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the Solid Punch (1962)

1962 · Short film · 26 min

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Synopsis

This color educational/training film is about the new generation of U.S. Army missiles and rockets. This features reporter Chet Huntley and was made in 1962 -- just five years after Sputnik shocked the world and left the U.S. struggling to develop viable rockets and missiles of its own. The film's confident tone, and presentation of a wide array of systems, shows part of the nation's response to the Soviet challenge. Opening: Commanders review maps and paperwork in a war room. The decision is made to strike the enemy. Title: The Solid Punch (:06-1:24). Reporter Chet Huntley stands in front of a solid fueled rocket. A clenched fist which propels a solid punch. Rockets and missiles are introduced: Lacrosse, a guided missile, points skyward. Honest John is a free range rocket. Sergeant is a surface to surface missile. Pershing, a guided ballistic missile (1:25-3:29). Hawk, an anti-aircraft system. Nike Hercules is a high level missile, Nike Zeus defends against long range ballistic missiles. Corporal and Redstone, liquid fuel missile systems. Soldiers move forward and do a combat exercise. Explosions around them (3:30-5:02). The 105 mm and 155 mm howitzers are shown, both are artillery pieces developed and used by the United States. The new 175 mm self propelled gun. A concept of a new missile on the wall. An officer explains about missiles (5:03-6:56). A rocket is fired. In 1949, the launching of the WAC Corporal missile was the first to reach outer space. Corporal and…

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Details

Running time
26 minutes
Collection
Ephemeral Films

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