This DVD contains a variety of films
that explore the 50's hot rod phenomenon as well as Mobilgas "Safety and Economy:
competition. The hot rod films are wrapped in stories about how youthful energy
can be converted to something constructive and controlled by joining hot rod
groups and expending their energies in a more constructive manner. These films
contain excellent footage of 50's style hot rod competitions and meets - a must
see for any serious hot rod buff.
As a bonus we are also including
a film from the 1930's showing a classic Soap Box derby. While not really a
hot rod film as there are no engines involved, lots of folks who built these
racers as children grew up to embrace the hot rod mentality in later years.
As such, it makes an interesting backgroud piece to add to this fascinating
collection.
Here are all the films that make
up this two hour historical collection:
On the Run (1956)
  
The story of a Mobilgas Safety Economy Run put on by the California AAA
(supervised by Ray Burton in San Francisco).. This film shows how Mobilgas
paired experienced racing drivers with interested teens to run a race
in the San Francisco area - with the key emphasis being safety and fuel
conservation during the race.
The film shows how several high schools got involved in the race and
how it educated many teens on the importance of safe and courteous dricing.
It features many excellent period cars competing in the race as well as
a variety of shots of the San Francisco area.
Producer: Sid Davis Productions
Audio/Visual: Sound, Color
Run time: (film is incomplete - this portion runs for 12:39)
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The All-American Soap Box Derby (1936)
  
Watch the 1936 All-American Soap Box Derby. This film, sponsored by General
Motors, shows how American boys were using their talents and energy to
build these racers and how this energy is actually building upstanding,
productive future citizens. It follows the story of several depression
era boys and their journey from home timker to full fledged soap-box racers.
The film has a variety of excellent scenes of the actual race and is quite
exciting.
This film is included in this collection because many of these boys grew
up to be the hot rodders of the 40's and 50's - with the soap-box derby
giving them their first taste of speed and competition and taking away
their fear of tinkering to squeeze every last ounce of performance out
of whatever type of verhicle they were driving.
Producer: Jam Handy Organization
Audio/Visual: Sound, Black & White
Run time: 10:26
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