The US National Archives and Records Administration of course has an extensive collection of preserved films—including a sub-genre of instructional animation—from which our friends over at Muckrock have plucked their nominees for the most surreal out of over a century of bizarre cartoon-making. Including Private Snafu but mostly comprised of non-canon After School Special characters I’ve never heard of, it’s an interesting and indulgent way to examine how state-controlled messaging and motivation has changed and evolved over the years. Watching one video of course cues up related items, so you can compose your own highlights reel.
Friday, 25 August 2017
psa
catagories: antiques, film, foreign policy, television