American Experience (1988) s12e05 Episode Script

1
Reader: "MOST OF THE BIG
SHORE PLACES WERE CLOSED NOW,
AND THERE WERE HARDLY ANY LIGHTS
SHORE PLACES WERE CLOSED NOW,
AND THERE WERE HARDLY ANY LIGHTS
EXCEPT THE SHADOWY, MOVING GLOW
AND THERE WERE HARDLY ANY LIGHTS
EXCEPT THE SHADOWY, MOVING GLOW
OF A FERRYBOAT ACROSS THE SOUND.
EXCEPT THE SHADOWY, MOVING GLOW
OF A FERRYBOAT ACROSS THE SOUND.
AND AS THE MOON ROSE HIGHER, THE
OF A FERRYBOAT ACROSS THE SOUND.
AND AS THE MOON ROSE HIGHER, THE
INESSENTIAL HOUSES BEGAN TO MEL
AND AS THE MOON ROSE HIGHER, THE
INESSENTIAL HOUSES BEGAN TO MEL
AWAY, UNTIL GRADUALLY I BECAME
INESSENTIAL HOUSES BEGAN TO MEL
AWAY, UNTIL GRADUALLY I BECAME
AWARE OF THE OLD ISLAND HERE
AWAY, UNTIL GRADUALLY I BECAME
AWARE OF THE OLD ISLAND HERE
THAT FLOWERED ONCE FOR DUTCH
AWARE OF THE OLD ISLAND HERE
THAT FLOWERED ONCE FOR DUTCH
SAILORS' EYES, A FRESH, GREEN
THAT FLOWERED ONCE FOR DUTCH
SAILORS' EYES, A FRESH, GREEN
BREAST OF THE NEW WORLD.
SAILORS' EYES, A FRESH, GREEN
BREAST OF THE NEW WORLD.
ITS VANISHED TREES HAD ONCE
BREAST OF THE NEW WORLD.
ITS VANISHED TREES HAD ONCE
PANDERED IN WHISPERS TO THE LAS
ITS VANISHED TREES HAD ONCE
PANDERED IN WHISPERS TO THE LAS
AND GREATEST OF ALL HUMAN
PANDERED IN WHISPERS TO THE LAS
AND GREATEST OF ALL HUMAN
DREAMS.
AND GREATEST OF ALL HUMAN
DREAMS.
FOR A TRANSITORY, ENCHANTED
DREAMS.
FOR A TRANSITORY, ENCHANTED
MOMENT, MAN MUST HAVE HELD HIS
FOR A TRANSITORY, ENCHANTED
MOMENT, MAN MUST HAVE HELD HIS
BREATH IN THE PRESENCE OF THIS
MOMENT, MAN MUST HAVE HELD HIS
BREATH IN THE PRESENCE OF THIS
CONTINENT, FACE TO FACE FOR THE
BREATH IN THE PRESENCE OF THIS
CONTINENT, FACE TO FACE FOR THE
LAST TIME IN HISTORY WITH
CONTINENT, FACE TO FACE FOR THE
LAST TIME IN HISTORY WITH
SOMETHING COMMENSURATE TO HIS
LAST TIME IN HISTORY WITH
SOMETHING COMMENSURATE TO HIS
CAPACITY FOR WONDER."
SOMETHING COMMENSURATE TO HIS
CAPACITY FOR WONDER."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
John Kuo Wei Tchen: I THINK
NEW YORK HAS ALWAYS BEEN MARKED
NEW YORK HAS ALWAYS BEEN MARKED
BY AN EXCHANGE PROCESS, BEING A
BY AN EXCHANGE PROCESS, BEING A
PORT CULTURE, BEING FOUNDED ON
PORT CULTURE, BEING FOUNDED ON
TRADE.
TRADE.
IT'S NOT JUST A TRADE OF
IT'S NOT JUST A TRADE OF
MATERIAL GOODS, BUT IT'S THE
MATERIAL GOODS, BUT IT'S THE
TRADE OF IDEAS; IT'S THE TRADE
TRADE OF IDEAS; IT'S THE TRADE
OF PEOPLE; IT'S THE TRADE OF
OF PEOPLE; IT'S THE TRADE OF
THINGS.
AND IN THAT EXCHANGE PROCESS,
AND IN THAT EXCHANGE PROCESS,
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTAN
THINGS, THE UNDERLYING,
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTAN
THINGS, THE UNDERLYING,
UNDERGIRDING THING THAT'S BEING
THINGS, THE UNDERLYING,
UNDERGIRDING THING THAT'S BEING
EXCHANGED IS REALLY DESIRES.
UNDERGIRDING THING THAT'S BEING
EXCHANGED IS REALLY DESIRES.
YOU HAVE THIS CONSTANT STRIVING
EXCHANGED IS REALLY DESIRES.
YOU HAVE THIS CONSTANT STRIVING
FOR MOVING UP, FOR ATTAINING
YOU HAVE THIS CONSTANT STRIVING
FOR MOVING UP, FOR ATTAINING
SOMETHING.
FOR MOVING UP, FOR ATTAINING
SOMETHING.
AND OUT OF THAT PROCESS, YOU
SOMETHING.
AND OUT OF THAT PROCESS, YOU
HAVE THIS KIND OF CONSTAN
AND OUT OF THAT PROCESS, YOU
HAVE THIS KIND OF CONSTAN
FEELING THAT SOMEHOW WHERE YOU
HAVE THIS KIND OF CONSTAN
FEELING THAT SOMEHOW WHERE YOU
ARE IS NOT SUFFICIENT, AND YOU
FEELING THAT SOMEHOW WHERE YOU
ARE IS NOT SUFFICIENT, AND YOU
WANT TO MOVE UP HIGHER.
Alfred Kazin: WELL, I WOULD
SAY THAT A VERY IMPORTANT PAR
SAY THAT A VERY IMPORTANT PAR
OF IT, SOMETHING THAT I
OF IT, SOMETHING THAT I
UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY, COMING AS
UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY, COMING AS
I DO FROM BROOKLYN, IS THE
I DO FROM BROOKLYN, IS THE
ELEMENT OF YEARNING.
IF YOU GO TO LONG ISLAND CITY,
IF YOU GO TO LONG ISLAND CITY,
IF YOU GO TO BROOKLYN HEIGHTS,
AND LOOK ACROSS THE WATER TO
IF YOU GO TO BROOKLYN HEIGHTS,
AND LOOK ACROSS THE WATER TO
MANHATTAN, YOU HAVE A SENSE OF A
AND LOOK ACROSS THE WATER TO
MANHATTAN, YOU HAVE A SENSE OF A
GOAL THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE
MANHATTAN, YOU HAVE A SENSE OF A
GOAL THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE
REACHED BY POOR OLD YOU, BU
GOAL THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE
REACHED BY POOR OLD YOU, BU
WHICH MAKES YOU FEEL THIS IS THE
REACHED BY POOR OLD YOU, BU
WHICH MAKES YOU FEEL THIS IS THE
MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE
WHICH MAKES YOU FEEL THIS IS THE
MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE
WORLD, YOU SEE.
MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE
WORLD, YOU SEE.
SOMEONE SAID YEARS AGO THAT THE
WORLD, YOU SEE.
SOMEONE SAID YEARS AGO THAT THE
LONGEST JOURNEY IN THE WORLD IS
SOMEONE SAID YEARS AGO THAT THE
LONGEST JOURNEY IN THE WORLD IS
FROM BROOKLYN TO MANHATTAN, AND
LONGEST JOURNEY IN THE WORLD IS
FROM BROOKLYN TO MANHATTAN, AND
THAT'S ABSOLUTELY TRUE.
FROM BROOKLYN TO MANHATTAN, AND
THAT'S ABSOLUTELY TRUE.
I USED TO LIVE FOR YEARS ON A
THAT'S ABSOLUTELY TRUE.
I USED TO LIVE FOR YEARS ON A
STREET CALLED PINEAPPLE, NEAR
I USED TO LIVE FOR YEARS ON A
STREET CALLED PINEAPPLE, NEAR
THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE.
STREET CALLED PINEAPPLE, NEAR
THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE.
I WALKED ACROSS THE BRIDGE EVERY
THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE.
I WALKED ACROSS THE BRIDGE EVERY
DAY.
I WALKED ACROSS THE BRIDGE EVERY
DAY.
EVEN THERE YOU WERE FULL OF
DAY.
EVEN THERE YOU WERE FULL OF
YEARNING FOR WHAT LAY ON THE
EVEN THERE YOU WERE FULL OF
YEARNING FOR WHAT LAY ON THE
OTHER SHORE, AND THAT IS, OF
YEARNING FOR WHAT LAY ON THE
OTHER SHORE, AND THAT IS, OF
COURSE, THE VERY ESSENCE, A VERY
OTHER SHORE, AND THAT IS, OF
COURSE, THE VERY ESSENCE, A VERY
TRANSCENDENTAL EMOTION, VISIBLE
COURSE, THE VERY ESSENCE, A VERY
TRANSCENDENTAL EMOTION, VISIBLE
ALMOST IN YOUR HANDS BEFORE YOU
TRANSCENDENTAL EMOTION, VISIBLE
ALMOST IN YOUR HANDS BEFORE YOU
GET IT, AND THE FEELING THERE IS
ALMOST IN YOUR HANDS BEFORE YOU
GET IT, AND THE FEELING THERE IS
VERY STRONG.
GET IT, AND THE FEELING THERE IS
VERY STRONG.
I HAVE NEVER, EVEN NOW, WHEN I
VERY STRONG.
I HAVE NEVER, EVEN NOW, WHEN I
USED TO WALK ACROSS THE BRIDGE,
I HAVE NEVER, EVEN NOW, WHEN I
USED TO WALK ACROSS THE BRIDGE,
EVER GOTTEN TO LOWER NEW YORK
USED TO WALK ACROSS THE BRIDGE,
EVER GOTTEN TO LOWER NEW YORK
AND WALKED AROUND WITHOU
EVER GOTTEN TO LOWER NEW YORK
AND WALKED AROUND WITHOU
FEELING I HAD ACCOMPLISHED
AND WALKED AROUND WITHOU
FEELING I HAD ACCOMPLISHED
SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY, WHICH
FEELING I HAD ACCOMPLISHED
SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY, WHICH
HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MILE
SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY, WHICH
HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MILE
OR MILE AND A HALF, WHATEVER I
HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MILE
OR MILE AND A HALF, WHATEVER I
WAS.
OR MILE AND A HALF, WHATEVER I
WAS.
IT HAD TO DO WITH THE FEELING
WAS.
IT HAD TO DO WITH THE FEELING
THAT I HAD ENTERED INTO A
IT HAD TO DO WITH THE FEELING
THAT I HAD ENTERED INTO A
DIFFERENT CIVILIZATION.
THAT I HAD ENTERED INTO A
DIFFERENT CIVILIZATION.
AND OF COURSE MANHATTAN IS NEW
DIFFERENT CIVILIZATION.
AND OF COURSE MANHATTAN IS NEW
YORK.
AND OF COURSE MANHATTAN IS NEW
YORK.
OH, QUEENS IS VERY LOVELY; THE
YORK.
OH, QUEENS IS VERY LOVELY; THE
BRONX HAS A LOT OF REAL HISTORY
OH, QUEENS IS VERY LOVELY; THE
BRONX HAS A LOT OF REAL HISTORY
AND IS VERY INTERESTING.
BRONX HAS A LOT OF REAL HISTORY
AND IS VERY INTERESTING.
BUT THE ACTION THAT WE KNOW
AND IS VERY INTERESTING.
BUT THE ACTION THAT WE KNOW
ABOUT IS ALWAYS IN MANHATTAN,
BUT THE ACTION THAT WE KNOW
ABOUT IS ALWAYS IN MANHATTAN,
AND THAT ACTION IS CONTRIBUTED
ABOUT IS ALWAYS IN MANHATTAN,
AND THAT ACTION IS CONTRIBUTED
TO BY THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE
AND THAT ACTION IS CONTRIBUTED
TO BY THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE
ELSEWHERE.
TO BY THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE
ELSEWHERE.
THEY HAVE CREATED MANHATTAN, IN
ELSEWHERE.
THEY HAVE CREATED MANHATTAN, IN
A WAY, BY LIVING OUTSIDE OF IT,
THEY HAVE CREATED MANHATTAN, IN
A WAY, BY LIVING OUTSIDE OF IT,
IRONICALLY.
A WAY, BY LIVING OUTSIDE OF IT,
IRONICALLY.
NOW, THAT IS THEY HAVE WISHED
IRONICALLY.
NOW, THAT IS THEY HAVE WISHED
FOR SOMETHING RICH AND JOYOUS IN
NOW, THAT IS THEY HAVE WISHED
FOR SOMETHING RICH AND JOYOUS IN
THEIR LIVES, AND THAT'S WHA
FOR SOMETHING RICH AND JOYOUS IN
THEIR LIVES, AND THAT'S WHA
THEY FOUND IN THE WORLD OF
THEIR LIVES, AND THAT'S WHA
THEY FOUND IN THE WORLD OF
OPPORTUNITY AND THE WORLD OF
THEY FOUND IN THE WORLD OF
OPPORTUNITY AND THE WORLD OF
ACCOMPLISHMENT.
OPPORTUNITY AND THE WORLD OF
ACCOMPLISHMENT.
Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE
ACCOMPLISHMENT.
Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE
SPRING AND SUMMER OF 1919, THE
Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE
SPRING AND SUMMER OF 1919, THE
STREETS OF NEW YORK WERE FILLED
SPRING AND SUMMER OF 1919, THE
STREETS OF NEW YORK WERE FILLED
WITH PARADES AND TROOPS OF
STREETS OF NEW YORK WERE FILLED
WITH PARADES AND TROOPS OF
MARCHING MEN, RETURNING FROM THE
WITH PARADES AND TROOPS OF
MARCHING MEN, RETURNING FROM THE
GRIM BATTLEFIELDS OF EUROPE.
MARCHING MEN, RETURNING FROM THE
GRIM BATTLEFIELDS OF EUROPE.
WEEK AFTER WEEK, CROWDS LINED
GRIM BATTLEFIELDS OF EUROPE.
WEEK AFTER WEEK, CROWDS LINED
THE STREETS TO CHEER THE
WEEK AFTER WEEK, CROWDS LINED
THE STREETS TO CHEER THE
REGIMENTS AS THEY SWUNG UP FIFTH
THE STREETS TO CHEER THE
REGIMENTS AS THEY SWUNG UP FIFTH
AVENUE, PAST THE GREAT VICTORY
REGIMENTS AS THEY SWUNG UP FIFTH
AVENUE, PAST THE GREAT VICTORY
ARCH AT 23rd STREET, PAST THE
AVENUE, PAST THE GREAT VICTORY
ARCH AT 23rd STREET, PAST THE
SOLEMN MEMORIAL AT 42nd STREET,
ARCH AT 23rd STREET, PAST THE
SOLEMN MEMORIAL AT 42nd STREET,
AND UP TO THE SPECTACULAR
SOLEMN MEMORIAL AT 42nd STREET,
AND UP TO THE SPECTACULAR
"CURTAIN OF JEWELS" BY THE PARK.
AND UP TO THE SPECTACULAR
"CURTAIN OF JEWELS" BY THE PARK.
THE FIRST TO BE HONORED WAS THE
"CURTAIN OF JEWELS" BY THE PARK.
THE FIRST TO BE HONORED WAS THE
369th, AN ALL-BLACK REGIMEN
THE FIRST TO BE HONORED WAS THE
369th, AN ALL-BLACK REGIMEN
FROM HARLEM WHICH THE FRENCH HAD
369th, AN ALL-BLACK REGIMEN
FROM HARLEM WHICH THE FRENCH HAD
AWARDED THEIR HIGHEST MILITARY
FROM HARLEM WHICH THE FRENCH HAD
AWARDED THEIR HIGHEST MILITARY
HONOR, THE CROIX DE GUERRE,
AWARDED THEIR HIGHEST MILITARY
HONOR, THE CROIX DE GUERRE,
ALONG WITH THE NICKNAME
HONOR, THE CROIX DE GUERRE,
ALONG WITH THE NICKNAME
"HELLFIGHTERS," FOR THEIR
ALONG WITH THE NICKNAME
"HELLFIGHTERS," FOR THEIR
LEGENDARY VALOR UNDER FIRE.
"HELLFIGHTERS," FOR THEIR
LEGENDARY VALOR UNDER FIRE.
Reader: "THERE HAD BEEN A WAR
LEGENDARY VALOR UNDER FIRE.
Reader: "THERE HAD BEEN A WAR
FOUGHT AND WON, AND THE GREA
Reader: "THERE HAD BEEN A WAR
FOUGHT AND WON, AND THE GREA
CITY OF THE CONQUERING PEOPLE
FOUGHT AND WON, AND THE GREA
CITY OF THE CONQUERING PEOPLE
WAS CROSSED WITH TRIUMPHAL
CITY OF THE CONQUERING PEOPLE
WAS CROSSED WITH TRIUMPHAL
ARCHES AND VIVID WITH THROWN
WAS CROSSED WITH TRIUMPHAL
ARCHES AND VIVID WITH THROWN
FLOWERS OF WHITE, RED, AND ROSE.
ARCHES AND VIVID WITH THROWN
FLOWERS OF WHITE, RED, AND ROSE.
ALL THROUGH THE LONG SPRING
FLOWERS OF WHITE, RED, AND ROSE.
ALL THROUGH THE LONG SPRING
DAYS, THE RETURNING SOLDIERS
ALL THROUGH THE LONG SPRING
DAYS, THE RETURNING SOLDIERS
MARCHED UP THE CHIEF HIGHWAY
DAYS, THE RETURNING SOLDIERS
MARCHED UP THE CHIEF HIGHWAY
WHILE MERCHANTS AND CLERKS LEF
MARCHED UP THE CHIEF HIGHWAY
WHILE MERCHANTS AND CLERKS LEF
THEIR BICKERINGS, AND CROWDING
WHILE MERCHANTS AND CLERKS LEF
THEIR BICKERINGS, AND CROWDING
TO THE WINDOWS, TURNED THEIR
THEIR BICKERINGS, AND CROWDING
TO THE WINDOWS, TURNED THEIR
WHITE-BUNCHED FACES GRAVELY UPON
TO THE WINDOWS, TURNED THEIR
WHITE-BUNCHED FACES GRAVELY UPON
THE PASSING BATTALIONS."
WHITE-BUNCHED FACES GRAVELY UPON
THE PASSING BATTALIONS."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
THE PASSING BATTALIONS."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Narrator: TO MOST NEW
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Narrator: TO MOST NEW
YORKERS, THE HORIZON SEEMED
Narrator: TO MOST NEW
YORKERS, THE HORIZON SEEMED
LIMITLESS THAT SPRING.
YORKERS, THE HORIZON SEEMED
LIMITLESS THAT SPRING.
ON THE FIRST OF THE YEAR, AL
LIMITLESS THAT SPRING.
ON THE FIRST OF THE YEAR, AL
SMITH, THE HERO OF THE LABOR
ON THE FIRST OF THE YEAR, AL
SMITH, THE HERO OF THE LABOR
REFORM MOVEMENT, HAD BEEN SWORN
SMITH, THE HERO OF THE LABOR
REFORM MOVEMENT, HAD BEEN SWORN
IN AS THE FIRST IRISH AMERICAN
REFORM MOVEMENT, HAD BEEN SWORN
IN AS THE FIRST IRISH AMERICAN
GOVERNOR IN AMERICA.
IN AS THE FIRST IRISH AMERICAN
GOVERNOR IN AMERICA.
IT WAS AN ASTONISHING TRIUMPH
GOVERNOR IN AMERICA.
IT WAS AN ASTONISHING TRIUMPH
FOR THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE IN
IT WAS AN ASTONISHING TRIUMPH
FOR THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE IN
NEW YORK.
FOR THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE IN
NEW YORK.
THAT SAME YEAR, THE 19th
NEW YORK.
THAT SAME YEAR, THE 19th
AMENDMENT WOULD TAKE EFFECT.
THAT SAME YEAR, THE 19th
AMENDMENT WOULD TAKE EFFECT.
AFTER DECADES OF PASSIONATE
AMENDMENT WOULD TAKE EFFECT.
AFTER DECADES OF PASSIONATE
STRUGGLE, AMERICAN WOMEN HAD
AFTER DECADES OF PASSIONATE
STRUGGLE, AMERICAN WOMEN HAD
FINALLY WON THE RIGHT TO VOTE.
STRUGGLE, AMERICAN WOMEN HAD
FINALLY WON THE RIGHT TO VOTE.
AND AT LONG LAST, AFTER NEARLY
FINALLY WON THE RIGHT TO VOTE.
AND AT LONG LAST, AFTER NEARLY
300 YEARS, THE OLDEST ETHNIC
AND AT LONG LAST, AFTER NEARLY
300 YEARS, THE OLDEST ETHNIC
GROUP IN NEW YORK AFTER THE
300 YEARS, THE OLDEST ETHNIC
GROUP IN NEW YORK AFTER THE
DUTCH HAD FINALLY FOUND A SPACE
GROUP IN NEW YORK AFTER THE
DUTCH HAD FINALLY FOUND A SPACE
FOR THEMSELVES IN THE TURBULEN
DUTCH HAD FINALLY FOUND A SPACE
FOR THEMSELVES IN THE TURBULEN
COMMERCIAL CITY.
FOR THEMSELVES IN THE TURBULEN
COMMERCIAL CITY.
"EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE," A 23-
COMMERCIAL CITY.
"EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE," A 23-
YEAR-OLD MIDWESTERNER NAMED
"EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE," A 23-
YEAR-OLD MIDWESTERNER NAMED
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD WROTE TO HIS
YEAR-OLD MIDWESTERNER NAMED
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD WROTE TO HIS
FIANCEE, ZELDA, THE DAY HE
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD WROTE TO HIS
FIANCEE, ZELDA, THE DAY HE
ARRIVED IN FEBRUARY.
FIANCEE, ZELDA, THE DAY HE
ARRIVED IN FEBRUARY.
"I AM IN THE LAND OF AMBITION
ARRIVED IN FEBRUARY.
"I AM IN THE LAND OF AMBITION
AND SUCCESS."
"I AM IN THE LAND OF AMBITION
AND SUCCESS."
Brendan Gill: THIS WAS THE
AND SUCCESS."
Brendan Gill: THIS WAS THE
DAWN OF THE DAY OF THE HOPE THA
Brendan Gill: THIS WAS THE
DAWN OF THE DAY OF THE HOPE THA
THIS WAS THE AMERICAN CENTURY.
DAWN OF THE DAY OF THE HOPE THA
THIS WAS THE AMERICAN CENTURY.
EUROPE HADN'T BELIEVED, REALLY,
THIS WAS THE AMERICAN CENTURY.
EUROPE HADN'T BELIEVED, REALLY,
IN THE NOTION OF WHAT AMERICA
EUROPE HADN'T BELIEVED, REALLY,
IN THE NOTION OF WHAT AMERICA
WAS BECOMING UNTIL THE FIRS
IN THE NOTION OF WHAT AMERICA
WAS BECOMING UNTIL THE FIRS
WORLD WAR.
BUT WE WERE SUDDENLY THE GREA
POWER, WHICH PROMISED TO BECOME
POWER, WHICH PROMISED TO BECOME
THE SUPREME POWER, OF THE 20th
THE SUPREME POWER, OF THE 20th
CENTURY, AND I THINK THAT WAS AN
CENTURY, AND I THINK THAT WAS AN
ACTUAL PSYCHOLOGICAL
ACTUAL PSYCHOLOGICAL
TRANSFORMATION IN US.
Narrator: MORE THAN MOS
Narrator: MORE THAN MOS
PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD, THE WAR HAD
BEEN A WATERSHED FOR EUROPE, FOR
PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD, THE WAR HAD
BEEN A WATERSHED FOR EUROPE, FOR
AMERICA, AND FOR THE SPRAWLING
BEEN A WATERSHED FOR EUROPE, FOR
AMERICA, AND FOR THE SPRAWLING
METROPOLIS THAT WAS ITS CAPITAL.
AMERICA, AND FOR THE SPRAWLING
METROPOLIS THAT WAS ITS CAPITAL.
Mike Wallace: IT'S A CRITICAL
METROPOLIS THAT WAS ITS CAPITAL.
Mike Wallace: IT'S A CRITICAL
MOMENT IN THE CITY'S HISTORY.
Mike Wallace: IT'S A CRITICAL
MOMENT IN THE CITY'S HISTORY.
NEW YORK GOES INTO THAT WAR
MOMENT IN THE CITY'S HISTORY.
NEW YORK GOES INTO THAT WAR
$3 BILLION IN DEBT.
NEW YORK GOES INTO THAT WAR
$3 BILLION IN DEBT.
IT'S A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY;
$3 BILLION IN DEBT.
IT'S A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY;
EUROPEANS HAVE BEEN INVESTING IN
IT'S A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY;
EUROPEANS HAVE BEEN INVESTING IN
ITS STOCKS AND BONDS FOR YEARS;
EUROPEANS HAVE BEEN INVESTING IN
ITS STOCKS AND BONDS FOR YEARS;
WE OWE THEM AN ENORMOUS AMOUN
ITS STOCKS AND BONDS FOR YEARS;
WE OWE THEM AN ENORMOUS AMOUN
OF MONEY.
BY THE TIME THE WAR IS OVER, THE
UNITED STATES IS NOW A CREDITOR
UNITED STATES IS NOW A CREDITOR
NATION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS
NATION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS
HISTORY.
IT IS $3 BILLION AHEAD OF THE
IT IS $3 BILLION AHEAD OF THE
GAME, AND CONSEQUENTLY, NEW YORK
HAS MOVED TO A POSITION WHERE I
GAME, AND CONSEQUENTLY, NEW YORK
HAS MOVED TO A POSITION WHERE I
CAN CHALLENGE LONDON FOR THE
HAS MOVED TO A POSITION WHERE I
CAN CHALLENGE LONDON FOR THE
POSITION OF THE CENTER OF THE
CAN CHALLENGE LONDON FOR THE
POSITION OF THE CENTER OF THE
WORLD.
POSITION OF THE CENTER OF THE
WORLD.
Narrator: THOUGH NO ONE COULD
WORLD.
Narrator: THOUGH NO ONE COULD
HAVE KNOWN IT, BY THE SPRING OF
Narrator: THOUGH NO ONE COULD
HAVE KNOWN IT, BY THE SPRING OF
1919, THE CURTAIN WAS ABOUT TO
HAVE KNOWN IT, BY THE SPRING OF
1919, THE CURTAIN WAS ABOUT TO
RISE ON THE MOST SPECTACULAR,
1919, THE CURTAIN WAS ABOUT TO
RISE ON THE MOST SPECTACULAR,
AND IN THE END HEARTBREAKING,
RISE ON THE MOST SPECTACULAR,
AND IN THE END HEARTBREAKING,
ACT IN THE CITY'S ASTONISHING
AND IN THE END HEARTBREAKING,
ACT IN THE CITY'S ASTONISHING
THREE-CENTURY HISTORY, AS 130
ACT IN THE CITY'S ASTONISHING
THREE-CENTURY HISTORY, AS 130
YEARS OF RELENTLESS COMMERCIAL
THREE-CENTURY HISTORY, AS 130
YEARS OF RELENTLESS COMMERCIAL
GROWTH NOW CAME TO A TREMENDOUS
YEARS OF RELENTLESS COMMERCIAL
GROWTH NOW CAME TO A TREMENDOUS
CLIMAX.
GROWTH NOW CAME TO A TREMENDOUS
CLIMAX.
IN THE DECADE TO COME, AS THE
CLIMAX.
IN THE DECADE TO COME, AS THE
CITY AND COUNTRY KICKED
IN THE DECADE TO COME, AS THE
CITY AND COUNTRY KICKED
THEMSELVES FREE OF THE PAST AND
CITY AND COUNTRY KICKED
THEMSELVES FREE OF THE PAST AND
ROSE INTO A SEEMINGLY LIMITLESS
THEMSELVES FREE OF THE PAST AND
ROSE INTO A SEEMINGLY LIMITLESS
FUTURE, NEW YORK WOULD BECOME
ROSE INTO A SEEMINGLY LIMITLESS
FUTURE, NEW YORK WOULD BECOME
ONE OF THE MOST COMMERCIALLY AND
FUTURE, NEW YORK WOULD BECOME
ONE OF THE MOST COMMERCIALLY AND
CULTURALLY CREATIVE PLACES ON
ONE OF THE MOST COMMERCIALLY AND
CULTURALLY CREATIVE PLACES ON
EARTH, COMMITTED AS NEVER BEFORE
CULTURALLY CREATIVE PLACES ON
EARTH, COMMITTED AS NEVER BEFORE
OR SINCE TO THE INTOXICATING
EARTH, COMMITTED AS NEVER BEFORE
OR SINCE TO THE INTOXICATING
DREAMS OF CAPITALISM.
OR SINCE TO THE INTOXICATING
DREAMS OF CAPITALISM.
BEFORE IT WAS OVER, A NEW KIND
DREAMS OF CAPITALISM.
BEFORE IT WAS OVER, A NEW KIND
OF CULTURE, A MASS CULTURE, AND
BEFORE IT WAS OVER, A NEW KIND
OF CULTURE, A MASS CULTURE, AND
A NEW KIND OF CITY, A CITY OF
OF CULTURE, A MASS CULTURE, AND
A NEW KIND OF CITY, A CITY OF
DESIRES AND DREAMS, WOULD BE
A NEW KIND OF CITY, A CITY OF
DESIRES AND DREAMS, WOULD BE
BROUGHT INTO EXISTENCE ON THE
DESIRES AND DREAMS, WOULD BE
BROUGHT INTO EXISTENCE ON THE
SLENDER ISLAND OF MANHATTAN.
BROUGHT INTO EXISTENCE ON THE
SLENDER ISLAND OF MANHATTAN.
AS IT DID, NEW YORK WOULD SOAR
SLENDER ISLAND OF MANHATTAN.
AS IT DID, NEW YORK WOULD SOAR
UPWARD, IN A FRENZY OF
AS IT DID, NEW YORK WOULD SOAR
UPWARD, IN A FRENZY OF
SPECULATION, RISING HIGHER AND
UPWARD, IN A FRENZY OF
SPECULATION, RISING HIGHER AND
THEN FALLING LOWER THAN IT EVER
SPECULATION, RISING HIGHER AND
THEN FALLING LOWER THAN IT EVER
WOULD AGAIN.
Ann Douglas: HENRY FORD ONCE
SAYING, "THE SKY IS THE LIMIT,"
SAYING, "THE SKY IS THE LIMIT,"
AND IN A SENSE, WHAT THE '20s
AND IN A SENSE, WHAT THE '20s
DISCOVERED WAS MAYBE THE SKY
DISCOVERED WAS MAYBE THE SKY
WASN'T THE LIMIT; MAYBE ONE
WASN'T THE LIMIT; MAYBE ONE
COULD GO RIGHT INTO THE SKY.
HART CRANE, THE POET, WROTE
HART CRANE, THE POET, WROTE
ABOUT A "SAIL FLUNG INTO APRIL'S
INMOST DAY" THAT SENSE THA
ABOUT A "SAIL FLUNG INTO APRIL'S
INMOST DAY" THAT SENSE THA
YOU COULD FLING YOURSELF INTO
INMOST DAY" THAT SENSE THA
YOU COULD FLING YOURSELF INTO
SPACE AND IT WOULD BE YOUR
YOU COULD FLING YOURSELF INTO
SPACE AND IT WOULD BE YOUR
FRIEND.
SPACE AND IT WOULD BE YOUR
FRIEND.
NEW YORK IS THE CENTER OF THIS,
FRIEND.
NEW YORK IS THE CENTER OF THIS,
NOT BECAUSE IT HAS THE LARGES
NEW YORK IS THE CENTER OF THIS,
NOT BECAUSE IT HAS THE LARGES
AIRPORTS AND THE MOST AIR
NOT BECAUSE IT HAS THE LARGES
AIRPORTS AND THE MOST AIR
TRAVEL, WHICH IT DOES, BU
AIRPORTS AND THE MOST AIR
TRAVEL, WHICH IT DOES, BU
RATHER BECAUSE IT'S THE PLACE
TRAVEL, WHICH IT DOES, BU
RATHER BECAUSE IT'S THE PLACE
THAT IS THE SKYSCRAPER CAPITAL
RATHER BECAUSE IT'S THE PLACE
THAT IS THE SKYSCRAPER CAPITAL
OF THE WORLD AND ALSO THE
THAT IS THE SKYSCRAPER CAPITAL
OF THE WORLD AND ALSO THE
CAPITAL OF THE MEDIA; THAT THE
OF THE WORLD AND ALSO THE
CAPITAL OF THE MEDIA; THAT THE
MEDIA ARE CENTRALIZED HERE.
CAPITAL OF THE MEDIA; THAT THE
MEDIA ARE CENTRALIZED HERE.
THE MEDIA ARE A WAY OF
MEDIA ARE CENTRALIZED HERE.
THE MEDIA ARE A WAY OF
COLONIZING SPACE, SO IT WAS THE
THE MEDIA ARE A WAY OF
COLONIZING SPACE, SO IT WAS THE
CENTER, I THINK, OF THIS SENSE
COLONIZING SPACE, SO IT WAS THE
CENTER, I THINK, OF THIS SENSE
OF AIR-MINDEDNESS, OF ANYTHING'S
CENTER, I THINK, OF THIS SENSE
OF AIR-MINDEDNESS, OF ANYTHING'S
POSSIBLE; ANYTHING CAN BE DONE.
OF AIR-MINDEDNESS, OF ANYTHING'S
POSSIBLE; ANYTHING CAN BE DONE.
Kenneth T. Jackson: THE
POSSIBLE; ANYTHING CAN BE DONE.
Kenneth T. Jackson: THE
HARBOR IS FLOURISHING.
Kenneth T. Jackson: THE
HARBOR IS FLOURISHING.
SKYSCRAPERS, THE LIKES OF WHICH
HARBOR IS FLOURISHING.
SKYSCRAPERS, THE LIKES OF WHICH
THE WORLD HAD NEVER SEEN, ARE
SKYSCRAPERS, THE LIKES OF WHICH
THE WORLD HAD NEVER SEEN, ARE
CREATING A KIND OF IMAGE OF NEW
THE WORLD HAD NEVER SEEN, ARE
CREATING A KIND OF IMAGE OF NEW
YORK CITY THAT HAS STUCK WITH US
CREATING A KIND OF IMAGE OF NEW
YORK CITY THAT HAS STUCK WITH US
EVER SINCE.
BUT IT'S THIS PERIOD OF INTENSE
CHANGE WHICH REALLY IS A
CHANGE WHICH REALLY IS A
CULMINATION.
CULMINATION.
IT'S SUCH AN EXCITING PLACE TO
IT'S SUCH AN EXCITING PLACE TO
BE.
PERHAPS NO OTHER CITY IN THE
PERHAPS NO OTHER CITY IN THE
HISTORY OF THE WORLD HAS ENJOYED
A KIND OF DECADE THAT NEW YORK
HISTORY OF THE WORLD HAS ENJOYED
A KIND OF DECADE THAT NEW YORK
HAD BETWEEN THE ARMISTICE DAY IN
A KIND OF DECADE THAT NEW YORK
HAD BETWEEN THE ARMISTICE DAY IN
1918 AND THE STOCK MARKET CRASH
HAD BETWEEN THE ARMISTICE DAY IN
1918 AND THE STOCK MARKET CRASH
TOWARD THE END OF 1929, AN 11-
1918 AND THE STOCK MARKET CRASH
TOWARD THE END OF 1929, AN 11-
YEAR PERIOD, AN 11-YEAR RUN THA
TOWARD THE END OF 1929, AN 11-
YEAR PERIOD, AN 11-YEAR RUN THA
WAS JUST WONDERFUL.
YEAR PERIOD, AN 11-YEAR RUN THA
WAS JUST WONDERFUL.
Reader: "IT IS A EUROPEAN
WAS JUST WONDERFUL.
Reader: "IT IS A EUROPEAN
CITY NO LONGER.
Reader: "IT IS A EUROPEAN
CITY NO LONGER.
IT IS AMERICAN.
CITY NO LONGER.
IT IS AMERICAN.
IT IS ITSELF, IMPERIAL NEW YORK.
IT IS AMERICAN.
IT IS ITSELF, IMPERIAL NEW YORK.
PLENTY OF TIME YET.
IT IS ITSELF, IMPERIAL NEW YORK.
PLENTY OF TIME YET.
MEN AND MACHINES.
PLENTY OF TIME YET.
MEN AND MACHINES.
WE ARE ALL SO YOUNG YET.
MEN AND MACHINES.
WE ARE ALL SO YOUNG YET.
WAIT AND SEE.
WE ARE ALL SO YOUNG YET.
WAIT AND SEE.
WAIT AND SEE WHAT NEW YORK WILL
WAIT AND SEE.
WAIT AND SEE WHAT NEW YORK WILL
DO."
WAIT AND SEE WHAT NEW YORK WILL
DO."
SHERWOOD ANDERSON.
DO."
SHERWOOD ANDERSON.
Narrator: THE FIRST ACT, IN
SHERWOOD ANDERSON.
Narrator: THE FIRST ACT, IN
MANY WAYS THE STRANGEST AND MOS
Narrator: THE FIRST ACT, IN
MANY WAYS THE STRANGEST AND MOS
TERRIFYING OF THE ENTIRE DECADE,
MANY WAYS THE STRANGEST AND MOS
TERRIFYING OF THE ENTIRE DECADE,
BEGAN IN THE SPRING OF 1919,
TERRIFYING OF THE ENTIRE DECADE,
BEGAN IN THE SPRING OF 1919,
BEFORE THE TROOPS HAD EVEN
BEGAN IN THE SPRING OF 1919,
BEFORE THE TROOPS HAD EVEN
FINISHED COMING HOME.
BEFORE THE TROOPS HAD EVEN
FINISHED COMING HOME.
ON THE EVENING OF MAY 1, A NIGH
FINISHED COMING HOME.
ON THE EVENING OF MAY 1, A NIGH
CLERK AT THE MAIN BRANCH OF THE
ON THE EVENING OF MAY 1, A NIGH
CLERK AT THE MAIN BRANCH OF THE
U.S. POST OFFICE ON 33rd STREE
CLERK AT THE MAIN BRANCH OF THE
U.S. POST OFFICE ON 33rd STREE
AND EIGHTH AVENUE HAPPENED TO
U.S. POST OFFICE ON 33rd STREE
AND EIGHTH AVENUE HAPPENED TO
NOTICE 16 SLENDER, IDENTICALLY
AND EIGHTH AVENUE HAPPENED TO
NOTICE 16 SLENDER, IDENTICALLY
WRAPPED PACKAGES, EACH ADDRESSED
NOTICE 16 SLENDER, IDENTICALLY
WRAPPED PACKAGES, EACH ADDRESSED
TO A PROMINENT POLITICIAN OR
WRAPPED PACKAGES, EACH ADDRESSED
TO A PROMINENT POLITICIAN OR
BUSINESSMEN, AND EACH CONTAINING
TO A PROMINENT POLITICIAN OR
BUSINESSMEN, AND EACH CONTAINING
ENOUGH NITROGLYCERIN TO BLOW A
BUSINESSMEN, AND EACH CONTAINING
ENOUGH NITROGLYCERIN TO BLOW A
MAN'S HEAD OFF.
