A Report to Home Builders (silent footage, 1946)

A Report to Home Builders (1946)

This is silent – scanned from a 35mm negative which didn’t have a soundtrack.

Produced by the Handy (Jam) Organization in 1946, *A Report to Home Builders* captures the emotional homecoming of a World War II veteran reuniting with his wife, reflecting the hopes and challenges of postwar America. Sponsored by the Stran-Steel Division of Great Lakes Steel Corp., the film highlights new housing developments designed to meet the needs of returning veterans. Opening with a touching reunion scene as the veteran steps out of a cab and kisses his wife, the film transitions to scenes of stylish home interiors, showcasing the modern amenities and design innovations of 1940s suburban living.

The film explores the construction of these homes, focusing on the use of steel and prefabrication techniques to expedite building. Shots of skilled workers on assembly lines and contractors using heavy machinery illustrate the mass-production approach that enabled efficient homebuilding. Interspersed with images of cozy living rooms, radios, newspapers, and magazines like *House Beautiful* and *Fortune*, the film paints an idealized vision of American domestic life and prosperity. As the veteran settles into his new suburban life, the film celebrates the promise of stability, romance, and the American Dream for war heroes returning home to a rapidly modernizing society.

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