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United States / 1936

Master Hands (Part I)

Master Hands (Part I)

Master Hands (Part I), an archival ephemeral film in the Prelinger Archives collection.

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

Classic "capitalist realist" drama showing the manufacture of Chevrolets from foundry to finished vehicles. Though ostensibly a tribute to the "master hands" of the assembly line workers, it seems more of a paean to the designers of this impressive mass production system. Filmed in Flint, Michigan, just months before the United Auto Workers won union recognition with their famous sitdown strikes. Released the same year as two other films with which it shares similarities: MODERN TIMES and TRIUMPH OF THE WILL.

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A CLOSER LOOK

The Prelinger collection preserves ephemeral films that document everyday life, instruction, commerce, and popular culture. This entry is cataloged as Master Hands (Part I).

Classic "capitalist realist" drama showing the manufacture of Chevrolets from foundry to finished vehicles. Though ostensibly a tribute to the "master hands" of the assembly line workers, it seems more of a paean to the designers of this impressive mass production system. Filmed in Flint, Michigan, just months before the United Auto Workers won union recognition with their famous sitdown strikes. Released the same year as two other films with which it shares similarities: MODERN TIMES and TRIUMPH OF THE WILL.

Watch the film here, then open the archive record for its full description and file details.

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

Internet Archive · Prelinger ArchivesMaster Hands (Part I)

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