Real Video, Real People, 1937

[scotrace]

In 1937 (and again in 1947), a movie crew came to my hometown and shot footage for a few days.
I think the thing was sponsored by merchants whose stores/businesses were then prominently featured in the finished film. The crew simply went downtown and started filming. The street downtown was as packed as any mall today on a 75% off (and maybe Free Beer) day. LOTS of jarring jump-cuts, etc. There are shots of quitting time at some local factories and offices, of the Soapbox Derby, a parade, the county fair, etc. Later, the crew returned to show the film at the local theatre.
It's a goldmine of "average Joe" clothing, props, mannerisms, etc. Lots of lunch pails, soft caps, fedoras, straws (shot in summer), cigars, motorcycle cops, cute kids. Quite a few men are hatless (repeat, hatless), but then again, one properly removed ones hat to be photographed.
I've had them transferred to digital.
I can attempt to do some screen grabs, if anyone is interested, and post them here. It might help if I had an idea of what everyone might like to see.

 

[Johnnysan]

Stills would be great...especially of the men in hats (of course!) I look forward to a glimpse at the past!

 

[scotrace]

Perhaps

They're in DVD format.

 

[scotrace]

Here it is

Some vidcaps are here.

 

[Mr. 'H']

Scotrace, how do you do "vidcaps" like that? Say I have a DVD and want to freeze a picture and post it onto the Lounge, how do I do it?

 

[Sefton]

the alternate caption for this picture:
"Get dat camera outa my face before I moidalize ya!"

Mr.H,
If you have a DVD player with your computer you can install the software for a DVD player/viewer which will allow screen captures. The one that I use is called WinDVD and came already installed with my Compaq notebook (about 2 yrs. ago) and it works great. If you do an internet search for DVD software or perhaps include the words; screen capture or screen grab, I think you might find some free downloads. Good luck! Best regards, Sefton

 

[Mr. 'H']

Thanks Sefton, I'll search around. If anyone has any links for this I'd appeciate it.

 

[scotrace]

I use DVDCapture for mac.

 

[Mr. 'H']

They're in DVD format.

Any chance of getting a link to this, no?

 

[scotrace]

Just

Bumping.


So. Bump.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Oh, do post more -- I love this sort of thing, especially downtown street scenes.

I have a very similar film taken in my hometown in 1952, "Searsport and its People," with lots of local characters who were still around in my own childhood -- it's on VHS, and I hope to get it put onto DVD one of these days...

 

[Rosie]

Very cool, thanks for posting.