16 MM Educational Films You May Have Seen If You Grew Up In The Fifties Or Sixties.

You couldn't have grown up in the fifties or sixties without watching a Coronet Film in School. They were usually 15 or 20 minute films that were shown on great big movie projectors that, if you got to operate it, was always a big thrill. Of course this was before video and even if it was a silly topic, it was fun to sit in the class with the lights out and pass notes without getting caught.

I have found several of these films at the Internet Archive, which specializes in Public Domain material. A visit there is well worth your time as you will find a treasure trove of material. In the meantime, enjoy these films. Perhaps you will remember one of them if you are a boomer.

Beginning Responsibility: Lunchroom Manners (1959)


The rude, clumsy puppet Mr. Bungle shows kids how to behave in the school cafeteria - the assumption being that kids actually want to behave during lunch. This film has a cult following since it appeared on a Pee Wee Herman HBO special.

Going Steady? (1951)

Attempts to provoke teens into discussion on the complex issue of going steady. Provides little support for the practice.

Dating: Do's and Don'ts (1949)

Classic instructional film for teen daters, presented here in the rare (but incomplete) Kodachrome version.

Self-Conscious Guy (1951)

Shows how feelings of self-consciousness keep a high school boy from doing his classwork well or making friends easily.

How to Be Well Groomed (1949)

Siblings Don and Sue show how they keep themselves well groomed throughout the school week and for their Friday night dates.

Where The Wild Things Are: Watch The Trailer For This New Spike Jonze Movie!

To begin with, I know that this movie isn't marketing itself to me. However, I wonder exactly who this movie is aimed at. It looks a little too sophisticated for preschoolers, and I'm wondering if the six to twelve age group, tweeners, and teens are going to want to watch a movie where the costumes of the creatures look more ridiculous than the EWOKS.

This movie is an adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic children's story. The basic plot, if you care, is that Max, a disobedient little boy sent to bed without his supper, creates his own world--a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler.

Oh well, nothing more to say. Watch the trailer and decide for yourself.



The film, which is directed by Spike Jonze, opens October 16, 2009.

Classic Game Shows From The 50's.

TV Game Shows at their prime and before the scandal. Here are several episodes that I have found at Internet Archive.

Dollar A Second
Complete with ads for Mogen David Wines.


Beat The Clock
I was more familiar with this show later when it was hosted by Bob Barker.



Okay, Mother
Hosted by Dennis James, this is the only surviving copy of this show.


Quick As A Flash
From 1952, an NBC show that in this episode has Boris Karloff as a guest.


The Price Is Right
From 1957 and hosted by Bill Cullens, this is not the format for the show that now exists.



The Face Is Familiar
This show was a summer series from the mid 60's but since it was so interesting I decided to post it. Hosted by Jack Whitaker, guest stars are Bob Crane and June Lockhart.

Love Burgers? Then You'll Love "Burger Town"

I wasn't expecting anything special when I started watching "Burger Town", a documentary about the great hamburger places in California history. Turns out, it held my interest for the entire 45 minutes. So much so, that I decided to share it by posting it here, courtesy of Hulu.com and Fancast.com. Give it a try. Oh, and do you want fries with that?