In 1948 and 1949, the railroad industry combined to produce the Chicago Railroad Fair. As a part of the Fair, there was a twice-daily pageant based on the history of American transportation. Significant historic events were related with a railroad background. Hundreds of actors participated and many of these were steam powered! Whether actual or a reproduction of the original, many ancient locomotives paraded before the crowds. Stevenson's "Rocket", the "Best Friend of Charleston", "John Bull", the "Atlantic" and the "Pioneer" all were represented. "Tom Thumb", "Lafayette", the "DeWitt Clinton", "William Mason" and the "Minnetonka" performed. The fastest steam engine, New York Central's No. 999, the Lincoln Funeral Train, the Burlington's "Pioneer Zephyr" and then "modern" diesels also participated.
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Customer Reviews
- 2 of 5
This was obviously shot on 16mm film. There are certainly some odd camera angles: shots that should have been wide were close up; portions of the film were in black & white --not really a good thing. The finale (the Diesel and the steam engines coming together) should have been shot from the center and near the top of the bleachers so as to encompass the whole picture. (Note: I was a guest in the cab of that Diesel, blowing the whistle during one performance!) The narration was lacking in some spots, where it might have been useful and informative. Some of the color should have bee brightened up -- it was darker than other shots. (It is really a shame that this was not shot with sound film; the PA announcing would have added a whole perspective to this DVD. In short, this presentation is decent enough; I do not feel that I spent my money foolishly.
Additional comments:
Narration: Could have used more.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: A little rough around the edges.
Value: Seemed a little high.
Recommend? Only if really interested.
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