:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 11/6/2006!
This film answers the universal riddle (“riddle” being a Coronet word), “which weighs more? A pound of cotton or a pound of iron?” We here at ThinkStream films only wish Shakespeare could have been on hand to answer, “Neither, of course, weighs so heavy as a pound of flesh!” But alas – this is Coronet-land where absolutely nothing makes sense – ever.

So basically, Tommy and his little friend Steve start prematurely obsessing about their weight. Oh – and a lot more of that highly confusing Coronet math that we simply can not get.
Lots of cool footage here, including a butcher weighing meat at an old grocery store and some very cool scales.

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to a fraction of the film's original length.

Learning About Heat (1955)

2006-10-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 11/6/2006!
This is the only “Junior” film we here at ThinkStream films have seen from the EB film cannon. From this film, we learn all about heat and heat conductivity through a variety of experiments with ice, snow, fire, metals, and some severely outdated science-lab equipment! Check out that fab fifties refrigerator and nifty animation!
Of special note: The narrator says, “Ice is thought by scientists to be made up of tiny partials called molecules!” Unbelievable!

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to a fraction of the film's original length.

Gravity (1940s)

2006-10-30T13:10:00.000-08:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 11/6/2006!
ThinkStream films simply thinks this film is just wrong on multiple dimensions. First off, there’s this older dude who seems to have a highly suspect relationship with little boy Bob. He justifies it by saying that he knows Bob because he’s an engineer and works in the same plant as his dad….” Hmmm… Well, anyway, he takes him to the “plant;” however, the “plant” old dude takes Bob to looks suspiciously like a house. Actually, it is a house. In no known universe is this place a “plant!” And of course, he just happens to have a rather large, framed portrait of Sir Issac Newton hanging on the wall! After getting over the initial shock, we here at ThinkStream films (especially Mr. Projector) think the folks at Coronet were having a bit of fun with this one, so we decided to have a bit of fun with it on the editing table. Enjoy!

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited (with love and fun) to a fraction of the film's original length.

The Earth and its Peoples: Food for Paris Markets - Rural Northern France (1949)

2006-10-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 11/3/2006!
United World Films produced the ethnology series The Earth and its Peoples from 1948-1957. This is one of the first films in the series highlighting the food economy in Northern France that all ends up in the markets of Paris! Amazing footage here! A wonderful slice of French economic history!

Here are just a handful of amazing moments in this very hard-to-find original print!

Brittany and its fishing trade. Great shots of sardine and shell-fish fishing! Highlights are of the sardine cannery – where women still where the old traditional hats!
Normandy and its agricultural trade. Many wonderful shots of dairy farming and cheese processing!
Champagne and the methode champagnoise. This highlight is featured in the clip below in its entirety!

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to a fraction of the film's original length.

In Case of Fire! (1959)

2006-10-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 11/3/2006!
ThinkStream films is very proud to present the ULTIMATE in “fire-scare” films from the ‘50s, “In Case of Fire!” We are so excited, in fact, it is almost impossible for us to “stay calm!”

Here are just a handful of amazing moments in this very hard-to-find original print!

See an entire classroom of children trapped on the top story of a burning school building, and their daring rescue out a window!
See some stupid chick excite panic in a crowded movie theatre when fire erupts!
See a little girl trapped helplessly in her bedroom while her family’s house burns down around her and her rescue out the window by ladder. Her German shepherd is also rescued, incidentally, though it is unclear how exactly, it manages to climb down the same ladder….!
Hear the word “calm” and all of its derivatives used countless times in twenty minutes!
This film is a classic and extremely rare!

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to a tiny fraction of the film's original length. Just remember one thing: “Stay calm!”

Valley Forge (Early 1950s)

2006-10-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 11/2/2006!
Roy Kellino (the director of Charade) directed this episode of what we here at ThinkStream guess must have been the Herald Playhouse television series (using what looks like an HP at the end upon which to base our decision). This hysterical – er – historical dramatization features serious over-the-top writing by Robert Hardy Andrews (writer of the worst Boris Karloff tv episodes in the sixties, Tarzan Goes to India, and I Married a Communist, among others), and stars Onslow Stevens (Brig. Gen. Robert O'Brien in the sci-fi classic Them!, Dr. Edelman in House of Dracula, and of Mark of the Gorilla, and Who Killed Aunt Maggie fame) as George Washington!
This film was simply begging to be chopped up and rearranged, so we stepped in to do a little redecorating. Well, actually, we removed a few walls and patched the foundation in the process. This final, much-condensed version of the film highlights Andrews’ ridiculously flagrant writing, and Stevens’ near drunken performance of George Washington! This film is a must-see!