ENOUGH NITROGLYCERIN TO BLOW A
MAN'S HEAD OFF.
CONFIRMING DEEPLY ROOTED
MAN'S HEAD OFF.
CONFIRMING DEEPLY ROOTED
AMERICAN FEARS THAT SINISTER
CONFIRMING DEEPLY ROOTED
AMERICAN FEARS THAT SINISTER
FOREIGN ELEMENTS WERE AT WORK IN
AMERICAN FEARS THAT SINISTER
FOREIGN ELEMENTS WERE AT WORK IN
THE LAND, THE REVELATION HELPED
FOREIGN ELEMENTS WERE AT WORK IN
THE LAND, THE REVELATION HELPED
SET IN MOTION THE RED SCARE, A
THE LAND, THE REVELATION HELPED
SET IN MOTION THE RED SCARE, A
WAVE OF POLITICAL REACTION AND
SET IN MOTION THE RED SCARE, A
WAVE OF POLITICAL REACTION AND
XENOPHOBIA UNLIKE ANYTHING SEEN
WAVE OF POLITICAL REACTION AND
XENOPHOBIA UNLIKE ANYTHING SEEN
IN THE COUNTRY BEFORE OR SINCE,
XENOPHOBIA UNLIKE ANYTHING SEEN
IN THE COUNTRY BEFORE OR SINCE,
DIRECTED AT CITIES WITH LARGE
IN THE COUNTRY BEFORE OR SINCE,
DIRECTED AT CITIES WITH LARGE
POPULATIONS OF IMMIGRANTS, AND
DIRECTED AT CITIES WITH LARGE
POPULATIONS OF IMMIGRANTS, AND
ESPECIALLY NEW YORK.
POPULATIONS OF IMMIGRANTS, AND
ESPECIALLY NEW YORK.
WITHIN MONTHS, GROUPS THAT HAD
ESPECIALLY NEW YORK.
WITHIN MONTHS, GROUPS THAT HAD
ENJOYED TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS ONLY
WITHIN MONTHS, GROUPS THAT HAD
ENJOYED TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS ONLY
A FEW YEARS BEFORE IMMIGRAN
ENJOYED TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS ONLY
A FEW YEARS BEFORE IMMIGRAN
WORKERS, PROGRESSIVE REFORMERS,
A FEW YEARS BEFORE IMMIGRAN
WORKERS, PROGRESSIVE REFORMERS,
AND UNION ORGANIZERS FOUND
WORKERS, PROGRESSIVE REFORMERS,
AND UNION ORGANIZERS FOUND
THEMSELVES ON THE RUN.
AND UNION ORGANIZERS FOUND
THEMSELVES ON THE RUN.
Wallace: AND THERE ARE MASS
THEMSELVES ON THE RUN.
Wallace: AND THERE ARE MASS
ROUNDUPS.
Wallace: AND THERE ARE MASS
ROUNDUPS.
PEOPLE ARE TAKEN OUT, PUT ON
ROUNDUPS.
PEOPLE ARE TAKEN OUT, PUT ON
ELLIS ISLAND, AND, IF THEY'RE
PEOPLE ARE TAKEN OUT, PUT ON
ELLIS ISLAND, AND, IF THEY'RE
ALIENS, THEY ARE SLATED FOR
ELLIS ISLAND, AND, IF THEY'RE
ALIENS, THEY ARE SLATED FOR
DEPORTATION.
ALIENS, THEY ARE SLATED FOR
DEPORTATION.
AND OF COURSE THE MOST FAMOUS
DEPORTATION.
AND OF COURSE THE MOST FAMOUS
DEPORTEE WHO'S SENT OFF IN THIS
AND OF COURSE THE MOST FAMOUS
DEPORTEE WHO'S SENT OFF IN THIS
PERIOD IS EMMA GOLDMAN.
DEPORTEE WHO'S SENT OFF IN THIS
PERIOD IS EMMA GOLDMAN.
AND IT'S LIKE A FEVER THAT GRIPS
PERIOD IS EMMA GOLDMAN.
AND IT'S LIKE A FEVER THAT GRIPS
PEOPLE.
AND IT'S LIKE A FEVER THAT GRIPS
PEOPLE.
THERE'S ANOTHER WAVE IN EARLY
PEOPLE.
THERE'S ANOTHER WAVE IN EARLY
1920, AND THEN IT BREAKS.
THERE'S ANOTHER WAVE IN EARLY
1920, AND THEN IT BREAKS.
IT WAS LIKE THE FEVER HAD
1920, AND THEN IT BREAKS.
IT WAS LIKE THE FEVER HAD
BROKEN.
IT WAS LIKE THE FEVER HAD
BROKEN.
AND IT'S, I THINK, THEN THAT WE
BROKEN.
AND IT'S, I THINK, THEN THAT WE
REALLY MOVE IN TO THE '20s, AND
AND IT'S, I THINK, THEN THAT WE
REALLY MOVE IN TO THE '20s, AND
WE'VE MOVED INTO A NEW CLIMATE.
REALLY MOVE IN TO THE '20s, AND
WE'VE MOVED INTO A NEW CLIMATE.
THE COMMUNISTS ARE GOING TO BE
WE'VE MOVED INTO A NEW CLIMATE.
THE COMMUNISTS ARE GOING TO BE
DRIVEN UNDERGROUND; THE LABOR
THE COMMUNISTS ARE GOING TO BE
DRIVEN UNDERGROUND; THE LABOR
MOVEMENT IS STILL THERE, BU
DRIVEN UNDERGROUND; THE LABOR
MOVEMENT IS STILL THERE, BU
IT'S IN SERIOUS DISARRAY.
MOVEMENT IS STILL THERE, BU
IT'S IN SERIOUS DISARRAY.
YOU'VE CREATED A SPACE WHERE
IT'S IN SERIOUS DISARRAY.
YOU'VE CREATED A SPACE WHERE
BOTH GLOBALLY, IN TERMS OF THE
YOU'VE CREATED A SPACE WHERE
BOTH GLOBALLY, IN TERMS OF THE
COMPETITORS IN EUROPE ARE BASKE
BOTH GLOBALLY, IN TERMS OF THE
COMPETITORS IN EUROPE ARE BASKE
CASES, BUSINESS IN THE UNITED
COMPETITORS IN EUROPE ARE BASKE
CASES, BUSINESS IN THE UNITED
STATES AND IN NEW YORK IN
CASES, BUSINESS IN THE UNITED
STATES AND IN NEW YORK IN
PARTICULAR IS LOOKING A
STATES AND IN NEW YORK IN
PARTICULAR IS LOOKING A
FABULOUS POSSIBILITIES FOR
PARTICULAR IS LOOKING A
FABULOUS POSSIBILITIES FOR
NORMALCY, FOR PROFIT MAKING, FOR
FABULOUS POSSIBILITIES FOR
NORMALCY, FOR PROFIT MAKING, FOR
GETTING ON WITH BUSINESS.
NORMALCY, FOR PROFIT MAKING, FOR
GETTING ON WITH BUSINESS.
Narrator: WEDNESDAY,
GETTING ON WITH BUSINESS.
Narrator: WEDNESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 16, 1920, DAWNED
Narrator: WEDNESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 16, 1920, DAWNED
PARTLY CLOUDY AND PLEASANTLY
SEPTEMBER 16, 1920, DAWNED
PARTLY CLOUDY AND PLEASANTLY
WARM IN NEW YORK.
PARTLY CLOUDY AND PLEASANTLY
WARM IN NEW YORK.
IT WAS A GOOD MORNING ON THE NEW
WARM IN NEW YORK.
IT WAS A GOOD MORNING ON THE NEW
YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, WITH PRICES
IT WAS A GOOD MORNING ON THE NEW
YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, WITH PRICES
RISING STEADILY.
YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, WITH PRICES
RISING STEADILY.
AS THE LUNCH HOUR APPROACHED,
RISING STEADILY.
AS THE LUNCH HOUR APPROACHED,
CROWDS BEGAN TO SPILL OUT OF THE
AS THE LUNCH HOUR APPROACHED,
CROWDS BEGAN TO SPILL OUT OF THE
SKYSCRAPERS WHICH CLUSTERED
CROWDS BEGAN TO SPILL OUT OF THE
SKYSCRAPERS WHICH CLUSTERED
AROUND THE INTERSECTION OF WALL
SKYSCRAPERS WHICH CLUSTERED
AROUND THE INTERSECTION OF WALL
STREET AND BROAD, THE VERY HEAR
AROUND THE INTERSECTION OF WALL
STREET AND BROAD, THE VERY HEAR
OF THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT.
STREET AND BROAD, THE VERY HEAR
OF THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT.
A LITTLE BEFORE NOON, A HORSE-
OF THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT.
A LITTLE BEFORE NOON, A HORSE-
DRAWN WAGON PULLED TO A STOP
A LITTLE BEFORE NOON, A HORSE-
DRAWN WAGON PULLED TO A STOP
OUTSIDE THE IMPOSING LIMESTONE
DRAWN WAGON PULLED TO A STOP
OUTSIDE THE IMPOSING LIMESTONE
FACADE OF THE HOUSE OF MORGAN,
OUTSIDE THE IMPOSING LIMESTONE
FACADE OF THE HOUSE OF MORGAN,
RIGHT ACROSS FROM FEDERAL HALL.
FACADE OF THE HOUSE OF MORGAN,
RIGHT ACROSS FROM FEDERAL HALL.
THEN ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE.
John Steele Gordon: WHA
HAPPENED WAS A WAGON DRAWN BY A
HAPPENED WAS A WAGON DRAWN BY A
HORSE PULLED UP OUTSIDE THE
HORSE PULLED UP OUTSIDE THE
MORGAN BANK AT THE CORNER, AS
MORGAN BANK AT THE CORNER, AS
ITS CALLED, OF WALL AND BROAD,
ITS CALLED, OF WALL AND BROAD,
AND A FEW MINUTES BEFORE NOON
AND A FEW MINUTES BEFORE NOON
BLEW UP.
THE WAGON WAS FULL OF DYNAMITE.
THE WAGON WAS FULL OF DYNAMITE.
UNFORTUNATELY, THE FORENSIC
SCIENCE OF EXPLOSIONS WAS NO
UNFORTUNATELY, THE FORENSIC
SCIENCE OF EXPLOSIONS WAS NO
EVEN IN EXISTENCE IN 1920.
SCIENCE OF EXPLOSIONS WAS NO
EVEN IN EXISTENCE IN 1920.
ALL THEY FOUND OF IT WAS THE
EVEN IN EXISTENCE IN 1920.
ALL THEY FOUND OF IT WAS THE
FOUR OF THE HORSE'S HOOVES UP BY
ALL THEY FOUND OF IT WAS THE
FOUR OF THE HORSE'S HOOVES UP BY
TRINITY CHURCH.
FOUR OF THE HORSE'S HOOVES UP BY
TRINITY CHURCH.
THE REST OF THE HORSE WAS SIMPLY
TRINITY CHURCH.
THE REST OF THE HORSE WAS SIMPLY
VAPORIZED, AS WAS THE WAGON.
THE REST OF THE HORSE WAS SIMPLY
VAPORIZED, AS WAS THE WAGON.
AND THE WAGON HAD BEEN FULL OF
VAPORIZED, AS WAS THE WAGON.
AND THE WAGON HAD BEEN FULL OF
SASH WEIGHTS AS WELL AS
AND THE WAGON HAD BEEN FULL OF
SASH WEIGHTS AS WELL AS
EXPLOSIVES THAT HAD BEEN CU
SASH WEIGHTS AS WELL AS
EXPLOSIVES THAT HAD BEEN CU
INTO CHUNKS, I MEAN, AS
EXPLOSIVES THAT HAD BEEN CU
INTO CHUNKS, I MEAN, AS
SHRAPNEL.
INTO CHUNKS, I MEAN, AS
SHRAPNEL.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS WAS TO KILL
SHRAPNEL.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS WAS TO KILL
AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE, AND
THE PURPOSE OF THIS WAS TO KILL
AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE, AND
ABOUT 40 PEOPLE WERE KILLED.
AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE, AND
ABOUT 40 PEOPLE WERE KILLED.
IT WAS A LOVELY DAY.
ABOUT 40 PEOPLE WERE KILLED.
IT WAS A LOVELY DAY.
HAD A BOMB GONE OFF A FEW
IT WAS A LOVELY DAY.
HAD A BOMB GONE OFF A FEW
MINUTES LATER AFTER NOON, WHEN
HAD A BOMB GONE OFF A FEW
MINUTES LATER AFTER NOON, WHEN
PEOPLE WOULD HAVE BEEN GOING ON
MINUTES LATER AFTER NOON, WHEN
PEOPLE WOULD HAVE BEEN GOING ON
THEIR WAY TO LUNCH, THE DEATH
PEOPLE WOULD HAVE BEEN GOING ON
THEIR WAY TO LUNCH, THE DEATH
TOLL PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN
THEIR WAY TO LUNCH, THE DEATH
TOLL PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN
THE HUNDREDS.
TOLL PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN
THE HUNDREDS.
THE GOUGES THAT WERE CUT INTO
THE HUNDREDS.
THE GOUGES THAT WERE CUT INTO
THE LIMESTONE FACADE BY THE
THE GOUGES THAT WERE CUT INTO
THE LIMESTONE FACADE BY THE
EXPLOSION ARE STILL THERE.
THE LIMESTONE FACADE BY THE
EXPLOSION ARE STILL THERE.
YOU CAN GO SEE THEM, THE
EXPLOSION ARE STILL THERE.
YOU CAN GO SEE THEM, THE
STIGMATA OF CAPITALISM, SO TO
YOU CAN GO SEE THEM, THE
STIGMATA OF CAPITALISM, SO TO
SPEAK.
STIGMATA OF CAPITALISM, SO TO
SPEAK.
AND THE HOUSE OF MORGAN JUS
SPEAK.
AND THE HOUSE OF MORGAN JUS
CARRIED ON BUSINESS.
AND THE HOUSE OF MORGAN JUS
CARRIED ON BUSINESS.
THEY WEREN'T ABOUT TO BE, YOU
CARRIED ON BUSINESS.
THEY WEREN'T ABOUT TO BE, YOU
KNOW, SHUT DOWN BY THESE PEOPLE.
THEY WEREN'T ABOUT TO BE, YOU
KNOW, SHUT DOWN BY THESE PEOPLE.
Narrator: BY EVENING,
KNOW, SHUT DOWN BY THESE PEOPLE.
Narrator: BY EVENING,
TEMPORARY LIGHTS HAD BEEN STRUNG
Narrator: BY EVENING,
TEMPORARY LIGHTS HAD BEEN STRUNG
ACROSS WALL STREET TO ALLOW
TEMPORARY LIGHTS HAD BEEN STRUNG
ACROSS WALL STREET TO ALLOW
HASTILY ASSEMBLED WORK CREWS TO
ACROSS WALL STREET TO ALLOW
HASTILY ASSEMBLED WORK CREWS TO
REPAIR THE DAMAGE.
HASTILY ASSEMBLED WORK CREWS TO
REPAIR THE DAMAGE.
BY 1:00 IN THE MORNING, THE NEW
REPAIR THE DAMAGE.
BY 1:00 IN THE MORNING, THE NEW
YORK TIMES REPORTED, "IT WAS
BY 1:00 IN THE MORNING, THE NEW
YORK TIMES REPORTED, "IT WAS
EVIDENT THAT WITH MOST OF THE
YORK TIMES REPORTED, "IT WAS
EVIDENT THAT WITH MOST OF THE
NECESSARY REPAIR WORK VIRTUALLY"
EVIDENT THAT WITH MOST OF THE
NECESSARY REPAIR WORK VIRTUALLY"
COMPLETE, WALL STREET "WOULD GO
NECESSARY REPAIR WORK VIRTUALLY"
COMPLETE, WALL STREET "WOULD GO
ON WITH BUSINESS AS USUAL."
COMPLETE, WALL STREET "WOULD GO
ON WITH BUSINESS AS USUAL."
THE NEXT MORNING, TO EVERYONE'S
ON WITH BUSINESS AS USUAL."
THE NEXT MORNING, TO EVERYONE'S
AMAZEMENT, THE MARKET CONTINUED
THE NEXT MORNING, TO EVERYONE'S
AMAZEMENT, THE MARKET CONTINUED
ITS STEADY UPWARD TREND, WITH
AMAZEMENT, THE MARKET CONTINUED
ITS STEADY UPWARD TREND, WITH
HARDLY A BUMP.
ITS STEADY UPWARD TREND, WITH
HARDLY A BUMP.
THE ROARING '20s HAD BEGUN.
HARDLY A BUMP.
THE ROARING '20s HAD BEGUN.
Kazin: SCOTT FITZGERALD, FROM
THE ROARING '20s HAD BEGUN.
Kazin: SCOTT FITZGERALD, FROM
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, FELT MORE
Kazin: SCOTT FITZGERALD, FROM
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, FELT MORE
AT HOME IN NEW YORK THAN HE DID
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, FELT MORE
AT HOME IN NEW YORK THAN HE DID
IN PARIS.
AT HOME IN NEW YORK THAN HE DID
IN PARIS.
HE LOVED NEW YORK, BECAUSE, AS
IN PARIS.
HE LOVED NEW YORK, BECAUSE, AS
HE SAID, "NEW YORK HAD ALL THE
HE LOVED NEW YORK, BECAUSE, AS
HE SAID, "NEW YORK HAD ALL THE
IRIDESCENCE OF THE BEGINNING OF
HE SAID, "NEW YORK HAD ALL THE
IRIDESCENCE OF THE BEGINNING OF
THE WORLD."
IRIDESCENCE OF THE BEGINNING OF
THE WORLD."
NO ONE EVER SAID ANYTHING AS
THE WORLD."
NO ONE EVER SAID ANYTHING AS
GOOD AS THAT ABOUT NEW YORK.
NO ONE EVER SAID ANYTHING AS
GOOD AS THAT ABOUT NEW YORK.
EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE THIS IS
GOOD AS THAT ABOUT NEW YORK.
EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE THIS IS
THE THING AND POSSIBLE BECAUSE
EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE THIS IS
THE THING AND POSSIBLE BECAUSE
ON SUMMER NIGHTS, AS SCOT
THE THING AND POSSIBLE BECAUSE
ON SUMMER NIGHTS, AS SCOT
FITZGERALD WROTE IN THE GREA
ON SUMMER NIGHTS, AS SCOT
FITZGERALD WROTE IN THE GREA
GATSBY, "YOU FEEL THAT SOME
FITZGERALD WROTE IN THE GREA
GATSBY, "YOU FEEL THAT SOME
BEAUTIFUL FRUIT IS ABOUT TO BE
GATSBY, "YOU FEEL THAT SOME
BEAUTIFUL FRUIT IS ABOUT TO BE
PLUCKED," YOU SEE.
Margo Jefferson: SO THERE'S
THE MIDWESTERN BOY COMING EAST,
THE MIDWESTERN BOY COMING EAST,
FIRST TO PRINCETON, THEN TO NEW
FIRST TO PRINCETON, THEN TO NEW
YORK, REMAKING HIMSELF, STUDYING
YORK, REMAKING HIMSELF, STUDYING
THE CITY, STUDYING LITERATURE,
THE CITY, STUDYING LITERATURE,
THEN GOING FOR SERIOUS ART AND
THEN GOING FOR SERIOUS ART AND
SERIOUS POPULAR SUCCESS.
Narrator: FOR MONTHS AFTER
Narrator: FOR MONTHS AFTER
HIS ARRIVAL, F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
HAD TRIED TO MAKE A GO OF IT AS
HIS ARRIVAL, F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
HAD TRIED TO MAKE A GO OF IT AS
A WRITER, WORKING AT AN
HAD TRIED TO MAKE A GO OF IT AS
A WRITER, WORKING AT AN
ADVERTISING AGENCY BY DAY AND
A WRITER, WORKING AT AN
ADVERTISING AGENCY BY DAY AND
POURING OUT STORIES BY NIGH
ADVERTISING AGENCY BY DAY AND
POURING OUT STORIES BY NIGH
THAT WERE REJECTED AS SWIFTLY AS
POURING OUT STORIES BY NIGH
THAT WERE REJECTED AS SWIFTLY AS
HE COULD WRITE THEM.
THAT WERE REJECTED AS SWIFTLY AS
HE COULD WRITE THEM.
NOTHING CAME OF IT.
HE COULD WRITE THEM.
NOTHING CAME OF IT.
THEN, IN JUNE, WHEN HIS FIANCEE,
NOTHING CAME OF IT.
THEN, IN JUNE, WHEN HIS FIANCEE,
ZELDA, TEMPORARILY BROKE OFF
THEN, IN JUNE, WHEN HIS FIANCEE,
ZELDA, TEMPORARILY BROKE OFF
THEIR ENGAGEMENT, HE WENT ON A
ZELDA, TEMPORARILY BROKE OFF
THEIR ENGAGEMENT, HE WENT ON A
THREE-WEEK DRINKING BINGE,
THEIR ENGAGEMENT, HE WENT ON A
THREE-WEEK DRINKING BINGE,
SOBERED UP, AND RAPIDLY REWROTE
THREE-WEEK DRINKING BINGE,
SOBERED UP, AND RAPIDLY REWROTE
THE MANUSCRIPT OF AN ALREADY-
SOBERED UP, AND RAPIDLY REWROTE
THE MANUSCRIPT OF AN ALREADY-
REJECTED NOVEL.
THE MANUSCRIPT OF AN ALREADY-
REJECTED NOVEL.
PUBLISHED IN THE SPRING OF 1920
REJECTED NOVEL.
PUBLISHED IN THE SPRING OF 1920
UNDER THE TITLE THIS SIDE OF
PUBLISHED IN THE SPRING OF 1920
UNDER THE TITLE THIS SIDE OF
PARADISE, THE BOOK "UNFURLED
UNDER THE TITLE THIS SIDE OF
PARADISE, THE BOOK "UNFURLED
LIKE A BANNER, OVER THE ENTIRE
PARADISE, THE BOOK "UNFURLED
LIKE A BANNER, OVER THE ENTIRE
AGE," ONE MAN SAID, CAPTURING AS
LIKE A BANNER, OVER THE ENTIRE
AGE," ONE MAN SAID, CAPTURING AS
NOTHING ELSE HAD THE RECKLESS
AGE," ONE MAN SAID, CAPTURING AS
NOTHING ELSE HAD THE RECKLESS
SPIRIT OF A WHOLE GENERATION,
NOTHING ELSE HAD THE RECKLESS
SPIRIT OF A WHOLE GENERATION,
DISILLUSIONED WITH THE PAST, AND
SPIRIT OF A WHOLE GENERATION,
DISILLUSIONED WITH THE PAST, AND
DETERMINED TO THROW ITSELF
DISILLUSIONED WITH THE PAST, AND
DETERMINED TO THROW ITSELF
HEADLONG INTO THE FUTURE, COME
DETERMINED TO THROW ITSELF
HEADLONG INTO THE FUTURE, COME
WHAT MAY.
HEADLONG INTO THE FUTURE, COME
WHAT MAY.
FITZGERALD'S METEORIC CAREER WAS
WHAT MAY.
FITZGERALD'S METEORIC CAREER WAS
LAUNCHED AS THE CITY ITSELF
FITZGERALD'S METEORIC CAREER WAS
LAUNCHED AS THE CITY ITSELF
BEGAN ITS GIDDY UPWARD CLIMB.
LAUNCHED AS THE CITY ITSELF
BEGAN ITS GIDDY UPWARD CLIMB.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, NO ONE
BEGAN ITS GIDDY UPWARD CLIMB.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, NO ONE
WOULD CHRONICLE THE ARC OF ITS
IN THE YEARS TO COME, NO ONE
WOULD CHRONICLE THE ARC OF ITS
DARK AND SHINING TRAJECTORY MORE
WOULD CHRONICLE THE ARC OF ITS
DARK AND SHINING TRAJECTORY MORE
POIGNANTLY THAN HE.
DARK AND SHINING TRAJECTORY MORE
POIGNANTLY THAN HE.
Reader: "THE WHOLE GOLDEN
POIGNANTLY THAN HE.
Reader: "THE WHOLE GOLDEN
BOOM WAS IN THE AIR ITS
Reader: "THE WHOLE GOLDEN
BOOM WAS IN THE AIR ITS
SPLENDID GENEROSITIES, ITS
BOOM WAS IN THE AIR ITS
SPLENDID GENEROSITIES, ITS
OUTRAGEOUS CORRUPTIONS, AND THE
SPLENDID GENEROSITIES, ITS
OUTRAGEOUS CORRUPTIONS, AND THE
TORTUROUS DEATH STRUGGLE OF THE
OUTRAGEOUS CORRUPTIONS, AND THE
TORTUROUS DEATH STRUGGLE OF THE
OLD AMERICA.
TORTUROUS DEATH STRUGGLE OF THE
OLD AMERICA.
THERE SEEMED LITTLE DOUBT ABOU
OLD AMERICA.
THERE SEEMED LITTLE DOUBT ABOU
WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN.
THERE SEEMED LITTLE DOUBT ABOU
WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN.
AMERICA WAS GOING ON THE
WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN.
AMERICA WAS GOING ON THE
GREATEST, GAUDIEST SPREE IN
AMERICA WAS GOING ON THE
GREATEST, GAUDIEST SPREE IN
HISTORY, AND THERE WAS GOING TO
GREATEST, GAUDIEST SPREE IN
HISTORY, AND THERE WAS GOING TO
BE PLENTY TO TELL ABOUT IT."
HISTORY, AND THERE WAS GOING TO
BE PLENTY TO TELL ABOUT IT."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
BE PLENTY TO TELL ABOUT IT."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Wallace: WELL, HONESTLY, THE
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Wallace: WELL, HONESTLY, THE
THING THAT STRUCK RETURNING
Wallace: WELL, HONESTLY, THE
THING THAT STRUCK RETURNING
VETERANS JUST OFF THE BOAT, AS
THING THAT STRUCK RETURNING
VETERANS JUST OFF THE BOAT, AS
IT WERE, WAS PROHIBITION, AND
VETERANS JUST OFF THE BOAT, AS
IT WERE, WAS PROHIBITION, AND
THEY WERE TICKED OFF THAT WHA
IT WERE, WAS PROHIBITION, AND
THEY WERE TICKED OFF THAT WHA
THEY WERE COMING BACK TO WAS A
THEY WERE TICKED OFF THAT WHA
THEY WERE COMING BACK TO WAS A
NO-BEER UNIVERSE.
THEY WERE COMING BACK TO WAS A
NO-BEER UNIVERSE.
THEY ALSO, IN FACT, WERE NO
NO-BEER UNIVERSE.
THEY ALSO, IN FACT, WERE NO
COMING BACK TO ECONOMIC GOOD
THEY ALSO, IN FACT, WERE NO
COMING BACK TO ECONOMIC GOOD
TIMES.
COMING BACK TO ECONOMIC GOOD
TIMES.
WE TEND TO FORGET THAT THERE
TIMES.
WE TEND TO FORGET THAT THERE
WAS, IN FACT, A POSTWAR
WE TEND TO FORGET THAT THERE
WAS, IN FACT, A POSTWAR
RECESSION, SO FOR A COUPLE OF
WAS, IN FACT, A POSTWAR
RECESSION, SO FOR A COUPLE OF
YEARS, IN FACT, THEY WERE
RECESSION, SO FOR A COUPLE OF
YEARS, IN FACT, THEY WERE
LOOKING AT NO BEER AND NO JOB.
YEARS, IN FACT, THEY WERE
LOOKING AT NO BEER AND NO JOB.
BUT THEN THE BOOM TOOK HOLD, THE
LOOKING AT NO BEER AND NO JOB.
BUT THEN THE BOOM TOOK HOLD, THE
GREAT BOOM OF THE '20s, WHICH IS
BUT THEN THE BOOM TOOK HOLD, THE
GREAT BOOM OF THE '20s, WHICH IS
ORGANIZED AROUND THE MASS
GREAT BOOM OF THE '20s, WHICH IS
ORGANIZED AROUND THE MASS
PRODUCTION AND THE MASS
ORGANIZED AROUND THE MASS
PRODUCTION AND THE MASS
CONSUMPTION OF COMMODITIES.
Daniel Czitrom: WELL, THE
1920s IS A PERIOD THAT PEOPLE
1920s IS A PERIOD THAT PEOPLE
WILL TALK ABOUT IN TERMS OF THE
WILL TALK ABOUT IN TERMS OF THE
SO-CALLED SECOND INDUSTRIAL
SO-CALLED SECOND INDUSTRIAL
REVOLUTION, WHICH REFERS TO A
REVOLUTION, WHICH REFERS TO A
BASIC SHIFT IN THE AMERICAN
BASIC SHIFT IN THE AMERICAN
ECONOMY TOWARD THE PRODUCTION OF
ECONOMY TOWARD THE PRODUCTION OF
WHAT WE WOULD CALL CONSUMER
WHAT WE WOULD CALL CONSUMER
GOODS.
THINK ABOUT THE AUTOMOBILE.
THINK ABOUT THE AUTOMOBILE.
THINK ABOUT TELEPHONES.
THINK ABOUT VACUUM CLEANERS,
THINK ABOUT TELEPHONES.
THINK ABOUT VACUUM CLEANERS,
WASHING MACHINES, HOUSEHOLD
THINK ABOUT VACUUM CLEANERS,
WASHING MACHINES, HOUSEHOLD
APPLIANCES, WHICH REALLY IN THE
WASHING MACHINES, HOUSEHOLD
APPLIANCES, WHICH REALLY IN THE
1920s BECOME AVAILABLE ON A MASS
APPLIANCES, WHICH REALLY IN THE
1920s BECOME AVAILABLE ON A MASS
BASIS TO ORDINARY PEOPLE FOR
1920s BECOME AVAILABLE ON A MASS
BASIS TO ORDINARY PEOPLE FOR
PRETTY MUCH THE FIRST TIME.
BASIS TO ORDINARY PEOPLE FOR
PRETTY MUCH THE FIRST TIME.
AND I THINK AN IMPORTANT PART OF
PRETTY MUCH THE FIRST TIME.
AND I THINK AN IMPORTANT PART OF
THAT SHIFT TO CONSUMER
AND I THINK AN IMPORTANT PART OF
THAT SHIFT TO CONSUMER
CAPITALISM, TO PRODUCING
THAT SHIFT TO CONSUMER
CAPITALISM, TO PRODUCING
CONSUMER GOODS, IS THE NEED TO
CAPITALISM, TO PRODUCING
CONSUMER GOODS, IS THE NEED TO
MAKE SURE THAT YOU CAN SELL
CONSUMER GOODS, IS THE NEED TO
MAKE SURE THAT YOU CAN SELL
THOSE GOODS, THAT YOU CAN
MAKE SURE THAT YOU CAN SELL
THOSE GOODS, THAT YOU CAN
ADVERTISE THEM, THAT YOU CAN
THOSE GOODS, THAT YOU CAN
ADVERTISE THEM, THAT YOU CAN
MARKET THEM.
ADVERTISE THEM, THAT YOU CAN
MARKET THEM.
AND IN THIS RESPECT, NEW YORK,
MARKET THEM.
AND IN THIS RESPECT, NEW YORK,
IN EFFECT, BECOMES A KIND OF
AND IN THIS RESPECT, NEW YORK,
IN EFFECT, BECOMES A KIND OF
CENTRAL PLAYER IN THE SECOND
IN EFFECT, BECOMES A KIND OF
CENTRAL PLAYER IN THE SECOND
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION, BECAUSE
CENTRAL PLAYER IN THE SECOND
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION, BECAUSE
NEW YORK IS THE CENTER OF IMAGE
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION, BECAUSE
NEW YORK IS THE CENTER OF IMAGE
PRODUCTION.
NEW YORK IS THE CENTER OF IMAGE
PRODUCTION.
NEW YORK IS ALSO THE CENTER OF
PRODUCTION.
NEW YORK IS ALSO THE CENTER OF
ADVERTISING.
NEW YORK IS ALSO THE CENTER OF
ADVERTISING.
IT'S THE CENTER OF THE NEW MASS
ADVERTISING.
IT'S THE CENTER OF THE NEW MASS
MEDIA.
IT'S THE CENTER OF THE NEW MASS
MEDIA.
AND SO THE SECOND INDUSTRIAL
MEDIA.
AND SO THE SECOND INDUSTRIAL
REVOLUTION, YOU COULD SAY,
AND SO THE SECOND INDUSTRIAL
REVOLUTION, YOU COULD SAY,
REALLY BECOMES MARKETED,
REVOLUTION, YOU COULD SAY,
REALLY BECOMES MARKETED,
ADVERTISED, SOLD LARGELY THROUGH
REALLY BECOMES MARKETED,
ADVERTISED, SOLD LARGELY THROUGH
WHAT'S GOING ON IN NEW YORK
ADVERTISED, SOLD LARGELY THROUGH
WHAT'S GOING ON IN NEW YORK
CITY.
WHAT'S GOING ON IN NEW YORK
CITY.
Reader: "FORMERLY THE TASK
CITY.
Reader: "FORMERLY THE TASK
WAS TO SUPPLY THINGS THAT MEN
Reader: "FORMERLY THE TASK
WAS TO SUPPLY THINGS THAT MEN
WANTED.
WAS TO SUPPLY THINGS THAT MEN
WANTED.
THE NEW NECESSITY IS TO MAKE MEN
WANTED.
THE NEW NECESSITY IS TO MAKE MEN
WANT THE THINGS WHICH MACHINERY
THE NEW NECESSITY IS TO MAKE MEN
WANT THE THINGS WHICH MACHINERY
MUST TURN OUT IF CIVILIZATION IS
WANT THE THINGS WHICH MACHINERY
MUST TURN OUT IF CIVILIZATION IS
NOT TO PERISH.
MUST TURN OUT IF CIVILIZATION IS
NOT TO PERISH.
THE PROBLEM BEFORE US IS NOT HOW
NOT TO PERISH.
THE PROBLEM BEFORE US IS NOT HOW
TO PRODUCE THE GOODS, BUT HOW TO
THE PROBLEM BEFORE US IS NOT HOW
TO PRODUCE THE GOODS, BUT HOW TO
PRODUCE THE CUSTOMERS."
TO PRODUCE THE GOODS, BUT HOW TO
PRODUCE THE CUSTOMERS."
SAMUEL STRAUSS.
PRODUCE THE CUSTOMERS."
SAMUEL STRAUSS.
Narrator: FOR NEARLY 300
SAMUEL STRAUSS.
Narrator: FOR NEARLY 300
YEARS, THE SIZE OF THE
Narrator: FOR NEARLY 300
YEARS, THE SIZE OF THE
MARKETPLACE REACHED BY NEW YORK
YEARS, THE SIZE OF THE
MARKETPLACE REACHED BY NEW YORK
HAD BEEN STEADILY WIDENING, THE
MARKETPLACE REACHED BY NEW YORK
HAD BEEN STEADILY WIDENING, THE
ORBIT OF ITS INFLUENCE
HAD BEEN STEADILY WIDENING, THE
ORBIT OF ITS INFLUENCE
INCREASING WITH EACH NEW ADVANCE
ORBIT OF ITS INFLUENCE
INCREASING WITH EACH NEW ADVANCE
IN TRANSPORTATION AND
INCREASING WITH EACH NEW ADVANCE
IN TRANSPORTATION AND
TECHNOLOGY.
IN TRANSPORTATION AND
TECHNOLOGY.
NOW, IN LITTLE MORE THAN HALF A
TECHNOLOGY.
NOW, IN LITTLE MORE THAN HALF A
DECADE, THAT REACH WOULD BE
NOW, IN LITTLE MORE THAN HALF A
DECADE, THAT REACH WOULD BE
EXTENDED TO INFINITY BY THE
DECADE, THAT REACH WOULD BE
EXTENDED TO INFINITY BY THE
POWER OF THE NEW MASS MEDIA
EXTENDED TO INFINITY BY THE
POWER OF THE NEW MASS MEDIA
CONCENTRATING IN MANHATTAN, AND
POWER OF THE NEW MASS MEDIA
CONCENTRATING IN MANHATTAN, AND
ABOVE ALL, BY THE STUNNING NEW
CONCENTRATING IN MANHATTAN, AND
ABOVE ALL, BY THE STUNNING NEW
INVENTION THAT BY 1922 WAS
ABOVE ALL, BY THE STUNNING NEW
INVENTION THAT BY 1922 WAS
ALREADY RADIATING INVISIBLY FROM
INVENTION THAT BY 1922 WAS
ALREADY RADIATING INVISIBLY FROM
THE TOPS OF SEVERAL MIDTOWN
ALREADY RADIATING INVISIBLY FROM
THE TOPS OF SEVERAL MIDTOWN
SKYSCRAPERS.
THE TOPS OF SEVERAL MIDTOWN
SKYSCRAPERS.
Wallace: THE FIRS
SKYSCRAPERS.
Wallace: THE FIRS
ADVERTISEMENT THAT EVER GOES OU
Wallace: THE FIRS
ADVERTISEMENT THAT EVER GOES OU
ON RADIO IS AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR
ADVERTISEMENT THAT EVER GOES OU
ON RADIO IS AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR
HOUSING IN JACKSON HEIGHTS, AND
ON RADIO IS AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR
HOUSING IN JACKSON HEIGHTS, AND
THESE GUYS GET IN, THEY DESCRIBE
HOUSING IN JACKSON HEIGHTS, AND
THESE GUYS GET IN, THEY DESCRIBE
THE GLORIES OF QUEENS AND NOT SO
THESE GUYS GET IN, THEY DESCRIBE
THE GLORIES OF QUEENS AND NOT SO
FAR FROM THE CITY AND YET IT'S
THE GLORIES OF QUEENS AND NOT SO
FAR FROM THE CITY AND YET IT'S
BUCOLIC AND RURAL, AND THEY ARE
FAR FROM THE CITY AND YET IT'S
BUCOLIC AND RURAL, AND THEY ARE
SWAMPED; THEY ARE FLOODED WITH
BUCOLIC AND RURAL, AND THEY ARE
SWAMPED; THEY ARE FLOODED WITH
DEMAND FOR JACKSON HEIGHTS
SWAMPED; THEY ARE FLOODED WITH
DEMAND FOR JACKSON HEIGHTS
APARTMENTS.
