This is Cinerama (1952)

***Not released on VHS

Length of film: 115 Minutes

Rated: G

Genre: Documentary

Director: Merian C. Cooper, Gunther von Fritsch, Ernest B. Schoedsack

Starring: Lowell Thomas, Kathy Darlyn, Toni Valk

IMDB Rank: 7/10

Part 1 Time: 65 Minutes

Part 2 Time: 50 Minutes

Where does the first part end? The final scene displays an opera presentation of the temple dance scene of the production of Aida.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: No dialogue- performance ends audience applauds.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Quiet, Quiet!” Lowell Thomas narrates in front of a blue curtain.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? None, but some audience members might feel bewildered due to the aspect ratio and musical score presented in the film.

Which part is better? The film is an interesting look at the early development of the point-of-view shot. The entire film is a collection of vignettes that highlights the use of the Cinerama’s aspect ratio. Part one of the film begins with brief explanation of the evolution of motion picture entertainment, then uses various vignettes to explore various countries, events, and festivals. Part two focuses on the United States highlighting the countries landscapes and a water skiing show. Part one is given a slight edge due to

Which part is better? The film is an interesting look at the early development of the point-of-view shot. The entire film is a collection of vignettes that highlights the use of the Cinerama’s aspect ratio. Part one of the film begins with an explanation of the evolution of motion picture entertainment, then uses various vignettes to explore various countries, events, and festivals. Part two focuses on the United States highlighting the countries landscapes and a water skiing show. Part one is given a slight edge due to the variety of vignettes presented and Lowell Thomas’ explanation of motion picture evolution, but part two is also quiet enjoyable.

Academy Awards: 1953; Best Sound- Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture (Nominated).

National Film Registry: 2002