Synopsis
Film about the need for Americans to have more places to participate in sports, recreation, and other leisure activities. Considers the special needs of young people, the elderly and workers for recreation. Also shows the evil things that happen when young people have too much time on their hands (crime, juvenile delinquency). Builds the case for the importance of nighttime recreation (and the necessity for the use of floodlights). Voiceovers: "In most cities throughout America today, playgrounds are woefully lacking and youngsters are forced to seek amusements in the city streets." "the problem of recreation in America must be solved, not by any single group alone, but by the active participation of every citizen in the land." "Today public-spirited groups of every kind are zealously working to make up for the omissions of the past promoting and even helping to finance more and better playgrounds; Throughout the country, progressive municipalities are coming to realize that recreation is an essential part of community life ranking in importance with public health and education." kids playing in the streets; kids playing baseball; hopscotch; jump rope; accident; many people looking down at a traffic accident victim; kids playing paddleball young men playing cards together "bad boys" children smoking; juvenile delinquents; sourfaced youth in the company of a police officer; sanitarium sign; signs: "Selectees" (draftees); "Council Chamber"; teaching swimming; lifeguards;…
Uploader's description on archive.org
Details
- Running time
- 18 minutes
- Collection
- Prelinger Archives
- Internet Archive item
- 0028_Chance_to_Play_A_04_29_26_00
Reviews on the Internet Archive
★★★ · Who knew? · Bill T. · 2016-02-15
The need for recreation is VITAL, so this film from 1950 suggests. Because the kids who don't, will inevitably turn to crime, and other no good things. The (very stern) narrator hammers down the point, that play is IMPORTANT. By god, all work areas, townships and every single Tom, Dick and Harry needs a play area. Somewhat overdone, and somewhat poorly acted, this film still is interesting to sit through, as you wonder, judging by the narration whether the fate of the nation rested on recreational plans of local governments.