DEMAND FOR JACKSON HEIGHTS
APARTMENTS.
AND BELLS GO OFF ALL OVER NEW
APARTMENTS.
AND BELLS GO OFF ALL OVER NEW
YORK CITY.
AND BELLS GO OFF ALL OVER NEW
YORK CITY.
Czitrom: AS A RESULT OF THA
YORK CITY.
Czitrom: AS A RESULT OF THA
ONE TEN-MINUTE SPOT, THEY SOLD
Czitrom: AS A RESULT OF THA
ONE TEN-MINUTE SPOT, THEY SOLD
ABOUT $150,000 WORTH OF
ONE TEN-MINUTE SPOT, THEY SOLD
ABOUT $150,000 WORTH OF
APARTMENTS, SO THAT'S THE
ABOUT $150,000 WORTH OF
APARTMENTS, SO THAT'S THE
BEGINNING OF WHAT COMES TO BE
APARTMENTS, SO THAT'S THE
BEGINNING OF WHAT COMES TO BE
THE AMERICAN SYSTEM OF
BEGINNING OF WHAT COMES TO BE
THE AMERICAN SYSTEM OF
BROADCASTING, THE IDEA THAT THE
THE AMERICAN SYSTEM OF
BROADCASTING, THE IDEA THAT THE
BROADCASTS THEMSELVES ARE PAID
BROADCASTING, THE IDEA THAT THE
BROADCASTS THEMSELVES ARE PAID
FOR AND OFTEN CREATED BY
BROADCASTS THEMSELVES ARE PAID
FOR AND OFTEN CREATED BY
ADVERTISERS.
FOR AND OFTEN CREATED BY
ADVERTISERS.
WHAT ARE THE ADVERTISERS BUYING?
ADVERTISERS.
WHAT ARE THE ADVERTISERS BUYING?
THEY'RE BUYING A CAPTIVE
WHAT ARE THE ADVERTISERS BUYING?
THEY'RE BUYING A CAPTIVE
AUDIENCE.
THEY'RE BUYING A CAPTIVE
AUDIENCE.
Radio announcer: HOPE YOU GE
AUDIENCE.
Radio announcer: HOPE YOU GE
HALF THE PLEASURE OUT OF
Radio announcer: HOPE YOU GE
HALF THE PLEASURE OUT OF
Narrator: THOUGH NO ONE KNEW
HALF THE PLEASURE OUT OF
Narrator: THOUGH NO ONE KNEW
IT, MODERN AMERICAN CULTURE HAD
Narrator: THOUGH NO ONE KNEW
IT, MODERN AMERICAN CULTURE HAD
BEEN BORN.
IT, MODERN AMERICAN CULTURE HAD
BEEN BORN.
Reader: "SELL THEM THEIR
BEEN BORN.
Reader: "SELL THEM THEIR
DREAMS.
Reader: "SELL THEM THEIR
DREAMS.
SELL THEM WHAT THEY LONGED FOR
DREAMS.
SELL THEM WHAT THEY LONGED FOR
AND HOPED FOR AND ALMOS
SELL THEM WHAT THEY LONGED FOR
AND HOPED FOR AND ALMOS
DESPAIRED OF HAVING.
AND HOPED FOR AND ALMOS
DESPAIRED OF HAVING.
SELL THEM THIS HOPE, AND YOU
DESPAIRED OF HAVING.
SELL THEM THIS HOPE, AND YOU
WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOU
SELL THEM THIS HOPE, AND YOU
WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOU
SELLING THEM GOODS."
WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOU
SELLING THEM GOODS."
HELEN LANDON CASS.
SELLING THEM GOODS."
HELEN LANDON CASS.
Czitrom: I THINK THERE'S A
HELEN LANDON CASS.
Czitrom: I THINK THERE'S A
HEIGHTENED SOPHISTICATION IN THE
Czitrom: I THINK THERE'S A
HEIGHTENED SOPHISTICATION IN THE
1920s ABOUT HOW IT IS THAT WE
HEIGHTENED SOPHISTICATION IN THE
1920s ABOUT HOW IT IS THAT WE
REACH PEOPLE.
1920s ABOUT HOW IT IS THAT WE
REACH PEOPLE.
CERTAINLY ADVERTISERS IN THE
REACH PEOPLE.
CERTAINLY ADVERTISERS IN THE
FIELD OF RADIO ARE LOOKING OU
CERTAINLY ADVERTISERS IN THE
FIELD OF RADIO ARE LOOKING OU
TO THIS NEW MEDIUM WHICH CAN
FIELD OF RADIO ARE LOOKING OU
TO THIS NEW MEDIUM WHICH CAN
REACH INTO PEOPLES HOMES.
TO THIS NEW MEDIUM WHICH CAN
REACH INTO PEOPLES HOMES.
THEY'RE LOOKING TO IT FOR NEW
REACH INTO PEOPLES HOMES.
THEY'RE LOOKING TO IT FOR NEW
WAYS OF ESSENTIALLY
THEY'RE LOOKING TO IT FOR NEW
WAYS OF ESSENTIALLY
MANUFACTURING DESIRE, OF
WAYS OF ESSENTIALLY
MANUFACTURING DESIRE, OF
CREATING NEEDS IN PEOPLE.
MANUFACTURING DESIRE, OF
CREATING NEEDS IN PEOPLE.
AND IT'S NO ACCIDENT, IT SEEMS
CREATING NEEDS IN PEOPLE.
AND IT'S NO ACCIDENT, IT SEEMS
TO ME, THAT ALL OF THESE PEOPLE
AND IT'S NO ACCIDENT, IT SEEMS
TO ME, THAT ALL OF THESE PEOPLE
ARE VERY INTERESTED IN THE NEW
TO ME, THAT ALL OF THESE PEOPLE
ARE VERY INTERESTED IN THE NEW
PSYCHOLOGIES OF THE 1920s.
ARE VERY INTERESTED IN THE NEW
PSYCHOLOGIES OF THE 1920s.
WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR
PSYCHOLOGIES OF THE 1920s.
WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR
UNLOCKING DESIRE?
WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR
UNLOCKING DESIRE?
WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR
UNLOCKING DESIRE?
WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR
HARNESSING DESIRE?
WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR
HARNESSING DESIRE?
WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR
HARNESSING DESIRE?
WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR
CHANGING BEHAVIOR SO THAT PEOPLE
WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR
CHANGING BEHAVIOR SO THAT PEOPLE
WILL BUY A PRODUCT?
CHANGING BEHAVIOR SO THAT PEOPLE
WILL BUY A PRODUCT?
( fanfare playing)
WILL BUY A PRODUCT?
( fanfare playing)
Master of ceremonies: THE
( fanfare playing)
Master of ceremonies: THE
STANDARD OIL COMPANY OF
Master of ceremonies: THE
STANDARD OIL COMPANY OF
CALIFORNIA IS PLEASED TO BRING
STANDARD OIL COMPANY OF
CALIFORNIA IS PLEASED TO BRING
YOU THIS HOUR OF GREAT MUSIC BY
CALIFORNIA IS PLEASED TO BRING
YOU THIS HOUR OF GREAT MUSIC BY
THE MASTER COMPOSERS EVERY
YOU THIS HOUR OF GREAT MUSIC BY
THE MASTER COMPOSERS EVERY
THURSDAY EVENING THROUGHOUT THE
THE MASTER COMPOSERS EVERY
THURSDAY EVENING THROUGHOUT THE
YEAR.
THURSDAY EVENING THROUGHOUT THE
YEAR.
( xylophone playing)
YEAR.
( xylophone playing)
Man: AIR?
( xylophone playing)
Man: AIR?
Man: ARE YOU LISTENING?
Man: AIR?
Man: ARE YOU LISTENING?
Milton J. Carlson: THIS IS
Man: ARE YOU LISTENING?
Milton J. Carlson: THIS IS
MILTON J. CARLSON ANNOUNCING THE
Milton J. Carlson: THIS IS
MILTON J. CARLSON ANNOUNCING THE
IMPORTANCE OF RADIO
MILTON J. CARLSON ANNOUNCING THE
IMPORTANCE OF RADIO
ENTERTAINMENT IN PRACTICALLY
IMPORTANCE OF RADIO
ENTERTAINMENT IN PRACTICALLY
EVERY AMERICAN HOME TODAY.
ENTERTAINMENT IN PRACTICALLY
EVERY AMERICAN HOME TODAY.
Man: ALL HEARD BY RADIO
EVERY AMERICAN HOME TODAY.
Man: ALL HEARD BY RADIO
YOU WILL FIND IT, RADIO ♪
Man: ALL HEARD BY RADIO
YOU WILL FIND IT, RADIO ♪
Man: EVERY DAY AND NIGHT ON
YOU WILL FIND IT, RADIO ♪
Man: EVERY DAY AND NIGHT ON
THE AIR, MILLIONS AND MILLIONS
Man: EVERY DAY AND NIGHT ON
THE AIR, MILLIONS AND MILLIONS
DOLLARS' WORTH OF
THE AIR, MILLIONS AND MILLIONS
DOLLARS' WORTH OF
ENTERTAINMENT
DOLLARS' WORTH OF
ENTERTAINMENT
Man: YOU WON'T HAVE TO SEND
ENTERTAINMENT
Man: YOU WON'T HAVE TO SEND
HER WORD BY WIRE ♪
Man: YOU WON'T HAVE TO SEND
HER WORD BY WIRE ♪
Jefferson: IT HAD TO BECOME
HER WORD BY WIRE ♪
Jefferson: IT HAD TO BECOME
THIS CENTER, THIS PECULIAR PLACE
Jefferson: IT HAD TO BECOME
THIS CENTER, THIS PECULIAR PLACE
WHERE THINGS COULD MIX, WHERE
THIS CENTER, THIS PECULIAR PLACE
WHERE THINGS COULD MIX, WHERE
ADVERTISING, WHICH IS A DEEPLY
WHERE THINGS COULD MIX, WHERE
ADVERTISING, WHICH IS A DEEPLY
COMMERCIAL, SOMEWHAT CORRUP
ADVERTISING, WHICH IS A DEEPLY
COMMERCIAL, SOMEWHAT CORRUP
ENTERPRISE, COULD NEVERTHELESS
COMMERCIAL, SOMEWHAT CORRUP
ENTERPRISE, COULD NEVERTHELESS
BE CONVERSANT WITH ART,
ENTERPRISE, COULD NEVERTHELESS
BE CONVERSANT WITH ART,
PSYCHOANALYSIS, ET CETERA.
BE CONVERSANT WITH ART,
PSYCHOANALYSIS, ET CETERA.
I SUPPOSE IT HAD TO BECOME A
PSYCHOANALYSIS, ET CETERA.
I SUPPOSE IT HAD TO BECOME A
CENTER PRACTICALLY AS WELL AS
I SUPPOSE IT HAD TO BECOME A
CENTER PRACTICALLY AS WELL AS
IMAGINATIVELY OF MIXED AND
CENTER PRACTICALLY AS WELL AS
IMAGINATIVELY OF MIXED AND
SOMEWHAT CONTRADICTORY NEEDS,
IMAGINATIVELY OF MIXED AND
SOMEWHAT CONTRADICTORY NEEDS,
DRIVES, MOVEMENTS, COMMERCIAL
SOMEWHAT CONTRADICTORY NEEDS,
DRIVES, MOVEMENTS, COMMERCIAL
AND IDEALISTIC IMPULSES.
DRIVES, MOVEMENTS, COMMERCIAL
AND IDEALISTIC IMPULSES.
Narrator: PROPELLED BY THE
AND IDEALISTIC IMPULSES.
Narrator: PROPELLED BY THE
COMMERCIAL EXPLOSION IN MIDTOWN,
Narrator: PROPELLED BY THE
COMMERCIAL EXPLOSION IN MIDTOWN,
AND BY A THRILLING SENSE THA
COMMERCIAL EXPLOSION IN MIDTOWN,
AND BY A THRILLING SENSE THA
ALL THE OLD RULES HAD BEEN
AND BY A THRILLING SENSE THA
ALL THE OLD RULES HAD BEEN
SUSPENDED, IN COMMERCE AND THE
ALL THE OLD RULES HAD BEEN
SUSPENDED, IN COMMERCE AND THE
ARTS, NEW YORK WOULD, IN THE
SUSPENDED, IN COMMERCE AND THE
ARTS, NEW YORK WOULD, IN THE
NEXT HALF DECADE, FINISH GIVING
ARTS, NEW YORK WOULD, IN THE
NEXT HALF DECADE, FINISH GIVING
BIRTH TO THE MOST RAPACIOUSLY
NEXT HALF DECADE, FINISH GIVING
BIRTH TO THE MOST RAPACIOUSLY
COMMERCIAL AND DIZZYINGLY
BIRTH TO THE MOST RAPACIOUSLY
COMMERCIAL AND DIZZYINGLY
DEMOCRATIC CULTURE THE WORLD HAD
COMMERCIAL AND DIZZYINGLY
DEMOCRATIC CULTURE THE WORLD HAD
EVER SEEN.
DEMOCRATIC CULTURE THE WORLD HAD
EVER SEEN.
IN THE DECADE TO COME, AS THE
EVER SEEN.
IN THE DECADE TO COME, AS THE
FORCES OF THE FIRST MASS MEDIA
IN THE DECADE TO COME, AS THE
FORCES OF THE FIRST MASS MEDIA
CULTURE IN HISTORY BEGAN TO
FORCES OF THE FIRST MASS MEDIA
CULTURE IN HISTORY BEGAN TO
DISSOLVE ALL THE OLD WAYS OF
CULTURE IN HISTORY BEGAN TO
DISSOLVE ALL THE OLD WAYS OF
LIFE IN AMERICA, AN IMMENSE
DISSOLVE ALL THE OLD WAYS OF
LIFE IN AMERICA, AN IMMENSE
CHASM WOULD BEGIN TO OPEN UP
LIFE IN AMERICA, AN IMMENSE
CHASM WOULD BEGIN TO OPEN UP
BETWEEN THE PAST AND FUTURE IN
CHASM WOULD BEGIN TO OPEN UP
BETWEEN THE PAST AND FUTURE IN
NEW YORK CITY.
BETWEEN THE PAST AND FUTURE IN
NEW YORK CITY.
LOOKING BACK, AMERICANS FOREVER
NEW YORK CITY.
LOOKING BACK, AMERICANS FOREVER
AFTER WOULD TRY TO SORT OUT WHA
LOOKING BACK, AMERICANS FOREVER
AFTER WOULD TRY TO SORT OUT WHA
HAD BEEN LOST AND WHAT HAD BEEN
AFTER WOULD TRY TO SORT OUT WHA
HAD BEEN LOST AND WHAT HAD BEEN
GAINED.
HAD BEEN LOST AND WHAT HAD BEEN
GAINED.
( '20s jazz playing)
GAINED.
( '20s jazz playing)
Czitrom: THE '20s FOR MANY
( '20s jazz playing)
Czitrom: THE '20s FOR MANY
PEOPLE SEEMS TO BE THE MOMEN
Czitrom: THE '20s FOR MANY
PEOPLE SEEMS TO BE THE MOMEN
WHEN NEW YORK BECOMES VERY
PEOPLE SEEMS TO BE THE MOMEN
WHEN NEW YORK BECOMES VERY
FAMILIAR.
WHEN NEW YORK BECOMES VERY
FAMILIAR.
I THINK THAT THE PHRASE "THE
FAMILIAR.
I THINK THAT THE PHRASE "THE
ROARING '20s" CAN BEST BE
I THINK THAT THE PHRASE "THE
ROARING '20s" CAN BEST BE
UNDERSTOOD PERHAPS WITH
ROARING '20s" CAN BEST BE
UNDERSTOOD PERHAPS WITH
REFERENCE TO THE EXPLOSION OF
UNDERSTOOD PERHAPS WITH
REFERENCE TO THE EXPLOSION OF
IMAGE MAKING THE NEW MASS
REFERENCE TO THE EXPLOSION OF
IMAGE MAKING THE NEW MASS
MEDIA OF MOTION PICTURES, THE
IMAGE MAKING THE NEW MASS
MEDIA OF MOTION PICTURES, THE
NEW MASS MEDIA OF RADIO
MEDIA OF MOTION PICTURES, THE
NEW MASS MEDIA OF RADIO
BROADCASTING.
NEW MASS MEDIA OF RADIO
BROADCASTING.
WHAT'S ROARING ABOUT THE '20s,
BROADCASTING.
WHAT'S ROARING ABOUT THE '20s,
IN OTHER WORDS, IS THE
WHAT'S ROARING ABOUT THE '20s,
IN OTHER WORDS, IS THE
TREMENDOUS AMPLIFICATION,
IN OTHER WORDS, IS THE
TREMENDOUS AMPLIFICATION,
INTENSIFICATION OF IMAGE MAKING,
TREMENDOUS AMPLIFICATION,
INTENSIFICATION OF IMAGE MAKING,
IMAGE SELLING, ESPECIALLY
INTENSIFICATION OF IMAGE MAKING,
IMAGE SELLING, ESPECIALLY
THROUGH NEW MEANS OF MASS MEDIA.
IMAGE SELLING, ESPECIALLY
THROUGH NEW MEANS OF MASS MEDIA.
Peter Quinn: NEW YORK'S ROLE
THROUGH NEW MEANS OF MASS MEDIA.
Peter Quinn: NEW YORK'S ROLE
AS THE PLACE WHERE THE
Peter Quinn: NEW YORK'S ROLE
AS THE PLACE WHERE THE
ENTERTAINMENT AND THE IMAGES AND
AS THE PLACE WHERE THE
ENTERTAINMENT AND THE IMAGES AND
THE SONGS THAT THE REST OF THE
ENTERTAINMENT AND THE IMAGES AND
THE SONGS THAT THE REST OF THE
COUNTRY ARE GOING TO SING, EVEN
THE SONGS THAT THE REST OF THE
COUNTRY ARE GOING TO SING, EVEN
IF THEY ARE SET IN DIFFEREN
COUNTRY ARE GOING TO SING, EVEN
IF THEY ARE SET IN DIFFEREN
PLACES, THEY'RE WRITTEN HERE.
THIS IS WHERE THIS IS THE
FACTORY OF POPULAR
FACTORY OF POPULAR
ENTERTAINMENT.
ENTERTAINMENT.
THIS IS WHAT THIS IS
THIS IS WHAT THIS IS
HOLLYWOOD BEFORE HOLLYWOOD IS
HOLLYWOOD BEFORE HOLLYWOOD IS
AROUND, WHERE THE NATIONAL
AROUND, WHERE THE NATIONAL
IMAGES AND THE NATIONAL SYMBOL
IMAGES AND THE NATIONAL SYMBOL
AND THE NATIONAL WORDS ARE
AND THE NATIONAL WORDS ARE
MANUFACTURED.
Wallace: ONE OF THE THINGS
Wallace: ONE OF THE THINGS
THAT'S BURBLING UP FROM THE
STREETS IS JAZZ.
THAT'S BURBLING UP FROM THE
STREETS IS JAZZ.
AND WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE?
STREETS IS JAZZ.
AND WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE?
IT IS THE SPECTACULAR
AND WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE?
IT IS THE SPECTACULAR
EFFLORESCENCE.
IT IS THE SPECTACULAR
EFFLORESCENCE.
I MEAN, JAZZ IS NOT A NEW YORK
EFFLORESCENCE.
I MEAN, JAZZ IS NOT A NEW YORK
PHENOMENA, BUT IN THE '20s,
I MEAN, JAZZ IS NOT A NEW YORK
PHENOMENA, BUT IN THE '20s,
BLACK MUSICIANS COME POURING
PHENOMENA, BUT IN THE '20s,
BLACK MUSICIANS COME POURING
INTO HARLEM.
BLACK MUSICIANS COME POURING
INTO HARLEM.
Louis Armstrong: DINAH
INTO HARLEM.
Louis Armstrong: DINAH
LET'S TAKE OUR PLACES ♪
Louis Armstrong: DINAH
LET'S TAKE OUR PLACES ♪
Wallace: YOU'RE GETTING TO
LET'S TAKE OUR PLACES ♪
Wallace: YOU'RE GETTING TO
HEAR THE MOST SPECTACULARLY
Wallace: YOU'RE GETTING TO
HEAR THE MOST SPECTACULARLY
FASCINATING, EXCITING MUSIC THA
HEAR THE MOST SPECTACULARLY
FASCINATING, EXCITING MUSIC THA
THE COUNTRY HAD EVER PRODUCED.
FASCINATING, EXCITING MUSIC THA
THE COUNTRY HAD EVER PRODUCED.
Armstrong: 'CAUSE MY DINAH
THE COUNTRY HAD EVER PRODUCED.
Armstrong: 'CAUSE MY DINAH
MIGHT CHANGE HER MIND ♪
Armstrong: 'CAUSE MY DINAH
MIGHT CHANGE HER MIND ♪
Douglas: THIS WAS WHERE
MIGHT CHANGE HER MIND ♪
Douglas: THIS WAS WHERE
EUROPEAN WHEN RAVEL CAME
Douglas: THIS WAS WHERE
EUROPEAN WHEN RAVEL CAME
HERE, WHERE DID HE WANT TO GO?
EUROPEAN WHEN RAVEL CAME
HERE, WHERE DID HE WANT TO GO?
HE TOLD GEORGE GERSHWIN, "TAKE
HERE, WHERE DID HE WANT TO GO?
HE TOLD GEORGE GERSHWIN, "TAKE
ME TO HARLEM."
HE TOLD GEORGE GERSHWIN, "TAKE
ME TO HARLEM."
GERSHWIN, OF COURSE, TOOK HIM TO
ME TO HARLEM."
GERSHWIN, OF COURSE, TOOK HIM TO
HARLEM, WHERE HE WAS JUST YOU
GERSHWIN, OF COURSE, TOOK HIM TO
HARLEM, WHERE HE WAS JUST YOU
KNOW, HIS SOCKS WERE KNOCKED OFF
HARLEM, WHERE HE WAS JUST YOU
KNOW, HIS SOCKS WERE KNOCKED OFF
BY THE MUSIC.
KNOW, HIS SOCKS WERE KNOCKED OFF
BY THE MUSIC.
AND EUROPEAN COMPOSERS WOULD
BY THE MUSIC.
AND EUROPEAN COMPOSERS WOULD
COME HERE AND THEN TELL THE
AND EUROPEAN COMPOSERS WOULD
COME HERE AND THEN TELL THE
PRESS AT HOME THEIR HOME AS
COME HERE AND THEN TELL THE
PRESS AT HOME THEIR HOME AS
WELL AS HERE "THIS IS THE
PRESS AT HOME THEIR HOME AS
WELL AS HERE "THIS IS THE
MUSIC.
WELL AS HERE "THIS IS THE
MUSIC.
THIS IS THE MOST EXCITING MUSIC
MUSIC.
THIS IS THE MOST EXCITING MUSIC
BEING MADE TODAY."
THIS IS THE MOST EXCITING MUSIC
BEING MADE TODAY."
( trumpet solo)
BEING MADE TODAY."
( trumpet solo)
Narrator: BY 1924, BLACK
( trumpet solo)
Narrator: BY 1924, BLACK
WRITERS, POETS, ARTISTS, AND
Narrator: BY 1924, BLACK
WRITERS, POETS, ARTISTS, AND
MUSICIANS FROM AROUND THE
WRITERS, POETS, ARTISTS, AND
MUSICIANS FROM AROUND THE
COUNTRY WERE POURING INTO THE
MUSICIANS FROM AROUND THE
COUNTRY WERE POURING INTO THE
NEW BLACK CITY WITHIN A CITY,
COUNTRY WERE POURING INTO THE
NEW BLACK CITY WITHIN A CITY,
DRAWN BY THE PRESENCE OF THE
NEW BLACK CITY WITHIN A CITY,
DRAWN BY THE PRESENCE OF THE
MEDIA, BY EXPLODING
DRAWN BY THE PRESENCE OF THE
MEDIA, BY EXPLODING
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE
MEDIA, BY EXPLODING
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE
ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, AND BY
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE
ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, AND BY
THE SIREN CALL OF HARLEM ITSELF.
ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, AND BY
THE SIREN CALL OF HARLEM ITSELF.
Wallace: AFRICAN AMERICANS
THE SIREN CALL OF HARLEM ITSELF.
Wallace: AFRICAN AMERICANS
HAD NEVER HAD A SPACE OF THEIR
Wallace: AFRICAN AMERICANS
HAD NEVER HAD A SPACE OF THEIR
OWN IN NEW YORK CITY.
HAD NEVER HAD A SPACE OF THEIR
OWN IN NEW YORK CITY.
THERE HAD BEEN LITTLE
OWN IN NEW YORK CITY.
THERE HAD BEEN LITTLE
CONCENTRATIONS, BUT THEY WERE BY
THERE HAD BEEN LITTLE
CONCENTRATIONS, BUT THEY WERE BY
STREETS, AND CONSEQUENTLY, THEY
CONCENTRATIONS, BUT THEY WERE BY
STREETS, AND CONSEQUENTLY, THEY
WERE READILY AND EASILY MOVED,
STREETS, AND CONSEQUENTLY, THEY
WERE READILY AND EASILY MOVED,
SO YOU HAD BLACKS REALLY
WERE READILY AND EASILY MOVED,
SO YOU HAD BLACKS REALLY
CAROMING AROUND TOWN FROM WAY
SO YOU HAD BLACKS REALLY
CAROMING AROUND TOWN FROM WAY
DOWN IN THE LOWER PART OF THE
CAROMING AROUND TOWN FROM WAY
DOWN IN THE LOWER PART OF THE
CITY UP TO GREENWICH VILLAGE,
DOWN IN THE LOWER PART OF THE
CITY UP TO GREENWICH VILLAGE,
AND THE ITALIANS COME IN AND
CITY UP TO GREENWICH VILLAGE,
AND THE ITALIANS COME IN AND
THEY CAROM OFF TO SAN JUAN HILL
AND THE ITALIANS COME IN AND
THEY CAROM OFF TO SAN JUAN HILL
IN THE TENDERLOIN.
THEY CAROM OFF TO SAN JUAN HILL
IN THE TENDERLOIN.
THE SUBWAY SYSTEM, WHICH RUNS ON
IN THE TENDERLOIN.
THE SUBWAY SYSTEM, WHICH RUNS ON
UP INTO HARLEM, OPENS UP A NEW
THE SUBWAY SYSTEM, WHICH RUNS ON
UP INTO HARLEM, OPENS UP A NEW
POSSIBILITY, AN ESCAPE ROUTE.
UP INTO HARLEM, OPENS UP A NEW
POSSIBILITY, AN ESCAPE ROUTE.
AND ALTHOUGH THERE WAS TERRIFIC
POSSIBILITY, AN ESCAPE ROUTE.
AND ALTHOUGH THERE WAS TERRIFIC
RESERVATIONS ABOUT THIS, BLACKS
AND ALTHOUGH THERE WAS TERRIFIC
RESERVATIONS ABOUT THIS, BLACKS
WERE READY TO MOVE UP INTO THIS
RESERVATIONS ABOUT THIS, BLACKS
WERE READY TO MOVE UP INTO THIS
TERRITORY, AND THEY DO.
David Levering Lewis: YOU SEE
ESTIMATES RANGING FROM 200,000
ESTIMATES RANGING FROM 200,000
AFRICAN AMERICANS POURING IN TO
AFRICAN AMERICANS POURING IN TO
MOSTLY HARLEM FROM 1917 TO ABOU
MOSTLY HARLEM FROM 1917 TO ABOU
VERY SOON, HARLEM BECAME FOR
VERY SOON, HARLEM BECAME FOR
AFRICAN AMERICANS EVERYWHERE THE
CHRYSALIS OF THE NEW NEGRO, OF
AFRICAN AMERICANS EVERYWHERE THE
CHRYSALIS OF THE NEW NEGRO, OF
NEW OPPORTUNITY.
CHRYSALIS OF THE NEW NEGRO, OF
NEW OPPORTUNITY.
Jefferson: THEY WERE WILDLY
NEW OPPORTUNITY.
Jefferson: THEY WERE WILDLY
AMBITIOUS.
Jefferson: THEY WERE WILDLY
AMBITIOUS.
THEY KNEW THAT NEW YORK WAS
AMBITIOUS.
THEY KNEW THAT NEW YORK WAS
WHERE YOU REALLY GOT KNOWN, AND
THEY KNEW THAT NEW YORK WAS
WHERE YOU REALLY GOT KNOWN, AND
THEY ALSO KNEW NEW YORK WAS THE
WHERE YOU REALLY GOT KNOWN, AND
THEY ALSO KNEW NEW YORK WAS THE
MEDIA CENTER, AND THAT TO THE
THEY ALSO KNEW NEW YORK WAS THE
MEDIA CENTER, AND THAT TO THE
EXTENT THAT INTEGRATION WAS
MEDIA CENTER, AND THAT TO THE
EXTENT THAT INTEGRATION WAS
GOING TO BENEFIT THEM
EXTENT THAT INTEGRATION WAS
GOING TO BENEFIT THEM
PRACTICALLY THE PUBLISHING
GOING TO BENEFIT THEM
PRACTICALLY THE PUBLISHING
INDUSTRY WAS WHITE, IT WAS
PRACTICALLY THE PUBLISHING
INDUSTRY WAS WHITE, IT WAS
CENTERED IN NEW YORK; MUSICALLY,
INDUSTRY WAS WHITE, IT WAS
CENTERED IN NEW YORK; MUSICALLY,
THE RECORDING INDUSTRY WAS
CENTERED IN NEW YORK; MUSICALLY,
THE RECORDING INDUSTRY WAS
CENTERED IN NEW YORK.
THE RECORDING INDUSTRY WAS
CENTERED IN NEW YORK.
Woman: WHEN I'M IN THE MOOD
CENTERED IN NEW YORK.
Woman: WHEN I'M IN THE MOOD
FOR LOVE
Woman: WHEN I'M IN THE MOOD
FOR LOVE
YOU'RE THE ONE
FOR LOVE
YOU'RE THE ONE
I'M THINKING OF
YOU'RE THE ONE
I'M THINKING OF
Douglas: SO WE ATTRACTED
I'M THINKING OF
Douglas: SO WE ATTRACTED
NEW YORK ATTRACTED THIS
Douglas: SO WE ATTRACTED
NEW YORK ATTRACTED THIS
EXTRAORDINARY BLACK POPULATION,
NEW YORK ATTRACTED THIS
EXTRAORDINARY BLACK POPULATION,
AND AMONG THEM WERE REALLY SOME
EXTRAORDINARY BLACK POPULATION,
AND AMONG THEM WERE REALLY SOME
OF THE MOST GIFTED ARTISTS OF
AND AMONG THEM WERE REALLY SOME
OF THE MOST GIFTED ARTISTS OF
THE CENTURY, AND NEW YORK GOT AN
OF THE MOST GIFTED ARTISTS OF
THE CENTURY, AND NEW YORK GOT AN
AMAZINGLY HIGH SHARE OF THEM.
THE CENTURY, AND NEW YORK GOT AN
AMAZINGLY HIGH SHARE OF THEM.
I BRING THIS UP FIRST BECAUSE
AMAZINGLY HIGH SHARE OF THEM.
I BRING THIS UP FIRST BECAUSE
THIS, I THINK, IS THE SINGLE
I BRING THIS UP FIRST BECAUSE
THIS, I THINK, IS THE SINGLE
MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN NEW
THIS, I THINK, IS THE SINGLE
MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN NEW
YORK'S CULTURAL PREEMINENCE IN
MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN NEW
YORK'S CULTURAL PREEMINENCE IN
THE 1920s.
YORK'S CULTURAL PREEMINENCE IN
THE 1920s.
( jazz music playing)
THE 1920s.
( jazz music playing)
Narrator: GALVANIZED BY THE
( jazz music playing)
Narrator: GALVANIZED BY THE
INFUSION BLACK CULTURE, THE MOS
Narrator: GALVANIZED BY THE
INFUSION BLACK CULTURE, THE MOS
EXTRAORDINARY GENERATION OF
INFUSION BLACK CULTURE, THE MOS
EXTRAORDINARY GENERATION OF
COMPOSERS AND LYRICISTS IN
EXTRAORDINARY GENERATION OF
COMPOSERS AND LYRICISTS IN
AMERICAN HISTORY INCLUDING
COMPOSERS AND LYRICISTS IN
AMERICAN HISTORY INCLUDING
RICHARD RODGERS, JEROME KERN,
AMERICAN HISTORY INCLUDING
RICHARD RODGERS, JEROME KERN,
OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN, COLE PORTER,
RICHARD RODGERS, JEROME KERN,
OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN, COLE PORTER,
AND GEORGE AND IRA GERSHWIN
OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN, COLE PORTER,
AND GEORGE AND IRA GERSHWIN
NOW FINISHED FORGING AN ENTIRELY
AND GEORGE AND IRA GERSHWIN
NOW FINISHED FORGING AN ENTIRELY
NEW KIND OF MUSICAL CULTURE,
NOW FINISHED FORGING AN ENTIRELY
NEW KIND OF MUSICAL CULTURE,
DEDICATED NOT TO THE PURITY OF A
NEW KIND OF MUSICAL CULTURE,
DEDICATED NOT TO THE PURITY OF A
SINGLE STYLE, BUT TO THE
DEDICATED NOT TO THE PURITY OF A
SINGLE STYLE, BUT TO THE
EXHILARATING POSSIBILITIES OF
SINGLE STYLE, BUT TO THE
EXHILARATING POSSIBILITIES OF
MANY CULTURES COMING TOGETHER.
EXHILARATING POSSIBILITIES OF
MANY CULTURES COMING TOGETHER.
Reader: "NEW YORK IS A
MANY CULTURES COMING TOGETHER.
Reader: "NEW YORK IS A
MEETING PLACE, A RENDEZVOUS OF
Reader: "NEW YORK IS A
MEETING PLACE, A RENDEZVOUS OF
THE NATIONS.
MEETING PLACE, A RENDEZVOUS OF
THE NATIONS.
I'D LIKE TO CATCH THE RHYTHM OF
THE NATIONS.
I'D LIKE TO CATCH THE RHYTHM OF
THESE INTERFUSING PEOPLES, TO
I'D LIKE TO CATCH THE RHYTHM OF
THESE INTERFUSING PEOPLES, TO
SHOW THEM CLASHING AND BLENDING.
THESE INTERFUSING PEOPLES, TO
SHOW THEM CLASHING AND BLENDING.
I'D LIKE TO WRITE OF THE MELTING
SHOW THEM CLASHING AND BLENDING.
I'D LIKE TO WRITE OF THE MELTING
POT, OF NEW YORK CITY ITSELF,
I'D LIKE TO WRITE OF THE MELTING
POT, OF NEW YORK CITY ITSELF,
WITH ITS BLEND OF NATIVE AND
POT, OF NEW YORK CITY ITSELF,
WITH ITS BLEND OF NATIVE AND
IMMIGRANT STRAINS, ITS MANY
WITH ITS BLEND OF NATIVE AND
IMMIGRANT STRAINS, ITS MANY
KINDS OF MUSIC BLACK AND
IMMIGRANT STRAINS, ITS MANY
KINDS OF MUSIC BLACK AND
WHITE, EASTERN AND WESTERN."
KINDS OF MUSIC BLACK AND
WHITE, EASTERN AND WESTERN."
GEORGE GERSHWIN.
WHITE, EASTERN AND WESTERN."
GEORGE GERSHWIN.
Narrator: 80 YEARS BEFORE,
GEORGE GERSHWIN.
Narrator: 80 YEARS BEFORE,
WATCHING BLACK AND IRISH
Narrator: 80 YEARS BEFORE,
WATCHING BLACK AND IRISH
PERFORMERS MIMICKING AND
WATCHING BLACK AND IRISH
PERFORMERS MIMICKING AND
PARODYING EACH OTHER IN MINSTREL
PERFORMERS MIMICKING AND
PARODYING EACH OTHER IN MINSTREL
SHOWS ALONG THE BOWERY, WAL
PARODYING EACH OTHER IN MINSTREL
SHOWS ALONG THE BOWERY, WAL
WHITMAN HAD PREDICTED THEY WOULD
SHOWS ALONG THE BOWERY, WAL
WHITMAN HAD PREDICTED THEY WOULD
ONE DAY GIVE RISE TO A "NATIVE
WHITMAN HAD PREDICTED THEY WOULD
ONE DAY GIVE RISE TO A "NATIVE
GRAND OPERA IN AMERICA."
ONE DAY GIVE RISE TO A "NATIVE
GRAND OPERA IN AMERICA."
NOW THAT OPERA WAS BEING BORN ON
GRAND OPERA IN AMERICA."
NOW THAT OPERA WAS BEING BORN ON
BROADWAY, WHICH BY 1924 HAD
NOW THAT OPERA WAS BEING BORN ON
BROADWAY, WHICH BY 1924 HAD
BECOME THE LABORATORY OF A
BROADWAY, WHICH BY 1924 HAD
BECOME THE LABORATORY OF A
UNIQUELY MIXED AND DEMOCRATIC
BECOME THE LABORATORY OF A
UNIQUELY MIXED AND DEMOCRATIC
MUSICAL CULTURE.
UNIQUELY MIXED AND DEMOCRATIC
MUSICAL CULTURE.
Jefferson: LOOK AT THE
MUSICAL CULTURE.
Jefferson: LOOK AT THE
MELANGE OF PEOPLE AND STYLES WHO
Jefferson: LOOK AT THE
MELANGE OF PEOPLE AND STYLES WHO
CREATED AMERICAN MUSICAL
MELANGE OF PEOPLE AND STYLES WHO
CREATED AMERICAN MUSICAL
THEATER.
CREATED AMERICAN MUSICAL
THEATER.
NEW YORK ALLOWED THEM TO BE ALL
THEATER.
NEW YORK ALLOWED THEM TO BE ALL
OF THOSE THINGS.
NEW YORK ALLOWED THEM TO BE ALL
OF THOSE THINGS.
IT ALLOWED JEROME KERN, YOU
OF THOSE THINGS.
IT ALLOWED JEROME KERN, YOU
KNOW, TO LISTEN TO EUBIE BLAKE
IT ALLOWED JEROME KERN, YOU
KNOW, TO LISTEN TO EUBIE BLAKE
AND TO ALSO LISTEN TO, YOU KNOW,
KNOW, TO LISTEN TO EUBIE BLAKE
AND TO ALSO LISTEN TO, YOU KNOW,
CLASSICAL MUSIC AND TO PUT THEM
AND TO ALSO LISTEN TO, YOU KNOW,
CLASSICAL MUSIC AND TO PUT THEM
ALL ON STAGE.
CLASSICAL MUSIC AND TO PUT THEM
ALL ON STAGE.
George W.S. Trow: IT WAS THE
ALL ON STAGE.