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to under half the film's original length, with lots of re-arranging for the heck of it (because that’s what we like to do here at ThinkStream Films when we get board!)

Beyond Our Solar System (1959)

2006-10-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 10/28/2006!
This was one of Coronet’s several forays into outer space. Making great use of animation and illustrations, we learn just about everything we could have in the 1950s about stars – constellations, novas, super-novas, light years, nebulas, etc.. If you were around when this film was being shown widely in schools and later developed an interest in astronomy, this was the film that got you hooked!
Of special note is the substitution of the standard Coronet opening and end title music for a custom job, more befitting the semi-scary sci-fi movie music of the time! All that’s missing is the Theremin!

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to under half the film's original length.

Doing Things for Ourselves in School (1963)

2006-10-21T05:35:00.000-07:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 10/28/2006!
This film was part of Coronet’s “Beginning Responsibility” series and follows a day in the life of young Steve from the time he dresses in the morning, says goodbye to his mother and does a plethora of things all by himself on his way to, during, and back from school. Great footage of children crossing the street, in the cafeteria line, painting, reading, etc., etc.. Of special note is the Mongoloid-like goon who unsuccessfully tries to open a jar of paint! He’s the kid you always wanted to hit. Filmed in Los Angeles.

We here at ThinkStream films wonder whatever became of Steve. We suspect, now, right at the half-century mark, he is working as a used car salesman somewhere in Compton. At least he knows how to tie his own tie….

Also: We have noticed an interesting trend in Coronet productions as they inched their way into the sixties: All films targeting very young children suddenly have female narrators. We believe this was due to a little pediatric psychology consultation that must have taken place sometime around – oh, say – ’61 or ’62 (right around the time of this film); perhaps as a way to invoke the mother archetype – you know, “listen to your mother,” and all that Freudian/Jungian psycho-babble. Anywho, the female narrator in this film, we think, bears an uncanny vocal resemblance to a certain star of song and screen at the time who was inextricably connected with Rock Hudson, Tony Randall, Alfred Hitchcock, daisies and pillows. Oh well. Que Sera, Sera…. You decide….

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to approximately half the film's original length.

Rhythm and Motion (1940s)

2006-10-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 10/27/2006!
This very strange film, apparently targeted to very young children, unfortunately has no opening credits; therefore, it is a “mystery production!!!” We here at ThinkStream Films love these mystery films as they are part of what makes the ephemeral film cannon fire so loudly and with such prominence in the underground world of stock footage! You figure it out for yourselves! It’s open season here at ThinkStream Films, where just about anything on celluloid is up for grabs!

The story? Inane. The little boy? Think a very early (and young) version of Forrest Gump. Check out those socks! The teacher? Quintessential “old maid” school marm!” See this as it was meant to be seen: watch it while under the influence. The producers apparently made it under such circumstances.

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to approximately half the film's original length.

The Good Loser (1953)

2006-10-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 10/27/2006!

This uncommonly (yet not disappointingly!) lengthy and super-big budget (check out the running time!) Young America Film dramatization tells the story of Ray Medford (you know, all the very best YAF films’ characters have both first and last names; reference The Procrastinator!) who has won first place in the extemporary speaking competition at school for two years running. He is going for his third win, when he is called upon to coach Marilyn Jackson to compete as well. Marilyn has never spoken in public before in her life (and one might presume, has also never acted!) but under Ray’s tutelage, blossoms into the best speaker in school! Of course she wins, and of course, Ray simply buckles, taking his loss (actually, he comes in second) out on absolutely everyone – especially Marilyn! Of special note is the abusive interaction between Ray and his father who simply can’t believe his son lost to “that little girl, Marilyn!”

One of the best Young American Films productions we’ve ever seen! It’s just SWELL!

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to approximately half the film's original length.

