A public domain video
This lyrical, slice-of-life documentary (by Helen Levitt, James Agee, and Janice Loeb) about East Harlem is one of several outstanding children's documentaries ("The Quiet One" and "Louisiana Story," among others) produced immediately after World War II. The filmmakers captured the energy-filled streets as part theater, part battleground, and part playground. In their everyday lives and actions, people project an image of human existence against the turmoil of the street. Named to the National Film Registry in 2006

"In the Street: b/w (1940s; SILENT) an urban documentary focusing on the children of New York City's Upper East Side capturing New York's street energy with scenes of candid social interaction; children playing adults, dancing around, fighting, playing rough games hitting each other, making neighboring adults upset for rowdiness, wearing masks on Halloween, etc.--good shots of Puerto Rican ghettos--good shots of black ghettos and Italian ghettos--women observe the world from their tenements windows--young girls nervously await their dates--bored woman looking down window while smoking--idly unemployed men on porch--black father walking down street holding hands of his children--elderly man defends young child being hit by older boys--children playing in junkyard w/ bottles, cardboard and other trash items--boys cry after playing rough and hurting each other--children enjoying water from open fire hydrant--woman in mink coat waiting for date underneath the subway train overpass--boy jumps on the back bumper of passing car--black children smiling posing for camera--short artistic documentary show the youthful spirit of people of Spanish Harlem-poverty scenes overcome by the exuberence of the children and adults-from Helen Levitt and James Agee (filmed in 1940s-released in 1953)" -- Summary per J. Fred MacDonald's films inventory


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The 20th Century Time Machine takes you back in time to the most important historical events of the past century. Watch documentaries, discussions and real footage of major events that shaped the world we live in today.
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