Opportunities Unlimited (1956)

★★★★ · Extremely straight forward portrait of 50s economic mindset. · vhold · 2004-11-26

Much of what was seen as opportunity then, according to this film, still holds true today, but what's particularly fascinating are the things they were wrong about, such as the assumption that population would continue to boom at such a rapid pace, also I wonder what they would have said if they knew the middle class would be so seriously devestated by job export... A modern remake, with the kind of nononsense approach of this film, on today's global economic situation would be extremely fascinating. Particularly interesting would be the total counterpoint, that instead of seeing children and…

★★★ · Learning from the 50's · Steve Nordby · 2003-08-25

Begins with cartoon that portrays redistribution of income toward the lower classes as fueling the American economy in the 1950's. Then shows how advertising and marketing are the most important factors in sales - provided goverenment maintains economic stability. Then takes a look at short-term opportunities. What is most striking, viewing this in 2003, is how much attitudes have changed in America: tax policies and goverment programs that help lower incomes are now condemned as a drain on the economy. Perhaps we have something to learn.

★★★ · Spend more $$$$$$$$ please. · Spuzz · 2003-12-26

A bit of over-glorification of the American "Look How Much money we can spend!" 50's years (known as the Baby Boom), Oppurtunities Unlimited presents glowing statistic after statistic about how everyone is spending money without a care in the world, so why don't you as well? Heck, a bit over half of the film tells of what America can do now since it's so cash-happy.

★★★ · power to the middle class. · LibrivoxOrgFan · 2012-03-16

pay no attention to the below reviewer: it's the purchasing power of the middle class (and the demand THEY create that is the engine of our economy. Here's a former VP: "The Adam Smith views developed into a doctrine of 'claw and fang' in the economic world and for 100 years the doctrine has been worshiped by business men. Among economists the doctrine has been increasingly abandoned during the past forty years but business men still cling to it, or think they do. Of course, what business men are actually clinging to is the belief that government should interfere to give them tariffs…

★★ · Infinite Drainage · trilby1989 · 2011-01-10

Showcasing the kitchen sink as the most tangable featured product in this film turns out to have been most prophetic - this film is a blueprint of how to drain a productive economy. Unfortunately it is the path taken by the USA since the late 1950's. The only element missing in the film from the formula actually applied in the US is maintainance of a state of continual warfare with any number of contrived enemies, to further drain the economy and occupy the attention of the people. Worth seeing only as a warning to the few free countries that have not yet abandoned capitalism in favor of the…