How to Investigate Vocations (1952)

2006-10-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 10/27/2006!
This early Coronet, teaches us how to take on the process of learning what we’re going to be when we grow up! Follow a young high-schooler as he investigates photography after having taken an interest inventory through his vocation counseler at school. He visits a portrait photographer, a motion picture studio, and researches trade magazines, finally taking an internship with one of the places he visits.

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to under half the film's original length.

The President's Cabinet (1940s)

2006-10-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Bid on the complete, original 16mm print on eBay through 10/26/2006!
This wonderfully rare, early Coronet, teaches the three branches of the U.S Government and their various departments through the story of a small, family run business wanting to expand operations in South America! The father, apparently doesn’t know anything about the organization of the U.S. government, and neither does his young daughter – whose task it is to write a letter asking for information regarding International trade operations! But the son, Dick, is obviously an expert on these matters as he teaches his sister, Mary, all about it, consulting the “United States Government Manual,” which he just happens to have lying around! It will then become Mary’s job to teach her father. Some cool shots of minimum wage postings, American Airlines loading cargo on a plane (!), a “wanted” poster, and Army recruiting poster, shots of the army during World War II, and much more! This film is really weird. Okay – it’s just plain bizarre. We here at ThinkStream films really don’t know what to think about it. Only from Coronet!

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to approximately half the film's original length.

Respect for Property (1952)

2006-10-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

See this film for auction on eBay through 10/24/2006!
Shot in the style of a film noir, this super high-budget Coronet film is one of the ultra rare finds that are mostly dramatized. The film is basically a mini-movie, following the trials and tribulations of a gang of boys whose clubhouse is broken into by a rival gang! We see the break in, and the subsequent lessons learned as the victimized boys realize that what destruction was done to them, they too have been guilty of (carving on school desks, etc.). A truly hard-to-find Coronet masterpiece! Grade A all the way ‘round!

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to approximately half the film's original length.

Writing a Report (1962)

2006-10-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

See this film for auction on eBay through 10/24/2006!
This Coronet film is basically “Writing a Report 101” in ten minutes. If you grew up in the sixties (or even early seventies), this will take you back! The film follows little Ted as he walks through the four basic principles of writing a report:
Choosing a Subject (the Red Spotted Newt!)
Gathering Information (from the Postman, the library, a museum, and encyclopedias)
Organizing the Information (into a neat, concise outline – and sticking to it!)
Writing the Report (which makes his teacher very, very happy – though she doesn’t look it!)

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to approximately half the film's original length.

Public Opinion in Our Democracy (1950)

2006-10-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

See this film for auction on eBay through 10/24/2006!
This wonderful Coronet film uses the backdrop of a fictitious ballot initiative involving having the City run the town’s transportation system (GTA) as opposed to privatizing it, to demonstrate why it’s important to vote! We here at ThinkStream films have yet to see this early an example of voting persuasion in educational films and are delighted to present it!

Of special note is the character of Mrs. Blake who, when asked her opinion about the initiative, declares, “My opinion? Oh…. I usually leave things like that to my husband.” (!!!) Also, a depiction of the town’s fictitious paper siding with the City and printing persuasive articles on the city’s behalf! Yellow journalism and propaganda at the onset of the 1950s: Who could ask for anything more?!

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to approximately half the film's original length.

How to Keep a Job (1949)

2006-10-16T17:20:00.000-07:00

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This fabulous Coronet gem has a terrific story, great scripting, and pretty darn good acting to boot. Golly gee! What the heck were they thinking???!! And get this: they even incorporated the use of “split screen” to depict twins! Special effects? Coronet?! What the….
Ed gets fired and has to look for another job. He goes to a thoroughly unbelievable job interview with a guy who is determined to educate him out of his shortcomings, even though he's just met him. He tells him a contrived story about Bob (Gallant) and his twin brother Walter (Goofus), and how one is a slacker and the other is a booster. Ed sees his own slacking ways described and becomes a booster all the way, so he gets a great job in the mail room. This film is Coronet through and through. An absolute must-see!

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to under half the film's original length.

Our Part in Conservation (1959)

2006-10-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

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McGraw-Hill original shows us what conservation is all about through the adventures of a classic fab fifties nuclear family! This family is truly the "American Dream" family, as they are fashionable (check out mom's heart-shaped glasses and scarves!), drive around all day in a fabulous convertible, and have wholesome meals each and every day! Move over, Cleavers! This family won't be caught dead by the conservation police! A wonderful look at the post-war conservation efforts of families in the fifties!

