Short funky Swedish documentary about the development of the state-of-the-art Royal Swedish Air force jet fighter "Draken". Built and developed by Swedish car maker Saab in the early 1950s, this video takes us on a brief journey on how the plane was developed and tested before its maiden flight in 1955. Also pay attention to the thick and rather silly Swedish accents that makes this video even more kitschy. Good times indeed! (Via)
Following up on my earlier post on how to get a date if you lived in 1950s America, here is a new film which show and tell how you can have a few close friends but be popular among a large group of people too. The entertainment value and kitsch-meter is going through the roof with this film. Hmm, why were all guys called Wally back then? (Via)
How would you get into dating if you were a teenager in the suburbs of America in the 1950s? Ever wonder how social life was like for your mother, father, grandmother or grandfather? The video is taken from the Coronet collection, which features lots of swell vintage movies about growing up in the 1940s and 1950s. What are your thoughts on dating today versus 60 years ago? (Via)
Cute, kitschy and a bit sexist in a innocent mid-century way, this 25 minute long film tributes the American woman in the American family household. Through the course of it we get to experience her wifely responsibilities, such as planning the family budget, finding time to be social and shopping for daily necessities. Pay attention to the lovely and cheerful muzak-styled songs that are played in the background. I am also very sure that this is the same narrator that was heard in a handful of other similar films in the 1950s and 1960s. Anyone know who I am referring to? [Thanks Cam]
Update: the narrator is legendary Ken Nordine. Hat tip to commenter PJ for clearing that up.
Produced in 1955 and 1959 about the atomic bomb and radioactive fallout and how you can protect your self from it. For someone born in the 1970s or later it is probably hard to grasp the hype, fear and fascination about the atomic bomb in the height of the cold war era. Especially for those living on the western seaboard of the US in the early 60s which was apparently only 13 days away from a possible nuclear attack from Cuba in 1962. These clips will make sure that you learn how to best protect your self from a nuclear blast and also demonstrate the full effect of a live atomic bomb explosion. Very kitschy and very real. Clips obtained through the wonderful Internet Archive.
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More retro goodness from the Prelinger archives. This film sheds some light on the early 1950s standardized building processes using asbestos sidewalls which apparently raised no red flags concerning health issues back then. Funny how awareness can change so quickly.
I am sure that most people who read this blog have their own secret crush about times gone by, whether it be kitchen appliances, cocktail bars, design or cars that purr. Some of you might even have stories to tell but what about the rest of us who can only fantasize about. Meet Joanne Massey, a 35-year old housewife from Stafford, England who have made her fantasy become reality.
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This Mexican movie from 1968 is I am sure as cheesy as it is a lovely treat for kitsch loving people like all of us. I have not seen it but the basic premise of it is as follows. "A wrestling hero helps the police in their battle against a mad doctor and his army of female zombies." Sounds like great evening to me! This clip from YouTube shows a exotic dance being performed by a temptress to a lush vibes and percussion based song in the style of Arthur Lyman and Martin Denny.
