a few moments, at random — click one to read what the model saw
Soundie - Lamp Of Memory
1944
- The woman stands behind a large floral arrangement, looking around.
- The woman walks across the room toward the bed.
- The woman sits on the edge of the bed.
The scene is set in a dimly lit, elegantly appointed bedroom during the night, characterized by a classic film noir aesthetic. The room features a large, ornate bed with a high, carved headboard and a white bedspread. To the right of the bed, a small wooden nightstand holds a vintage radio and a lamp with a large, light-colored shade. The walls are covered in a subtle, patterned wallpaper, and heavy, dark curtains frame a window in the background. A large, dark floral arrangement sits in the foreground, partially obscuring the view of the woman. The lighting is low and atmospheric, casting deep shadows across the room. A woman with dark, styled hair, wearing a light-colored, sleeveless dress, is the primary subject. Later, a man in a dark vest and light-colored shirt appears. The camera transitions from a medium shot of the woman to a wide shot of the bedroom, and finally to a shot of a balcony with a decorative metal gate.
Business Films
1968
- The man looks down at a folder on his desk.
- The man speaks directly to the camera during a close-up.
- A man at a podium addresses a seated audience.
The video begins with a series of title cards on a dark blue background, introducing 'Business Films' and 'James E. Pitt, President of the New York Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.' The scene then transitions to a medium shot of a man in a dark suit, white shirt, and black tie, wearing thick-rimmed glasses. He is seated at a wooden desk in a dimly lit office, with a desk lamp and a small scale visible in the foreground. He is looking down at a black folder or binder. The camera then zooms in on his face as he begins to speak. Later, the video cuts to a black-and-white wide shot of a formal conference room. A man in a suit stands at a podium labeled 'PRSA' in front of a large floral emblem on the wall. He is addressing an audience of men and women seated in rows of chairs. Another man, identified by a nameplate as 'Mr. Wheeler,' sits at a table nearby. The atmosphere is formal and professional, typical of a mid-20th-century political or corporate gathering.
Preparation of Foods: Stone Age to Space Age
undated
- A person sits huddled under a campfire at night.
- A person reaches out to touch the campfire.
- A rocket launches from a launch pad at night.
The video begins with a series of title cards on a black background, first showing the 'LITTON INDUSTRIES' logo, followed by 'THE PREPARATION OF FOOD', and then 'FROM STONE AGE TO SPACE AGE'. The scene then transitions to a dark night setting where a campfire is burning. A person is seen sitting on the ground, huddled under the fire's glow. The camera zooms in on the flames, showing the wood burning and smoke rising. A brief shot of a rocket launch is shown, with a tall white rocket standing on a launch pad next to a metal tower. The video then cuts back to the campfire, where the flames are seen dancing and rising. Finally, the video displays a sequence of ancient Egyptian wall paintings, including a scene of a man with a bow, a group of soldiers in a line, a lion, a tiger, and two people picking grapes under a vine.
Stripper Betty Howard
undated
- The woman walks forward from the arched doorway.
- She raises her arms and turns her back.
- She turns back and points toward the right.
The scene is set in a dimly lit, rustic interior, likely a kitchen or a small room, characterized by a large, dark arched doorway in the background. The walls are made of rough, textured stone or plaster, and a large ceramic vase sits on a low ledge to the right. The floor is composed of dark, square tiles. A woman is the central figure, dressed in a light-colored, flowing gown with a dark, ornate bodice. She has long, dark hair that moves with her as she dances. The lighting is dramatic, casting deep shadows and highlighting the woman's movements against the dark background. The atmosphere is theatrical and expressive, typical of early silent cinema. The camera remains mostly static, capturing her performance from a medium distance, with occasional slight zooms and pans to follow her energetic movements. The overall mood is one of joy and celebration, as the woman appears to be performing for an unseen audience in this intimate, shadowy space.
[San Francisco General Strike] (Part II)
1934
- Men in suits stand in a wide street.
- A large cloud of smoke billows from a building.
- Men crouch over a person lying on a mat.
This black and white archival footage captures a historical urban scene in Frisco, California, during the 1930s. The video begins with a title card reading "FRISCO STRIKE RIOTS!" from Pathe News. The setting transitions to a wide, open street where several men in dark suits and hats are gathered. In the background, a large ship is docked, and a white van is parked near a building. The atmosphere is tense as a large plume of white smoke or dust billows from a building in the distance. The camera then focuses on a group of men on a sidewalk, one of whom is lying on a white mat on the ground. A man in a dark jacket and glasses is shown in a close-up, speaking with a serious expression. The scene shifts to a military encampment where a large formation of soldiers in uniform marches in formation past a large wooden building. Finally, a man in a military uniform, wearing a campaign hat and a belt, stands in front of other soldiers, addressing the camera.
Drug Abuse: The Chemical Tomb
1969
- A person's hands prepare a cigarette over a box.
- A man with long hair smokes a cigarette.
- A woman with short hair smokes a cigarette.
The video captures a group of people in a living room setting, likely during a social gathering or party. The room is decorated with vibrant, large-scale art pieces, including a prominent eye graphic on the wall and a colorful mural. A man with long hair and a dark shirt is seen smoking a cigarette, while a woman with short, styled hair and a patterned blouse also smokes. A young child is perched on the woman's lap, observing the surroundings. Another man in a plaid shirt is seated nearby, also smoking. The scene begins with a close-up of hands meticulously preparing a cigarette over a box filled with cigarette packs. As the camera pans, it reveals the wider group, including a woman with glasses and a man in sunglasses, all engaged in the act of smoking. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, with various items like a lamp and a trophy visible in the background, suggesting a lived-in, domestic environment.
