PERHAPS AS A FORSHADOWING of the technique which would prove to be most successful for PBS Documentarians, such as Ken Burns: this MGM Short Subject made fine use of inanimate images in its storying. Whereas, there are no still photos in use, they do accomplish the same sort of objective. They do so with clever manipulation of the movie camera in varying angles to Civil WEar statues, Paintings and to the Gettysburg Battlefield, itself.
WE MUST CONFESS that this was one movie short of which we had absolutely no knowledge. It was truly a pleasant surprise to have viewed it on the tube the other evening. The venue was Turner Classic Movies, of course; where there so many cinematic treasures stored, even in their in between programming. This includes their informative TCM Original Productions; as well as their seemingly endless supply of these vintage one, two and three reelers.
PANARAMIC VIEWS OF the huge Gettysburg Battlefield are inter-cut with closeup shots of the multitude of sculptures, which are numerous and strewn about all through the National Memorial. This cinematic work is complemented by the work of the narrator. It is the fine voice of Mr. Leslie Nielson, which provides all of the audio portion of the story. This was during a period when he was a sort of light Leading Man; being long before his success in AIRPLANE, "POLICE SQUAD" and the NAKED GUN Movies.
OUR EXPERIENCE IN viewing it was a very emotionally charged and captivating half-hour; which was very well spent. This short's script, editing and beautiful Technicolor filming would seem to be the next best thing to actually paying a visit to Gettysburg in person.
WE BELIEVE THAT this should be part of a required curriculum for all of our school kids throughout our nation. Until such time, make sure that you view it, yourself.
BETTER YET, PLAN your vacation trip right now; including to this hallowed ground in Pennsylvania.
WE MUST CONFESS that this was one movie short of which we had absolutely no knowledge. It was truly a pleasant surprise to have viewed it on the tube the other evening. The venue was Turner Classic Movies, of course; where there so many cinematic treasures stored, even in their in between programming. This includes their informative TCM Original Productions; as well as their seemingly endless supply of these vintage one, two and three reelers.
PANARAMIC VIEWS OF the huge Gettysburg Battlefield are inter-cut with closeup shots of the multitude of sculptures, which are numerous and strewn about all through the National Memorial. This cinematic work is complemented by the work of the narrator. It is the fine voice of Mr. Leslie Nielson, which provides all of the audio portion of the story. This was during a period when he was a sort of light Leading Man; being long before his success in AIRPLANE, "POLICE SQUAD" and the NAKED GUN Movies.
OUR EXPERIENCE IN viewing it was a very emotionally charged and captivating half-hour; which was very well spent. This short's script, editing and beautiful Technicolor filming would seem to be the next best thing to actually paying a visit to Gettysburg in person.
WE BELIEVE THAT this should be part of a required curriculum for all of our school kids throughout our nation. Until such time, make sure that you view it, yourself.
BETTER YET, PLAN your vacation trip right now; including to this hallowed ground in Pennsylvania.