Science And Superstition, Cans 1-2 (silent)

The 1940s film footage presents a blend of school life and playful activities. It opens with scenes of boys playing baseball, where a batter superstitiously uses a rabbit’s foot for luck. Interspersed throughout are shots of a person holding a film slate, signaling the start of various scenes. The footage shifts between the baseball game, where teams alternate and players discuss the lucky rabbit’s foot, and a classroom setting. In the classroom, a woman teacher instructs a group of students. She engages in writing on the chalkboard and teaching, while students participate actively, standing to talk or write, and working on tests. Notable moments include a boy distributing papers, a science demonstration with batteries and lightbulbs, and students taking turns writing on the chalkboard. The teacher is seen repeatedly, sometimes forgetting and repeating her lines, highlighting the educational focus of the footage. Additionally, there are moments of casual student interaction, like sharing milk and taking tests. Other scenes briefly divert to activities like rock chiseling and library studying, before returning to the classroom where students are actively engaged in learning.

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.