movies_creation
American Movie Archives (美國電影檔案)
- Title
- According to Plan: The Story of Modern Sidewalls for the Homes of America
- Year
- 1952
- Abstract
- The beauty and functionality of asbestos sidewalls. With a visit to Levittown, N.Y. and an interview with Norman Denny, vice president of materials for Levitt & Sons, builders. An excellent film on Fifties standardized building processes.
- Notes
-
Produced: Handy (Jam) Organization
Sponsor: Asbestos Cement Products Association
Run Time: 17:18
Audio/Visual: Sd, C - Keyword
- Houses and homes;Minerals: Asbestos;Suburbia;Minerals: Asbestos;Suburbia
- Theme
- According to Plan
- Review
-
The Story of Modern Sidewalls for the Homes of America
This 50s film tells prospective homeowners how happy they will be if they put asbestos cement siding on their homes. It tells you way more than you want to know about this fairly dull building material. Mildly campy moments include the opening scene featuring a 50s couple putting together a model home in an oh-so-happy way, and the colors available, which are as follows: moss green (i.e. grey), brown, grey, and ivory (i.e. brown). There are lots of scenes of 50s suburbia when it was still new, including scenes of Levittown being built, which gives the film some historical interest. But just how interesting can you make shingles anyway? This film desperately needs a supernatural visitor or two to liven things up.
Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: ***. Weirdness: **. Historical Interest: ****. Overall Rating: ***.
(Reviewer: Christine Hennig) - Location
- A/V room, 2/F