George W.S. Trow: IT WAS THE
MOST ATTRACTIVE, DEMOCRATIC, IN
George W.S. Trow: IT WAS THE
MOST ATTRACTIVE, DEMOCRATIC, IN
A WAY, MIX ACHIEVABLE IN THE
MOST ATTRACTIVE, DEMOCRATIC, IN
A WAY, MIX ACHIEVABLE IN THE
WORLD AT THAT MOMENT, AND THEY
A WAY, MIX ACHIEVABLE IN THE
WORLD AT THAT MOMENT, AND THEY
DOCUMENTED IT.
SO WHEN PEOPLE TALK ABOU
MULTICULTURALISM, THAT'S WHA
MULTICULTURALISM, THAT'S WHA
THEY HAVE TO BE TALKING ABOUT.
THEY HAVE TO BE TALKING ABOU
THEY HAVE TO BE TALKING ABOU
HIGH AND LOW ACCEPTING EACH
OTHER AND LOVING EACH OTHER
HIGH AND LOW ACCEPTING EACH
OTHER AND LOVING EACH OTHER
DESPITE THE UNLOVABILITY OF
OTHER AND LOVING EACH OTHER
DESPITE THE UNLOVABILITY OF
THEIR SITUATION, AND LEARNING
DESPITE THE UNLOVABILITY OF
THEIR SITUATION, AND LEARNING
WHAT THE OTHER GUY KNOWS AND
THEIR SITUATION, AND LEARNING
WHAT THE OTHER GUY KNOWS AND
PRESENTING IT IN PUBLIC IN AN
WHAT THE OTHER GUY KNOWS AND
PRESENTING IT IN PUBLIC IN AN
ATMOSPHERE OF PLEASURE.
PRESENTING IT IN PUBLIC IN AN
ATMOSPHERE OF PLEASURE.
Douglas: YOU HAD GENDER
ATMOSPHERE OF PLEASURE.
Douglas: YOU HAD GENDER
COMMINGLINGS OF ALL KINDS.
Douglas: YOU HAD GENDER
COMMINGLINGS OF ALL KINDS.
YOU HAD THESE BLACK AND WHITE
COMMINGLINGS OF ALL KINDS.
YOU HAD THESE BLACK AND WHITE
CROSSOVERS IN MUSIC, IN
YOU HAD THESE BLACK AND WHITE
CROSSOVERS IN MUSIC, IN
LITERATURE, IN EVERY KIND OF
CROSSOVERS IN MUSIC, IN
LITERATURE, IN EVERY KIND OF
PERFORMATIVE ART.
LITERATURE, IN EVERY KIND OF
PERFORMATIVE ART.
YOU HAD AN ONGOING CROSSOVER OF
PERFORMATIVE ART.
YOU HAD AN ONGOING CROSSOVER OF
STYLES AND EXCHANGE BETWEEN
YOU HAD AN ONGOING CROSSOVER OF
STYLES AND EXCHANGE BETWEEN
BLACKS AND WASPS, BETWEEN BLACKS
STYLES AND EXCHANGE BETWEEN
BLACKS AND WASPS, BETWEEN BLACKS
AND IMMIGRANT JEWS.
BLACKS AND WASPS, BETWEEN BLACKS
AND IMMIGRANT JEWS.
PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANT, AND MOS
AND IMMIGRANT JEWS.
PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANT, AND MOS
IMPORTANT FOR NEW YORK IN
PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANT, AND MOS
IMPORTANT FOR NEW YORK IN
PARTICULAR, WAS THE SMASHING OF
IMPORTANT FOR NEW YORK IN
PARTICULAR, WAS THE SMASHING OF
THE BARRIER BETWEEN HIGH ART AND
PARTICULAR, WAS THE SMASHING OF
THE BARRIER BETWEEN HIGH ART AND
LOW ART.
THE BARRIER BETWEEN HIGH ART AND
LOW ART.
Narrator: BUILT AROUND OFTEN
LOW ART.
Narrator: BUILT AROUND OFTEN
INTOXICATINGLY LYRICAL SONGS
Narrator: BUILT AROUND OFTEN
INTOXICATINGLY LYRICAL SONGS
THAT COMBINED SOPHISTICATED
INTOXICATINGLY LYRICAL SONGS
THAT COMBINED SOPHISTICATED
WORDPLAY WITH COMMON SLANG AND
THAT COMBINED SOPHISTICATED
WORDPLAY WITH COMMON SLANG AND
THAT MERGED THE MELODIES AND
WORDPLAY WITH COMMON SLANG AND
THAT MERGED THE MELODIES AND
RHYTHMS OF THREE CONTINENTS, THE
THAT MERGED THE MELODIES AND
RHYTHMS OF THREE CONTINENTS, THE
MESSAGE OF THE NEW BROADWAY
RHYTHMS OF THREE CONTINENTS, THE
MESSAGE OF THE NEW BROADWAY
MUSICALS WAS CLEAR: BEING
MESSAGE OF THE NEW BROADWAY
MUSICALS WAS CLEAR: BEING
AMERICAN MEANT BEING MIXED,
MUSICALS WAS CLEAR: BEING
AMERICAN MEANT BEING MIXED,
CROSSING OVER, BORROWING AND
AMERICAN MEANT BEING MIXED,
CROSSING OVER, BORROWING AND
COMMINGLING TO CREATE NEW FORMS.
CROSSING OVER, BORROWING AND
COMMINGLING TO CREATE NEW FORMS.
THE ESSENCE OF AMERICA, IN
COMMINGLING TO CREATE NEW FORMS.
THE ESSENCE OF AMERICA, IN
SHORT, LAY IN NEW YORK, WHERE A
THE ESSENCE OF AMERICA, IN
SHORT, LAY IN NEW YORK, WHERE A
NEVER-ENDING PROCESS OF
SHORT, LAY IN NEW YORK, WHERE A
NEVER-ENDING PROCESS OF
MIGRATION AND TRANSPLANTATION
NEVER-ENDING PROCESS OF
MIGRATION AND TRANSPLANTATION
HAD BEEN GOING FOR MORE THAN 300
MIGRATION AND TRANSPLANTATION
HAD BEEN GOING FOR MORE THAN 300
YEARS.
HAD BEEN GOING FOR MORE THAN 300
YEARS.
Jefferson: I'D SAY IT'S
YEARS.
Jefferson: I'D SAY IT'S
CONSTANT ACTS OF MISCEGENATION,
Jefferson: I'D SAY IT'S
CONSTANT ACTS OF MISCEGENATION,
YOU KNOW, OF MIXING OF DIFFEREN
CONSTANT ACTS OF MISCEGENATION,
YOU KNOW, OF MIXING OF DIFFEREN
CULTURES.
YOU KNOW, OF MIXING OF DIFFEREN
CULTURES.
YOU KNOW, THINK OF BLOOD AS
CULTURES.
YOU KNOW, THINK OF BLOOD AS
REALLY AS A METAPHOR MY BLOOD
YOU KNOW, THINK OF BLOOD AS
REALLY AS A METAPHOR MY BLOOD
IN YOUR VEINS; MY SPEECH IN YOUR
REALLY AS A METAPHOR MY BLOOD
IN YOUR VEINS; MY SPEECH IN YOUR
MOUTH, YOU KNOW, ET CETERA, E
IN YOUR VEINS; MY SPEECH IN YOUR
MOUTH, YOU KNOW, ET CETERA, E
CETERA; MY GESTURES
MOUTH, YOU KNOW, ET CETERA, E
CETERA; MY GESTURES
REINTERPRETED, YOU KNOW, THROUGH
CETERA; MY GESTURES
REINTERPRETED, YOU KNOW, THROUGH
YOUR BODY.
REINTERPRETED, YOU KNOW, THROUGH
YOUR BODY.
THAT'S WHAT THAT'S WHAT I
YOUR BODY.
THAT'S WHAT THAT'S WHAT I
IS.
THAT'S WHAT THAT'S WHAT I
IS.
WHAT DID RANDOLPH BOURNE CALL
IS.
WHAT DID RANDOLPH BOURNE CALL
IT, "TRANSNATIONAL AMERICA"?
WHAT DID RANDOLPH BOURNE CALL
IT, "TRANSNATIONAL AMERICA"?
BUT I'D CALL IT PERPETUAL
IT, "TRANSNATIONAL AMERICA"?
BUT I'D CALL IT PERPETUAL
EXPANDING, YOU KNOW, ACTS OF
BUT I'D CALL IT PERPETUAL
EXPANDING, YOU KNOW, ACTS OF
MISCEGENATION.
EXPANDING, YOU KNOW, ACTS OF
MISCEGENATION.
Narrator: BY 1927, NEW YORK
MISCEGENATION.
Narrator: BY 1927, NEW YORK
CITY HELD SWAY OVER THE CULTURE
Narrator: BY 1927, NEW YORK
CITY HELD SWAY OVER THE CULTURE
AND ECONOMY OF THE UNITED STATES
CITY HELD SWAY OVER THE CULTURE
AND ECONOMY OF THE UNITED STATES
AS NEVER BEFORE.
AND ECONOMY OF THE UNITED STATES
AS NEVER BEFORE.
NEVER HAD THE POWER OF THE
AS NEVER BEFORE.
NEVER HAD THE POWER OF THE
METROPOLIS EXTENDED SO WIDELY OR
NEVER HAD THE POWER OF THE
METROPOLIS EXTENDED SO WIDELY OR
PENETRATED SO DEEPLY INTO THE
METROPOLIS EXTENDED SO WIDELY OR
PENETRATED SO DEEPLY INTO THE
CONSCIOUS AND UNCONSCIOUS LIFE
PENETRATED SO DEEPLY INTO THE
CONSCIOUS AND UNCONSCIOUS LIFE
OF THE NATION.
CONSCIOUS AND UNCONSCIOUS LIFE
OF THE NATION.
NEVER BEFORE HAD THE CITY'S
OF THE NATION.
NEVER BEFORE HAD THE CITY'S
COMMERCIAL AND CULTURAL FORCES
NEVER BEFORE HAD THE CITY'S
COMMERCIAL AND CULTURAL FORCES
BEEN SO INTERTWINED AND
COMMERCIAL AND CULTURAL FORCES
BEEN SO INTERTWINED AND
TRANSFUSED.
BEEN SO INTERTWINED AND
TRANSFUSED.
THE CREATIVE FERMENT OF PLACES
TRANSFUSED.
THE CREATIVE FERMENT OF PLACES
LIKE HARLEM AND TIMES SQUARE,
THE CREATIVE FERMENT OF PLACES
LIKE HARLEM AND TIMES SQUARE,
WHERE ART WAS ASPIRING TO THE
LIKE HARLEM AND TIMES SQUARE,
WHERE ART WAS ASPIRING TO THE
CONDITION OF COMMERCE, WAS NOW
WHERE ART WAS ASPIRING TO THE
CONDITION OF COMMERCE, WAS NOW
REACHING EVERY CORNER OF
CONDITION OF COMMERCE, WAS NOW
REACHING EVERY CORNER OF
AMERICA, PROPELLED BY THE
REACHING EVERY CORNER OF
AMERICA, PROPELLED BY THE
EXPLOSION OF MEDIA IN MIDTOWN,
AMERICA, PROPELLED BY THE
EXPLOSION OF MEDIA IN MIDTOWN,
WHERE COMMERCE WAS ASPIRING TO
EXPLOSION OF MEDIA IN MIDTOWN,
WHERE COMMERCE WAS ASPIRING TO
THE CONDITION OF ART.
WHERE COMMERCE WAS ASPIRING TO
THE CONDITION OF ART.
Reader: "ITS MAGAZINES GO
THE CONDITION OF ART.
Reader: "ITS MAGAZINES GO
EVERYWHERE, STANDARDIZING IDEAS.
Reader: "ITS MAGAZINES GO
EVERYWHERE, STANDARDIZING IDEAS.
ITS SLANG INVADES THE REMOTES
EVERYWHERE, STANDARDIZING IDEAS.
ITS SLANG INVADES THE REMOTES
RECESSES, STANDARDIZING SPEECH.
ITS SLANG INVADES THE REMOTES
RECESSES, STANDARDIZING SPEECH.
ITS MELODIES ARE IN EVERY HOME,
RECESSES, STANDARDIZING SPEECH.
ITS MELODIES ARE IN EVERY HOME,
STANDARDIZING ENTERTAINMENT.
ITS MELODIES ARE IN EVERY HOME,
STANDARDIZING ENTERTAINMENT.
THE VERY THOUGHT OF BROADWAY,
STANDARDIZING ENTERTAINMENT.
THE VERY THOUGHT OF BROADWAY,
THE MAIN STREET OF ALL AMERICA,
THE VERY THOUGHT OF BROADWAY,
THE MAIN STREET OF ALL AMERICA,
THRILLS MILLIONS WHO ARE
THE MAIN STREET OF ALL AMERICA,
THRILLS MILLIONS WHO ARE
SCATTERED FAR AND WIDE."
THRILLS MILLIONS WHO ARE
SCATTERED FAR AND WIDE."
COLLINSON OWEN.
SCATTERED FAR AND WIDE."
COLLINSON OWEN.
Narrator: BY 1927, NEW YORK
COLLINSON OWEN.
Narrator: BY 1927, NEW YORK
HAD BECOME NOT MERELY THE
Narrator: BY 1927, NEW YORK
HAD BECOME NOT MERELY THE
CAPITAL OF AMERICAN CULTURE, BU
HAD BECOME NOT MERELY THE
CAPITAL OF AMERICAN CULTURE, BU
THE PLACE WHERE THE VERY IDEA OF
CAPITAL OF AMERICAN CULTURE, BU
THE PLACE WHERE THE VERY IDEA OF
WHAT IT MEANT TO BE AN AMERICAN
THE PLACE WHERE THE VERY IDEA OF
WHAT IT MEANT TO BE AN AMERICAN
WAS MANUFACTURED, THEN BEAMED
WHAT IT MEANT TO BE AN AMERICAN
WAS MANUFACTURED, THEN BEAMED
OUT TO THE REST OF THE NATION
WAS MANUFACTURED, THEN BEAMED
OUT TO THE REST OF THE NATION
AND THE WORLD.
OUT TO THE REST OF THE NATION
AND THE WORLD.
GAZING ON THAT IMAGE, MANY
AND THE WORLD.
GAZING ON THAT IMAGE, MANY
PEOPLE WERE ATTRACTED BY WHA
GAZING ON THAT IMAGE, MANY
PEOPLE WERE ATTRACTED BY WHA
THEY SAW, AND MANY OTHERS
PEOPLE WERE ATTRACTED BY WHA
THEY SAW, AND MANY OTHERS
FRIGHTENED AND APPALLED.
THEY SAW, AND MANY OTHERS
FRIGHTENED AND APPALLED.
BUT FEW COULD IGNORE IT, OR TAKE
FRIGHTENED AND APPALLED.
BUT FEW COULD IGNORE IT, OR TAKE
THEIR EYES OFF IT FOR LONG.
BUT FEW COULD IGNORE IT, OR TAKE
THEIR EYES OFF IT FOR LONG.
"OLD AMERICAN MUSIC AND DANCES,"
THEIR EYES OFF IT FOR LONG.
"OLD AMERICAN MUSIC AND DANCES,"
THE AUTOMOBILE MAGNATE HENRY
"OLD AMERICAN MUSIC AND DANCES,"
THE AUTOMOBILE MAGNATE HENRY
FORD COMPLAINED, "ARE BEING
THE AUTOMOBILE MAGNATE HENRY
FORD COMPLAINED, "ARE BEING
RAPIDLY SWAMPED INTO OBLIVION BY
FORD COMPLAINED, "ARE BEING
RAPIDLY SWAMPED INTO OBLIVION BY
THE COMMERCIALLY PROMOTED JAZZ
RAPIDLY SWAMPED INTO OBLIVION BY
THE COMMERCIALLY PROMOTED JAZZ
MUSIC EMANATING FROM NEW YORK."
THE COMMERCIALLY PROMOTED JAZZ
MUSIC EMANATING FROM NEW YORK."
Wallace: AND THERE'S A LARGER
MUSIC EMANATING FROM NEW YORK."
Wallace: AND THERE'S A LARGER
POINT HERE THAT HAS TO DO WITH
Wallace: AND THERE'S A LARGER
POINT HERE THAT HAS TO DO WITH
THE RELATION BETWEEN THE CITY
POINT HERE THAT HAS TO DO WITH
THE RELATION BETWEEN THE CITY
AND THE COUNTRY.
THE RELATION BETWEEN THE CITY
AND THE COUNTRY.
1920 WAS THE FIRST TIME IN WHICH
AND THE COUNTRY.
1920 WAS THE FIRST TIME IN WHICH
MORE PEOPLE LIVED IN CITIES THAN
1920 WAS THE FIRST TIME IN WHICH
MORE PEOPLE LIVED IN CITIES THAN
LIVED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
MORE PEOPLE LIVED IN CITIES THAN
LIVED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
IT'S A MARKER BETWEEN THE
LIVED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
IT'S A MARKER BETWEEN THE
COLONIAL PERIOD, WHEN 95% OF THE
IT'S A MARKER BETWEEN THE
COLONIAL PERIOD, WHEN 95% OF THE
POPULATION WAS IN THE COUNTRY
COLONIAL PERIOD, WHEN 95% OF THE
POPULATION WAS IN THE COUNTRY
AND 5% IN THE CITIES, AND NOW,
POPULATION WAS IN THE COUNTRY
AND 5% IN THE CITIES, AND NOW,
WHEN IT'S, IN FACT, COMPLETELY
AND 5% IN THE CITIES, AND NOW,
WHEN IT'S, IN FACT, COMPLETELY
THE OPPOSITE.
WHEN IT'S, IN FACT, COMPLETELY
THE OPPOSITE.
AND IT LED TO, IN FACT,
THE OPPOSITE.
AND IT LED TO, IN FACT,
TREMENDOUS ANIMOSITY AND ANXIETY
AND IT LED TO, IN FACT,
TREMENDOUS ANIMOSITY AND ANXIETY
ON THE PART OF THE COUNTRY
TREMENDOUS ANIMOSITY AND ANXIETY
ON THE PART OF THE COUNTRY
TOWARDS THIS, YOU KNOW,
ON THE PART OF THE COUNTRY
TOWARDS THIS, YOU KNOW,
GLITTERING URBAN PHENOMENA, IN
TOWARDS THIS, YOU KNOW,
GLITTERING URBAN PHENOMENA, IN
GENERAL AND NEW YORK IN
GLITTERING URBAN PHENOMENA, IN
GENERAL AND NEW YORK IN
PARTICULAR.
GENERAL AND NEW YORK IN
PARTICULAR.
AND THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS
PARTICULAR.
AND THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS
INSISTENCE IN THE COUNTRY THA
AND THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS
INSISTENCE IN THE COUNTRY THA
NEW YORK IS AN ALIEN PLACE; IT'S
INSISTENCE IN THE COUNTRY THA
NEW YORK IS AN ALIEN PLACE; IT'S
NOT PART OF AMERICA; IT'S FULL
NEW YORK IS AN ALIEN PLACE; IT'S
NOT PART OF AMERICA; IT'S FULL
OF IMMIGRANTS.
NOT PART OF AMERICA; IT'S FULL
OF IMMIGRANTS.
THERE'S COMMIES; THERE'S TAMMANY
OF IMMIGRANTS.
THERE'S COMMIES; THERE'S TAMMANY
HALL; THERE'S CORRUPTION;
THERE'S COMMIES; THERE'S TAMMANY
HALL; THERE'S CORRUPTION;
THERE'S GANGSTERS.
HALL; THERE'S CORRUPTION;
THERE'S GANGSTERS.
IT'S NOT US, YOU KNOW.
THERE'S GANGSTERS.
IT'S NOT US, YOU KNOW.
AND YET, SOME OF THAT ANXIETY
IT'S NOT US, YOU KNOW.
AND YET, SOME OF THAT ANXIETY
AND ANGER WAS POWERED BY THE
AND YET, SOME OF THAT ANXIETY
AND ANGER WAS POWERED BY THE
FACT THAT THEY UNDERSTOOD THE
AND ANGER WAS POWERED BY THE
FACT THAT THEY UNDERSTOOD THE
TREMENDOUS ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE
FACT THAT THEY UNDERSTOOD THE
TREMENDOUS ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE
IMAGES COMING OUT OF NEW YORK
TREMENDOUS ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE
IMAGES COMING OUT OF NEW YORK
CITY; THAT THEIR DAUGHTERS WERE
IMAGES COMING OUT OF NEW YORK
CITY; THAT THEIR DAUGHTERS WERE
DRESSING UP WITH CLARA BOW-TYPE
CITY; THAT THEIR DAUGHTERS WERE
DRESSING UP WITH CLARA BOW-TYPE
MAKEUP; THAT THEY ALL HAD THEIR
DRESSING UP WITH CLARA BOW-TYPE
MAKEUP; THAT THEY ALL HAD THEIR
EARS GLUED TO THE NBC NETWORK;
MAKEUP; THAT THEY ALL HAD THEIR
EARS GLUED TO THE NBC NETWORK;
THAT THEY WERE FOLLOWING, YOU
EARS GLUED TO THE NBC NETWORK;
THAT THEY WERE FOLLOWING, YOU
KNOW, BOXING MATCHES AND
THAT THEY WERE FOLLOWING, YOU
KNOW, BOXING MATCHES AND
CARNEGIE HALL, AND A SENSE
KNOW, BOXING MATCHES AND
CARNEGIE HALL, AND A SENSE
ALMOST OF HELPLESSNESS THAT MANY
CARNEGIE HALL, AND A SENSE
ALMOST OF HELPLESSNESS THAT MANY
PEOPLE FELT BEFORE THIS
ALMOST OF HELPLESSNESS THAT MANY
PEOPLE FELT BEFORE THIS
TREMENDOUSLY POWERFUL INUNDATION
PEOPLE FELT BEFORE THIS
TREMENDOUSLY POWERFUL INUNDATION
OF NEW FASHIONS AND TRENDS AND
TREMENDOUSLY POWERFUL INUNDATION
OF NEW FASHIONS AND TRENDS AND
IDEAS AND ATTITUDES ABOU
OF NEW FASHIONS AND TRENDS AND
IDEAS AND ATTITUDES ABOU
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEOPLE AND
IDEAS AND ATTITUDES ABOU
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEOPLE AND
MEN AND WOMEN AND SEXUALITY AND
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEOPLE AND
MEN AND WOMEN AND SEXUALITY AND
THE REST OF IT.
MEN AND WOMEN AND SEXUALITY AND
THE REST OF IT.
AND YET YOU CAN'T SEPARATE THE
THE REST OF IT.
AND YET YOU CAN'T SEPARATE THE
CITY FROM THE COUNTRY, BECAUSE
AND YET YOU CAN'T SEPARATE THE
CITY FROM THE COUNTRY, BECAUSE
IN FACT THE COUNTRY IS ALSO
CITY FROM THE COUNTRY, BECAUSE
IN FACT THE COUNTRY IS ALSO
ENAMORED OF THE CITY, IS
IN FACT THE COUNTRY IS ALSO
ENAMORED OF THE CITY, IS
ENAMORED OF WHAT NEW YORK STANDS
ENAMORED OF THE CITY, IS
ENAMORED OF WHAT NEW YORK STANDS
FOR, IS ENAMORED OF MODERNITY
ENAMORED OF WHAT NEW YORK STANDS
FOR, IS ENAMORED OF MODERNITY
AND POSSIBILITIES.
FOR, IS ENAMORED OF MODERNITY
AND POSSIBILITIES.
Reader: "BY 1927, THE TEMPO
AND POSSIBILITIES.
Reader: "BY 1927, THE TEMPO
OF THE CITY HAD CHANGED SHARPLY.
Reader: "BY 1927, THE TEMPO
OF THE CITY HAD CHANGED SHARPLY.
THE UNCERTAINTIES OF 1920 WERE
OF THE CITY HAD CHANGED SHARPLY.
THE UNCERTAINTIES OF 1920 WERE
DROWNED IN A STEADY GOLDEN ROAR,
THE UNCERTAINTIES OF 1920 WERE
DROWNED IN A STEADY GOLDEN ROAR,
AND MANY OF OUR FRIENDS HAD
DROWNED IN A STEADY GOLDEN ROAR,
AND MANY OF OUR FRIENDS HAD
GROWN WEALTHY.
AND MANY OF OUR FRIENDS HAD
GROWN WEALTHY.
BUT THE RESTLESSNESS OF NEW YORK
GROWN WEALTHY.
BUT THE RESTLESSNESS OF NEW YORK
IN 1927 APPROACHED HYSTERIA.
BUT THE RESTLESSNESS OF NEW YORK
IN 1927 APPROACHED HYSTERIA.
THE PARTIES WERE BIGGER, THE
IN 1927 APPROACHED HYSTERIA.
THE PARTIES WERE BIGGER, THE
SHOWS WERE BROADER, THE
THE PARTIES WERE BIGGER, THE
SHOWS WERE BROADER, THE
BUILDINGS WERE HIGHER, THE
SHOWS WERE BROADER, THE
BUILDINGS WERE HIGHER, THE
MORALS WERE LOOSER, AND THE
BUILDINGS WERE HIGHER, THE
MORALS WERE LOOSER, AND THE
LIQUOR WAS CHEAPER.
MORALS WERE LOOSER, AND THE
LIQUOR WAS CHEAPER.
BUT ALL THESE BENEFITS DID NO
LIQUOR WAS CHEAPER.
BUT ALL THESE BENEFITS DID NO
REALLY MINISTER TO MUCH DELIGHT.
BUT ALL THESE BENEFITS DID NO
REALLY MINISTER TO MUCH DELIGHT.
YOUNG PEOPLE WORE OUT EARLY.
REALLY MINISTER TO MUCH DELIGHT.
YOUNG PEOPLE WORE OUT EARLY.
THEY WERE HARD AND LANGUID A
YOUNG PEOPLE WORE OUT EARLY.
THEY WERE HARD AND LANGUID A
21, AND NONE OF THEM CONTRIBUTED
THEY WERE HARD AND LANGUID A
21, AND NONE OF THEM CONTRIBUTED
ANYTHING NEW.
21, AND NONE OF THEM CONTRIBUTED
ANYTHING NEW.
MOST OF MY FRIENDS DRANK TOO
ANYTHING NEW.
MOST OF MY FRIENDS DRANK TOO
MUCH.
MOST OF MY FRIENDS DRANK TOO
MUCH.
THE MORE THEY WERE IN TUNE WITH
MUCH.
THE MORE THEY WERE IN TUNE WITH
THE TIMES, THE MORE THEY DRANK."
THE MORE THEY WERE IN TUNE WITH
THE TIMES, THE MORE THEY DRANK."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
THE TIMES, THE MORE THEY DRANK."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Narrator: BY 1927, THE DECADE
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Narrator: BY 1927, THE DECADE
WAS BEGINNING TO TAKE ITS TOLL
Narrator: BY 1927, THE DECADE
WAS BEGINNING TO TAKE ITS TOLL
ON SCOTT AND ZELDA FITZGERALD.
WAS BEGINNING TO TAKE ITS TOLL
ON SCOTT AND ZELDA FITZGERALD.
TWO YEARS BEFORE, HIS GREATES
ON SCOTT AND ZELDA FITZGERALD.
TWO YEARS BEFORE, HIS GREATES
NOVEL, THE GREAT GATSBY,
TWO YEARS BEFORE, HIS GREATES
NOVEL, THE GREAT GATSBY,
PUBLISHED TO CRITICAL ACCLAIM
NOVEL, THE GREAT GATSBY,
PUBLISHED TO CRITICAL ACCLAIM
BUT INDIFFERENT SALES, HAD
PUBLISHED TO CRITICAL ACCLAIM
BUT INDIFFERENT SALES, HAD
CAPTURED AS NOTHING ELSE HAD THE
BUT INDIFFERENT SALES, HAD
CAPTURED AS NOTHING ELSE HAD THE
ROMANCE, WONDER, AND
CAPTURED AS NOTHING ELSE HAD THE
ROMANCE, WONDER, AND
HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY OF THE
ROMANCE, WONDER, AND
HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY OF THE
METROPOLIS HE WOULD SOON CALL
HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY OF THE
METROPOLIS HE WOULD SOON CALL
"MY LOST CITY."
METROPOLIS HE WOULD SOON CALL
"MY LOST CITY."
BUT ZELDA, ALWAYS UNSTABLE, HAD
"MY LOST CITY."
BUT ZELDA, ALWAYS UNSTABLE, HAD
BEGUN TO SLIDE INTO MENTAL
BUT ZELDA, ALWAYS UNSTABLE, HAD
BEGUN TO SLIDE INTO MENTAL
ILLNESS, AND FITZGERALD HIMSELF,
BEGUN TO SLIDE INTO MENTAL
ILLNESS, AND FITZGERALD HIMSELF,
WOEFULLY ALCOHOLIC, WAS BECOMING
ILLNESS, AND FITZGERALD HIMSELF,
WOEFULLY ALCOHOLIC, WAS BECOMING
INCREASINGLY SELF-DESTRUCTIVE.
WOEFULLY ALCOHOLIC, WAS BECOMING
INCREASINGLY SELF-DESTRUCTIVE.
PERHAPS HE HAD FLOWN TOO HIGH IN
INCREASINGLY SELF-DESTRUCTIVE.
PERHAPS HE HAD FLOWN TOO HIGH IN
THE FIRST WILD RUSH OF SUCCESS
PERHAPS HE HAD FLOWN TOO HIGH IN
THE FIRST WILD RUSH OF SUCCESS
TO EVER FLY SO HIGH AGAIN.
THE FIRST WILD RUSH OF SUCCESS
TO EVER FLY SO HIGH AGAIN.
PERHAPS IT WAS TRUE, AS
TO EVER FLY SO HIGH AGAIN.
PERHAPS IT WAS TRUE, AS
FITZGERALD HIMSELF DECLARED,
PERHAPS IT WAS TRUE, AS
FITZGERALD HIMSELF DECLARED,
THAT THERE WERE "NO SECOND ACTS
FITZGERALD HIMSELF DECLARED,
THAT THERE WERE "NO SECOND ACTS
IN AMERICA LIVES."
THAT THERE WERE "NO SECOND ACTS
IN AMERICA LIVES."
Jefferson: WELL, I SUPPOSE
IN AMERICA LIVES."
Jefferson: WELL, I SUPPOSE
THAT THE PARABLE, WHAT LINKS THE
Jefferson: WELL, I SUPPOSE
THAT THE PARABLE, WHAT LINKS THE
CULTURAL, THE SPIRITUAL, AND THE
THAT THE PARABLE, WHAT LINKS THE
CULTURAL, THE SPIRITUAL, AND THE
ECONOMIC, IS SOME REAL
CULTURAL, THE SPIRITUAL, AND THE
ECONOMIC, IS SOME REAL
MISMANAGEMENT, SQUANDERING,
ECONOMIC, IS SOME REAL
MISMANAGEMENT, SQUANDERING,
WANTONNESS, MISCALCULATION OF
MISMANAGEMENT, SQUANDERING,
WANTONNESS, MISCALCULATION OF
YOUR RESOURCES, OBVIOUSLY YOUR
WANTONNESS, MISCALCULATION OF
YOUR RESOURCES, OBVIOUSLY YOUR
ECONOMIC, BUT YOUR SPIRITUAL AS
YOUR RESOURCES, OBVIOUSLY YOUR
ECONOMIC, BUT YOUR SPIRITUAL AS
WELL AS YOUR CREATIVE.
ECONOMIC, BUT YOUR SPIRITUAL AS
WELL AS YOUR CREATIVE.
WITH A LOT OF THE ARTISTS WHO
WELL AS YOUR CREATIVE.
WITH A LOT OF THE ARTISTS WHO
REALLY WERE RUINED BY THE END OF
WITH A LOT OF THE ARTISTS WHO
REALLY WERE RUINED BY THE END OF
THAT DECADE, THEY HAD, AGAIN TO
REALLY WERE RUINED BY THE END OF
THAT DECADE, THEY HAD, AGAIN TO
USE A FITZGERALD EXPRESSION,
THAT DECADE, THEY HAD, AGAIN TO
USE A FITZGERALD EXPRESSION,
PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY
USE A FITZGERALD EXPRESSION,
PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY
OVERDRAWN ON THEIR ACCOUNT.
PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY
OVERDRAWN ON THEIR ACCOUNT.
IN SOME WAY, THE EXPERIMENTATION
OVERDRAWN ON THEIR ACCOUNT.
IN SOME WAY, THE EXPERIMENTATION
HAD BEEN ACCOMPANIED BY SO MUCH
IN SOME WAY, THE EXPERIMENTATION
HAD BEEN ACCOMPANIED BY SO MUCH
PSYCHIC AND OFTEN PHYSICAL
HAD BEEN ACCOMPANIED BY SO MUCH
PSYCHIC AND OFTEN PHYSICAL
ABUSE, YOU KNOW, THAT THE
PSYCHIC AND OFTEN PHYSICAL
ABUSE, YOU KNOW, THAT THE
SYSTEM, THE BODIES, GAVE WAY,
ABUSE, YOU KNOW, THAT THE
SYSTEM, THE BODIES, GAVE WAY,
AND THE ENERGY REQUIRED TO
SYSTEM, THE BODIES, GAVE WAY,
AND THE ENERGY REQUIRED TO
RECONFIGURE, TO, YOU KNOW, SET A
AND THE ENERGY REQUIRED TO
RECONFIGURE, TO, YOU KNOW, SET A
NEW BEAT, THOSE RESOURCES
RECONFIGURE, TO, YOU KNOW, SET A
NEW BEAT, THOSE RESOURCES
WEREN'T THERE FOR THE ONES WHO
NEW BEAT, THOSE RESOURCES
WEREN'T THERE FOR THE ONES WHO
COLLAPSED.
WEREN'T THERE FOR THE ONES WHO
COLLAPSED.
AND PARTLY, YOU KNOW, THEY
COLLAPSED.
AND PARTLY, YOU KNOW, THEY
REALLY WERE GROUNDBREAKERS; THEY
AND PARTLY, YOU KNOW, THEY
REALLY WERE GROUNDBREAKERS; THEY
WERE PIONEERS.
REALLY WERE GROUNDBREAKERS; THEY
WERE PIONEERS.
IT'S THE NATURE OF PIONEERS NO
WERE PIONEERS.
IT'S THE NATURE OF PIONEERS NO
TO KNOW, AND SOMETIMES IN A
IT'S THE NATURE OF PIONEERS NO
TO KNOW, AND SOMETIMES IN A
DEEPLY HARMFUL AND HATEFUL WAY,
TO KNOW, AND SOMETIMES IN A
DEEPLY HARMFUL AND HATEFUL WAY,
YOU KNOW, NOT TO KNOW WHAT THE
DEEPLY HARMFUL AND HATEFUL WAY,
YOU KNOW, NOT TO KNOW WHAT THE
ECOLOGICAL BALANCE IS, IF YOU
YOU KNOW, NOT TO KNOW WHAT THE
ECOLOGICAL BALANCE IS, IF YOU
WILL.
ECOLOGICAL BALANCE IS, IF YOU
WILL.
AND THAT'S JUST AS TRUE FOR THE
WILL.
AND THAT'S JUST AS TRUE FOR THE
ARTISTS, THOUGH THEY TENDED TO
AND THAT'S JUST AS TRUE FOR THE
ARTISTS, THOUGH THEY TENDED TO
HURT THEMSELVES MUCH MORE THAN
ARTISTS, THOUGH THEY TENDED TO
HURT THEMSELVES MUCH MORE THAN
ANYONE ELSE.
HURT THEMSELVES MUCH MORE THAN
ANYONE ELSE.
Narrator: AND YET, IF THE
ANYONE ELSE.
Narrator: AND YET, IF THE
"CITY OF AMBITION AND SUCCESS"
Narrator: AND YET, IF THE
"CITY OF AMBITION AND SUCCESS"
WAS DESTROYING HIM, A FEW THINGS
"CITY OF AMBITION AND SUCCESS"
WAS DESTROYING HIM, A FEW THINGS
STILL SEEMED POSSIBLE.
WAS DESTROYING HIM, A FEW THINGS
STILL SEEMED POSSIBLE.
ASKED BY A REPORTER WHAT HIS
STILL SEEMED POSSIBLE.
ASKED BY A REPORTER WHAT HIS
ULTIMATE AMBITION WAS,
ASKED BY A REPORTER WHAT HIS
ULTIMATE AMBITION WAS,
FITZGERALD SAID SIMPLY, "TO STAY
ULTIMATE AMBITION WAS,
FITZGERALD SAID SIMPLY, "TO STAY
IN LOVE WITH ZELDA AND WRITE THE
FITZGERALD SAID SIMPLY, "TO STAY
IN LOVE WITH ZELDA AND WRITE THE
GREATEST NOVEL IN THE WORLD."
IN LOVE WITH ZELDA AND WRITE THE
GREATEST NOVEL IN THE WORLD."
Gill: WELL, HE WAS SUCH A
GREATEST NOVEL IN THE WORLD."
Gill: WELL, HE WAS SUCH A
ROMANTICIST, AND HE WAS ON THE
Gill: WELL, HE WAS SUCH A
ROMANTICIST, AND HE WAS ON THE
SIDE OF BELIEVING THA
ROMANTICIST, AND HE WAS ON THE
SIDE OF BELIEVING THA
EVERYTHING WONDERFUL WAS
SIDE OF BELIEVING THA
EVERYTHING WONDERFUL WAS
POSSIBLE.
EVERYTHING WONDERFUL WAS
POSSIBLE.
HE SAID, IN ONE OF HIS WRITINGS,
POSSIBLE.
HE SAID, IN ONE OF HIS WRITINGS,
"ALL MY GIRLS WERE SO YOUNG AND
HE SAID, IN ONE OF HIS WRITINGS,
"ALL MY GIRLS WERE SO YOUNG AND
FULL OF PROMISE," AND WHO WOULD
"ALL MY GIRLS WERE SO YOUNG AND
FULL OF PROMISE," AND WHO WOULD
WANT SOMETHING BETTER THAN THAT?
FULL OF PROMISE," AND WHO WOULD
WANT SOMETHING BETTER THAN THAT?
AND THEN, IN THE GREAT GATSBY,
WANT SOMETHING BETTER THAN THAT?
AND THEN, IN THE GREAT GATSBY,
WHEN HE SAYS, "IN HIS BLUE
AND THEN, IN THE GREAT GATSBY,
WHEN HE SAYS, "IN HIS BLUE
GARDENS, MEN AND GIRLS CAME AND
WHEN HE SAYS, "IN HIS BLUE
GARDENS, MEN AND GIRLS CAME AND
WENT LIKE MOTHS AMONG THE
GARDENS, MEN AND GIRLS CAME AND
WENT LIKE MOTHS AMONG THE
WHISPERINGS AND THE CHAMPAGNE
WENT LIKE MOTHS AMONG THE
WHISPERINGS AND THE CHAMPAGNE
AND THE STARS," WELL, THAT WAS
WHISPERINGS AND THE CHAMPAGNE
AND THE STARS," WELL, THAT WAS
WHAT AMERICA WAS THERE.
