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Rhythm on Wheels (1944)

1944 · Short film · 9 min

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Synopsis

Presented by U.M. & M. Corporation and Adolph Zukor as part of the Grantland Rice Sportlight series, this black and white newsreel style film is titled “Rhythm on Wheels” and was originally released in 1944. It showcases the history and rise in popularity of roller skating as a cultural phenomenon in the United States. “Rhythm on Wheels” was produced by Jack Eaton and narrated by Ted Husing however additional commentary was done by Justin Herman and associates Russell Ervin and Rod Warren. Approved by the Amateur Roller Skating Association of the United States, the film presents the roller rink as a new kind of community center where athleticism and music go hand in hand to create a style of folk dancing that is typically American and at the time was the fastest growing amateur sport in America.Opening credits (0:10). Young girls roller skate down the sidewalk (0:35). Young boys tie laces of roller skates before a street hockey game (0:48). Twin City Arena roller skating rink in Elizabeth, New Jersey entrance (1:31). Crowded interior of roller skating rink while swing band plays music in the background (1:42). Skate rental booth (2:10). Close up of a type of clamp skate nicknamed The Chopper (2:21). Close up of roller skate boots with precision skates (2:35). Teens sit and lace up skates at the rink (2:54). Couples do partner skating and synchronized dance (3:02). Close up of someone’s feet wearing roller skates, analysis of their capabilities (3:36). Frank Copeland skates…

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Details

Running time
9 minutes
Collection
Ephemeral Films

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