Typesetting: Linotype (Part I) (1960)
1960 · Ephemeral film · 17 min
Synopsis
How mechanical typesetting works. The film explores the intricate workings of mechanical typesetting machines, particularly the linotype and intertype machines, which revolutionized printing in the late 19th century. It details the process of composing, casting, and distributing type for printing, emphasizing the roles of various components such as keyboards, matrices, and casting mechanisms. The film also highlights advancements in automation, including the use of perforated tape to operate…
Uploader's description on archive.org
Details
- Running time
- 17 minutes
Reviews on the Internet Archive
★★★★★ · Did Rube Goldberg design this machine? · Spuzz · 2005-08-17
Utterly fascinating how-to film about what looks to be a now primitive and obsolete way to set and mold type. This machine that they used automatically selects the type, spaces, prepares the mold AND puts the letters back to be used again! The machine is explained, step by step, and doesnt really get too complicated for us so that dumdums (like me) can easily understand what happens. Sure its over a half hour, but it sure is entertaining. Oh yeah, another neat thing about this, is that was an ITALIAN training film, its been dubbed into English. So, in short, youll get to see a 1960s Italian…
★★★★★ · Fascinating · vaporland · 2007-05-19
I was born one year before this film was made. I find the intricacy and precision on display here to be a lost art compared to technology of today.