AND THE STARS," WELL, THAT WAS
WHAT AMERICA WAS THERE.
IT WAS A TINY LITTLE BIT OF
WHAT AMERICA WAS THERE.
IT WAS A TINY LITTLE BIT OF
AMERICA, BUT WE ALL BELIEVED IT,
IT WAS A TINY LITTLE BIT OF
AMERICA, BUT WE ALL BELIEVED IT,
AND NONE OF US GOT TO LONG
AMERICA, BUT WE ALL BELIEVED IT,
AND NONE OF US GOT TO LONG
ISLAND, NONE OF US GOT TO
AND NONE OF US GOT TO LONG
ISLAND, NONE OF US GOT TO
GATSBY'S PLACE, BUT THAT WAS
ISLAND, NONE OF US GOT TO
GATSBY'S PLACE, BUT THAT WAS
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.
GATSBY'S PLACE, BUT THAT WAS
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.
AND THEN, AS A ROMANCE, GATSBY
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.
AND THEN, AS A ROMANCE, GATSBY
HAD TO DIE.
AND THEN, AS A ROMANCE, GATSBY
HAD TO DIE.
Reader: "IN THE SPRING OF
HAD TO DIE.
Reader: "IN THE SPRING OF
'27, SOMETHING BRIGHT AND ALIEN
Reader: "IN THE SPRING OF
'27, SOMETHING BRIGHT AND ALIEN
FLASHED ACROSS THE SKY.
'27, SOMETHING BRIGHT AND ALIEN
FLASHED ACROSS THE SKY.
A YOUNG MINNESOTAN WHO SEEMED TO
FLASHED ACROSS THE SKY.
A YOUNG MINNESOTAN WHO SEEMED TO
HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH HIS
A YOUNG MINNESOTAN WHO SEEMED TO
HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH HIS
GENERATION DID A HEROIC THING,
HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH HIS
GENERATION DID A HEROIC THING,
AND FOR A MOMENT PEOPLE SET DOWN
GENERATION DID A HEROIC THING,
AND FOR A MOMENT PEOPLE SET DOWN
THEIR GLASSES IN COUNTRY CLUBS
AND FOR A MOMENT PEOPLE SET DOWN
THEIR GLASSES IN COUNTRY CLUBS
AND SPEAKEASIES AND THOUGHT OF
THEIR GLASSES IN COUNTRY CLUBS
AND SPEAKEASIES AND THOUGHT OF
THEIR OLD, BEST DREAMS.
AND SPEAKEASIES AND THOUGHT OF
THEIR OLD, BEST DREAMS.
MAYBE THERE WAS A WAY OUT BY
THEIR OLD, BEST DREAMS.
MAYBE THERE WAS A WAY OUT BY
FLYING.
MAYBE THERE WAS A WAY OUT BY
FLYING.
MAYBE OUR RESTLESS BLOOD COULD
FLYING.
MAYBE OUR RESTLESS BLOOD COULD
FIND FRONTIERS IN THE
MAYBE OUR RESTLESS BLOOD COULD
FIND FRONTIERS IN THE
ILLIMITABLE AIR.
FIND FRONTIERS IN THE
ILLIMITABLE AIR.
BUT BY THAT TIME WE WERE ALL
ILLIMITABLE AIR.
BUT BY THAT TIME WE WERE ALL
PRETTY MUCH COMMITTED, AND THE
BUT BY THAT TIME WE WERE ALL
PRETTY MUCH COMMITTED, AND THE
JAZZ AGE CONTINUED.
PRETTY MUCH COMMITTED, AND THE
JAZZ AGE CONTINUED.
WE WOULD ALL HAVE ONE MORE."
JAZZ AGE CONTINUED.
WE WOULD ALL HAVE ONE MORE."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
WE WOULD ALL HAVE ONE MORE."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Reader: "NEW YORK CITY IS THE
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Reader: "NEW YORK CITY IS THE
MOST FATALLY FASCINATING THING
Reader: "NEW YORK CITY IS THE
MOST FATALLY FASCINATING THING
IN AMERICA.
MOST FATALLY FASCINATING THING
IN AMERICA.
SHE SITS LIKE A GREAT WITCH A
IN AMERICA.
SHE SITS LIKE A GREAT WITCH A
THE GATE OF THE COUNTRY, SHOWING
SHE SITS LIKE A GREAT WITCH A
THE GATE OF THE COUNTRY, SHOWING
HER ALLURING WHITE FACE AND
THE GATE OF THE COUNTRY, SHOWING
HER ALLURING WHITE FACE AND
HIDING HER CROOKED HANDS AND
HER ALLURING WHITE FACE AND
HIDING HER CROOKED HANDS AND
FEET UNDER THE FOLDS OF HER WIDE
HIDING HER CROOKED HANDS AND
FEET UNDER THE FOLDS OF HER WIDE
GARMENTS, CONSTANTLY ENTICING
FEET UNDER THE FOLDS OF HER WIDE
GARMENTS, CONSTANTLY ENTICING
THOUSANDS FROM FAR WITHIN, AND
GARMENTS, CONSTANTLY ENTICING
THOUSANDS FROM FAR WITHIN, AND
TEMPTING THOSE WHO COME FROM
THOUSANDS FROM FAR WITHIN, AND
TEMPTING THOSE WHO COME FROM
ACROSS THE SEAS TO GO NO
TEMPTING THOSE WHO COME FROM
ACROSS THE SEAS TO GO NO
FURTHER.
ACROSS THE SEAS TO GO NO
FURTHER.
AND ALL THESE BECOME THE VICTIMS
FURTHER.
AND ALL THESE BECOME THE VICTIMS
OF HER CAPRICE.
AND ALL THESE BECOME THE VICTIMS
OF HER CAPRICE.
SOME SHE AT ONCE CRUSHES BENEATH
OF HER CAPRICE.
SOME SHE AT ONCE CRUSHES BENEATH
HER CRUEL FEET.
SOME SHE AT ONCE CRUSHES BENEATH
HER CRUEL FEET.
OTHERS SHE CONDEMNS TO A FATE
HER CRUEL FEET.
OTHERS SHE CONDEMNS TO A FATE
LIKE THAT OF GALLEY SLAVES.
OTHERS SHE CONDEMNS TO A FATE
LIKE THAT OF GALLEY SLAVES.
A FEW SHE FAVORS AND FONDLES,
LIKE THAT OF GALLEY SLAVES.
A FEW SHE FAVORS AND FONDLES,
RIDING THEM HIGH ON BUBBLES OF
A FEW SHE FAVORS AND FONDLES,
RIDING THEM HIGH ON BUBBLES OF
FORTUNE.
RIDING THEM HIGH ON BUBBLES OF
FORTUNE.
THEN, WITH A SUDDEN BREATH, SHE
FORTUNE.
THEN, WITH A SUDDEN BREATH, SHE
BLOWS THE BUBBLES OUT AND LAUGHS
THEN, WITH A SUDDEN BREATH, SHE
BLOWS THE BUBBLES OUT AND LAUGHS
MOCKINGLY AS SHE WATCHES THEM
BLOWS THE BUBBLES OUT AND LAUGHS
MOCKINGLY AS SHE WATCHES THEM
FALL."
MOCKINGLY AS SHE WATCHES THEM
FALL."
JAMES WELDON JOHNSON.
FALL."
JAMES WELDON JOHNSON.
Narrator: LOOKING BACK, SOME
JAMES WELDON JOHNSON.
Narrator: LOOKING BACK, SOME
PEOPLE WOULD TRACE THE BEGINNING
Narrator: LOOKING BACK, SOME
PEOPLE WOULD TRACE THE BEGINNING
OF THE END OF THE CITY'S WILDES
PEOPLE WOULD TRACE THE BEGINNING
OF THE END OF THE CITY'S WILDES
AND GIDDIEST DECADE TO THE
OF THE END OF THE CITY'S WILDES
AND GIDDIEST DECADE TO THE
SUMMER OF 1928, WHEN THE
AND GIDDIEST DECADE TO THE
SUMMER OF 1928, WHEN THE
GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK, ALFRED
SUMMER OF 1928, WHEN THE
GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK, ALFRED
EMMANUEL SMITH, EMBARKED UPON
GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK, ALFRED
EMMANUEL SMITH, EMBARKED UPON
HIS HISTORIC RACE FOR THE
EMMANUEL SMITH, EMBARKED UPON
HIS HISTORIC RACE FOR THE
HIGHEST OFFICE IN THE LAND.
HIS HISTORIC RACE FOR THE
HIGHEST OFFICE IN THE LAND.
THE ODDS AGAINST HIM WERE LONG
HIGHEST OFFICE IN THE LAND.
THE ODDS AGAINST HIM WERE LONG
FROM THE START, BUT SMITH
THE ODDS AGAINST HIM WERE LONG
FROM THE START, BUT SMITH
HIMSELF WAS SURE HE COULD WIN.
FROM THE START, BUT SMITH
HIMSELF WAS SURE HE COULD WIN.
THE OVERWHELMING CHOICE OF THE
HIMSELF WAS SURE HE COULD WIN.
THE OVERWHELMING CHOICE OF THE
DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO RUN AGAINS
THE OVERWHELMING CHOICE OF THE
DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO RUN AGAINS
THE REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT,
DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO RUN AGAINS
THE REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT,
HERBERT HOOVER, THE IMMENSELY
THE REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT,
HERBERT HOOVER, THE IMMENSELY
POPULAR LEADER OF THE MOS
HERBERT HOOVER, THE IMMENSELY
POPULAR LEADER OF THE MOS
POWERFUL STATE IN THE UNION HAD
POPULAR LEADER OF THE MOS
POWERFUL STATE IN THE UNION HAD
WON 20 OF THE 21 CAMPAIGNS HE
POWERFUL STATE IN THE UNION HAD
WON 20 OF THE 21 CAMPAIGNS HE
HAD WAGED AND BEEN ELECTED TO AN
WON 20 OF THE 21 CAMPAIGNS HE
HAD WAGED AND BEEN ELECTED TO AN
UNPRECEDENTED FOUR TERMS AS
HAD WAGED AND BEEN ELECTED TO AN
UNPRECEDENTED FOUR TERMS AS
GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK.
UNPRECEDENTED FOUR TERMS AS
GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK.
HIS RECORD IN ALBANY WAS NOTHING
GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK.
HIS RECORD IN ALBANY WAS NOTHING
LESS THAN DAZZLING.
HIS RECORD IN ALBANY WAS NOTHING
LESS THAN DAZZLING.
IN EIGHT YEARS, HE HAD
LESS THAN DAZZLING.
IN EIGHT YEARS, HE HAD
RATIONALIZED AND RESTRUCTURED
IN EIGHT YEARS, HE HAD
RATIONALIZED AND RESTRUCTURED
THE STATE GOVERNMENT, PUSHED
RATIONALIZED AND RESTRUCTURED
THE STATE GOVERNMENT, PUSHED
THROUGH LANDMARK LEGISLATION ON
THE STATE GOVERNMENT, PUSHED
THROUGH LANDMARK LEGISLATION ON
SOCIAL WELFARE REFORM, AND
THROUGH LANDMARK LEGISLATION ON
SOCIAL WELFARE REFORM, AND
INITIATED A SPECTACULAR PROGRAM
SOCIAL WELFARE REFORM, AND
INITIATED A SPECTACULAR PROGRAM
OF PUBLIC WORKS THROUGH HIS
INITIATED A SPECTACULAR PROGRAM
OF PUBLIC WORKS THROUGH HIS
BRILLIANT YOUNG PARKS
OF PUBLIC WORKS THROUGH HIS
BRILLIANT YOUNG PARKS
COMMISSIONER, ROBERT MOSES.
BRILLIANT YOUNG PARKS
COMMISSIONER, ROBERT MOSES.
BY 1928, THE HARDWORKING BOY
COMMISSIONER, ROBERT MOSES.
BY 1928, THE HARDWORKING BOY
FROM THE LOWER EAST SIDE HAD
BY 1928, THE HARDWORKING BOY
FROM THE LOWER EAST SIDE HAD
EMERGED AS ONE OF THE MOS
FROM THE LOWER EAST SIDE HAD
EMERGED AS ONE OF THE MOS
REMARKABLE POLITICIANS IN THE
EMERGED AS ONE OF THE MOS
REMARKABLE POLITICIANS IN THE
COUNTRY.
REMARKABLE POLITICIANS IN THE
COUNTRY.
Robert A. Caro: I MEAN, TO
COUNTRY.
Robert A. Caro: I MEAN, TO
SEE A PICTURE OF AL SMITH, HIS
Robert A. Caro: I MEAN, TO
SEE A PICTURE OF AL SMITH, HIS
FACE IS SO RED YOU CAN'T BELIEVE
SEE A PICTURE OF AL SMITH, HIS
FACE IS SO RED YOU CAN'T BELIEVE
IT.
FACE IS SO RED YOU CAN'T BELIEVE
IT.
HE HAS A BIG NOSE.
IT.
HE HAS A BIG NOSE.
HE HAS GOLD-CAPPED TEETH.
HE HAS A BIG NOSE.
HE HAS GOLD-CAPPED TEETH.
HE HAS THIS BROWN DERBY PERCHED
HE HAS GOLD-CAPPED TEETH.
HE HAS THIS BROWN DERBY PERCHED
ON THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD.
HE HAS THIS BROWN DERBY PERCHED
ON THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD.
HE'S ALWAYS SMOKING; THE STUB OF
ON THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD.
HE'S ALWAYS SMOKING; THE STUB OF
A CIGAR IS STICKING OUT.
HE'S ALWAYS SMOKING; THE STUB OF
A CIGAR IS STICKING OUT.
AND HIS VOICE IS SO LOUD AND
A CIGAR IS STICKING OUT.
AND HIS VOICE IS SO LOUD AND
RASPY.
AND HIS VOICE IS SO LOUD AND
RASPY.
Boy: I KNOW YOU.
RASPY.
Boy: I KNOW YOU.
YOU'RE AL SMITH.
Boy: I KNOW YOU.
YOU'RE AL SMITH.
Al Smith: ATTABOY.
YOU'RE AL SMITH.
Al Smith: ATTABOY.
YOU GOT ME RIGHT.
Al Smith: ATTABOY.
YOU GOT ME RIGHT.
PUT IT THERE.
YOU GOT ME RIGHT.
PUT IT THERE.
( laughter)
PUT IT THERE.
( laughter)
THERE'S A BIG AIRPLANE, RIGH
( laughter)
THERE'S A BIG AIRPLANE, RIGH
OUT OF THE RUNWAY.
THERE'S A BIG AIRPLANE, RIGH
OUT OF THE RUNWAY.
WHAT'S YOUR NAME, YOUNG FELLA?
OUT OF THE RUNWAY.
WHAT'S YOUR NAME, YOUNG FELLA?
Caro: HE WOULD SEEM LIKE A
WHAT'S YOUR NAME, YOUNG FELLA?
Caro: HE WOULD SEEM LIKE A
JOKE UNTIL HE BEGAN TO SPEAK OR
Caro: HE WOULD SEEM LIKE A
JOKE UNTIL HE BEGAN TO SPEAK OR
TILL HE BEGAN TO FIGHT.
JOKE UNTIL HE BEGAN TO SPEAK OR
TILL HE BEGAN TO FIGHT.
Smith: THE ELECTION OF
TILL HE BEGAN TO FIGHT.
Smith: THE ELECTION OF
ROOSEVELT, AGAIN!
Smith: THE ELECTION OF
ROOSEVELT, AGAIN!
( cheers)
ROOSEVELT, AGAIN!
( cheers)
Caro: SOMEONE ONCE SAID OF
( cheers)
Caro: SOMEONE ONCE SAID OF
SMITH, "HIS VOICE HAS TRUMPETS
Caro: SOMEONE ONCE SAID OF
SMITH, "HIS VOICE HAS TRUMPETS
IN IT."
AND THIS WAS A VOICE THAT COULD
SUMMON PEOPLE TO A CAUSE, AND AL
SUMMON PEOPLE TO A CAUSE, AND AL
SMITH'S CAUSE WAS THE CAUSE OF
SMITH'S CAUSE WAS THE CAUSE OF
SOCIAL WELFARE.
HE HAD A REAL DREAM IN HIS HEAR
HE HAD A REAL DREAM IN HIS HEAR
OF HELPING HIS PEOPLE.
Narrator: THE VERY IDEA HAD
OF HELPING HIS PEOPLE.
Narrator: THE VERY IDEA HAD
BEEN UNTHINKABLE TEN YEARS
Narrator: THE VERY IDEA HAD
BEEN UNTHINKABLE TEN YEARS
BEFORE: AN UNEDUCATED IRISH
BEEN UNTHINKABLE TEN YEARS
BEFORE: AN UNEDUCATED IRISH
CATHOLIC BOY FROM THE FOURTH
BEFORE: AN UNEDUCATED IRISH
CATHOLIC BOY FROM THE FOURTH
WARD OF NEW YORK RUNNING FOR THE
CATHOLIC BOY FROM THE FOURTH
WARD OF NEW YORK RUNNING FOR THE
NATION'S HIGHEST OFFICE.
WARD OF NEW YORK RUNNING FOR THE
NATION'S HIGHEST OFFICE.
BUT THERE HAD NEVER BEEN ANYONE
NATION'S HIGHEST OFFICE.
BUT THERE HAD NEVER BEEN ANYONE
QUITE LIKE AL SMITH.
BUT THERE HAD NEVER BEEN ANYONE
QUITE LIKE AL SMITH.
CONFIDENT HE COULD EXTEND NEW
QUITE LIKE AL SMITH.
CONFIDENT HE COULD EXTEND NEW
YORK'S IMMENSE COMMERCIAL AND
CONFIDENT HE COULD EXTEND NEW
YORK'S IMMENSE COMMERCIAL AND
CULTURAL REACH TO THE POLITICAL
YORK'S IMMENSE COMMERCIAL AND
CULTURAL REACH TO THE POLITICAL
REALM, HE DID NOTHING TO
CULTURAL REACH TO THE POLITICAL
REALM, HE DID NOTHING TO
DISGUISE WHO HE WAS OR WHERE HE
REALM, HE DID NOTHING TO
DISGUISE WHO HE WAS OR WHERE HE
CAME FROM, ADOPTING AS HE HAD
DISGUISE WHO HE WAS OR WHERE HE
CAME FROM, ADOPTING AS HE HAD
TEN YEARS BEFORE "THE SIDEWALKS
CAME FROM, ADOPTING AS HE HAD
TEN YEARS BEFORE "THE SIDEWALKS
OF NEW YORK" AS THE ANTHEM OF
TEN YEARS BEFORE "THE SIDEWALKS
OF NEW YORK" AS THE ANTHEM OF
HIS CAMPAIGN.
OF NEW YORK" AS THE ANTHEM OF
HIS CAMPAIGN.
Smith: ME AND MAMIE
HIS CAMPAIGN.
Smith: ME AND MAMIE
O'ROURKE
Smith: ME AND MAMIE
O'ROURKE
WE TRIPPED THE LIGHT FANTASTIC
O'ROURKE
WE TRIPPED THE LIGHT FANTASTIC
ON THE SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK. ♪
WE TRIPPED THE LIGHT FANTASTIC
ON THE SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK. ♪
( cheers)
ON THE SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK. ♪
( cheers)
Smith: THE BOWERY
( cheers)
Smith: THE BOWERY
THE BOWERY
Smith: THE BOWERY
THE BOWERY
I'LL NEVER GO THERE
THE BOWERY
I'LL NEVER GO THERE
ANYMORE. ♪
I'LL NEVER GO THERE
ANYMORE. ♪
( cheers)
Wallace: IN SOME WAYS, THE
ELECTION OF 1928 WAS A
ELECTION OF 1928 WAS A
REFERENDUM ON NEW YORK CITY AND
REFERENDUM ON NEW YORK CITY AND
THE DIRECTION THAT THE COUNTRY
THE DIRECTION THAT THE COUNTRY
WAS GOING IN.
PROBABLY NO DEMOCRAT COULD HAVE
PROBABLY NO DEMOCRAT COULD HAVE
BEATEN HERBERT HOOVER IN 1928
GIVEN THE TREMENDOUS STRENGTH OF
BEATEN HERBERT HOOVER IN 1928
GIVEN THE TREMENDOUS STRENGTH OF
THE ECONOMY AND THE GENERAL
GIVEN THE TREMENDOUS STRENGTH OF
THE ECONOMY AND THE GENERAL
SATISFACTION THROUGHOUT THE
THE ECONOMY AND THE GENERAL
SATISFACTION THROUGHOUT THE
COUNTRY.
SATISFACTION THROUGHOUT THE
COUNTRY.
BUT SMITH, IN FACT, MADE IT MUCH
COUNTRY.
BUT SMITH, IN FACT, MADE IT MUCH
WORSE FOR HIMSELF.
BUT SMITH, IN FACT, MADE IT MUCH
WORSE FOR HIMSELF.
Narrator: THE CAMPAIGN GO
WORSE FOR HIMSELF.
Narrator: THE CAMPAIGN GO
OFF TO A ROCKY START.
Narrator: THE CAMPAIGN GO
OFF TO A ROCKY START.
HOPING TO BURNISH HIS IMAGE AS A
OFF TO A ROCKY START.
HOPING TO BURNISH HIS IMAGE AS A
FRIEND OF BIG BUSINESS, SMITH
HOPING TO BURNISH HIS IMAGE AS A
FRIEND OF BIG BUSINESS, SMITH
CHOSE AS HIS CAMPAIGN MANAGER A
FRIEND OF BIG BUSINESS, SMITH
CHOSE AS HIS CAMPAIGN MANAGER A
PROMINENT WALL STREET FINANCIER
CHOSE AS HIS CAMPAIGN MANAGER A
PROMINENT WALL STREET FINANCIER
NAMED JOHN JACOB RASKOB, "A
PROMINENT WALL STREET FINANCIER
NAMED JOHN JACOB RASKOB, "A
STRANGE LITTLE MAN," ONE OF
NAMED JOHN JACOB RASKOB, "A
STRANGE LITTLE MAN," ONE OF
SMITH'S ADVISORS SAID, "ALMOS
STRANGE LITTLE MAN," ONE OF
SMITH'S ADVISORS SAID, "ALMOS
MACHIAVELLIAN, REALLY," WHO HAD
SMITH'S ADVISORS SAID, "ALMOS
MACHIAVELLIAN, REALLY," WHO HAD
INVENTED A SCHEME FOR BUYING
MACHIAVELLIAN, REALLY," WHO HAD
INVENTED A SCHEME FOR BUYING
AUTOMOBILES ON CREDIT AND HELPED
INVENTED A SCHEME FOR BUYING
AUTOMOBILES ON CREDIT AND HELPED
ASSEMBLE THE FORTUNES OF DU PON
AUTOMOBILES ON CREDIT AND HELPED
ASSEMBLE THE FORTUNES OF DU PON
AND GENERAL MOTORS.
ASSEMBLE THE FORTUNES OF DU PON
AND GENERAL MOTORS.
THE STRATEGY BACKFIRED WHEN THE
AND GENERAL MOTORS.
THE STRATEGY BACKFIRED WHEN THE
WELL-KNOWN, SELF-MADE CATHOLIC
THE STRATEGY BACKFIRED WHEN THE
WELL-KNOWN, SELF-MADE CATHOLIC
MILLIONAIRE WAS USED TO PAIN
WELL-KNOWN, SELF-MADE CATHOLIC
MILLIONAIRE WAS USED TO PAIN
SMITH AS AN AGENT OF ROME AND
MILLIONAIRE WAS USED TO PAIN
SMITH AS AN AGENT OF ROME AND
WALL STREET.
SMITH AS AN AGENT OF ROME AND
WALL STREET.
IN THE END, HOWEVER, RASKOB WAS
WALL STREET.
IN THE END, HOWEVER, RASKOB WAS
THE LEAST OF SMITH'S PROBLEMS,
IN THE END, HOWEVER, RASKOB WAS
THE LEAST OF SMITH'S PROBLEMS,
AS THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF
THE LEAST OF SMITH'S PROBLEMS,
AS THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF
1928 RAPIDLY DESCENDED INTO ONE
AS THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF
1928 RAPIDLY DESCENDED INTO ONE
OF THE DARKEST EPISODES IN
1928 RAPIDLY DESCENDED INTO ONE
OF THE DARKEST EPISODES IN
AMERICAN POLITICAL HISTORY.
OF THE DARKEST EPISODES IN
AMERICAN POLITICAL HISTORY.
EVERYTHING THAT HAD MADE SMITH
AMERICAN POLITICAL HISTORY.
EVERYTHING THAT HAD MADE SMITH
SUCCESSFUL IN NEW YORK NOW
EVERYTHING THAT HAD MADE SMITH
SUCCESSFUL IN NEW YORK NOW
WORKED AGAINST HIM OUT IN THE
SUCCESSFUL IN NEW YORK NOW
WORKED AGAINST HIM OUT IN THE
COUNTRYSIDE, WHERE DECADES OF
WORKED AGAINST HIM OUT IN THE
COUNTRYSIDE, WHERE DECADES OF
RISING ANIMUS AGAINST THE CITY
COUNTRYSIDE, WHERE DECADES OF
RISING ANIMUS AGAINST THE CITY
AND EVERYTHING IT STOOD FOR ROSE
RISING ANIMUS AGAINST THE CITY
AND EVERYTHING IT STOOD FOR ROSE
UP LIKE A POISONOUS VAPOR.
AND EVERYTHING IT STOOD FOR ROSE
UP LIKE A POISONOUS VAPOR.
Czitrom: I THINK THAT SMITH,
UP LIKE A POISONOUS VAPOR.
Czitrom: I THINK THAT SMITH,
ALTHOUGH HE WAS COSMOPOLITAN IN
Czitrom: I THINK THAT SMITH,
ALTHOUGH HE WAS COSMOPOLITAN IN
NEW YORK TERMS WAS PERHAPS ALSO
ALTHOUGH HE WAS COSMOPOLITAN IN
NEW YORK TERMS WAS PERHAPS ALSO
VERY PAROCHIAL IN NATIONAL
NEW YORK TERMS WAS PERHAPS ALSO
VERY PAROCHIAL IN NATIONAL
TERMS.
AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I
THINK PEOPLE SAY ABOUT NEW YORK
THINK PEOPLE SAY ABOUT NEW YORK
GENERALLY; THAT FOR ALL ITS
GENERALLY; THAT FOR ALL ITS
COSMOPOLITANNESS, FOR ALL OF ITS
COSMOPOLITANNESS, FOR ALL OF ITS
PLURALISM, NEW YORK IS ALSO
PLURALISM, NEW YORK IS ALSO
PRETTY PROVINCIAL, AND I THINK
PRETTY PROVINCIAL, AND I THINK
THAT SMITH'S CAMPAIGN IN 1928 IS
THAT SMITH'S CAMPAIGN IN 1928 IS
ONE MEASURE OF THAT.
I DON'T THINK HE REALLY WAS
I DON'T THINK HE REALLY WAS
PREPARED OR REALLY UNDERSTOOD
THE DEPTH OF RESENTMENT AND ALSO
PREPARED OR REALLY UNDERSTOOD
THE DEPTH OF RESENTMENT AND ALSO
THE SENSE TO WHICH HE WAS SUCH A
THE DEPTH OF RESENTMENT AND ALSO
THE SENSE TO WHICH HE WAS SUCH A
STRANGER TO SO MANY PEOPLE; THA
THE SENSE TO WHICH HE WAS SUCH A
STRANGER TO SO MANY PEOPLE; THA
HIS STRANGENESS WAS SO REAL, SO
STRANGER TO SO MANY PEOPLE; THA
HIS STRANGENESS WAS SO REAL, SO
PALPABLE TO PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY
HIS STRANGENESS WAS SO REAL, SO
PALPABLE TO PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY
IN THE SOUTH AND IN THE MIDWES
PALPABLE TO PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY
IN THE SOUTH AND IN THE MIDWES
AND PEOPLE IN RURAL AREAS.
IN THE SOUTH AND IN THE MIDWES
AND PEOPLE IN RURAL AREAS.
THE 1928 CAMPAIGN WAS ONE OF THE
AND PEOPLE IN RURAL AREAS.
THE 1928 CAMPAIGN WAS ONE OF THE
FIRST ONES IN WHICH RADIO PLAYED
THE 1928 CAMPAIGN WAS ONE OF THE
FIRST ONES IN WHICH RADIO PLAYED
A REAL PART, AND SO SMITH'S
FIRST ONES IN WHICH RADIO PLAYED
A REAL PART, AND SO SMITH'S
VOICE, WHICH WAS VERY MUCH THE
A REAL PART, AND SO SMITH'S
VOICE, WHICH WAS VERY MUCH THE
VOICE OF A FOURTH WARDER, A
VOICE, WHICH WAS VERY MUCH THE
VOICE OF A FOURTH WARDER, A
LOWER MANHATTANITE, A KIND OF
VOICE OF A FOURTH WARDER, A
LOWER MANHATTANITE, A KIND OF
CLASSIC NEW YORK ACCENT
LOWER MANHATTANITE, A KIND OF
CLASSIC NEW YORK ACCENT
Smith: THE ONLY CURE FOR THE
CLASSIC NEW YORK ACCENT
Smith: THE ONLY CURE FOR THE
ILLS OF DEMOCRACY IS MORE
Smith: THE ONLY CURE FOR THE
ILLS OF DEMOCRACY IS MORE
DEMOCRACY.
ILLS OF DEMOCRACY IS MORE
DEMOCRACY.
Czitrom: THAT VOICE WAS HEARD
DEMOCRACY.
Czitrom: THAT VOICE WAS HEARD
ALL OVER THE NATION, AND IT WAS
Czitrom: THAT VOICE WAS HEARD
ALL OVER THE NATION, AND IT WAS
QUITE JARRING, QUITE ALIEN,
ALL OVER THE NATION, AND IT WAS
QUITE JARRING, QUITE ALIEN,
QUITE STRANGE TO MANY PEOPLE WHO
QUITE JARRING, QUITE ALIEN,
QUITE STRANGE TO MANY PEOPLE WHO
HEARD IT.
QUITE STRANGE TO MANY PEOPLE WHO
HEARD IT.
AND THERE WAS A WAY IN WHICH I
HEARD IT.
AND THERE WAS A WAY IN WHICH I
THINK SMITH WAS TURNED INTO
AND THERE WAS A WAY IN WHICH I
THINK SMITH WAS TURNED INTO
ALMOST A KIND OF A CARICATURE IN
THINK SMITH WAS TURNED INTO
ALMOST A KIND OF A CARICATURE IN
THAT CAMPAIGN, AS A KIND OF
ALMOST A KIND OF A CARICATURE IN
THAT CAMPAIGN, AS A KIND OF
SORT OF CARTOON VERSION OF WHA
THAT CAMPAIGN, AS A KIND OF
SORT OF CARTOON VERSION OF WHA
NEW YORK WAS.
SORT OF CARTOON VERSION OF WHA
NEW YORK WAS.
Narrator: WARM CROWDS GREETED
NEW YORK WAS.
Narrator: WARM CROWDS GREETED
SMITH IN NEW YORK, AND IN CITIES
Narrator: WARM CROWDS GREETED
SMITH IN NEW YORK, AND IN CITIES
FROM BOSTON TO SACRAMENTO.
SMITH IN NEW YORK, AND IN CITIES
FROM BOSTON TO SACRAMENTO.
BUT IN SMALL TOWNS AND RURAL
FROM BOSTON TO SACRAMENTO.
BUT IN SMALL TOWNS AND RURAL
PLACES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THE
BUT IN SMALL TOWNS AND RURAL
PLACES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THE
JAUNTY AMBASSADOR OF THE CITY OF
PLACES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THE
JAUNTY AMBASSADOR OF THE CITY OF
WALT WHITMAN AND EMMA LAZARUS
JAUNTY AMBASSADOR OF THE CITY OF
WALT WHITMAN AND EMMA LAZARUS
WAS SHOCKED BY THE TIDE OF
WALT WHITMAN AND EMMA LAZARUS
WAS SHOCKED BY THE TIDE OF
HATRED HE ENCOUNTERED FOR WHA
WAS SHOCKED BY THE TIDE OF
HATRED HE ENCOUNTERED FOR WHA
ONE MAN CALLED "THE FOREIGN-
HATRED HE ENCOUNTERED FOR WHA
ONE MAN CALLED "THE FOREIGN-
POPULATED CITY OF NEW YORK."
ONE MAN CALLED "THE FOREIGN-
POPULATED CITY OF NEW YORK."
RIDICULED FOR HIS CITY-SLICKER
POPULATED CITY OF NEW YORK."
RIDICULED FOR HIS CITY-SLICKER
SUITS AND STRONG NEW YORK
RIDICULED FOR HIS CITY-SLICKER
SUITS AND STRONG NEW YORK
ACCENT, HE WAS SAVAGELY ATTACKED
SUITS AND STRONG NEW YORK
ACCENT, HE WAS SAVAGELY ATTACKED
FOR HIS OPPOSITION TO
ACCENT, HE WAS SAVAGELY ATTACKED
FOR HIS OPPOSITION TO
PROHIBITION, FOR HIS LIBERAL
FOR HIS OPPOSITION TO
PROHIBITION, FOR HIS LIBERAL
VIEWS, AND HIS LINKS TO TAMMANY
PROHIBITION, FOR HIS LIBERAL
VIEWS, AND HIS LINKS TO TAMMANY
HALL.
VIEWS, AND HIS LINKS TO TAMMANY
HALL.
BUT IT WAS THE VIRULENCE OF THE
HALL.
BUT IT WAS THE VIRULENCE OF THE
ANTI-CATHOLIC HATRED IN THE
BUT IT WAS THE VIRULENCE OF THE
ANTI-CATHOLIC HATRED IN THE
COUNTRYSIDE THAT SHOCKED AND
ANTI-CATHOLIC HATRED IN THE
COUNTRYSIDE THAT SHOCKED AND
HURT HIM MOST, "A CAMPAIGN OF
COUNTRYSIDE THAT SHOCKED AND
HURT HIM MOST, "A CAMPAIGN OF
BIGOTRY ALMOST UNBELIEVABLE IN
HURT HIM MOST, "A CAMPAIGN OF
BIGOTRY ALMOST UNBELIEVABLE IN
ITS INTENSITY," ONE ADVISOR
BIGOTRY ALMOST UNBELIEVABLE IN
ITS INTENSITY," ONE ADVISOR
REMEMBERED.
ITS INTENSITY," ONE ADVISOR
REMEMBERED.
IT WOULD BE, HIS DAUGHTER EMILY
REMEMBERED.
IT WOULD BE, HIS DAUGHTER EMILY
LATER SAID, "THE DEEPEST SHADOW
IT WOULD BE, HIS DAUGHTER EMILY
LATER SAID, "THE DEEPEST SHADOW
IN HIS LIFE, THE GREATEST SORROW
LATER SAID, "THE DEEPEST SHADOW
IN HIS LIFE, THE GREATEST SORROW
THAT EVER CAME TO HIM."
IN HIS LIFE, THE GREATEST SORROW
THAT EVER CAME TO HIM."
ON THE STUMP IN KANSAS, FARMERS
THAT EVER CAME TO HIM."
ON THE STUMP IN KANSAS, FARMERS
GREETED SMITH'S SPEECHES IN
ON THE STUMP IN KANSAS, FARMERS
GREETED SMITH'S SPEECHES IN
STONY SILENCE.
GREETED SMITH'S SPEECHES IN
STONY SILENCE.
IN OKLAHOMA, KU KLUX KLANSMEN
STONY SILENCE.
IN OKLAHOMA, KU KLUX KLANSMEN
PLACED BURNING CROSSES ALONG THE
IN OKLAHOMA, KU KLUX KLANSMEN
PLACED BURNING CROSSES ALONG THE
ROUTE OF HIS CAMPAIGN TRAIN.
PLACED BURNING CROSSES ALONG THE
ROUTE OF HIS CAMPAIGN TRAIN.
ACROSS THE COUNTRY, PROTESTAN
ROUTE OF HIS CAMPAIGN TRAIN.
ACROSS THE COUNTRY, PROTESTAN
RELIGIOUS LEADERS ATTACKED HIM
ACROSS THE COUNTRY, PROTESTAN
RELIGIOUS LEADERS ATTACKED HIM
FROM THE PULPIT, INSISTING, ONE
RELIGIOUS LEADERS ATTACKED HIM
FROM THE PULPIT, INSISTING, ONE
MINISTER SAID, THAT "NO SUBJEC
FROM THE PULPIT, INSISTING, ONE
MINISTER SAID, THAT "NO SUBJEC
OF THE POPE SHOULD BE
MINISTER SAID, THAT "NO SUBJEC
OF THE POPE SHOULD BE
PRESIDENT."
OF THE POPE SHOULD BE
PRESIDENT."
Reader: "AS AMBASSADOR OF
PRESIDENT."
Reader: "AS AMBASSADOR OF
GOD, IT IS MY DUTY TO DEFY THE
Reader: "AS AMBASSADOR OF
GOD, IT IS MY DUTY TO DEFY THE
FORCES OF HELL, AL SMITH AND THE
GOD, IT IS MY DUTY TO DEFY THE
FORCES OF HELL, AL SMITH AND THE
REST OF THEM.
FORCES OF HELL, AL SMITH AND THE
REST OF THEM.
HIS MALE SUPPORTERS ARE DAMNABLE
REST OF THEM.
HIS MALE SUPPORTERS ARE DAMNABLE
WHISKEY POLITICIANS,
HIS MALE SUPPORTERS ARE DAMNABLE
WHISKEY POLITICIANS,
BOOTLEGGERS, CROOKS, PIMPS, AND
WHISKEY POLITICIANS,
BOOTLEGGERS, CROOKS, PIMPS, AND
BUSINESSMEN WHO DEAL WITH THEM.
BOOTLEGGERS, CROOKS, PIMPS, AND
BUSINESSMEN WHO DEAL WITH THEM.
HIS FEMALE SUPPORTERS ARE
BUSINESSMEN WHO DEAL WITH THEM.
HIS FEMALE SUPPORTERS ARE
STREETWALKERS."
HIS FEMALE SUPPORTERS ARE
STREETWALKERS."
THE REVEREND BILLY SUNDAY.
STREETWALKERS."
THE REVEREND BILLY SUNDAY.
Narrator: SMITH KEPT SILEN
THE REVEREND BILLY SUNDAY.
Narrator: SMITH KEPT SILEN
AS LONG AS HE COULD.
