Mac’s Motor City Garage presents, in three parts, the Ford Motor Company’s classic 1953 film, The American Road.
In 1953, the Ford Motor Company was officially celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the company was justifiably proud of its leading role in putting America on wheels. To honor the moment, the automaker commissioned a feature-quality motion picture that was not just a history of Ford or the auto industry, but of transportation in America.
Released on September 26, 1953, The American Road featured new scenes directed by George Stoney combined with archival footage from Ford’s own film department, established in 1918 and at one time the largest private movie company in the world. Famed Hollywood composer Alex North created the musical score, while the professorial narrator is none other than Raymond Massey, best known for his classic portrayals of Abraham Lincoln on stage and screen.
Ford pulled out all the stops, producing that rare thing: a company promotional film, more or less, that is both truly educational and enjoyable to watch—and it’s still great viewing today, especially for us gearheads. Made with television partly in mind at nearly 40 minutes in length, here the film is presented in its entirety, but in three shorter, internet-friendly segments. Here’s part one.
I cheated and watched all three pieces. It was very enjoyable. I like that, being from 1953, it was still in black & white. That way the old and reconstructed scenes blended seamlessly so that you always felt you were watching film current to the era. The shots of everyone still wearing their suit while camping in the wilderness pointed out how much times have changed.
I was very surprised when the film made that Wizard of Oz transition into the modern world. I hadn’t realized how much cars (and the countryside) had advanced by 1953. I’m always a bit depressed after watching one of these mid-century documentaries. America had come so far and accomplished so much. The sky was the limit and everyone was excited to get there. But where is my jet-car?
Maybe I don’t see the changes because I’m living them every day, but the world seems hard pressed to live up to the momentum of 1900-1970.
Wow, thank you for the thoughtful response. MCG is so proud to have such knowledgeable historically astute readers.