Gunther von Fritsch

This Is Cinerama

Gunther von Fritsch, Merian C. Cooper

Lowell Thomas

This is Cinerama is a 1952 full-length film designed to introduce the then-new widescreen process Cinerama, which broadens the aspect ratio so the viewer's peripheral vision is involved. This is Cinerama premiered on 30 September 1952 at the New York Broadway theatre, in New York City. The film includes scenes of the roller coaster from Rockaways' Playland, then moves on to a scene of the temple dance from Aida, views of Niagara Falls, a Viennese choir, scenes of the canals of Venice, a military tattoo in Edinburgh, a bullfight, more from Aida, a sound demonstration in stereo, scenes from the amusement park in Cypress Gardens, Florida for a water skiing sequence, and the playing of America the Beautiful as scenes are shown from the nose of a low flying B-25.

Wanted - A Master

Gunther von Fritsch, Arthur J. Ornitz

Pete Smith, Horace B. Carpenter

A dog living in a junkyard learns that all stray dogs will be exterminated by 3 o'clock that afternoon, so sets off to find a master before the deadline.

The Curse of the Cat People

Gunther von Fritsch, Robert Wise

Simone Simon, Kent Smith

Amy, the young, friendless daughter of Oliver and Alice Reed, befriends her father's late first wife and an aging, reclusive actress.

Seeing Hands

Gunther von Fritsch

Pete Smith, Russell Gleason

This serious Pete Smith Specialty series entry encourages industry to hire people with disabilities to help with the war effort. As a boy, Ben Helwig was blinded in an accident while playing baseball. He eventually acquired a guide dog and now works in a defense plant.

Traffic with the Devil

Gunther von Fritsch

Charles Reineke, Ben Hall

This "Theater of Life" series short looks at traffic problems in Los Angeles, California, as described and experienced by Sgt. Charles Reineke, a traffic enforcement officer with the Los Angeles Police Department.

This Is the Bowery

Gunther von Fritsch

John Nesbitt

In this somewhat whitewashed documentary on Manhattan's Bowery a newcomer to the area takes his first step toward redemption after a meal, bed, and inspiring talk.

Going to Blazes!

Gunther von Fritsch

This Theatre of Life series short, produced with the cooperation of the Los Angeles Fire Department, emphasizes fire safety and fire prevention. It gives a behind-the-scenes look at the switching system used to dispatch the proper equipment to fires, as well as a look at life in the fire station and fire fighter training. The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Short Subject, Two-Reel.

Cigarette Girl

Gunther von Fritsch

Leslie Brooks, Jimmy Lloyd

A young man and woman base their love on lies that eventually manage to come true.

Stolen Identity

Gunther von Fritsch

Donald Buka, Joan Camden

A jealous musician kills his wife and frames a cab driver.

Snow Bear

Gunther von Fritsch

Laura Itta, Steve Kaleak

A polar bear cub is befriended by Timko, a teenage Eskimo boy, while he is on a year’s self-imposed exile from his community, learning the art of the hunt. The soon-grown bear has to be returned to the wilds after it destroys the village’s meager supply of food.

Fala: The President's Dog

Gunther von Fritsch

Fala was the famous Scotch Terrier owned by Franklin Delano Roosevelt during his last two presidential terms.

Give Us the Earth!

Gunther von Fritsch

Emily Hatch, Spencer Hatch

This "Theater of Life" documentary was produced in cooperation with the International Committee, YMCA. It focuses on the work of Dr. Spencer Hatch, as he shows residents of small Mexican villages how to make their land better able to grow food and make them more independent.

Heart to Heart

Gunther von Fritsch

This Theatre of Life short focuses on heart disease, and how bad diet, lack of exercise, and the stress of fast-paced living contribute to the rising rates of heart disease and heart attacks.