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to under half the film's original length.

Cindy Goes to a Party (1955)

2006-10-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

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This YAF/Centron at its finest! Cindy, a tomboy unsure of her social status, dreams of a party where her fairy godmother gives her etiquette lessons, and wakes up to receive her very own invitation. Featuring the most unattractive screen mother ever captured on film who prophetically proclaims to her daughter, Cindy, “You’re Cindy, not Cinderella!,” and a completely bizarre fairy-godmother in the most ridiculous Cinderella costume (with a laurel wreath on her head!) who uses her magic wand to flash such profound maxims on walls and building as “Leave on Time” while spewing out one of her many annoying lectures on how to behave at a party. One only wishes she would follow her own advise! An absolute HOOT! Filmed in Lawrence, Kansas.

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to approximately half the film's original length.

Public Speaking, Movement and Gesture (1940s)

2006-10-16T04:30:00.000-07:00

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This film is pure nostalgia! Great for training in the office as an ice-breaker (Oh, the things we had to do in the days before PowerPoint! This early Coronet film takes us through the basics of effective public speaking, with its focus on body posture and gestures. There is some very funny footage here; especially in the scene demonstrating how not to make gestures when speaking (what a forensic geek this dude is!). The final “live” speech is great in that it is about nuclear energy! The speaker’s motions are so calculated (albeit exaggerated for example), they are counter-productive to the film’s lesson and ultimately distract from what the speaker is trying to say. Great film.

Note: The following clip was taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to approximately half the film's original length.

The Procrastinator (1952)

2006-10-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

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It’s official! This is the very BEST Young America/Centron film we here at ThinkStream Films have ever seen! This film is so side-splittingly hilarious, you'll laugh until you vomit! See Jean Nelson "fiddle-faddle" her time away fingering her hair, filing and polishing her nails, doodling in notebooks, listening to the radio, and inviting friends over to listen to the "grooviest" records - in short, everything but being productive! Watch in delight as her friends, teacher, and mother (presumably single???) at first try to coach, then turn viciously against her, letting her have it! Films like this don't turn up every day.

The following clip was edited to approximately half the film's original length.

The Story of the Bees (1947)

2006-10-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

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This UW film is probably one of the best documentary studies of bees that we here at ThinkStream Films have seen. It certainly rivals even more contemporary films. The cinematography is simply breathtaking. What makes this film absolutely fascinating, outside of its basic subject, is that it was produced "based on" a film originally produced by Moscow Technical Film Studios in the former USSR. Our best guess is that only the language of the spoken narration and titles were changed from Russian to English. There is, then, an inextricable undercurrent of Communist propaganda that permeates the film's depiction of the socialist bee community in the film's commentary on drones and flagrant glorification of bee culture. The parallels are at once stunning and horrifying.

This amazingly rare and culturally fascinating film is not to be missed – if not for the amazing film work and scientific merits, then for its positioning in American culture as a supreme example of the subtle educational blitz that highlighted the ideological divide between the US and former USSR in the years leading to McCarthyism.

Note: The following clip is taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to under half the film's original length.

Who Should Decide? Areas of Parental Authority (1958)

2006-10-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

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This absolutely HILARIOUS film from Centron (with the most atrocious acting of any from the Centron repetoire), follows the trials and tribulations of two angst-ridden, troubled, and hormonally imbalanced teens as they struggle to understand why they are never allowed to make their own decisions. Watch in horror as teen trollip Susie’s mom and dad give birth to a large cow when Susie tries to sneak past them with LIPSTICK on! (“Now just a minute, young lady! You can’t leave the house looking like that! You go back in the house and wipe it off!”)!! Centron was fond of attaching credentials to their films; this time, their “Educational Collaborator" this time around is Reuben Hill, Ph.D., Director, Minnesota Family Center (mysteriously attached to The University of Minnesota)!

Note: The following clip is taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to under half the film's original length.

