Bookmark This!: HBO Brings March of Time Online

The March of Time newsreel series, produced from 1935 to 1967 by Time Inc., is now online in its entirely, courtesy of the HBO Archives. All films are free, but registration is required. They were first  shown in movie theaters and on television and were more long-form than typical Hollywood-produced newsreels.

Educators should get a particular kick out of the November 1936 entry, "New Schools for Old," in which the advances of progressive education are shown sweeping the nation. As children stream into schools, taking care to place their stylish hats on the hat rack, they experience "innovations alarming to many an educator; strange and alarming plenty of present-day parents!" The reels date mostly from the '30s, and their great historical footage, dramatic announcing, and sweeping string arrangements should enliven classrooms as they cover topics such as women entering the workplace, the end of prohibition, and the entry of Hawaii to the union.

Comments

[Matt Fisher]

Thanks for your pick-up on our press release. We have plans to add more newsreels to our website over time, by the end of the month we hope to have 10-15 more. We hope this will be a useful tool to all in the education field. Enjoy!

Matt Fisher
HBO Archives