Narrator: SMITH KEPT SILEN
AS LONG AS HE COULD.
THEN, IN AN ELOQUENT SPEECH IN
AS LONG AS HE COULD.
THEN, IN AN ELOQUENT SPEECH IN
OKLAHOMA CITY, ON SEPTEMBER 20,
THEN, IN AN ELOQUENT SPEECH IN
OKLAHOMA CITY, ON SEPTEMBER 20,
STRUCK BACK, IMPLORING HIS
OKLAHOMA CITY, ON SEPTEMBER 20,
STRUCK BACK, IMPLORING HIS
AUDIENCE TO REJECT ALL BIGOTRY
STRUCK BACK, IMPLORING HIS
AUDIENCE TO REJECT ALL BIGOTRY
AS UN-CHRISTIAN AND UN-AMERICAN.
AUDIENCE TO REJECT ALL BIGOTRY
AS UN-CHRISTIAN AND UN-AMERICAN.
Smith: WE HAVE OUR A.P.A.s
AS UN-CHRISTIAN AND UN-AMERICAN.
Smith: WE HAVE OUR A.P.A.s
AND OUR K.K.K.s.
Smith: WE HAVE OUR A.P.A.s
AND OUR K.K.K.s.
( laughter)
AND OUR K.K.K.s.
( laughter)
WE'VE HAD INFLICTED UPON US
( laughter)
WE'VE HAD INFLICTED UPON US
ABOUT AS STRONG A SHOWER OF 18-
WE'VE HAD INFLICTED UPON US
ABOUT AS STRONG A SHOWER OF 18-
KARAT CRACKPOTS AS ANY COUNTRY
ABOUT AS STRONG A SHOWER OF 18-
KARAT CRACKPOTS AS ANY COUNTRY
IN THE WORLD COULD SUFFER.
KARAT CRACKPOTS AS ANY COUNTRY
IN THE WORLD COULD SUFFER.
Narrator: THE HOSTILITY OF
IN THE WORLD COULD SUFFER.
Narrator: THE HOSTILITY OF
THE CROWD WAS SO PALPABLE THA
Narrator: THE HOSTILITY OF
THE CROWD WAS SO PALPABLE THA
SMITH'S ADVISORS FEARED FOR HIS
THE CROWD WAS SO PALPABLE THA
SMITH'S ADVISORS FEARED FOR HIS
SAFETY.
SMITH'S ADVISORS FEARED FOR HIS
SAFETY.
Czitrom: BUT WHAT'S
SAFETY.
Czitrom: BUT WHAT'S
REMARKABLE IS TO LOOK AT SO MUCH
Czitrom: BUT WHAT'S
REMARKABLE IS TO LOOK AT SO MUCH
OF THE VILIFICATION, SO MANY OF
REMARKABLE IS TO LOOK AT SO MUCH
OF THE VILIFICATION, SO MANY OF
THE ATTACKS, SO MUCH OF THE
OF THE VILIFICATION, SO MANY OF
THE ATTACKS, SO MUCH OF THE
HATRED DIRECTED AT SMITH BY
THE ATTACKS, SO MUCH OF THE
HATRED DIRECTED AT SMITH BY
NEWSPAPERS, POLITICOS, PEOPLE
HATRED DIRECTED AT SMITH BY
NEWSPAPERS, POLITICOS, PEOPLE
ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.
NEWSPAPERS, POLITICOS, PEOPLE
ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.
I DON'T THINK YOU CAN READ THA
ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.
I DON'T THINK YOU CAN READ THA
AS ANYTHING ELSE BUT AN ATTACK
I DON'T THINK YOU CAN READ THA
AS ANYTHING ELSE BUT AN ATTACK
ON NEW YORK CITY; THAT IS, SMITH
AS ANYTHING ELSE BUT AN ATTACK
ON NEW YORK CITY; THAT IS, SMITH
COMES TO BE SORT OF THE SYMBOL,
ON NEW YORK CITY; THAT IS, SMITH
COMES TO BE SORT OF THE SYMBOL,
THE EMBLEM OF NEW YORK, AND
COMES TO BE SORT OF THE SYMBOL,
THE EMBLEM OF NEW YORK, AND
THEREFORE BECOMES THE OBJECT OF
THE EMBLEM OF NEW YORK, AND
THEREFORE BECOMES THE OBJECT OF
ALL THESE ATTACKS.
THEREFORE BECOMES THE OBJECT OF
ALL THESE ATTACKS.
AND, YOU KNOW, THINLY VEILED,
ALL THESE ATTACKS.
AND, YOU KNOW, THINLY VEILED,
THESE ATTACKS ARE ALSO ATTACKS
AND, YOU KNOW, THINLY VEILED,
THESE ATTACKS ARE ALSO ATTACKS
ON CATHOLICS, ATTACKS ON JEWS,
THESE ATTACKS ARE ALSO ATTACKS
ON CATHOLICS, ATTACKS ON JEWS,
ATTACKS ON THE COSMOPOLITAN
ON CATHOLICS, ATTACKS ON JEWS,
ATTACKS ON THE COSMOPOLITAN
CULTURE OF NEW YORK, AND THAT, I
ATTACKS ON THE COSMOPOLITAN
CULTURE OF NEW YORK, AND THAT, I
THINK, IS REALLY WHAT'S GOING ON
CULTURE OF NEW YORK, AND THAT, I
THINK, IS REALLY WHAT'S GOING ON
IN THAT ELECTION.
THINK, IS REALLY WHAT'S GOING ON
IN THAT ELECTION.
Narrator: ON ELECTION NIGHT,
IN THAT ELECTION.
Narrator: ON ELECTION NIGHT,
NOVEMBER 6, 1928, SMITH SA
Narrator: ON ELECTION NIGHT,
NOVEMBER 6, 1928, SMITH SA
STOICALLY WITH HIS SUPPORTERS IN
NOVEMBER 6, 1928, SMITH SA
STOICALLY WITH HIS SUPPORTERS IN
THE ARMORY ON PARK AVENUE, AN
STOICALLY WITH HIS SUPPORTERS IN
THE ARMORY ON PARK AVENUE, AN
UNLIT CIGAR IN HIS MOUTH,
THE ARMORY ON PARK AVENUE, AN
UNLIT CIGAR IN HIS MOUTH,
WATCHING THE RETURNS COME IN.
UNLIT CIGAR IN HIS MOUTH,
WATCHING THE RETURNS COME IN.
HE HAD DONE SURPRISINGLY WELL IN
WATCHING THE RETURNS COME IN.
HE HAD DONE SURPRISINGLY WELL IN
MAJOR URBAN AREAS ACROSS THE
HE HAD DONE SURPRISINGLY WELL IN
MAJOR URBAN AREAS ACROSS THE
COUNTRY, BUT BY 9:30, IT WAS
MAJOR URBAN AREAS ACROSS THE
COUNTRY, BUT BY 9:30, IT WAS
CLEAR THAT HERBERT HOOVER WAS ON
COUNTRY, BUT BY 9:30, IT WAS
CLEAR THAT HERBERT HOOVER WAS ON
HIS WAY TO ONE OF THE BIGGES
CLEAR THAT HERBERT HOOVER WAS ON
HIS WAY TO ONE OF THE BIGGES
LANDSLIDES IN AMERICAN HISTORY.
HIS WAY TO ONE OF THE BIGGES
LANDSLIDES IN AMERICAN HISTORY.
IN THE END, THE NEW YORKER LOS
LANDSLIDES IN AMERICAN HISTORY.
IN THE END, THE NEW YORKER LOS
ALMOST EVERY STATE IN THE UNION,
IN THE END, THE NEW YORKER LOS
ALMOST EVERY STATE IN THE UNION,
INCLUDING NEW YORK ITSELF, WHERE
ALMOST EVERY STATE IN THE UNION,
INCLUDING NEW YORK ITSELF, WHERE
UPSTATE VOTERS HAD TURNED OUT IN
INCLUDING NEW YORK ITSELF, WHERE
UPSTATE VOTERS HAD TURNED OUT IN
DROVES AGAINST HIM.
UPSTATE VOTERS HAD TURNED OUT IN
DROVES AGAINST HIM.
IN A CRUEL TWIST OF FATE,
DROVES AGAINST HIM.
IN A CRUEL TWIST OF FATE,
SMITH'S ARISTOCRATIC COLLEAGUE,
IN A CRUEL TWIST OF FATE,
SMITH'S ARISTOCRATIC COLLEAGUE,
46-YEAR-OLD FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT,
SMITH'S ARISTOCRATIC COLLEAGUE,
46-YEAR-OLD FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT,
RUNNING WELL AHEAD OF THE
46-YEAR-OLD FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT,
RUNNING WELL AHEAD OF THE
NATIONAL TICKET, SQUEAKED INTO
RUNNING WELL AHEAD OF THE
NATIONAL TICKET, SQUEAKED INTO
THE GOVERNOR'S SEAT SMITH HAD
NATIONAL TICKET, SQUEAKED INTO
THE GOVERNOR'S SEAT SMITH HAD
VACATED BY THE SLENDEREST OF
THE GOVERNOR'S SEAT SMITH HAD
VACATED BY THE SLENDEREST OF
MARGINS.
VACATED BY THE SLENDEREST OF
MARGINS.
AROUND 10:00, SMITH DROVE TO THE
MARGINS.
AROUND 10:00, SMITH DROVE TO THE
BILTMORE TO CONCEDE DEFEAT AND
AROUND 10:00, SMITH DROVE TO THE
BILTMORE TO CONCEDE DEFEAT AND
SPEAK TO A CROWD OF HIS LOYAL
BILTMORE TO CONCEDE DEFEAT AND
SPEAK TO A CROWD OF HIS LOYAL
SUPPORTERS.
SPEAK TO A CROWD OF HIS LOYAL
SUPPORTERS.
"IT'S GOD'S WILL," HIS WIFE,
SUPPORTERS.
"IT'S GOD'S WILL," HIS WIFE,
KATIE, SAID, WITH TEARS IN HER
"IT'S GOD'S WILL," HIS WIFE,
KATIE, SAID, WITH TEARS IN HER
EYES.
KATIE, SAID, WITH TEARS IN HER
EYES.
"BUT WE'LL SEE MORE OF YOU NOW."
EYES.
"BUT WE'LL SEE MORE OF YOU NOW."
Reader: "HIS CHIN WAS UP, AND
"BUT WE'LL SEE MORE OF YOU NOW."
Reader: "HIS CHIN WAS UP, AND
HIS INDOMITABLE HEART WAS HIGH.
Reader: "HIS CHIN WAS UP, AND
HIS INDOMITABLE HEART WAS HIGH.
AT THE SIGHT OF HIS JAUNTINESS
HIS INDOMITABLE HEART WAS HIGH.
AT THE SIGHT OF HIS JAUNTINESS
IN DEFEAT, MEN AND WOMEN WORKERS
AT THE SIGHT OF HIS JAUNTINESS
IN DEFEAT, MEN AND WOMEN WORKERS
BURST INTO TEARS.
IN DEFEAT, MEN AND WOMEN WORKERS
BURST INTO TEARS.
DEEPLY TOUCHED, SMITH BARKED OU
BURST INTO TEARS.
DEEPLY TOUCHED, SMITH BARKED OU
A FEW WORDS OF THANKS TO HIDE
DEEPLY TOUCHED, SMITH BARKED OU
A FEW WORDS OF THANKS TO HIDE
HIS OWN MOUNTING EMOTIONS,
A FEW WORDS OF THANKS TO HIDE
HIS OWN MOUNTING EMOTIONS,
CLASPED HANDS, AND WAS GONE.
HIS OWN MOUNTING EMOTIONS,
CLASPED HANDS, AND WAS GONE.
PERHAPS NEVER IN POLITICAL
CLASPED HANDS, AND WAS GONE.
PERHAPS NEVER IN POLITICAL
HISTORY WAS THERE SO MUCH
PERHAPS NEVER IN POLITICAL
HISTORY WAS THERE SO MUCH
DISTRESS AMONGST THE RANK AND
HISTORY WAS THERE SO MUCH
DISTRESS AMONGST THE RANK AND
FILE OF THE PARTY AS THERE WAS
DISTRESS AMONGST THE RANK AND
FILE OF THE PARTY AS THERE WAS
OVER HIS DEFEAT."
FILE OF THE PARTY AS THERE WAS
OVER HIS DEFEAT."
JAMES FARLEY.
OVER HIS DEFEAT."
JAMES FARLEY.
Czitrom: IT'S HARD TO SEE HOW
JAMES FARLEY.
Czitrom: IT'S HARD TO SEE HOW
SMITH COULD HAVE WON, HOW
Czitrom: IT'S HARD TO SEE HOW
SMITH COULD HAVE WON, HOW
ANYBODY COULD HAVE WON, AGAINS
SMITH COULD HAVE WON, HOW
ANYBODY COULD HAVE WON, AGAINS
HOOVER IN THE FLUSH TIMES, BUT I
ANYBODY COULD HAVE WON, AGAINS
HOOVER IN THE FLUSH TIMES, BUT I
THINK WHAT SOMETIMES PEOPLE MISS
HOOVER IN THE FLUSH TIMES, BUT I
THINK WHAT SOMETIMES PEOPLE MISS
OR FORGET IS THAT ALTHOUGH HE
THINK WHAT SOMETIMES PEOPLE MISS
OR FORGET IS THAT ALTHOUGH HE
LOST PRETTY BADLY TO HOOVER,
OR FORGET IS THAT ALTHOUGH HE
LOST PRETTY BADLY TO HOOVER,
SMITH DID CARRY THE 12 LARGES
LOST PRETTY BADLY TO HOOVER,
SMITH DID CARRY THE 12 LARGES
CITIES IN THE UNITED STATES, AND
SMITH DID CARRY THE 12 LARGES
CITIES IN THE UNITED STATES, AND
THEREFORE PROVIDED A KIND OF
CITIES IN THE UNITED STATES, AND
THEREFORE PROVIDED A KIND OF
HARBINGER FOR THE NEW DEAL
THEREFORE PROVIDED A KIND OF
HARBINGER FOR THE NEW DEAL
COALITION TO COME.
HARBINGER FOR THE NEW DEAL
COALITION TO COME.
WHAT SMITH DID WAS ESSENTIALLY
COALITION TO COME.
WHAT SMITH DID WAS ESSENTIALLY
CEMENT THE BIG-CITY URBAN VOTE
WHAT SMITH DID WAS ESSENTIALLY
CEMENT THE BIG-CITY URBAN VOTE
FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY FOR THE
CEMENT THE BIG-CITY URBAN VOTE
FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY FOR THE
FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY FOR THE
FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
Caro: OSCAR HANDLIN, THE
FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
Caro: OSCAR HANDLIN, THE
GREAT HISTORIAN, HAS SAID, "OF
Caro: OSCAR HANDLIN, THE
GREAT HISTORIAN, HAS SAID, "OF
ALL THE MAJOR POLITICAL FIGURES
GREAT HISTORIAN, HAS SAID, "OF
ALL THE MAJOR POLITICAL FIGURES
IN THE UNITED STATES, ALFRED E.
ALL THE MAJOR POLITICAL FIGURES
IN THE UNITED STATES, ALFRED E.
SMITH IS THE MOST FORGOTTEN."
IN THE UNITED STATES, ALFRED E.
SMITH IS THE MOST FORGOTTEN."
HE IS FORGOTTEN, BUT HE
SMITH IS THE MOST FORGOTTEN."
HE IS FORGOTTEN, BUT HE
SHOULDN'T BE.
HE IS FORGOTTEN, BUT HE
SHOULDN'T BE.
YOU KNOW, WHEN ROOSEVELT WAS A
SHOULDN'T BE.
YOU KNOW, WHEN ROOSEVELT WAS A
THE VERY HEIGHT OF THE NEW DEAL,
YOU KNOW, WHEN ROOSEVELT WAS A
THE VERY HEIGHT OF THE NEW DEAL,
HE SAID PRIVATELY, BECAUSE HE
THE VERY HEIGHT OF THE NEW DEAL,
HE SAID PRIVATELY, BECAUSE HE
PERSONALLY HATED SMITH HE
HE SAID PRIVATELY, BECAUSE HE
PERSONALLY HATED SMITH HE
SAID, "YOU KNOW, EVERYTHING
PERSONALLY HATED SMITH HE
SAID, "YOU KNOW, EVERYTHING
WE'VE DONE IN THE NEW DEAL IS
SAID, "YOU KNOW, EVERYTHING
WE'VE DONE IN THE NEW DEAL IS
SOMETHING THAT AL SMITH STARTED
WE'VE DONE IN THE NEW DEAL IS
SOMETHING THAT AL SMITH STARTED
IN NEW YORK," EVERYTHING THAT WE
SOMETHING THAT AL SMITH STARTED
IN NEW YORK," EVERYTHING THAT WE
THINK OF TODAY AS SOCIAL WELFARE
IN NEW YORK," EVERYTHING THAT WE
THINK OF TODAY AS SOCIAL WELFARE
REFORM.
THINK OF TODAY AS SOCIAL WELFARE
REFORM.
Narrator: IN THE WEEKS AFTER
REFORM.
Narrator: IN THE WEEKS AFTER
THE ELECTION, SMITH TRIED TO PU
Narrator: IN THE WEEKS AFTER
THE ELECTION, SMITH TRIED TO PU
A BRAVE FACE ON THE CRUSHING
THE ELECTION, SMITH TRIED TO PU
A BRAVE FACE ON THE CRUSHING
DEFEAT, BUT IT WAS CLEAR THA
A BRAVE FACE ON THE CRUSHING
DEFEAT, BUT IT WAS CLEAR THA
HIS LONG POLITICAL CAREER WAS
DEFEAT, BUT IT WAS CLEAR THA
HIS LONG POLITICAL CAREER WAS
OVER.
HIS LONG POLITICAL CAREER WAS
OVER.
IN DECEMBER, HE ATTENDED A
OVER.
IN DECEMBER, HE ATTENDED A
BANQUET AT THE LOTOS CLUB IN NEW
IN DECEMBER, HE ATTENDED A
BANQUET AT THE LOTOS CLUB IN NEW
YORK, WHERE, FOR THE FIRST TIME
BANQUET AT THE LOTOS CLUB IN NEW
YORK, WHERE, FOR THE FIRST TIME
IN YEARS, HE WAS NOT THE GUES
YORK, WHERE, FOR THE FIRST TIME
IN YEARS, HE WAS NOT THE GUES
OF HONOR.
IN YEARS, HE WAS NOT THE GUES
OF HONOR.
WATCHING THE NEW GOVERNOR-ELECT,
OF HONOR.
WATCHING THE NEW GOVERNOR-ELECT,
FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT, BASKING IN
WATCHING THE NEW GOVERNOR-ELECT,
FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT, BASKING IN
THE SPOTLIGHT, THE REALITY OF
FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT, BASKING IN
THE SPOTLIGHT, THE REALITY OF
THE DISASTER BEGAN TO SETTLE
THE SPOTLIGHT, THE REALITY OF
THE DISASTER BEGAN TO SETTLE
OVER HIM.
THE DISASTER BEGAN TO SETTLE
OVER HIM.
AS THE BANQUET WORE ON, SMITH
OVER HIM.
AS THE BANQUET WORE ON, SMITH
SLIPPED OUT OF THE HALL AND DOWN
AS THE BANQUET WORE ON, SMITH
SLIPPED OUT OF THE HALL AND DOWN
TO THE MEN'S ROOM WITH HIS CLOSE
SLIPPED OUT OF THE HALL AND DOWN
TO THE MEN'S ROOM WITH HIS CLOSE
FRIEND, EDDIE DOWLING, A
TO THE MEN'S ROOM WITH HIS CLOSE
FRIEND, EDDIE DOWLING, A
PROMINENT BROADWAY PRODUCER.
FRIEND, EDDIE DOWLING, A
PROMINENT BROADWAY PRODUCER.
WASHING HIS HANDS BEFORE THE
PROMINENT BROADWAY PRODUCER.
WASHING HIS HANDS BEFORE THE
GLEAMING MARBLED MIRROR, DOWLING
WASHING HIS HANDS BEFORE THE
GLEAMING MARBLED MIRROR, DOWLING
REMEMBERED, SMITH WORRIED ALOUD
GLEAMING MARBLED MIRROR, DOWLING
REMEMBERED, SMITH WORRIED ALOUD
ABOUT THE BLEAKNESS OF HIS
REMEMBERED, SMITH WORRIED ALOUD
ABOUT THE BLEAKNESS OF HIS
PROSPECTS, WHEN A SOFT VOICE
ABOUT THE BLEAKNESS OF HIS
PROSPECTS, WHEN A SOFT VOICE
SPOKE UP BEHIND THEM.
PROSPECTS, WHEN A SOFT VOICE
SPOKE UP BEHIND THEM.
UNBEKNOWNST TO THE TWO MEN, JOHN
SPOKE UP BEHIND THEM.
UNBEKNOWNST TO THE TWO MEN, JOHN
JACOB RASKOB HAD SILENTLY
UNBEKNOWNST TO THE TWO MEN, JOHN
JACOB RASKOB HAD SILENTLY
FOLLOWED THE TWO MEN IN, AND NOW
JACOB RASKOB HAD SILENTLY
FOLLOWED THE TWO MEN IN, AND NOW
STOOD LISTENING INTENTLY TO
FOLLOWED THE TWO MEN IN, AND NOW
STOOD LISTENING INTENTLY TO
SMITH'S LAMENT.
STOOD LISTENING INTENTLY TO
SMITH'S LAMENT.
"DON'T WORRY, AL," THE FINANCIER
SMITH'S LAMENT.
"DON'T WORRY, AL," THE FINANCIER
NOW SAID.
"DON'T WORRY, AL," THE FINANCIER
NOW SAID.
"I'M GOING TO BUILD A NEW
NOW SAID.
"I'M GOING TO BUILD A NEW
SKYSCRAPER, THE BIGGEST IN THE
"I'M GOING TO BUILD A NEW
SKYSCRAPER, THE BIGGEST IN THE
WORLD, AND YOU'RE GOING TO BE
SKYSCRAPER, THE BIGGEST IN THE
WORLD, AND YOU'RE GOING TO BE
THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMPANY."
WORLD, AND YOU'RE GOING TO BE
THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMPANY."
Narrator: THE TWO DIZZYING
THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMPANY."
Narrator: THE TWO DIZZYING
DRAMAS THAT BROUGHT THE 1920s TO
Narrator: THE TWO DIZZYING
DRAMAS THAT BROUGHT THE 1920s TO
A CLOSE THE STOCK MARKET RISE
DRAMAS THAT BROUGHT THE 1920s TO
A CLOSE THE STOCK MARKET RISE
AND THE GREAT SKYSCRAPER WARS
A CLOSE THE STOCK MARKET RISE
AND THE GREAT SKYSCRAPER WARS
WOULD BE LIKE NOTHING EVER SEEN
AND THE GREAT SKYSCRAPER WARS
WOULD BE LIKE NOTHING EVER SEEN
BEFORE IN NEW YORK, AND, IN THE
WOULD BE LIKE NOTHING EVER SEEN
BEFORE IN NEW YORK, AND, IN THE
END, JOHN JACOB RASKOB WOULD
BEFORE IN NEW YORK, AND, IN THE
END, JOHN JACOB RASKOB WOULD
HAVE A HAND IN BOTH.
END, JOHN JACOB RASKOB WOULD
HAVE A HAND IN BOTH.
FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS, THE STOCK
HAVE A HAND IN BOTH.
FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS, THE STOCK
MARKET HAD BEEN SPIRALING
FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS, THE STOCK
MARKET HAD BEEN SPIRALING
UPWARD, SHATTERING RECORDS MONTH
MARKET HAD BEEN SPIRALING
UPWARD, SHATTERING RECORDS MONTH
BY MONTH.
UPWARD, SHATTERING RECORDS MONTH
BY MONTH.
ONLY A FEW YEARS BEFORE,
BY MONTH.
ONLY A FEW YEARS BEFORE,
ANALYSTS HAD BEEN STUNNED WHEN
ONLY A FEW YEARS BEFORE,
ANALYSTS HAD BEEN STUNNED WHEN
FOR THE FIRST TIME, TWO MILLION
ANALYSTS HAD BEEN STUNNED WHEN
FOR THE FIRST TIME, TWO MILLION
SHARES HAD BEEN TRADED IN A
FOR THE FIRST TIME, TWO MILLION
SHARES HAD BEEN TRADED IN A
SINGLE DAY.
SHARES HAD BEEN TRADED IN A
SINGLE DAY.
NOW FIVE MILLION-SHARE DAYS HAD
SINGLE DAY.
NOW FIVE MILLION-SHARE DAYS HAD
BECOME ROUTINE.
NOW FIVE MILLION-SHARE DAYS HAD
BECOME ROUTINE.
HERBERT HOOVER'S LANDSLIDE HAD
BECOME ROUTINE.
HERBERT HOOVER'S LANDSLIDE HAD
TRIGGERED A BUYING SPREE THA
HERBERT HOOVER'S LANDSLIDE HAD
TRIGGERED A BUYING SPREE THA
TOPPED SEVEN MILLION, AND
TRIGGERED A BUYING SPREE THA
TOPPED SEVEN MILLION, AND
BROKERS ON THE NEW YORK STOCK
TOPPED SEVEN MILLION, AND
BROKERS ON THE NEW YORK STOCK
EXCHANGE OFTEN FELL TO THE FLOOR
BROKERS ON THE NEW YORK STOCK
EXCHANGE OFTEN FELL TO THE FLOOR
IN EXHAUSTION FOLLOWING THE 3:00
EXCHANGE OFTEN FELL TO THE FLOOR
IN EXHAUSTION FOLLOWING THE 3:00
GONG.
IN EXHAUSTION FOLLOWING THE 3:00
GONG.
Wallace: BY THE END OF THE
GONG.
Wallace: BY THE END OF THE
'20s, YOU HAD A STANDARD
Wallace: BY THE END OF THE
'20s, YOU HAD A STANDARD
PHENOMENON, CYCLICAL PHENOMENON,
'20s, YOU HAD A STANDARD
PHENOMENON, CYCLICAL PHENOMENON,
OF THE BUSINESS CYCLE, WHICH IS
PHENOMENON, CYCLICAL PHENOMENON,
OF THE BUSINESS CYCLE, WHICH IS
AT THE BEGINNING OF A BOOM,
OF THE BUSINESS CYCLE, WHICH IS
AT THE BEGINNING OF A BOOM,
CAPITAL GOES INTO THE PRODUCTION
AT THE BEGINNING OF A BOOM,
CAPITAL GOES INTO THE PRODUCTION
OF COMMODITIES; THE COMMODITIES
CAPITAL GOES INTO THE PRODUCTION
OF COMMODITIES; THE COMMODITIES
ARE SOLD; YOU REAP YOUR PROFITS,
OF COMMODITIES; THE COMMODITIES
ARE SOLD; YOU REAP YOUR PROFITS,
AND YOU PILE THEM BACK INTO MORE
ARE SOLD; YOU REAP YOUR PROFITS,
AND YOU PILE THEM BACK INTO MORE
PRODUCTION.
AND YOU PILE THEM BACK INTO MORE
PRODUCTION.
BY THE END OF THE '20s, YOU WERE
PRODUCTION.
BY THE END OF THE '20s, YOU WERE
RUNNING INTO TROUBLE.
BY THE END OF THE '20s, YOU WERE
RUNNING INTO TROUBLE.
AUTOMOBILE SALES, FOR INSTANCE,
RUNNING INTO TROUBLE.
AUTOMOBILE SALES, FOR INSTANCE,
HAD PEAKED BY 1926, 1927.
AUTOMOBILE SALES, FOR INSTANCE,
HAD PEAKED BY 1926, 1927.
INCREASINGLY, IT MADE LESS SENSE
HAD PEAKED BY 1926, 1927.
INCREASINGLY, IT MADE LESS SENSE
TO CONTINUE TO POUR MONEY INTO
INCREASINGLY, IT MADE LESS SENSE
TO CONTINUE TO POUR MONEY INTO
THE PRODUCTION OF COMMODITIES,
TO CONTINUE TO POUR MONEY INTO
THE PRODUCTION OF COMMODITIES,
AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS, USUALLY
THE PRODUCTION OF COMMODITIES,
AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS, USUALLY
CAPITAL GOES IN TWO DIRECTIONS
AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS, USUALLY
CAPITAL GOES IN TWO DIRECTIONS
ONE, PAPER SPECULATION, AND
CAPITAL GOES IN TWO DIRECTIONS
ONE, PAPER SPECULATION, AND
INDEED IT FUELED THIS TREMENDOUS
ONE, PAPER SPECULATION, AND
INDEED IT FUELED THIS TREMENDOUS
SURGE OF SPECULATION, DRIVING UP
INDEED IT FUELED THIS TREMENDOUS
SURGE OF SPECULATION, DRIVING UP
STOCK PRICES ON THE MARKET IN
SURGE OF SPECULATION, DRIVING UP
STOCK PRICES ON THE MARKET IN
THE END OF THE '20s; AND REAL
STOCK PRICES ON THE MARKET IN
THE END OF THE '20s; AND REAL
ESTATE, AND YOU GET A SURGE OF
THE END OF THE '20s; AND REAL
ESTATE, AND YOU GET A SURGE OF
CAPITAL INTO FAR MORE OFFICE
ESTATE, AND YOU GET A SURGE OF
CAPITAL INTO FAR MORE OFFICE
SPACE THAN IN FACT IS WARRANTED
CAPITAL INTO FAR MORE OFFICE
SPACE THAN IN FACT IS WARRANTED
BY ANY RATIONAL CALCULATION OF
SPACE THAN IN FACT IS WARRANTED
BY ANY RATIONAL CALCULATION OF
EXPANDING BUSINESSES.
BY ANY RATIONAL CALCULATION OF
EXPANDING BUSINESSES.
BUT ONCE YOU START ON THA
EXPANDING BUSINESSES.
BUT ONCE YOU START ON THA
DYNAMIC, IT'S IN FACT ALMOS
BUT ONCE YOU START ON THA
DYNAMIC, IT'S IN FACT ALMOS
IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP.
DYNAMIC, IT'S IN FACT ALMOS
IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP.
Narrator: BY 1929, A CULTURE
IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP.
Narrator: BY 1929, A CULTURE
OF PURE SPECULATION HAD TAKEN
Narrator: BY 1929, A CULTURE
OF PURE SPECULATION HAD TAKEN
HOLD IN NEW YORK.
OF PURE SPECULATION HAD TAKEN
HOLD IN NEW YORK.
IN THE AUGUST ISSUE OF THE
HOLD IN NEW YORK.
IN THE AUGUST ISSUE OF THE
LADIES' HOME JOURNAL, JOHN
IN THE AUGUST ISSUE OF THE
LADIES' HOME JOURNAL, JOHN
JACOB RASKOB UNVEILED A
LADIES' HOME JOURNAL, JOHN
JACOB RASKOB UNVEILED A
STARTLING NEW INVESTMENT SCHEME,
JACOB RASKOB UNVEILED A
STARTLING NEW INVESTMENT SCHEME,
BASED ON THE STUNNING
STARTLING NEW INVESTMENT SCHEME,
BASED ON THE STUNNING
PROPOSITION THAT EVERYONE OUGH
BASED ON THE STUNNING
PROPOSITION THAT EVERYONE OUGH
TO BE RICH.
PROPOSITION THAT EVERYONE OUGH
TO BE RICH.
THE TRICK WAS SIMPLE.
TO BE RICH.
THE TRICK WAS SIMPLE.
JUST AS PEOPLE OF MODEST MEANS
THE TRICK WAS SIMPLE.
JUST AS PEOPLE OF MODEST MEANS
COULD NOW BUY CARS ON CREDIT, SO
JUST AS PEOPLE OF MODEST MEANS
COULD NOW BUY CARS ON CREDIT, SO
EVEN THE SMALLEST INVESTORS
COULD NOW BUY CARS ON CREDIT, SO
EVEN THE SMALLEST INVESTORS
SHOULD BE ABLE TO BUY STOCKS ON
EVEN THE SMALLEST INVESTORS
SHOULD BE ABLE TO BUY STOCKS ON
CREDIT, USING MONEY THAT WALL
SHOULD BE ABLE TO BUY STOCKS ON
CREDIT, USING MONEY THAT WALL
STREET BANKERS WOULD LEND THEM.
CREDIT, USING MONEY THAT WALL
STREET BANKERS WOULD LEND THEM.
IF STOCK PRICES FELL, OF COURSE,
STREET BANKERS WOULD LEND THEM.
IF STOCK PRICES FELL, OF COURSE,
THE INVESTOR WOULD BE RUINED.
IF STOCK PRICES FELL, OF COURSE,
THE INVESTOR WOULD BE RUINED.
BUT THAT, RASKOB ARGUED, WAS NO
THE INVESTOR WOULD BE RUINED.
BUT THAT, RASKOB ARGUED, WAS NO
LONGER A REAL POSSIBILITY.
BUT THAT, RASKOB ARGUED, WAS NO
LONGER A REAL POSSIBILITY.
Reader: "IN MY OPINION, THE
LONGER A REAL POSSIBILITY.
Reader: "IN MY OPINION, THE
WEALTH OF THE COUNTRY IS BOUND
Reader: "IN MY OPINION, THE
WEALTH OF THE COUNTRY IS BOUND
TO INCREASE AT A VERY RAPID
WEALTH OF THE COUNTRY IS BOUND
TO INCREASE AT A VERY RAPID
RATE.
TO INCREASE AT A VERY RAPID
RATE.
THE RAPIDITY OF THE RATE WILL BE
RATE.
THE RAPIDITY OF THE RATE WILL BE
DETERMINED BY THE INCREASE OF
THE RAPIDITY OF THE RATE WILL BE
DETERMINED BY THE INCREASE OF
CONSUMPTION, AND UNDER WISE
DETERMINED BY THE INCREASE OF
CONSUMPTION, AND UNDER WISE
INVESTMENT PLANS, THE
CONSUMPTION, AND UNDER WISE
INVESTMENT PLANS, THE
CONSUMPTION WILL STEADILY
INVESTMENT PLANS, THE
CONSUMPTION WILL STEADILY
INCREASE."
CONSUMPTION WILL STEADILY
INCREASE."
JOHN JACOB RASKOB.
INCREASE."
JOHN JACOB RASKOB.
Narrator: BY THE END OF
JOHN JACOB RASKOB.
Narrator: BY THE END OF
AUGUST, BROKERS WERE ROUTINELY
Narrator: BY THE END OF
AUGUST, BROKERS WERE ROUTINELY
LENDING SMALL INVESTORS MORE
AUGUST, BROKERS WERE ROUTINELY
LENDING SMALL INVESTORS MORE
THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THE FACE
LENDING SMALL INVESTORS MORE
THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THE FACE
VALUE OF THE STOCKS THEY WERE
THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THE FACE
VALUE OF THE STOCKS THEY WERE
BUYING.
VALUE OF THE STOCKS THEY WERE
BUYING.
OVER $8.5 BILLION WAS ALREADY
BUYING.
OVER $8.5 BILLION WAS ALREADY
OUT ON LOAN, MORE THAN THE
OVER $8.5 BILLION WAS ALREADY
OUT ON LOAN, MORE THAN THE
ENTIRE AMOUNT OF CURRENCY
OUT ON LOAN, MORE THAN THE
ENTIRE AMOUNT OF CURRENCY
CIRCULATING THROUGH THE ENTIRE
ENTIRE AMOUNT OF CURRENCY
CIRCULATING THROUGH THE ENTIRE
UNITED STATES.
CIRCULATING THROUGH THE ENTIRE
UNITED STATES.
THE SKYLINE, MEANWHILE, WAS
UNITED STATES.
THE SKYLINE, MEANWHILE, WAS
SOARING TO EVEN MORE DIZZYING
THE SKYLINE, MEANWHILE, WAS
SOARING TO EVEN MORE DIZZYING
HEIGHTS.
SOARING TO EVEN MORE DIZZYING
HEIGHTS.
FOR 16 YEARS, THE 60-STORY
HEIGHTS.
FOR 16 YEARS, THE 60-STORY
WOOLWORTH BUILDING HAD REIGNED
FOR 16 YEARS, THE 60-STORY
WOOLWORTH BUILDING HAD REIGNED
SUPREME AS THE TALLEST BUILDING
WOOLWORTH BUILDING HAD REIGNED
SUPREME AS THE TALLEST BUILDING
IN THE WORLD.
SUPREME AS THE TALLEST BUILDING
IN THE WORLD.
NOW THE RACE WAS ON TO TOP IT,
IN THE WORLD.
NOW THE RACE WAS ON TO TOP IT,
AND EVERYONE SEEMED TO BE
NOW THE RACE WAS ON TO TOP IT,
AND EVERYONE SEEMED TO BE
BREATHING THE SAME THIN, COLD,
AND EVERYONE SEEMED TO BE
BREATHING THE SAME THIN, COLD,
INTOXICATING AIR.
BREATHING THE SAME THIN, COLD,
INTOXICATING AIR.
"THE HEIGHT OF A BUILDING IS
INTOXICATING AIR.
"THE HEIGHT OF A BUILDING IS
NOTHING AT ALL," THE ARCHITEC
"THE HEIGHT OF A BUILDING IS
NOTHING AT ALL," THE ARCHITEC
RAYMOND HOOD DECLARED, INSISTING
NOTHING AT ALL," THE ARCHITEC
RAYMOND HOOD DECLARED, INSISTING
IT WAS NOW POSSIBLE TO SEND
RAYMOND HOOD DECLARED, INSISTING
IT WAS NOW POSSIBLE TO SEND
TOWERS SOARING A MILE AND A HALF
IT WAS NOW POSSIBLE TO SEND
TOWERS SOARING A MILE AND A HALF
INTO THE SKY.
TOWERS SOARING A MILE AND A HALF
INTO THE SKY.
"THE ELEVATOR COMPANIES ARE
INTO THE SKY.
"THE ELEVATOR COMPANIES ARE
READY," HE SAID.
"THE ELEVATOR COMPANIES ARE
READY," HE SAID.
IN THE SPRING OF 1929, THE RACE
READY," HE SAID.
IN THE SPRING OF 1929, THE RACE
INTO THE SKIES REACHED FEVER
IN THE SPRING OF 1929, THE RACE
INTO THE SKIES REACHED FEVER
PITCH, WHEN THE AUTOMOBILE
INTO THE SKIES REACHED FEVER
PITCH, WHEN THE AUTOMOBILE
MAGNATE WALTER CHRYSLER UNVEILED
PITCH, WHEN THE AUTOMOBILE
MAGNATE WALTER CHRYSLER UNVEILED
PLANS FOR A MASSIVE NEW
MAGNATE WALTER CHRYSLER UNVEILED
PLANS FOR A MASSIVE NEW
SKYSCRAPER AT THE CORNER OF 42nd
PLANS FOR A MASSIVE NEW
SKYSCRAPER AT THE CORNER OF 42nd
STREET AND LEXINGTON AVENUE,
SKYSCRAPER AT THE CORNER OF 42nd
STREET AND LEXINGTON AVENUE,
WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO THE
STREET AND LEXINGTON AVENUE,
WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO THE
ARCHITECT, WILLIAM VAN ALEN, TO
WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO THE
ARCHITECT, WILLIAM VAN ALEN, TO
MAKE IT THE TALLEST IN THE
ARCHITECT, WILLIAM VAN ALEN, TO
MAKE IT THE TALLEST IN THE
WORLD.
