Stock Library Can BGABGBBGC (raw silent footage)

The 1960s film footage provides a vivid snapshot of various aspects of life and activities during that era. It begins with a man cutting branches off a tree with a knife, setting a tone of manual labor and nature. This is followed by scenes at a train station, capturing the hustle and bustle of daily commute with trains moving past and people waiting on the platform.

The footage then transitions to a more rural setting, showcasing a man working on a rice farm, a common occupation of the time, and homes nearby. Nautical scenes follow with boats on water and people gathering at a waterfront, indicating the significance of maritime activities.

The film also touches on cultural and educational aspects of the era. Children are shown kneeling in front of a household shrine, indicating religious or familial practices, and in a classroom setting where they engage in painting activities under the guidance of a teacher. A playful scene of children playing “pin the tail on the donkey” is also included, highlighting the leisure activities of the time.

The film includes a soldier using a crutch, perhaps indicating the aftermath of war, and scenes of urban development with window washers working on buildings and construction sites bustling with activity. This juxtaposition of the consequences of war and the booming urban development is poignant.

Technical and mechanical processes are shown through scenes of a pulley system, a tractor with a snow plow, and various tools in use, reflecting the industrial advancements of the era. The focus on machinery and construction sites underscores the period’s emphasis on growth and modernization.

Additionally, the film includes more somber and historical elements such as cartoons depicting legislative sessions, illustrations of hanged men, and photographs of men in hospital wards, hinting at the social and political tensions of the times.

The final scenes shift to an office setting where men discuss and handle papers, possibly indicating the administrative and bureaucratic aspects of the era. The film closes with photographs of black men holding shovels, perhaps alluding to the racial dynamics and labor roles prevalent in that period.

Overall, the footage offers a comprehensive glimpse into the diverse facets of life in the 1960s, ranging from daily activities, cultural practices, and educational settings to broader themes of industrialization, political tension, and social change.

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.