Unique Contribution, The (Part II)
1959
- The man speaks while looking directly at the camera.
- The man turns his head to look at the side.
- The man turns back and reaches for an object.
The scene is set in a classic mid-20th-century office or study, characterized by a warm and scholarly atmosphere. A middle-aged man with dark, neatly styled hair is the central figure, dressed in a professional grey tweed suit, a crisp white shirt, and a dark tie. He sits behind a desk, which is partially visible at the bottom of the frame. Behind him, the background features a large window adorned with patterned curtains in shades of brown and beige. To his left, a small wooden side table holds a golden trophy and a potted plant, adding to the room's traditional decor. The lighting is soft and even, highlighting the man's focused expression as he speaks directly to the camera. He is engaged in a demonstration, using his hands to manipulate small, dark objects, likely coins, on the desk surface. The camera remains mostly static, with a slight zoom-in during the close-up of his hands, capturing the intricate details of his movements as he handles the items.
Soundie - One Look At You
1940
- couples dance together on the floor
- dancers stop and begin to clap
- man in white jacket walks forward
The scene is set in a sophisticated, dimly lit nightclub or lounge during the evening. The atmosphere is elegant and lively, characterized by the presence of a live band and a crowd of patrons. In the background, a full orchestra is visible, featuring a drummer, a pianist, and several violinists and a double bassist. The stage is framed by heavy, patterned curtains. In the foreground, several couples are seen dancing on a wooden floor. The men are dressed in white shirts and dark trousers, while the women wear long, flowing dresses. As the camera pans, it reveals a man in a white tuxedo jacket and bowtie who stands prominently in the center, addressing the audience. To his right, a woman sits at a small table with a lamp, watching the performance with a smile. The lighting is focused on the performers, creating a classic mid-20th-century cinematic aesthetic. The camera's movement transitions from a wide view of the dance floor to a closer shot of the man in the white jacket.
Baggies Food Wrap Commercial
undated
- A person places a watermelon slice onto plastic wrap.
- A young boy bites into the watermelon slice.
- A young girl eats a round cookie.
This black and white commercial sequence is set against a stark, dark background, focusing on the presentation of food products. The video begins with a close-up of a person's hands meticulously placing a large, circular slice of watermelon onto a sheet of clear plastic wrap. The camera then cuts to a young boy who enthusiastically bites into the watermelon slice. Following this, the scene shifts to a young girl with her hair in pigtails who is seen eating a round cookie. The focus then moves to a sandwich being prepared, where a hand is shown pressing down on a stack of bread slices. A box of 'BAGGIES' food wrap is featured prominently, with a hand pulling a long strip of plastic wrap from it. The video concludes with a series of close-ups of people enjoying the wrap, including a woman, a boy, and a man, before showing the product boxes being placed on a still life of a watermelon and a ham.
Movie Trailers: "Marathon of Fright"
1950
- Animated text appears on a dark background.
- The man holds his hands to his head.
- The creature snarls and moves its head.
The video is a classic animated sequence titled "Marathon of Fright," set in a dark, eerie forest at night. The scene features a man in a white shirt and trousers who is being terrorized by a large, monstrous creature with a human head and animal body. The creature is seen in various states of aggression, including snarling and extending its arms. The man is shown in multiple states of distress: first, with his hands pressed against his head in a state of terror, and later, standing with his arms outstretched in a state of panic. A brief shot shows the man inside a vintage car, looking terrified. The background is filled with gnarled trees and a dark, foggy atmosphere. The sequence also includes a title card with the text "How much can the human mind STAND?" and another with "WILL IT BE LIFE OR LIVING DEATH!" in a stylized font. The camera work is dynamic, with zooms and pans that emphasize the man's fear and the creature's menacing presence.
Impact '66 (Part II)
undated
- The man speaks while looking directly at the camera.
- The man gestures with his right hand while talking.
- The man stands still and continues his speech.
The video opens with a series of stylized title cards and vintage film grain, including the words "START" and "IMPACT '66" in bold, black lettering against a black background. The scene then transitions to a brightly lit, minimalist studio with a pale pinkish-white background. A man in a dark brown suit, white shirt, and dark tie is the central figure. He is initially seen in a close-up, speaking directly to the camera with a serious expression. As the camera zooms out, he is revealed standing next to a large, white vertical poster. The poster features bold black text that reads " winNING is THE CHEVROLET WAY AGAINST PURE OIL PERFORMANCE TRIALS," accompanied by a small logo. To the man's right, a small white pedestal table is visible. The man eventually turns his attention to the poster, gesturing toward it as he continues his presentation. The overall atmosphere is professional and promotional, characteristic of mid-20th-century television advertisements.
Chevrolet Leader News (Vol. 1, No. 1)
1935
- A white object moves across the industrial background.
- A white object moves across the upper background.
- A white object moves across the upper background.
The video begins with a close-up of two large, metallic, conical speakers mounted on a horizontal bar, set against a dark, indistinct background. As the camera zooms in, the text "Chevrolet Leader News" fades in over the speakers. The scene then transitions to a black-and-white aerial view of a massive industrial facility, likely a dam, situated in Tennessee Valley. The facility features a long, rectangular concrete structure with a steep, angled roof section heavily covered in scaffolding and construction materials. A crane is visible in the distance, moving a large white object, possibly a water tank or a piece of heavy machinery, across the frame. The camera captures the scale of the construction site, showing the intricate network of scaffolding and the vast, open landscape surrounding the facility. The overall atmosphere is one of a significant industrial project in progress, with the camera providing a sense of the massive scale of the construction and the surrounding environment.