"OUT OF DARKNESS" 1953 GENERAL ELECTRIC STREET LIGHTING CRIME PREVENTION PROMO FILM GG39785

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Dating to 1953 and produced by the March of Time for General Electric, "Out of Darkness" tells the story of the city of Fort Butler's struggle to implement modern street lighting. It highlights the link between poor lighting and increased crime and traffic accidents, and the resistance faced from various community figures, including a skeptical newspaper editor. The turning point comes after a young boy is involved in a traffic accident due to poor visibility, which ultimately convinces the editor and galvanizes the community to support the new lighting initiative. The film concludes with the successful inauguration of the new streetlights, symbolizing the city's move "out of darkness" into a safer and more prosperous future. Written and produced by Jack Glenn,

00:00 Main titles. On Christmas Eve, Janet volunteers to go to the drugstore; her mother worries about her going out after dark.1:47 Janet leaves for the drugstore.2:17 The next morning, the family reacts to a newspaper headline about a crime "right here in town."2:55 In the City Manager's office, Mr. Jordan learns of a surge in crime complaints.3:17 The Police Chief states that crime requires a "decent system of street lighting," as "crooks love the dark."4:07 Mr. Jordan offers to send a statistician to help the Chief study crime records and traffic accidents after dark.4:42 Mr. Jordan tries to convince Caleb, a newspaper editor, that street lighting is crucial for reducing crime/accidents and promoting community growth/business.5:23 Caleb, the editor, is skeptical and resistant, believing it will burden citizens with new taxes.6:24 Mr. Jordan and the Chief review statistics showing significantly more rapes (2x), assaults (5x), thefts (6x), and burglaries (8x) at night, and nearly 3/4 of serious traffic accidents occur in darkness despite less travel.7:15 An old man notes the "Great White Way" (Main Street) lights are 25 years old and ineffective.7:46 Nick criticizes the poor lighting outside Main Street as useless.8:15 Two men are walking at night when one is attacked and robbed.8:47 Mike and City Manager Phil Jordan discuss Caleb Franklin's newspaper downplaying crime, suspecting he avoids advertising the need for new street lighting. Phil worries about city council resistance.9:32 Phil's wife worries he might lose his job over the initiative.10:12 Phil meets Dave Barley, a lighting specialist, who confirms the city's street lighting is "lousy."10:36 Phil asks Dave to update a city-wide lighting survey.11:05 Evidence from other towns where modern street lighting increased retail sales, real estate values, and improved fire protection.12:10 A city council member criticizes Mr. Jordan 12:31 Mr. Jordan presents his plan: four months, cost of a golf ball or four cigarette packs per citizen. Graphs show lighting expenditures lagging behind population and other spending.13:20 Caleb Franklin suggests Mr. Jordan report on his travels.13:41 Mr. Jordan passionately advocates for new street lighting, citing Cleveland's success (34% fewer pedestrian fatalities, 78% crime reduction) and positive impacts in other cities like Lynenville, Vermont.16:20 Mr. Jordan urges Fort Butler to embrace progress.17:27 Caleb Franklin's newspaper publishes an editorial criticizing Mr. Jordan's plan. 18:00 A young boy on a paper route complains about the gloomy, late-truck corner.19:30 The newspaper truck driver, Paul, is involved in an accident, stating he "just couldn't see."19:52 Caleb Franklin, the editor, admits he was wrong and that it took a "small boy to do the job."21:04 Caleb pledges his newspaper's support to relight Main Street 22:13 A newsboy sells papers announcing the relighting.23:34 The Governor praises the city's progress at the new lights' ceremony.24:16 The Governor announces Jackie Cummings (the boy from the paper route) will throw the switch.24:55 Jackie Cummings turns on the new streetlights.

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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, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com