33238 Interesting film from Jam Handy about school reform that is simultaneously horribly dated and remarkably relavent to the situation in today's schools. The film opens with the typical zealous narrator defining the problems facing schools, primarily dark and overcrowded schools. The main part of the film is taken up by a representative meeting, which each role having taking on an icon role. We have the foreign born American, represented here a man with a vaguely Italian or Greek accent, a housewife, a businessman, a farmer and a doctor, with the eponymous sixth chair empty, representing the apathetic. 1950's American world view is all over this film. All the students are White. Communism is bad and a threat to the American way of life. Women's education is defined by taking care of the domestic sphere. Children drop out and become deliquent because of poor school facilities. The solution proposed by the film is mainly to build new facilities that are "modern" or remodel the dark and brokendown schoolhouses. In addition, the role of vocational and moral education in the school experience, along with teacher centered instructional methods. The narrator enthuses equally about bright lighting and posture enhancing seating. Yet, there are still elements in this film that Americans have not really taken to heart. Along with the modern facilities, they talk about honoring teaching as a profession, by showing support and making sure they have adquate pay. If anything, that part of the equation has deteriorted in the last 50 some years since this film was made. The film also urges the community to take an active interest in what is going on within the schools, noting that improved eduction is an indicator of better success in life. This also remains very true. Yet, Americans continue to have a very myoptic view of the education system, either feeling like their particular school is fine or it is not issue that is worth their interest or tax dollars. While the film proposes solutions that are no longer relavent to today's world, the basic approach suggested is something that should become wider known. I see dumb people... Wilford B. Wolf 2005-02-27 12:58:12 2005-02-27 12:58:12 4 33353 Another film in the strange saga of films that were recently updated about overpopulated school. A group of 4 concerned citizens argue about why Schools Are The Way They Are, then in a device commonly used in Coronet films, but not so common in Jam Handy, A discombobulated voice chimes in, noone has a clue where the hell the voice is coming from, which is funny. you think they're ALL LOSING THEIR MINDS!!! Then, some very good images of overcrowded schools are shown. These all look like they're coming from actual schools, so that's a nice change. We see some solutions as well, which is also nice. Best scene: Some kids turn out all right, and some others get lost in the system! And HERE THEY ARE! LOL Most of them are all wearing glasses and might as well have "nerd" written on a sign for us. And these are the nerds! Spuzz 2005-02-28 20:20:12 2005-02-28 20:20:12 3 The film's presentation is obviously outdated, but the financial neglect of public education still holds true today. Old fashioned but lots of true facts 3 ERD. 2007-01-07 19:57:24 2007-01-07 19:57:24 Hi there, I'm interested in using this footage for a company video. Could you please contact me on how I can obtain a full res (720x480) version? Thanks. Just What I'm Looking For dreadheadhb 2008-12-10 18:34:19 2008-12-10 18:34:19 5 4 3.75