" OUR AMERICAN CROSSROADS " 1955 GENERAL MOTORS PARADE OF PROGRESS DIORAMA 32645y

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This film shows the exhibit known as OUR AMERICAN CROSSROADS in operation. Originally created in 1955 for the General Motors Parade of Progress, this exhibit still exists and is maintained by GM. It was built by the H.B. Stubbs company and was on display at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry until 2001 when it was removed by GM. The Our American Crossroads display is an animated diorama of American life. It depicts lifestyles before and after the introduction of the automobile and a futuristic look years down the road. Starting with (as the narrator says) "a sleepy, rural crossroad consisting of muddy roads, a rickety wooden bridge and a few scattered farm houses, you see a simple story of American growth and development unfold before your eyes. Beginning with the first appearance of a horseless carriage – this ever-changing diorama dramatically traces the impact of the automobile on the isolated community. The transformation from a muddy crossroad to a modern bustling community, vividly illustrates the important role played by the automobile in the rapid growth of America. We have progressed from a country of isolated rural communities and scattered cities – to an integrated land connected by a great network of roads and highways … and we have come this far in only sixty years.

00:00 - 0:34: The film begins by describing modern cities as dynamic places where people are constantly moving. It highlights how crossroads serve as meeting points, reflecting the growth of urban areas due to increased personal mobility facilitated by automobiles.

0:34 - 1:00: The automobile is portrayed not just as a mode of transport but as a tool of communication, spreading knowledge and driving change. It notes how sleepy villages have transformed into centers of industry, commerce, education, and culture.

1:00 - 1:17: The narrative discusses how change, often sparked by a single idea like the internal combustion engine applied to the automobile, leads to significant societal shifts.

1:17 - 1:42: An exhibit at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry is mentioned, showcasing how the automobile has changed American life, particularly at crossroads.

1:42 - 2:57: The speaker reminisces about the early 20th century in "Pleasant Corners," a fictional town, where life was slow until the arrival of the first automobile, which initially seemed like a novelty or folly.

2:57 - 4:17: The story continues with the gradual acceptance and integration of automobiles into daily life, leading to new infrastructure like roads and bridges, and changing the local economy and landscape with new housing developments.

4:17 - 6:57: The narrative intertwines personal stories with broader changes, mentioning World War I, flu pandemics, and how these events influenced local developments like new schools and businesses.

6:57 - 8:51: Post-war growth is described, including new construction, business ventures, and the impact of the Depression on the community, showing resilience and adaptation.

8:51 - 10:23: The story covers further developments into the late 1920s and 1930s, including new public facilities and the personal successes and struggles of local characters like Betsy and Pete.

10:23 - 11:49: A reflection on the accuracy of past visions of the future, specifically referencing the Futurama exhibit at the 1939 World's Fair, which somewhat accurately predicted modern urban development.

11:49 - 13:13: The narrative looks forward, imagining future advancements like settlements in extreme environments and space exploration, emphasizing human ingenuity and optimism for future progress.



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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com