MAKE IT THE TALLEST IN THE
WORLD.
VAN ALEN HAD SCARCELY BROKEN
WORLD.
VAN ALEN HAD SCARCELY BROKEN
GROUND WHEN HIS ONETIME PARTNER
VAN ALEN HAD SCARCELY BROKEN
GROUND WHEN HIS ONETIME PARTNER
AND NOW BITTER ENEMY H. CRAIG
GROUND WHEN HIS ONETIME PARTNER
AND NOW BITTER ENEMY H. CRAIG
SEVERANCE SET TO WORK ON A RIVAL
AND NOW BITTER ENEMY H. CRAIG
SEVERANCE SET TO WORK ON A RIVAL
STRUCTURE 80 BLOCKS TO THE
SEVERANCE SET TO WORK ON A RIVAL
STRUCTURE 80 BLOCKS TO THE
SOUTH, FOR THE BANK OF THE
STRUCTURE 80 BLOCKS TO THE
SOUTH, FOR THE BANK OF THE
MANHATTAN COMPANY ON WALL
SOUTH, FOR THE BANK OF THE
MANHATTAN COMPANY ON WALL
STREET, AND THE RACE WAS ON.
MANHATTAN COMPANY ON WALL
STREET, AND THE RACE WAS ON.
MONTH AFTER MONTH, THE TWO
STREET, AND THE RACE WAS ON.
MONTH AFTER MONTH, THE TWO
BUILDERS VIED FOR PREEMINENCE,
MONTH AFTER MONTH, THE TWO
BUILDERS VIED FOR PREEMINENCE,
EACH ALTERING HIS PLANS AGAIN
BUILDERS VIED FOR PREEMINENCE,
EACH ALTERING HIS PLANS AGAIN
AND AGAIN, IN MID-CONSTRUCTION,
EACH ALTERING HIS PLANS AGAIN
AND AGAIN, IN MID-CONSTRUCTION,
TO STAY AHEAD OF THE OTHER.
AND AGAIN, IN MID-CONSTRUCTION,
TO STAY AHEAD OF THE OTHER.
ON CLEAR DAYS, WORKERS IN EACH
TO STAY AHEAD OF THE OTHER.
ON CLEAR DAYS, WORKERS IN EACH
OF THE TWO TALL TOWERS COULD
ON CLEAR DAYS, WORKERS IN EACH
OF THE TWO TALL TOWERS COULD
TRACK THE PROGRESS OF THEIR
OF THE TWO TALL TOWERS COULD
TRACK THE PROGRESS OF THEIR
RIVALS FOUR MILES AWAY.
TRACK THE PROGRESS OF THEIR
RIVALS FOUR MILES AWAY.
WHEN THE BANK OF THE MANHATTAN
RIVALS FOUR MILES AWAY.
WHEN THE BANK OF THE MANHATTAN
COMPANY FINALLY TOPPED OUT IN
WHEN THE BANK OF THE MANHATTAN
COMPANY FINALLY TOPPED OUT IN
THE FALL OF 1929, MOST WERE SURE
COMPANY FINALLY TOPPED OUT IN
THE FALL OF 1929, MOST WERE SURE
IT HAD WON THE WAR.
THE FALL OF 1929, MOST WERE SURE
IT HAD WON THE WAR.
SEVERANCE HAD ADDED FIRST A
IT HAD WON THE WAR.
SEVERANCE HAD ADDED FIRST A
LANTERN, THEN TEN NEW PENTHOUSE
SEVERANCE HAD ADDED FIRST A
LANTERN, THEN TEN NEW PENTHOUSE
FLOORS, AND FINALLY A 50-FOO
LANTERN, THEN TEN NEW PENTHOUSE
FLOORS, AND FINALLY A 50-FOO
FLAGPOLE, TO BEAT OUT HIS RIVAL
FLOORS, AND FINALLY A 50-FOO
FLAGPOLE, TO BEAT OUT HIS RIVAL
ONCE AND FOR ALL.
FLAGPOLE, TO BEAT OUT HIS RIVAL
ONCE AND FOR ALL.
BUT THE CHRYSLER BUILDING HAD
ONCE AND FOR ALL.
BUT THE CHRYSLER BUILDING HAD
ONE MORE TRICK UP ITS SLEEVE.
Robert A.M. Stern: SEVERANCE
IS THINKING HIS BUILDING IS THE
IS THINKING HIS BUILDING IS THE
TALLEST, AND VAN ALEN BUILDS A
TALLEST, AND VAN ALEN BUILDS A
STEEL, OR MONEL, SPIKE.
STEEL, OR MONEL, SPIKE.
MONEL WAS A KIND OF EARLY FORM
MONEL WAS A KIND OF EARLY FORM
OF STAINLESS STEEL.
A SPIKE IS CREATED IN THE TOP OF
A SPIKE IS CREATED IN THE TOP OF
THE BUILDING, AND THEN, AT THE
LAST MINUTE, IT'S LITERALLY
THE BUILDING, AND THEN, AT THE
LAST MINUTE, IT'S LITERALLY
PUSHED UP TO CREATE THE CROWNING
LAST MINUTE, IT'S LITERALLY
PUSHED UP TO CREATE THE CROWNING
FEATURE AT THE TOP OF THE
PUSHED UP TO CREATE THE CROWNING
FEATURE AT THE TOP OF THE
BUILDING, TALLER THAN HIS FORMER
FEATURE AT THE TOP OF THE
BUILDING, TALLER THAN HIS FORMER
PARTNER.
BUILDING, TALLER THAN HIS FORMER
PARTNER.
Narrator: ON OCTOBER 16,
PARTNER.
Narrator: ON OCTOBER 16,
1929, THE 185-FOOT-LONG SPIRE,
Narrator: ON OCTOBER 16,
1929, THE 185-FOOT-LONG SPIRE,
ASSEMBLED IN SECRET IN THE
1929, THE 185-FOOT-LONG SPIRE,
ASSEMBLED IN SECRET IN THE
BUILDING'S TOWER, EMERGED FROM
ASSEMBLED IN SECRET IN THE
BUILDING'S TOWER, EMERGED FROM
ITS CHROME COCOON, AND WAS
BUILDING'S TOWER, EMERGED FROM
ITS CHROME COCOON, AND WAS
BOLTED TRIUMPHANTLY INTO PLACE.
ITS CHROME COCOON, AND WAS
BOLTED TRIUMPHANTLY INTO PLACE.
THE GLEAMING, SILVERY SPIKE
BOLTED TRIUMPHANTLY INTO PLACE.
THE GLEAMING, SILVERY SPIKE
RAISED THE CHRYSLER BUILDING
THE GLEAMING, SILVERY SPIKE
RAISED THE CHRYSLER BUILDING
OVERALL HEIGHT TO 1,048 FEET,
RAISED THE CHRYSLER BUILDING
OVERALL HEIGHT TO 1,048 FEET,
121 FEET TALLER THAN ITS
OVERALL HEIGHT TO 1,048 FEET,
121 FEET TALLER THAN ITS
DOWNTOWN RIVAL.
121 FEET TALLER THAN ITS
DOWNTOWN RIVAL.
WITH ITS GOTHIC EAVES, HUBCAP
DOWNTOWN RIVAL.
WITH ITS GOTHIC EAVES, HUBCAP
FRIEZES, AND STAINLESS STEEL
WITH ITS GOTHIC EAVES, HUBCAP
FRIEZES, AND STAINLESS STEEL
GARGOYLES SHAPED LIKE THE HOOD
FRIEZES, AND STAINLESS STEEL
GARGOYLES SHAPED LIKE THE HOOD
ORNAMENTS OF A 1929 CHRYSLER,
GARGOYLES SHAPED LIKE THE HOOD
ORNAMENTS OF A 1929 CHRYSLER,
THE MAJESTIC 77-STORY TOWER WAS
ORNAMENTS OF A 1929 CHRYSLER,
THE MAJESTIC 77-STORY TOWER WAS
NOW TALLER THAN THE WOOLWORTH
THE MAJESTIC 77-STORY TOWER WAS
NOW TALLER THAN THE WOOLWORTH
BUILDING, TALLER THAN THE BANK
NOW TALLER THAN THE WOOLWORTH
BUILDING, TALLER THAN THE BANK
OF THE MANHATTAN COMPANY, TALLER
BUILDING, TALLER THAN THE BANK
OF THE MANHATTAN COMPANY, TALLER
THAN THE EIFFEL TOWER
OF THE MANHATTAN COMPANY, TALLER
THAN THE EIFFEL TOWER
INDISPUTABLY THE TALLES
THAN THE EIFFEL TOWER
INDISPUTABLY THE TALLES
STRUCTURE IN THE WORLD, FOR NOW.
INDISPUTABLY THE TALLES
STRUCTURE IN THE WORLD, FOR NOW.
WITHIN WEEKS OF THE CHRYSLER
STRUCTURE IN THE WORLD, FOR NOW.
WITHIN WEEKS OF THE CHRYSLER
BUILDING'S TRIUMPH THAT FALL,
WITHIN WEEKS OF THE CHRYSLER
BUILDING'S TRIUMPH THAT FALL,
TWO AWESOME EVENTS WOULD
BUILDING'S TRIUMPH THAT FALL,
TWO AWESOME EVENTS WOULD
OVERTAKE NEW YORK CITY A
TWO AWESOME EVENTS WOULD
OVERTAKE NEW YORK CITY A
VIRTUALLY THE SAME TIME.
OVERTAKE NEW YORK CITY A
VIRTUALLY THE SAME TIME.
THE FIRST WOULD SEND IT PLUNGING
VIRTUALLY THE SAME TIME.
THE FIRST WOULD SEND IT PLUNGING
INTO THE DEEPEST AND DARKES
THE FIRST WOULD SEND IT PLUNGING
INTO THE DEEPEST AND DARKES
ABYSS OF ITS TUMULTUOUS HISTORY,
INTO THE DEEPEST AND DARKES
ABYSS OF ITS TUMULTUOUS HISTORY,
AND BRING THE GIDDY DECADE OF
ABYSS OF ITS TUMULTUOUS HISTORY,
AND BRING THE GIDDY DECADE OF
SPECULATION TO A SWIFT AND
AND BRING THE GIDDY DECADE OF
SPECULATION TO A SWIFT AND
HORRIFYING END.
SPECULATION TO A SWIFT AND
HORRIFYING END.
THE OTHER WOULD SEND IT SOARING,
HORRIFYING END.
THE OTHER WOULD SEND IT SOARING,
AGAINST ALL ODDS, HIGHER THAN I
THE OTHER WOULD SEND IT SOARING,
AGAINST ALL ODDS, HIGHER THAN I
HAD EVER GONE BEFORE, AN ENSIGN
AGAINST ALL ODDS, HIGHER THAN I
HAD EVER GONE BEFORE, AN ENSIGN
IN THE SKY THAT WOULD
HAD EVER GONE BEFORE, AN ENSIGN
IN THE SKY THAT WOULD
COMMEMORATE, PERHAPS FOR ALL
IN THE SKY THAT WOULD
COMMEMORATE, PERHAPS FOR ALL
TIME, THE CITY'S INSATIABLE WILL
COMMEMORATE, PERHAPS FOR ALL
TIME, THE CITY'S INSATIABLE WILL
TO RISE.
Douglas: THAT SENSE OF THERE
IS NO LIMIT AND THAT ALL THIS
IS NO LIMIT AND THAT ALL THIS
EXPANSION, THIS EXCESS, THIS
EXPANSION, THIS EXCESS, THIS
ELAN "WE'RE NOT REALLY GOING
ELAN "WE'RE NOT REALLY GOING
TO HAVE TO PAY FOR IT."
TO HAVE TO PAY FOR IT."
NOW, OF COURSE, THAT DIDN'T TURN
NOW, OF COURSE, THAT DIDN'T TURN
OUT TO BE TRUE.
YOU COULD SEE "THE CRASH."
YOU COULD SEE "THE CRASH."
WHY DO YOU THINK THEY CALLED I
THE CRASH?
WHY DO YOU THINK THEY CALLED I
THE CRASH?
I MEAN, IT'S REALLY AN AIRBORNE
THE CRASH?
I MEAN, IT'S REALLY AN AIRBORNE
COLLAPSE METAPHOR.
I MEAN, IT'S REALLY AN AIRBORNE
COLLAPSE METAPHOR.
YOU CAN'T CRASH IF YOU'VE NEVER
COLLAPSE METAPHOR.
YOU CAN'T CRASH IF YOU'VE NEVER
LEFT THE GROUND.
YOU CAN'T CRASH IF YOU'VE NEVER
LEFT THE GROUND.
AND IT'S NOT LIKE A CRACK-UP
LEFT THE GROUND.
AND IT'S NOT LIKE A CRACK-UP
WHERE YOU'RE ON THE GROUND AND
AND IT'S NOT LIKE A CRACK-UP
WHERE YOU'RE ON THE GROUND AND
YOU COLLIDE INTO SOMETHING ELSE.
WHERE YOU'RE ON THE GROUND AND
YOU COLLIDE INTO SOMETHING ELSE.
RATHER IT'S, YOU KNOW, THE PLANE
YOU COLLIDE INTO SOMETHING ELSE.
RATHER IT'S, YOU KNOW, THE PLANE
FELL.
Gordon: THE '20s HAD BEEN SO
PROSPEROUS IN SO MANY PLACES
PROSPEROUS IN SO MANY PLACES
NOT IN THE COUNTRYSIDE; THE
NOT IN THE COUNTRYSIDE; THE
FARMING INDUSTRY WAS IN VERY BAD
FARMING INDUSTRY WAS IN VERY BAD
SHAPE IN THE 1920s BU
SHAPE IN THE 1920s BU
CERTAINLY IN THE CITIES, IT WAS
CERTAINLY IN THE CITIES, IT WAS
VERY PROSPEROUS.
PEOPLE WERE MAKING FORTUNES ON
PEOPLE WERE MAKING FORTUNES ON
THE STOCK MARKET, AND THEN, ALL
OF A SUDDEN, POOF, IT WENT.
THE STOCK MARKET, AND THEN, ALL
OF A SUDDEN, POOF, IT WENT.
I MEAN, PEOPLE ECONOMISTS,
OF A SUDDEN, POOF, IT WENT.
I MEAN, PEOPLE ECONOMISTS,
VERY SERIOUS ECONOMISTS, HAD
I MEAN, PEOPLE ECONOMISTS,
VERY SERIOUS ECONOMISTS, HAD
BEEN SAYING WE'D REACHED A NEW
VERY SERIOUS ECONOMISTS, HAD
BEEN SAYING WE'D REACHED A NEW
LEVEL, A NEW PLATEAU OF
BEEN SAYING WE'D REACHED A NEW
LEVEL, A NEW PLATEAU OF
PROSPERITY IN THIS COUNTRY, AND,
LEVEL, A NEW PLATEAU OF
PROSPERITY IN THIS COUNTRY, AND,
YOU KNOW, WE WERE NEVER GOING TO
PROSPERITY IN THIS COUNTRY, AND,
YOU KNOW, WE WERE NEVER GOING TO
GO BACK.
YOU KNOW, WE WERE NEVER GOING TO
GO BACK.
AND THEN THE CRASH HAPPENED.
GO BACK.
AND THEN THE CRASH HAPPENED.
Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE
AND THEN THE CRASH HAPPENED.
Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE
SUMMER OF 1929, THERE HAD BEEN
Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE
SUMMER OF 1929, THERE HAD BEEN
OMINOUS RUMBLINGS.
SUMMER OF 1929, THERE HAD BEEN
OMINOUS RUMBLINGS.
FOR MONTHS, UNEMPLOYMENT HAD
OMINOUS RUMBLINGS.
FOR MONTHS, UNEMPLOYMENT HAD
BEEN RISING.
FOR MONTHS, UNEMPLOYMENT HAD
BEEN RISING.
AUTOMOBILES SALES AND DEPARTMEN
BEEN RISING.
AUTOMOBILES SALES AND DEPARTMEN
STORE REVENUES HAD FALLEN OFF
AUTOMOBILES SALES AND DEPARTMEN
STORE REVENUES HAD FALLEN OFF
SHARPLY.
STORE REVENUES HAD FALLEN OFF
SHARPLY.
ACROSS THE SOUTH AND WEST, FARMS
SHARPLY.
ACROSS THE SOUTH AND WEST, FARMS
WERE FAILING IN RECORD NUMBERS.
ACROSS THE SOUTH AND WEST, FARMS
WERE FAILING IN RECORD NUMBERS.
AND STILL, ON WALL STREET, THE
WERE FAILING IN RECORD NUMBERS.
AND STILL, ON WALL STREET, THE
DELIRIOUS OPTIMISM CONTINUED,
AND STILL, ON WALL STREET, THE
DELIRIOUS OPTIMISM CONTINUED,
UNDIMMED.
DELIRIOUS OPTIMISM CONTINUED,
UNDIMMED.
ON AUGUST 27, 1929, THE DOW
UNDIMMED.
ON AUGUST 27, 1929, THE DOW
JONES AVERAGE REACHED ITS ALL-
ON AUGUST 27, 1929, THE DOW
JONES AVERAGE REACHED ITS ALL-
TIME PEAK, AS AN ARMY OF
JONES AVERAGE REACHED ITS ALL-
TIME PEAK, AS AN ARMY OF
FRENZIED BUYERS DESCENDED ON NEW
TIME PEAK, AS AN ARMY OF
FRENZIED BUYERS DESCENDED ON NEW
YORK, DESPERATE NOT TO MISS A
FRENZIED BUYERS DESCENDED ON NEW
YORK, DESPERATE NOT TO MISS A
SINGLE DAY'S TRADING, SWAMPING
YORK, DESPERATE NOT TO MISS A
SINGLE DAY'S TRADING, SWAMPING
THE HOTELS, CAMPING OUT ON THE
SINGLE DAY'S TRADING, SWAMPING
THE HOTELS, CAMPING OUT ON THE
STREET IN FRONT OF THE STOCK
THE HOTELS, CAMPING OUT ON THE
STREET IN FRONT OF THE STOCK
EXCHANGE AND IN THE TINY
STREET IN FRONT OF THE STOCK
EXCHANGE AND IN THE TINY
GRAVEYARD OF TRINITY CHURCH ON
EXCHANGE AND IN THE TINY
GRAVEYARD OF TRINITY CHURCH ON
BROADWAY, WHERE ALEXANDER
GRAVEYARD OF TRINITY CHURCH ON
BROADWAY, WHERE ALEXANDER
HAMILTON LAY BURIED.
BROADWAY, WHERE ALEXANDER
HAMILTON LAY BURIED.
Gordon: WHAT CAUSED THE CRASH
HAMILTON LAY BURIED.
Gordon: WHAT CAUSED THE CRASH
OF '29 WAS EXCESS SPECULATION.
Gordon: WHAT CAUSED THE CRASH
OF '29 WAS EXCESS SPECULATION.
WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS THAT THE
OF '29 WAS EXCESS SPECULATION.
WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS THAT THE
AMERICAN ECONOMY AS A WHOLE HAD
WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS THAT THE
AMERICAN ECONOMY AS A WHOLE HAD
BEGUN TO COOL STARTING IN 1928,
AMERICAN ECONOMY AS A WHOLE HAD
BEGUN TO COOL STARTING IN 1928,
AND THE WALL STREET ECONOMY
BEGUN TO COOL STARTING IN 1928,
AND THE WALL STREET ECONOMY
DISCONNECTED FROM THE UNDERLYING
AND THE WALL STREET ECONOMY
DISCONNECTED FROM THE UNDERLYING
REAL ECONOMY AND BECAME A
DISCONNECTED FROM THE UNDERLYING
REAL ECONOMY AND BECAME A
SPECULATIVE BUBBLE, AND THIS
REAL ECONOMY AND BECAME A
SPECULATIVE BUBBLE, AND THIS
FUELED THE SPECULATION THAT JUS
SPECULATIVE BUBBLE, AND THIS
FUELED THE SPECULATION THAT JUS
TOOK OFF AND TOOK OFF AND TOOK
FUELED THE SPECULATION THAT JUS
TOOK OFF AND TOOK OFF AND TOOK
OFF UNTIL, AGAIN, ONE DAY,
TOOK OFF AND TOOK OFF AND TOOK
OFF UNTIL, AGAIN, ONE DAY,
SOMEBODY WOKE UP AND SAID, "THIS
OFF UNTIL, AGAIN, ONE DAY,
SOMEBODY WOKE UP AND SAID, "THIS
HAS GONE TOO FAR."
SOMEBODY WOKE UP AND SAID, "THIS
HAS GONE TOO FAR."
THERE'S AN OLD STORY ABOU
HAS GONE TOO FAR."
THERE'S AN OLD STORY ABOU
BERNARD BARUCH, THAT HE HAD HIS
THERE'S AN OLD STORY ABOU
BERNARD BARUCH, THAT HE HAD HIS
SHOES SHINED EVERY MORNING BY
BERNARD BARUCH, THAT HE HAD HIS
SHOES SHINED EVERY MORNING BY
THE SAME SHOESHINE BOY, AND ONE
SHOES SHINED EVERY MORNING BY
THE SAME SHOESHINE BOY, AND ONE
MORNING, THE SHOESHINE BOY GAVE
THE SAME SHOESHINE BOY, AND ONE
MORNING, THE SHOESHINE BOY GAVE
HIM A STOCK TIP, AND BARUCH WEN
MORNING, THE SHOESHINE BOY GAVE
HIM A STOCK TIP, AND BARUCH WEN
TO HIS OFFICE, CALLED UP HIS
HIM A STOCK TIP, AND BARUCH WEN
TO HIS OFFICE, CALLED UP HIS
BROKER, AND SAID, "SELL ME OUT.
TO HIS OFFICE, CALLED UP HIS
BROKER, AND SAID, "SELL ME OUT.
WHEN SHOESHINE BOYS ARE GIVING
BROKER, AND SAID, "SELL ME OUT.
WHEN SHOESHINE BOYS ARE GIVING
STOCK TIPS, IT'S TIME TO GE
WHEN SHOESHINE BOYS ARE GIVING
STOCK TIPS, IT'S TIME TO GE
OUT."
STOCK TIPS, IT'S TIME TO GE
OUT."
Narrator: AS SUMMER TURNED TO
OUT."
Narrator: AS SUMMER TURNED TO
FALL, THE MOOD CHANGED.
Narrator: AS SUMMER TURNED TO
FALL, THE MOOD CHANGED.
AS THE STOCK MARKET DIPPED, THEN
FALL, THE MOOD CHANGED.
AS THE STOCK MARKET DIPPED, THEN
ROSE, THEN LURCHED DOWNWARDS
AS THE STOCK MARKET DIPPED, THEN
ROSE, THEN LURCHED DOWNWARDS
AGAIN, INVESTORS GREW
ROSE, THEN LURCHED DOWNWARDS
AGAIN, INVESTORS GREW
INCREASINGLY UNEASY.
AGAIN, INVESTORS GREW
INCREASINGLY UNEASY.
IN SEPTEMBER, AN ECONOMIST NAMED
INCREASINGLY UNEASY.
IN SEPTEMBER, AN ECONOMIST NAMED
ROGER BABSON SENT A WAVE OF FEAR
IN SEPTEMBER, AN ECONOMIST NAMED
ROGER BABSON SENT A WAVE OF FEAR
RIPPLING THROUGH WALL STREE
ROGER BABSON SENT A WAVE OF FEAR
RIPPLING THROUGH WALL STREE
WHEN HE WARNED THAT "SOONER OR
RIPPLING THROUGH WALL STREE
WHEN HE WARNED THAT "SOONER OR
LATER, A CRASH IS COMING, AND I
WHEN HE WARNED THAT "SOONER OR
LATER, A CRASH IS COMING, AND I
MAY BE TERRIFIC."
LATER, A CRASH IS COMING, AND I
MAY BE TERRIFIC."
BUT MOST EXPERTS BRUSHED AWAY
MAY BE TERRIFIC."
BUT MOST EXPERTS BRUSHED AWAY
ANY CONCERNS.
BUT MOST EXPERTS BRUSHED AWAY
ANY CONCERNS.
"STOCK PRICES," ONE MAN
ANY CONCERNS.
"STOCK PRICES," ONE MAN
DECLARED, "HAVE REACHED WHA
"STOCK PRICES," ONE MAN
DECLARED, "HAVE REACHED WHA
LOOKS LIKE A PERMANENTLY HIGH
DECLARED, "HAVE REACHED WHA
LOOKS LIKE A PERMANENTLY HIGH
PLATEAU."
LOOKS LIKE A PERMANENTLY HIGH
PLATEAU."
AND THEN THE BOTTOM FELL OUT.
PLATEAU."
AND THEN THE BOTTOM FELL OUT.
ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1929,
AND THEN THE BOTTOM FELL OUT.
ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1929,
THE FIRST WAVES OF PANICKY
ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1929,
THE FIRST WAVES OF PANICKY
SELLING BEGAN TO DRIVE DOWN THE
THE FIRST WAVES OF PANICKY
SELLING BEGAN TO DRIVE DOWN THE
PRICE OF BLUE CHIP STOCKS LIKE
SELLING BEGAN TO DRIVE DOWN THE
PRICE OF BLUE CHIP STOCKS LIKE
WESTINGHOUSE AND GENERAL
PRICE OF BLUE CHIP STOCKS LIKE
WESTINGHOUSE AND GENERAL
ELECTRIC.
WESTINGHOUSE AND GENERAL
ELECTRIC.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, THE FEAR
ELECTRIC.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, THE FEAR
TURNED TO PANIC, AND BROKERS
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, THE FEAR
TURNED TO PANIC, AND BROKERS
BEGAN UNLOADING MARGIN ACCOUNTS
TURNED TO PANIC, AND BROKERS
BEGAN UNLOADING MARGIN ACCOUNTS
AT RECORD SPEED.
BEGAN UNLOADING MARGIN ACCOUNTS
AT RECORD SPEED.
STOCK PRICES PLUMMETED
AT RECORD SPEED.
STOCK PRICES PLUMMETED
SICKENINGLY, ACROSS THE BOARD,
STOCK PRICES PLUMMETED
SICKENINGLY, ACROSS THE BOARD,
SPURRING THE RUSH OF SELL ORDERS
SICKENINGLY, ACROSS THE BOARD,
SPURRING THE RUSH OF SELL ORDERS
FROM TERRIFIED SPECULATORS STILL
SPURRING THE RUSH OF SELL ORDERS
FROM TERRIFIED SPECULATORS STILL
MORE.
FROM TERRIFIED SPECULATORS STILL
MORE.
AS ANGUISHED SHRIEKS ROSE UP
MORE.
AS ANGUISHED SHRIEKS ROSE UP
FROM THE FLOOR OF THE NEW YORK
AS ANGUISHED SHRIEKS ROSE UP
FROM THE FLOOR OF THE NEW YORK
STOCK EXCHANGE, THE VISITORS'
FROM THE FLOOR OF THE NEW YORK
STOCK EXCHANGE, THE VISITORS'
GALLERY WAS CLEARED.
STOCK EXCHANGE, THE VISITORS'
GALLERY WAS CLEARED.
IN LESS THAN TWO HOURS, NEARLY
GALLERY WAS CLEARED.
IN LESS THAN TWO HOURS, NEARLY
$10 BILLION INVESTED IN STOCKS
IN LESS THAN TWO HOURS, NEARLY
$10 BILLION INVESTED IN STOCKS
WAS SIMPLY WIPED OUT.
$10 BILLION INVESTED IN STOCKS
WAS SIMPLY WIPED OUT.
OUTSIDE ON THE STREET, CROWDS
WAS SIMPLY WIPED OUT.
OUTSIDE ON THE STREET, CROWDS
MASSED SIX DEEP IN FRONT OF THE
OUTSIDE ON THE STREET, CROWDS
MASSED SIX DEEP IN FRONT OF THE
STOCK EXCHANGE, WHILE HUNDREDS
MASSED SIX DEEP IN FRONT OF THE
STOCK EXCHANGE, WHILE HUNDREDS
MORE STOOD IN SHOCKED SILENCE ON
STOCK EXCHANGE, WHILE HUNDREDS
MORE STOOD IN SHOCKED SILENCE ON
THE STEPS OF FEDERAL HALL.
MORE STOOD IN SHOCKED SILENCE ON
THE STEPS OF FEDERAL HALL.
NEWSPAPERS WOULD LATER TRY TO
THE STEPS OF FEDERAL HALL.
NEWSPAPERS WOULD LATER TRY TO
DESCRIBE THE UNCANNY MURMURING
NEWSPAPERS WOULD LATER TRY TO
DESCRIBE THE UNCANNY MURMURING
SOUND THAT ECHOED OFF THE STONE
DESCRIBE THE UNCANNY MURMURING
SOUND THAT ECHOED OFF THE STONE
FACADES OF THE FINANCIAL
SOUND THAT ECHOED OFF THE STONE
FACADES OF THE FINANCIAL
DISTRICT THAT MORNING.
FACADES OF THE FINANCIAL
DISTRICT THAT MORNING.
IT WAS A COLLECTIVE MOAN OF
DISTRICT THAT MORNING.
IT WAS A COLLECTIVE MOAN OF
HORROR AND GRIEF AND STUNNED
IT WAS A COLLECTIVE MOAN OF
HORROR AND GRIEF AND STUNNED
DISBELIEF RISING UP FROM
HORROR AND GRIEF AND STUNNED
DISBELIEF RISING UP FROM
THOUSANDS OF RUINED, FRIGHTENED
DISBELIEF RISING UP FROM
THOUSANDS OF RUINED, FRIGHTENED
MEN.
THOUSANDS OF RUINED, FRIGHTENED
MEN.
THE BIGGEST CROWDS GATHERED
MEN.
THE BIGGEST CROWDS GATHERED
OUTSIDE THE HOUSE OF MORGAN,
THE BIGGEST CROWDS GATHERED
OUTSIDE THE HOUSE OF MORGAN,
DESPERATELY HOPING FOR A
OUTSIDE THE HOUSE OF MORGAN,
DESPERATELY HOPING FOR A
MIRACLE.
DESPERATELY HOPING FOR A
MIRACLE.
CHEERS BROKE OUT WHEN WORD CAME
MIRACLE.
CHEERS BROKE OUT WHEN WORD CAME
THAT A CONSORTIUM OF BANKERS HAD
CHEERS BROKE OUT WHEN WORD CAME
THAT A CONSORTIUM OF BANKERS HAD
AGREED TO PUMP HUNDREDS OF
THAT A CONSORTIUM OF BANKERS HAD
AGREED TO PUMP HUNDREDS OF
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO THE
AGREED TO PUMP HUNDREDS OF
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO THE
STOCK EXCHANGE TO SHORE UP THE
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO THE
STOCK EXCHANGE TO SHORE UP THE
FALTERING MARKET.
STOCK EXCHANGE TO SHORE UP THE
FALTERING MARKET.
WORD SPREAD THAT ONCE AGAIN THE
FALTERING MARKET.
WORD SPREAD THAT ONCE AGAIN THE
DAY HAD BEEN SAVED BY THE HOUSE
WORD SPREAD THAT ONCE AGAIN THE
DAY HAD BEEN SAVED BY THE HOUSE
OF MORGAN, BUT THE DAY HAD NO
DAY HAD BEEN SAVED BY THE HOUSE
OF MORGAN, BUT THE DAY HAD NO
BEEN SAVED.
OF MORGAN, BUT THE DAY HAD NO
BEEN SAVED.
ON FRIDAY, WITH THE MARKE
BEEN SAVED.
ON FRIDAY, WITH THE MARKE
APPARENTLY STABILIZED, THE BANKS
ON FRIDAY, WITH THE MARKE
APPARENTLY STABILIZED, THE BANKS
WITHDREW THEIR FUNDS.
APPARENTLY STABILIZED, THE BANKS
WITHDREW THEIR FUNDS.
THE FOLLOWING TUESDAY OCTOBER
WITHDREW THEIR FUNDS.
THE FOLLOWING TUESDAY OCTOBER
29, 1929, KNOWN FOREVER AFTER AS
THE FOLLOWING TUESDAY OCTOBER
29, 1929, KNOWN FOREVER AFTER AS
BLACK TUESDAY ANOTHER TIDAL
29, 1929, KNOWN FOREVER AFTER AS
BLACK TUESDAY ANOTHER TIDAL
WAVE OF SELLING HIT THE
BLACK TUESDAY ANOTHER TIDAL
WAVE OF SELLING HIT THE
EXCHANGE, AND THIS TIME, NO ONE
WAVE OF SELLING HIT THE
EXCHANGE, AND THIS TIME, NO ONE
CAME TO THE RESCUE.
EXCHANGE, AND THIS TIME, NO ONE
CAME TO THE RESCUE.
Gordon: NOTHING COULD STOP
CAME TO THE RESCUE.
Gordon: NOTHING COULD STOP
IT.
Gordon: NOTHING COULD STOP
IT.
JUST PEOPLE WANTED OUT.
IT.
JUST PEOPLE WANTED OUT.
AND THIS WAS IN THE FALL.
JUST PEOPLE WANTED OUT.
AND THIS WAS IN THE FALL.
MOST CRASHES TEND TO BE IN THE
AND THIS WAS IN THE FALL.
MOST CRASHES TEND TO BE IN THE
FALL.
MOST CRASHES TEND TO BE IN THE
FALL.
AND, I THINK, AGAIN, IT'S HUMAN
FALL.
AND, I THINK, AGAIN, IT'S HUMAN
PSYCHOLOGY.
AND, I THINK, AGAIN, IT'S HUMAN
PSYCHOLOGY.
YOU TEND TO BE MORE CAUTIONS IN
PSYCHOLOGY.
YOU TEND TO BE MORE CAUTIONS IN
THE FALL.
YOU TEND TO BE MORE CAUTIONS IN
THE FALL.
I MEAN, THE SPECULATIONS OF
THE FALL.
I MEAN, THE SPECULATIONS OF
SUMMER THAT SEEM SO BRILLIANT,
I MEAN, THE SPECULATIONS OF
SUMMER THAT SEEM SO BRILLIANT,
AND SUDDENLY WHEN THE CHILL
SUMMER THAT SEEM SO BRILLIANT,
AND SUDDENLY WHEN THE CHILL
WINDS OF OCTOBER COME, YOU
AND SUDDENLY WHEN THE CHILL
WINDS OF OCTOBER COME, YOU
WONDER IF THEY'RE SUCH A GOOD
WINDS OF OCTOBER COME, YOU
WONDER IF THEY'RE SUCH A GOOD
IDEA AND YOU TRY TO GET OUT.
WONDER IF THEY'RE SUCH A GOOD
IDEA AND YOU TRY TO GET OUT.
AND IF TOO MANY PEOPLE DO THA
IDEA AND YOU TRY TO GET OUT.
AND IF TOO MANY PEOPLE DO THA
AT ONCE, IT CAUSES THE MARKET TO
AND IF TOO MANY PEOPLE DO THA
AT ONCE, IT CAUSES THE MARKET TO
DROP, WHICH CAUSES MORE PEOPLE
AT ONCE, IT CAUSES THE MARKET TO
DROP, WHICH CAUSES MORE PEOPLE
TO WANT TO GET OUT, AND
DROP, WHICH CAUSES MORE PEOPLE
TO WANT TO GET OUT, AND
SUDDENLY, YOU KNOW, THE SNOWBALL
TO WANT TO GET OUT, AND
SUDDENLY, YOU KNOW, THE SNOWBALL
ROLLS DOWN THE HILL.
SUDDENLY, YOU KNOW, THE SNOWBALL
ROLLS DOWN THE HILL.
Narrator: HOUR AFTER HOUR,
ROLLS DOWN THE HILL.
Narrator: HOUR AFTER HOUR,
THE MARKET CONTINUED ITS DESCEN
Narrator: HOUR AFTER HOUR,
THE MARKET CONTINUED ITS DESCEN
INTO CHAOS AND PANDEMONIUM AS
THE MARKET CONTINUED ITS DESCEN
INTO CHAOS AND PANDEMONIUM AS
STOCK PRICES SIMPLY COLLAPSED
INTO CHAOS AND PANDEMONIUM AS
STOCK PRICES SIMPLY COLLAPSED
UNDER THE TORRENT OF PANICKED
STOCK PRICES SIMPLY COLLAPSED
UNDER THE TORRENT OF PANICKED
SELLING, AND DESPERATE BROKERS
UNDER THE TORRENT OF PANICKED
SELLING, AND DESPERATE BROKERS
FOUGHT AND SCREAMED AND TRAMPLED
SELLING, AND DESPERATE BROKERS
FOUGHT AND SCREAMED AND TRAMPLED
ONE ANOTHER TO GET OUT.
FOUGHT AND SCREAMED AND TRAMPLED
ONE ANOTHER TO GET OUT.
Gordon: 16 MILLION SHARES
ONE ANOTHER TO GET OUT.
Gordon: 16 MILLION SHARES
TRADED THAT DAY, WHICH SEEMS
Gordon: 16 MILLION SHARES
TRADED THAT DAY, WHICH SEEMS
LIKE NOTHING TODAY BECAUSE WE
TRADED THAT DAY, WHICH SEEMS
LIKE NOTHING TODAY BECAUSE WE
TRADE 16 MILLION SHARES IN THE
LIKE NOTHING TODAY BECAUSE WE
TRADE 16 MILLION SHARES IN THE
FIRST FIVE SECONDS OF THE
TRADE 16 MILLION SHARES IN THE
FIRST FIVE SECONDS OF THE
BUSINESS DAY.
FIRST FIVE SECONDS OF THE
BUSINESS DAY.
BUT THE TRADING RECORD SET ON
BUSINESS DAY.
BUT THE TRADING RECORD SET ON
THE DAY OF THE CRASH, THE 16
BUT THE TRADING RECORD SET ON
THE DAY OF THE CRASH, THE 16
MILLION SHARES, WAS NOT BESTED
THE DAY OF THE CRASH, THE 16
MILLION SHARES, WAS NOT BESTED
UNTIL 1969.
MILLION SHARES, WAS NOT BESTED
UNTIL 1969.
IT WAS 40 YEARS BEFORE THE NEW
UNTIL 1969.
