Are You A Good Citizen Cans1-3 (silent raw footage)

The film footage from the 1940s presents a series of vignettes that emphasize the importance of civic responsibility and community engagement. Scenes include actors standing around, a man conversing with various individuals, including a woman, a man in glasses, and a boy. The man in glasses is a key figure, often seen showing others a newspaper with headlines like “First Citizen of Town” and “City Prepares Celebration.” The footage focuses on themes such as being a good citizen, with slates listing civic duties like performing basic civic tasks and obeying the law. Key moments include filling out an income tax form, receiving a jury summons, and participating in voting. The film also highlights involvement in community organizations like the Red Cross, Elks Club, and Rotary International. Additionally, it covers interpersonal situations, such as a man discussing a broken window with a boy and teaching him about responsibility. Finally, it underscores the importance of staying informed on public affairs and being a good neighbor, shown through scenes of reading the newspaper and engaging in community discussions. The overarching theme is the promotion of active citizenship and community involvement in various aspects of public and private life during the 1940s.

We digitized and uploaded this film from the A/V Geeks 16mm Archive. Email us at footage@avgeeks.com if you have questions about the footage and are interested in using it in your project.