Arachnids, Spiders and Their Allies (1948)

2006-10-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

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This cool (and creepy) film from United World Science is the closest thing to our modern-day National Geographic and Discovery films we had in the forties. Features everything you could ever want to know in twelve minutes about spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions, and other nasty related species of arachnids! Of special note in the film is a mysterious comment regarding scorpions’ “cone-like pectines” as having an “uncertain function!”: A wonderful (and very creepy-crawly!) up-close and personal cinematography depicting what are arguably the scariest critters on the planet!

The following clip is taken directly from the original 16mm print and has been edited to under half the film's original length.

Blind as a Bat? (1955)

2006-10-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

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This "Moody Institute of Science" film (heard of them, yes?) glorifies the only flying mammal, our very own BAT. Highlights include the rather disturbing "blindfolding" and muting of an orphaned baby bat by taping its little eyes shut and tying its mouth together for the purpose of testing whether or not the little creature is truly blind. A must-see (no pun intended) for PETA fans! Take note of the "moral and spiritual value" provided at the end of the film, remarking that "the radar equipment of the bat is demonstrated in such a way that...[one] is brought to a place of questioning -- whose intelligence provided this unusual mechanism?"

Note: This video clip was taken from the original print and edited to aproximately half the film's original length. Though the film is in color, the Eastman Kodak stock has turned "magenta;" I retained color for the opening titles, however, note that the film transfers nicely to black and white.

Acts of Courtesy (1954)

2006-10-06T04:25:00.000-07:00

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This very funny (and rare) film from Centron Films demonstrates the right and wrong ways to behave in the form of a character study of two boys (Robert and Freddie) and a girl (Polly). Great example of how social skills were taught in the '50's public school system! (Boys should be good sports and girls should be courteous)!

Note: This video clip was taken from the original print and edited to aproximately half the film's original length.

We Make a Fire (1940s)

2006-10-05T10:12:00.000-07:00

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Well - not much we can say about this one other than little Tommy needs to have the s**t beaten out of him! Film is absolutely hilarious, if not for the fact that Tommy is every parent's nightmare (think Bart Simpson), then for the deliciously melodramatic musical scoring that accompanies it. Pay special notice to the brief musical "borrowing" from Wagner's Gotterdammerung (Brunnhilde's self immolation) as the fire erupts! It's little coded subtleties like this that make these "ephemeral" films all the more fun! Let's go pyro!

Note: The following clip is taken directly from original print and has been edited to aproximately
half the film's original length.

Your Teeth (Late 1940's)

2006-10-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

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An early Young America Films classic adapted from a British Information Service film entitled "Your Children's Teeth." This gross-out film, surely one of the earliest YAFs produced, discusses tooth decay, proper brushing techniques, and teeth cleaning agents of the day. Great vintage footage!!! Also, a rare print, as I can find nothing in the archives regarding this production.

This "highlights" clip was put together from the original ten-minute print.

Making Change for a Dollar (1954)

2006-10-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

Or... "Capitalist Objectivism for Young People"

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Coronet was the leader of instructional & educational films throughout the '40s and '50s. This movie is a CRACK-UP!

SEE LITTLE SUZY...
...as she falls asleep fondling and caressing her WHOLE DOLLAR!
...dream about - yes, you guessed it - SHOPPING!
...become lost in her dream world of money as Mr. Anderson, the local five-and-dime proprietor, demonstrates all the humanly possible ways in which a dollar can be divided in change. (WARNING: This part of the film is really hard to keep up with unless you're a CPA!)
...wake up!
...rush to Mr. Anderson's REAL five-and-dime to BUY, BUY, BUY! (Where the heck is Bob Barker when you need him?)
...in a mild panic when she feels the CRUNCH of possibly having overspent. (We here at ThinkStream films feel this is an early attempt to expose young children to glories of free enterprise and capitalism on the one hand, while hinting at the horrors of adult financial ruin on the other.)
...get the PRICE RIGHT!
...get the PRICE WRONG!!

A very funny, RARE look at our not-so-educational, educational past!

Note: The clip below was edited to exploit the more confusing aspects of "making change for a dollar!"

Posture Habits (1950)

2006-09-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

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This rare Young America gem waxes on the subject of developing good posture habits. The fun begins when the handsome older brother comes home from South America (yeah - South America) on a mission to teach his younger siblings all about how attractive and important they will look if they don't slouch. Very fun footage throughout - and you just have to love the Cowboys and Indians wallpaper in the bedroom!