Although the 1950s are long gone, this decade in particular seemed to have a constant atmosphere of futurism to it. A lot of the cars, home appliances, and other things from this decade look streamlined and high tech even today. In this short, we see how the 50s were a time of great scientific progress, and a lot of the things shown here seem like science fiction even now. Firstly, it can't be a 50s related thing without mentioning nuclear power, and how fitting of them to start with this. Atomic power plants can supply electricity to huge swaths of the US, and other power stations can derive power from the sun itself. It is hoped that maybe someday, solar power will replace all other forms of electricity on Earth. Next, we see how electronics are being implemented in the new age of aerial warfare: the Hughes Falcon is an early guided missile using infrared guidance designed to shoot down enemy bombers that can't maneuver very well. It is the first heatseeking missile used by the US Air Force. Arguably the most massive technology of the entire decade is television. Using this, scientists can study bacteria under a microscope without squinting through an eyepiece, and surgeons can film their procedures and provide live commentary on them in order to benefit medical students. Using television, two doctors, one in California and the other in New York, can talk to each other on what to do regarding a certain patient. Another huge contribution to technology is magnetic tape. Using this, color footage and sound can be recorded and played back instantly without the need for development. The implications this has for filmmaking can't be overstated. Coded information using a typewriter is punched out, and can be run into a synthesizer to play music using only electronics. Radiation, while dangerous in large quantities, has found a use for the American home of tomorrow as well. Cordless lamps can be turned on by placing them in proximity to generators that give off invisble radiation. Gamma rays can preserve food instead of a refrigerator. Corn and other plants can also be grown under controlled radiation levels. Even in medicine, they are contemplating the idea of putting radioactive isotopes in drugs, which will have to be transported in lead containers to pharmacies. Using mechanical arms, an operator shielded behind 3 feet of glass and lead conducts an experiment with hazardous materials on the other side. The short ends by saying that while these inventions are all really impressive and can benefit humans greatly, the most important asset humans have is our drive to always reach higher, innovate, and adapt as a race. I often wonder about what the state of humanity will be like centuries from now (if it even still exists), and wish I could experience some of the inventions that may exist one day. Travel between stars might finally be possible, with spaceships capable of breaking the laws of physics and outrunning the speed of light. Even today, there are people who believe that in order for humans to survive far into the future, they need to become a spacefaring civilization and set up cities and countries on other worlds. While this film doesn't go over that, I still thought it was interesting seeing how futuristic the 50s were. It was a time of many advances happening at once, and radical new things such as jet airliners and microwaves were becoming a thing. I always like to watch things like this, not only to see how far we have come, but also because it looked like a really nice time to be an american.