IT WAS 40 YEARS BEFORE THE NEW
YORK STOCK EXCHANGE TRADED MORE
IT WAS 40 YEARS BEFORE THE NEW
YORK STOCK EXCHANGE TRADED MORE
SHARES THAN IT TRADED ON THE DAY
YORK STOCK EXCHANGE TRADED MORE
SHARES THAN IT TRADED ON THE DAY
OF THE CRASH.
SHARES THAN IT TRADED ON THE DAY
OF THE CRASH.
THE TICKERS DID NOT STOP RUNNING
OF THE CRASH.
THE TICKERS DID NOT STOP RUNNING
UNTIL QUARTER OF 8:00, WHEN THE
THE TICKERS DID NOT STOP RUNNING
UNTIL QUARTER OF 8:00, WHEN THE
MARKET HAD CLOSED AT 3:30, I
UNTIL QUARTER OF 8:00, WHEN THE
MARKET HAD CLOSED AT 3:30, I
GUESS.
MARKET HAD CLOSED AT 3:30, I
GUESS.
Narrator: IN THE WORST SINGLE
GUESS.
Narrator: IN THE WORST SINGLE
DAY IN THE HISTORY OF THE NEW
Narrator: IN THE WORST SINGLE
DAY IN THE HISTORY OF THE NEW
YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, THE MARKE
DAY IN THE HISTORY OF THE NEW
YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, THE MARKE
LOST $14 BILLION IN VALUE,
YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, THE MARKE
LOST $14 BILLION IN VALUE,
BRINGING THE WEEK'S LOSS TO MORE
LOST $14 BILLION IN VALUE,
BRINGING THE WEEK'S LOSS TO MORE
THAN $30 BILLION, TEN TIMES MORE
BRINGING THE WEEK'S LOSS TO MORE
THAN $30 BILLION, TEN TIMES MORE
THAN THE ENTIRE ANNUAL BUDGET OF
THAN $30 BILLION, TEN TIMES MORE
THAN THE ENTIRE ANNUAL BUDGET OF
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND FAR
THAN THE ENTIRE ANNUAL BUDGET OF
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND FAR
MORE THAN THE UNITED STATES HAD
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND FAR
MORE THAN THE UNITED STATES HAD
SPENT DURING ALL OF WORLD WAR I.
MORE THAN THE UNITED STATES HAD
SPENT DURING ALL OF WORLD WAR I.
WORST HIT IN THE SHORT RUN WERE
SPENT DURING ALL OF WORLD WAR I.
WORST HIT IN THE SHORT RUN WERE
THE THOUSANDS OF SMALL INVESTORS
WORST HIT IN THE SHORT RUN WERE
THE THOUSANDS OF SMALL INVESTORS
WHO, BELIEVING THAT EVERYONE
THE THOUSANDS OF SMALL INVESTORS
WHO, BELIEVING THAT EVERYONE
COULD BE RICH, HAD BOUGHT STOCK
WHO, BELIEVING THAT EVERYONE
COULD BE RICH, HAD BOUGHT STOCK
ON MARGIN, SOMETIMES BORROWING
COULD BE RICH, HAD BOUGHT STOCK
ON MARGIN, SOMETIMES BORROWING
AS MUCH AS 90% OF ITS BOOK
ON MARGIN, SOMETIMES BORROWING
AS MUCH AS 90% OF ITS BOOK
VALUE.
AS MUCH AS 90% OF ITS BOOK
VALUE.
IN A MATTER OF HOURS, IN SOME
VALUE.
IN A MATTER OF HOURS, IN SOME
CASES MINUTES, THEY HAD LOS
IN A MATTER OF HOURS, IN SOME
CASES MINUTES, THEY HAD LOS
EVERYTHING THEIR LIFE SAVINGS,
CASES MINUTES, THEY HAD LOS
EVERYTHING THEIR LIFE SAVINGS,
THEIR HOUSES, AND THEIR DREAMS.
EVERYTHING THEIR LIFE SAVINGS,
THEIR HOUSES, AND THEIR DREAMS.
FINANCIERS WHO HAD NOT BEEN
THEIR HOUSES, AND THEIR DREAMS.
FINANCIERS WHO HAD NOT BEEN
WIPED OUT TRIED TO PUT A BRAVE
FINANCIERS WHO HAD NOT BEEN
WIPED OUT TRIED TO PUT A BRAVE
FACE ON THINGS, INSISTING THERE
WIPED OUT TRIED TO PUT A BRAVE
FACE ON THINGS, INSISTING THERE
WAS NO CAUSE FOR ALARM.
FACE ON THINGS, INSISTING THERE
WAS NO CAUSE FOR ALARM.
"PRUDENT INVESTORS ARE NOW
WAS NO CAUSE FOR ALARM.
"PRUDENT INVESTORS ARE NOW
BUYING STOCKS IN HUGE
"PRUDENT INVESTORS ARE NOW
BUYING STOCKS IN HUGE
QUANTITIES," JOHN JACOB RASKOB
BUYING STOCKS IN HUGE
QUANTITIES," JOHN JACOB RASKOB
TOLD THE NEW YORK TIMES, "AND
QUANTITIES," JOHN JACOB RASKOB
TOLD THE NEW YORK TIMES, "AND
WILL PROFIT HANDSOMELY WHEN THIS
TOLD THE NEW YORK TIMES, "AND
WILL PROFIT HANDSOMELY WHEN THIS
HYSTERIA IS OVER."
WILL PROFIT HANDSOMELY WHEN THIS
HYSTERIA IS OVER."
Reader: "WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER
HYSTERIA IS OVER."
Reader: "WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER
30, 1929.
Reader: "WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER
30, 1929.
MR. RASKOB WAS ASKED IF HE
30, 1929.
MR. RASKOB WAS ASKED IF HE
BELIEVED THAT THE DECLINE IN THE
MR. RASKOB WAS ASKED IF HE
BELIEVED THAT THE DECLINE IN THE
STOCK MARKET WOULD HAVE GREA
BELIEVED THAT THE DECLINE IN THE
STOCK MARKET WOULD HAVE GREA
EFFECTS ON BUSINESS.
STOCK MARKET WOULD HAVE GREA
EFFECTS ON BUSINESS.
HE ANSWERED THAT HE DID NO
EFFECTS ON BUSINESS.
HE ANSWERED THAT HE DID NO
BELIEVE THE EFFECTS WOULD BE
HE ANSWERED THAT HE DID NO
BELIEVE THE EFFECTS WOULD BE
OTHER THAN TEMPORARY, LASTING
BELIEVE THE EFFECTS WOULD BE
OTHER THAN TEMPORARY, LASTING
PROBABLY TWO OR THREE MONTHS,
OTHER THAN TEMPORARY, LASTING
PROBABLY TWO OR THREE MONTHS,
AND THAT HE DID NOT BELIEVE THA
PROBABLY TWO OR THREE MONTHS,
AND THAT HE DID NOT BELIEVE THA
THE EFFECTS WOULD BE DRASTIC IN
AND THAT HE DID NOT BELIEVE THA
THE EFFECTS WOULD BE DRASTIC IN
OTHER THAN LUXURY INDUSTRIES."
THE EFFECTS WOULD BE DRASTIC IN
OTHER THAN LUXURY INDUSTRIES."
THE NEW YORK TIMES.
OTHER THAN LUXURY INDUSTRIES."
THE NEW YORK TIMES.
Narrator: BUT OTHERS FEARED
THE NEW YORK TIMES.
Narrator: BUT OTHERS FEARED
THE WORST.
Narrator: BUT OTHERS FEARED
THE WORST.
"THE PRESENT WEEK," ONE
THE WORST.
"THE PRESENT WEEK," ONE
NEWSPAPER EDITOR DECLARED, "HAS
"THE PRESENT WEEK," ONE
NEWSPAPER EDITOR DECLARED, "HAS
WITNESSED THE GREATEST STOCK
NEWSPAPER EDITOR DECLARED, "HAS
WITNESSED THE GREATEST STOCK
MARKET CATASTROPHE OF ALL
WITNESSED THE GREATEST STOCK
MARKET CATASTROPHE OF ALL
TIMES."
MARKET CATASTROPHE OF ALL
TIMES."
IT WOULD TAKE A DECADE AND A
TIMES."
IT WOULD TAKE A DECADE AND A
HALF FOR THE AMERICAN ECONOMY TO
IT WOULD TAKE A DECADE AND A
HALF FOR THE AMERICAN ECONOMY TO
FULLY RECOVER.
HALF FOR THE AMERICAN ECONOMY TO
FULLY RECOVER.
Gordon: I THINK THE REASON
FULLY RECOVER.
Gordon: I THINK THE REASON
THE CRASH LIVES ON IN THE
Gordon: I THINK THE REASON
THE CRASH LIVES ON IN THE
AMERICAN FOLK MEMORY, ALTHOUGH
THE CRASH LIVES ON IN THE
AMERICAN FOLK MEMORY, ALTHOUGH
THERE AREN'T MANY PEOPLE ALIVE
AMERICAN FOLK MEMORY, ALTHOUGH
THERE AREN'T MANY PEOPLE ALIVE
TODAY WHO WERE ADULTS WHEN THE
THERE AREN'T MANY PEOPLE ALIVE
TODAY WHO WERE ADULTS WHEN THE
CRASH HAPPENED ALMOST 70 YEARS
TODAY WHO WERE ADULTS WHEN THE
CRASH HAPPENED ALMOST 70 YEARS
AGO NOW, BUT WHAT FOLLOWED THE
CRASH HAPPENED ALMOST 70 YEARS
AGO NOW, BUT WHAT FOLLOWED THE
CRASH, THE GREAT DEPRESSION,
AGO NOW, BUT WHAT FOLLOWED THE
CRASH, THE GREAT DEPRESSION,
WHICH PERMANENTLY SCARRED THE
CRASH, THE GREAT DEPRESSION,
WHICH PERMANENTLY SCARRED THE
AMERICAN PSYCHE, AND THEY
WHICH PERMANENTLY SCARRED THE
AMERICAN PSYCHE, AND THEY
REMEMBER THE CRASH AS THE
AMERICAN PSYCHE, AND THEY
REMEMBER THE CRASH AS THE
BEGINNING OF THE GREA
REMEMBER THE CRASH AS THE
BEGINNING OF THE GREA
DEPRESSION, ALTHOUGH, IN FACT,
BEGINNING OF THE GREA
DEPRESSION, ALTHOUGH, IN FACT,
THE TWO HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH
DEPRESSION, ALTHOUGH, IN FACT,
THE TWO HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH
EACH OTHER, OR VERY LITTLE.
THE TWO HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH
EACH OTHER, OR VERY LITTLE.
BUT THAT'S WHY I THINK THE CRASH
EACH OTHER, OR VERY LITTLE.
BUT THAT'S WHY I THINK THE CRASH
BECAME SUCH A BENCHMARK, BECAUSE
BUT THAT'S WHY I THINK THE CRASH
BECAME SUCH A BENCHMARK, BECAUSE
IT WAS THIS VERY SHARP LINE
BECAME SUCH A BENCHMARK, BECAUSE
IT WAS THIS VERY SHARP LINE
BETWEEN PROSPERITY AND THE GIDDY
IT WAS THIS VERY SHARP LINE
BETWEEN PROSPERITY AND THE GIDDY
COCKTAIL PARTY OF THE 1920s AND
BETWEEN PROSPERITY AND THE GIDDY
COCKTAIL PARTY OF THE 1920s AND
THE AWFUL DEPRESSION OF THE
COCKTAIL PARTY OF THE 1920s AND
THE AWFUL DEPRESSION OF THE
1930s, AND THE BREAD LINES AND
THE AWFUL DEPRESSION OF THE
1930s, AND THE BREAD LINES AND
THE APPLE SELLERS AND THE BONUS
1930s, AND THE BREAD LINES AND
THE APPLE SELLERS AND THE BONUS
RIOTS AND WHAT HAVE YOU.
THE APPLE SELLERS AND THE BONUS
RIOTS AND WHAT HAVE YOU.
Narrator: SCOTT FITZGERALD
RIOTS AND WHAT HAVE YOU.
Narrator: SCOTT FITZGERALD
WAS SOMEWHERE IN NORTH AFRICA
Narrator: SCOTT FITZGERALD
WAS SOMEWHERE IN NORTH AFRICA
WHEN THE END CAME, AND THOUGH
WAS SOMEWHERE IN NORTH AFRICA
WHEN THE END CAME, AND THOUGH
HE HEARD A "DULL, DISTANT CRASH"
WHEN THE END CAME, AND THOUGH
HE HEARD A "DULL, DISTANT CRASH"
ECHOING TO THE FARTHEST WASTES
HE HEARD A "DULL, DISTANT CRASH"
ECHOING TO THE FARTHEST WASTES
OF THE DESERT.
ECHOING TO THE FARTHEST WASTES
OF THE DESERT.
ZELDA'S CONDITION WAS WORSENING.
OF THE DESERT.
ZELDA'S CONDITION WAS WORSENING.
WHEN HE FINALLY RETURNED TO WHA
ZELDA'S CONDITION WAS WORSENING.
WHEN HE FINALLY RETURNED TO WHA
HE CALLED "MY LOST CITY," HE
WHEN HE FINALLY RETURNED TO WHA
HE CALLED "MY LOST CITY," HE
KNEW INSTANTLY THAT EVERYTHING
HE CALLED "MY LOST CITY," HE
KNEW INSTANTLY THAT EVERYTHING
HAD CHANGED.
KNEW INSTANTLY THAT EVERYTHING
HAD CHANGED.
Reader: "I CAN ONLY CRY OU
HAD CHANGED.
Reader: "I CAN ONLY CRY OU
THAT I HAVE LOST MY SPLENDID
Reader: "I CAN ONLY CRY OU
THAT I HAVE LOST MY SPLENDID
MIRAGE.
THAT I HAVE LOST MY SPLENDID
MIRAGE.
COME BACK, COME BACK, O
MIRAGE.
COME BACK, COME BACK, O
GLITTERING AND WHITE."
COME BACK, COME BACK, O
GLITTERING AND WHITE."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
GLITTERING AND WHITE."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Narrator: IT WAS THE BUILDING
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Narrator: IT WAS THE BUILDING
THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN
Narrator: IT WAS THE BUILDING
THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN
BUILT, RISING IN THE WRONG PLACE
THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN
BUILT, RISING IN THE WRONG PLACE
AT THE WRONG TIME, PROPELLED
BUILT, RISING IN THE WRONG PLACE
AT THE WRONG TIME, PROPELLED
SKYWARD BY THE SAME SPECULATIVE
AT THE WRONG TIME, PROPELLED
SKYWARD BY THE SAME SPECULATIVE
IMPULSE THAT HAD JUST BEEN SO
SKYWARD BY THE SAME SPECULATIVE
IMPULSE THAT HAD JUST BEEN SO
SEVERELY CHASTISED ON WALL
IMPULSE THAT HAD JUST BEEN SO
SEVERELY CHASTISED ON WALL
STREET.
SEVERELY CHASTISED ON WALL
STREET.
AND YET UP IT WENT, IN THE
STREET.
AND YET UP IT WENT, IN THE
DEAFENING SILENCE THAT FOLLOWED
AND YET UP IT WENT, IN THE
DEAFENING SILENCE THAT FOLLOWED
THE CRASH.
DEAFENING SILENCE THAT FOLLOWED
THE CRASH.
AND WHEN IT WAS THROUGH, THOUGH
THE CRASH.
AND WHEN IT WAS THROUGH, THOUGH
NO ONE COULD TELL WHETHER IT HAD
AND WHEN IT WAS THROUGH, THOUGH
NO ONE COULD TELL WHETHER IT HAD
BEEN A SUCCESS OR FAILURE,
NO ONE COULD TELL WHETHER IT HAD
BEEN A SUCCESS OR FAILURE,
EVERYONE KNEW IT WAS THE PURES
BEEN A SUCCESS OR FAILURE,
EVERYONE KNEW IT WAS THE PURES
AND MOST GLORIOUS EXPRESSION OF
EVERYONE KNEW IT WAS THE PURES
AND MOST GLORIOUS EXPRESSION OF
EVERYTHING THE CITY STOOD FOR.
AND MOST GLORIOUS EXPRESSION OF
EVERYTHING THE CITY STOOD FOR.
LONG BEFORE THE NIGHT OF HIS
EVERYTHING THE CITY STOOD FOR.
LONG BEFORE THE NIGHT OF HIS
FATEFUL PROMISE TO AL SMITH IN
LONG BEFORE THE NIGHT OF HIS
FATEFUL PROMISE TO AL SMITH IN
THE LOTOS CLUB, JOHN JACOB
FATEFUL PROMISE TO AL SMITH IN
THE LOTOS CLUB, JOHN JACOB
RASKOB HAD BEEN BURNING TO BUILD
THE LOTOS CLUB, JOHN JACOB
RASKOB HAD BEEN BURNING TO BUILD
A TOWER THAT WOULD SOAR ABOVE
RASKOB HAD BEEN BURNING TO BUILD
A TOWER THAT WOULD SOAR ABOVE
THE REST.
A TOWER THAT WOULD SOAR ABOVE
THE REST.
ALL THROUGH THE SPRING AND
THE REST.
ALL THROUGH THE SPRING AND
SUMMER OF THE GREAT BOOM YEAR,
ALL THROUGH THE SPRING AND
SUMMER OF THE GREAT BOOM YEAR,
HE HAD MARSHALED HIS FORCES IN
SUMMER OF THE GREAT BOOM YEAR,
HE HAD MARSHALED HIS FORCES IN
TOTAL SECRECY.
HE HAD MARSHALED HIS FORCES IN
TOTAL SECRECY.
BY MAY, HE HAD SETTLED ON A
TOTAL SECRECY.
BY MAY, HE HAD SETTLED ON A
DARING SITE WELL SOUTH OF THE
BY MAY, HE HAD SETTLED ON A
DARING SITE WELL SOUTH OF THE
MIDTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT, A
DARING SITE WELL SOUTH OF THE
MIDTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT, A
THE CORNER OF 34th STREET AND
MIDTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT, A
THE CORNER OF 34th STREET AND
FIFTH AVENUE, WHERE THE OLD
THE CORNER OF 34th STREET AND
FIFTH AVENUE, WHERE THE OLD
WALDORF ASTORIA STILL STOOD.
FIFTH AVENUE, WHERE THE OLD
WALDORF ASTORIA STILL STOOD.
BEFORE THE YEAR WAS OUT, THE
WALDORF ASTORIA STILL STOOD.
BEFORE THE YEAR WAS OUT, THE
FINANCING WAS IN PLACE, ALONG
BEFORE THE YEAR WAS OUT, THE
FINANCING WAS IN PLACE, ALONG
WITH A LEGENDARY CONSTRUCTION
FINANCING WAS IN PLACE, ALONG
WITH A LEGENDARY CONSTRUCTION
FIRM, STARRETT BROTHERS AND
WITH A LEGENDARY CONSTRUCTION
FIRM, STARRETT BROTHERS AND
EKEN, AND AN ARCHITECT, WILLIAM
FIRM, STARRETT BROTHERS AND
EKEN, AND AN ARCHITECT, WILLIAM
LAMB, TO WHOM RASKOB PUT A
EKEN, AND AN ARCHITECT, WILLIAM
LAMB, TO WHOM RASKOB PUT A
SIMPLE, BREATHTAKING QUESTION:
LAMB, TO WHOM RASKOB PUT A
SIMPLE, BREATHTAKING QUESTION:
"BILL, HOW HIGH CAN YOU MAKE I
SIMPLE, BREATHTAKING QUESTION:
"BILL, HOW HIGH CAN YOU MAKE I
SO IT WON'T FALL DOWN?"
Joel Silverman: THE BUILDER
OF THE BUILDING, ACTUALLY, WAS
OF THE BUILDING, ACTUALLY, WAS
COMMISSIONED BY RASKOB TO DO
COMMISSIONED BY RASKOB TO DO
SOME STUDIES TO FIND OUT WHA
SOME STUDIES TO FIND OUT WHA
WAS THE MAXIMUM BUILDING THA
WAS THE MAXIMUM BUILDING THA
COULD BE BUILT, AND THE REPOR
COULD BE BUILT, AND THE REPOR
CAME BACK THAT 65 STORIES WOULD
CAME BACK THAT 65 STORIES WOULD
BE IDEAL, AND 85 STORIES WAS THE
BE IDEAL, AND 85 STORIES WAS THE
ABSOLUTE UPPER LIMIT OF
ABSOLUTE UPPER LIMIT OF
TECHNOLOGY AS IT EXISTED.
Wallace: BY SETTLING ON 34th
Wallace: BY SETTLING ON 34th
STREET, WHICH IS ACTUALLY OFF
THE BEATEN TRACK, HE IS GAMBLING
STREET, WHICH IS ACTUALLY OFF
THE BEATEN TRACK, HE IS GAMBLING
A BIT, AND HE NEEDS A BOLD AND
THE BEATEN TRACK, HE IS GAMBLING
A BIT, AND HE NEEDS A BOLD AND
DRAMATIC GESTURE TO IN FACT WIN
A BIT, AND HE NEEDS A BOLD AND
DRAMATIC GESTURE TO IN FACT WIN
TENANTS TO THAT SPACE, AND HE
DRAMATIC GESTURE TO IN FACT WIN
TENANTS TO THAT SPACE, AND HE
DOES IT OF COURSE BY OPTING TO
TENANTS TO THAT SPACE, AND HE
DOES IT OF COURSE BY OPTING TO
BUILD THE TALLEST BUILDING IN
DOES IT OF COURSE BY OPTING TO
BUILD THE TALLEST BUILDING IN
THE WORLD.
BUILD THE TALLEST BUILDING IN
THE WORLD.
Narrator: ON AUGUST 29, 1929,
THE WORLD.
Narrator: ON AUGUST 29, 1929,
JUST TWO DAYS AFTER THE STOCK
Narrator: ON AUGUST 29, 1929,
JUST TWO DAYS AFTER THE STOCK
MARKET HIT ITS ALL-TIME PEAK,
JUST TWO DAYS AFTER THE STOCK
MARKET HIT ITS ALL-TIME PEAK,
NEWS OF THE STAGGERING PROJEC
MARKET HIT ITS ALL-TIME PEAK,
NEWS OF THE STAGGERING PROJEC
WAS DRAMATICALLY UNVEILED BY NEW
NEWS OF THE STAGGERING PROJEC
WAS DRAMATICALLY UNVEILED BY NEW
YORK'S FAMOUS FAVORITE SON, AL
WAS DRAMATICALLY UNVEILED BY NEW
YORK'S FAMOUS FAVORITE SON, AL
SMITH.
YORK'S FAMOUS FAVORITE SON, AL
SMITH.
GOOD TO HIS WORD, RASKOB HAD
SMITH.
GOOD TO HIS WORD, RASKOB HAD
MADE THE EX-GOVERNOR PRESIDEN
GOOD TO HIS WORD, RASKOB HAD
MADE THE EX-GOVERNOR PRESIDEN
AND CHIEF SPOKESMAN OF WHAT WAS
MADE THE EX-GOVERNOR PRESIDEN
AND CHIEF SPOKESMAN OF WHAT WAS
NOW OFFICIALLY CALLED THE EMPIRE
AND CHIEF SPOKESMAN OF WHAT WAS
NOW OFFICIALLY CALLED THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING.
NOW OFFICIALLY CALLED THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING.
Reader: "IT IS A SPECTACULAR
STATE BUILDING.
Reader: "IT IS A SPECTACULAR
GESTURE.
Reader: "IT IS A SPECTACULAR
GESTURE.
IF THE OWNERS ARE RIGHT, THEY
GESTURE.
IF THE OWNERS ARE RIGHT, THEY
MIGHT FIX THE CENTER OF THE
IF THE OWNERS ARE RIGHT, THEY
MIGHT FIX THE CENTER OF THE
METROPOLIS.
MIGHT FIX THE CENTER OF THE
METROPOLIS.
IF THEY ARE WRONG, THEY WILL
METROPOLIS.
IF THEY ARE WRONG, THEY WILL
HAVE THE HOOTING OF THE EXPERTS
IF THEY ARE WRONG, THEY WILL
HAVE THE HOOTING OF THE EXPERTS
IN THEIR EARS FOR THE REST OF
HAVE THE HOOTING OF THE EXPERTS
IN THEIR EARS FOR THE REST OF
THEIR LIVES."
IN THEIR EARS FOR THE REST OF
THEIR LIVES."
FORTUNE MAGAZINE.
THEIR LIVES."
FORTUNE MAGAZINE.
Smith: THE NORTHWARD MARCH OF
FORTUNE MAGAZINE.
Smith: THE NORTHWARD MARCH OF
PROGRESS, THE GROWTH AND
Smith: THE NORTHWARD MARCH OF
PROGRESS, THE GROWTH AND
DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY, MAKES
PROGRESS, THE GROWTH AND
DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY, MAKES
IT NECESSARY THAT THIS HISTORIC
DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY, MAKES
IT NECESSARY THAT THIS HISTORIC
STRUCTURE, KNOWN AROUND THE
IT NECESSARY THAT THIS HISTORIC
STRUCTURE, KNOWN AROUND THE
WORLD, BE REMOVED TO MAKE ROOM
STRUCTURE, KNOWN AROUND THE
WORLD, BE REMOVED TO MAKE ROOM
FOR THE LARGEST OFFICE BUILDING
WORLD, BE REMOVED TO MAKE ROOM
FOR THE LARGEST OFFICE BUILDING
IN THE WORLD, TOWERING INTO THE
FOR THE LARGEST OFFICE BUILDING
IN THE WORLD, TOWERING INTO THE
AIR MORE THAN 80 STORIES HIGH.
IN THE WORLD, TOWERING INTO THE
AIR MORE THAN 80 STORIES HIGH.
NOW, GENTLEMEN, STAND BACK WHILE
AIR MORE THAN 80 STORIES HIGH.
NOW, GENTLEMEN, STAND BACK WHILE
I START THE REAL WORK OF
NOW, GENTLEMEN, STAND BACK WHILE
I START THE REAL WORK OF
DEMOLITION.
I START THE REAL WORK OF
DEMOLITION.
( laughter)
DEMOLITION.
( laughter)
DOWN SHE COMES.
( laughter)
DOWN SHE COMES.
Narrator: IN OCTOBER 1929,
DOWN SHE COMES.
Narrator: IN OCTOBER 1929,
THE VERY MONTH THE STOCK MARKE
Narrator: IN OCTOBER 1929,
THE VERY MONTH THE STOCK MARKE
BEGAN ITS TREMENDOUS DOWNWARD
THE VERY MONTH THE STOCK MARKE
BEGAN ITS TREMENDOUS DOWNWARD
SPIRAL, WORK ON THE EMPIRE STATE
BEGAN ITS TREMENDOUS DOWNWARD
SPIRAL, WORK ON THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING BEGAN WITH THE
SPIRAL, WORK ON THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING BEGAN WITH THE
DEMOLITION OF THE WALDORF
BUILDING BEGAN WITH THE
DEMOLITION OF THE WALDORF
ASTORIA.
DEMOLITION OF THE WALDORF
ASTORIA.
ONE MONTH LATER, AS THE ECONOMIC
ASTORIA.
ONE MONTH LATER, AS THE ECONOMIC
CRISIS WORSENED, AL SMITH CALLED
ONE MONTH LATER, AS THE ECONOMIC
CRISIS WORSENED, AL SMITH CALLED
ANOTHER NEWS CONFERENCE.
CRISIS WORSENED, AL SMITH CALLED
ANOTHER NEWS CONFERENCE.
FAR FROM SCALING BACK HIS PLANS,
ANOTHER NEWS CONFERENCE.
FAR FROM SCALING BACK HIS PLANS,
RASKOB HAD DECIDED TO ADD A
FAR FROM SCALING BACK HIS PLANS,
RASKOB HAD DECIDED TO ADD A
MASSIVE 200-FOOT-TALL TOWER TO
RASKOB HAD DECIDED TO ADD A
MASSIVE 200-FOOT-TALL TOWER TO
THE TOP OF HIS 85-STORY
MASSIVE 200-FOOT-TALL TOWER TO
THE TOP OF HIS 85-STORY
BUILDING.
THE TOP OF HIS 85-STORY
BUILDING.
THE STUNNING SPIRE, ITSELF AS
BUILDING.
THE STUNNING SPIRE, ITSELF AS
TALL AS A 17-STORY BUILDING,
THE STUNNING SPIRE, ITSELF AS
TALL AS A 17-STORY BUILDING,
WOULD RAISE THE FINAL HEIGHT OF
TALL AS A 17-STORY BUILDING,
WOULD RAISE THE FINAL HEIGHT OF
THE STRUCTURE TO AN INSUPERABLE
WOULD RAISE THE FINAL HEIGHT OF
THE STRUCTURE TO AN INSUPERABLE
1,250 FEET, A FULL 202 FEE
THE STRUCTURE TO AN INSUPERABLE
1,250 FEET, A FULL 202 FEE
HIGHER THAN THE CHRYSLER
1,250 FEET, A FULL 202 FEE
HIGHER THAN THE CHRYSLER
BUILDING, ITS GLEAMING RIVAL TEN
HIGHER THAN THE CHRYSLER
BUILDING, ITS GLEAMING RIVAL TEN
BLOCKS TO THE NORTH.
BUILDING, ITS GLEAMING RIVAL TEN
BLOCKS TO THE NORTH.
EVEN MORE ASTONISHING THAN THE
BLOCKS TO THE NORTH.
EVEN MORE ASTONISHING THAN THE
TOWER ITSELF WAS ITS PROPOSED
EVEN MORE ASTONISHING THAN THE
TOWER ITSELF WAS ITS PROPOSED
FUNCTION.
TOWER ITSELF WAS ITS PROPOSED
FUNCTION.
IT WOULD SERVE, SMITH SOLEMNLY
FUNCTION.
IT WOULD SERVE, SMITH SOLEMNLY
EXPLAINED, AS A GIANT MOORING
IT WOULD SERVE, SMITH SOLEMNLY
EXPLAINED, AS A GIANT MOORING
MAST FOR TRANSATLANTIC
EXPLAINED, AS A GIANT MOORING
MAST FOR TRANSATLANTIC
DIRIGIBLES ARRIVING FROM EUROPE,
MAST FOR TRANSATLANTIC
DIRIGIBLES ARRIVING FROM EUROPE,
ALLOWING PASSENGERS TO DOCK A
DIRIGIBLES ARRIVING FROM EUROPE,
ALLOWING PASSENGERS TO DOCK A
QUARTER OF A MILE IN THE SKY
ALLOWING PASSENGERS TO DOCK A
QUARTER OF A MILE IN THE SKY
OVER MIDTOWN MANHATTAN.
QUARTER OF A MILE IN THE SKY
OVER MIDTOWN MANHATTAN.
EXPERTS DISMISSED THE SCHEME A
OVER MIDTOWN MANHATTAN.
EXPERTS DISMISSED THE SCHEME A
ONCE, BUT NOBODY SEEMED TO CARE.
EXPERTS DISMISSED THE SCHEME A
ONCE, BUT NOBODY SEEMED TO CARE.
THE VISION OF THE CITY'S TALLES
ONCE, BUT NOBODY SEEMED TO CARE.
THE VISION OF THE CITY'S TALLES
TOWER SERVING AS A PORT OF CALL
THE VISION OF THE CITY'S TALLES
TOWER SERVING AS A PORT OF CALL
FOR AIRSHIPS FROM AROUND THE
TOWER SERVING AS A PORT OF CALL
FOR AIRSHIPS FROM AROUND THE
WORLD FIRED THE PUBLIC
FOR AIRSHIPS FROM AROUND THE
WORLD FIRED THE PUBLIC
IMAGINATION AS NOTHING ELSE HAD.
WORLD FIRED THE PUBLIC
IMAGINATION AS NOTHING ELSE HAD.
SEVEN WEEKS LATER, ON JANUARY
IMAGINATION AS NOTHING ELSE HAD.
SEVEN WEEKS LATER, ON JANUARY
22, 1930, WORK ON THE
SEVEN WEEKS LATER, ON JANUARY
22, 1930, WORK ON THE
FOUNDATIONS OF THE MIGHTY
22, 1930, WORK ON THE
FOUNDATIONS OF THE MIGHTY
BUILDING BEGAN.
FOUNDATIONS OF THE MIGHTY
BUILDING BEGAN.
Stern: THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING BEGAN.
Stern: THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING IS NOT ONLY AN
Stern: THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING IS NOT ONLY AN
INCREDIBLE ICON; IT ALSO HAS THE
BUILDING IS NOT ONLY AN
INCREDIBLE ICON; IT ALSO HAS THE
IRONIC ROLE IN THIS STORY OF
INCREDIBLE ICON; IT ALSO HAS THE
IRONIC ROLE IN THIS STORY OF
COMING REALLY AFTER THE CRASH OF
IRONIC ROLE IN THIS STORY OF
COMING REALLY AFTER THE CRASH OF
THE STOCK MARKET, BEING THE KIND
COMING REALLY AFTER THE CRASH OF
THE STOCK MARKET, BEING THE KIND
OF, LIKE THE GUEST WHO ARRIVES
THE STOCK MARKET, BEING THE KIND
OF, LIKE THE GUEST WHO ARRIVES
TOO LATE AT THE PARTY.
OF, LIKE THE GUEST WHO ARRIVES
TOO LATE AT THE PARTY.
NOBODY HAD A JOB SUDDENLY.
TOO LATE AT THE PARTY.
NOBODY HAD A JOB SUDDENLY.
THERE WERE NO MORE SKYSCRAPERS.
NOBODY HAD A JOB SUDDENLY.
THERE WERE NO MORE SKYSCRAPERS.
CONSTRUCTION WAS ALMOST NOTHING.
THERE WERE NO MORE SKYSCRAPERS.
CONSTRUCTION WAS ALMOST NOTHING.
THEY HAD A BUDGET; THEY HAD TO
CONSTRUCTION WAS ALMOST NOTHING.
THEY HAD A BUDGET; THEY HAD TO
BUILD THE BUILDING AS QUICKLY AS
THEY HAD A BUDGET; THEY HAD TO
BUILD THE BUILDING AS QUICKLY AS
POSSIBLE IN THE HOPES OF GETTING
BUILD THE BUILDING AS QUICKLY AS
POSSIBLE IN THE HOPES OF GETTING
SOME TENANTS IN.
POSSIBLE IN THE HOPES OF GETTING
SOME TENANTS IN.
Narrator: AS THE MONTHS WORE
SOME TENANTS IN.
Narrator: AS THE MONTHS WORE
ON, AND THE ANTICIPATED UPTURN
Narrator: AS THE MONTHS WORE
ON, AND THE ANTICIPATED UPTURN
IN THE STOCK MARKET FAILED TO
ON, AND THE ANTICIPATED UPTURN
IN THE STOCK MARKET FAILED TO
MATERIALIZE, THE ECONOMIC
IN THE STOCK MARKET FAILED TO
MATERIALIZE, THE ECONOMIC
SITUATION BEGAN TO DETERIORATE
MATERIALIZE, THE ECONOMIC
SITUATION BEGAN TO DETERIORATE
ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
SITUATION BEGAN TO DETERIORATE
ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
AND YET, EVEN AS THE WORS
ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
AND YET, EVEN AS THE WORS
DEPRESSION IN AMERICAN HISTORY
AND YET, EVEN AS THE WORS
DEPRESSION IN AMERICAN HISTORY
BEGAN TO SETTLE AROUND THEM, NEW
DEPRESSION IN AMERICAN HISTORY
BEGAN TO SETTLE AROUND THEM, NEW
YORKERS WERE GREETED BY AN
BEGAN TO SETTLE AROUND THEM, NEW
YORKERS WERE GREETED BY AN
ASTOUNDING SIGHT, AS THE BARE
YORKERS WERE GREETED BY AN
ASTOUNDING SIGHT, AS THE BARE
STEEL GIRDERS OF SMITH AND
ASTOUNDING SIGHT, AS THE BARE
STEEL GIRDERS OF SMITH AND
RASKOB'S BUILDING BEGAN TO RISE
STEEL GIRDERS OF SMITH AND
RASKOB'S BUILDING BEGAN TO RISE
LIKE AN IMMENSE METAL PHOENIX IN
RASKOB'S BUILDING BEGAN TO RISE
LIKE AN IMMENSE METAL PHOENIX IN
THE MIDDLE OF MANHATTAN ISLAND,
LIKE AN IMMENSE METAL PHOENIX IN
THE MIDDLE OF MANHATTAN ISLAND,
THE SYMBOL OF HOPE IN THE
THE MIDDLE OF MANHATTAN ISLAND,
THE SYMBOL OF HOPE IN THE
DARKEST OF TIMES AND A DEFIAN
THE SYMBOL OF HOPE IN THE
DARKEST OF TIMES AND A DEFIAN
DECLARATION THAT THE CITY AND
DARKEST OF TIMES AND A DEFIAN
DECLARATION THAT THE CITY AND
THE COUNTRY WOULD SURVIVE.
DECLARATION THAT THE CITY AND
THE COUNTRY WOULD SURVIVE.
100 YEARS BEFORE, DE WIT
THE COUNTRY WOULD SURVIVE.
100 YEARS BEFORE, DE WIT
CLINTON HAD FLUNG THE ERIE CANAL
100 YEARS BEFORE, DE WIT
CLINTON HAD FLUNG THE ERIE CANAL
ACROSS THE EMPIRE STATE,
CLINTON HAD FLUNG THE ERIE CANAL
ACROSS THE EMPIRE STATE,
COLONIZING THE HINTERLANDS OF
ACROSS THE EMPIRE STATE,
COLONIZING THE HINTERLANDS OF
AMERICA AND FILLING OUT THE GRID
COLONIZING THE HINTERLANDS OF
AMERICA AND FILLING OUT THE GRID
PLAN OF THE CITY.
AMERICA AND FILLING OUT THE GRID
PLAN OF THE CITY.
NOW ANOTHER GENERATION OF NEW
PLAN OF THE CITY.
NOW ANOTHER GENERATION OF NEW
YORKERS WAS COLONIZING SPACE
NOW ANOTHER GENERATION OF NEW
YORKERS WAS COLONIZING SPACE
ITSELF, TURNING THE GRID ON END
YORKERS WAS COLONIZING SPACE
ITSELF, TURNING THE GRID ON END
AND PROJECTING IT STRAIGHT UP
ITSELF, TURNING THE GRID ON END
AND PROJECTING IT STRAIGHT UP
INTO THE SKY, AS THE EMPIRE
AND PROJECTING IT STRAIGHT UP
INTO THE SKY, AS THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING.
INTO THE SKY, AS THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING.
Carol Willis: IT'S INCREDIBLE
STATE BUILDING.
Carol Willis: IT'S INCREDIBLE
TODAY, AND IT'S AN IRREPEATABLE
Carol Willis: IT'S INCREDIBLE
TODAY, AND IT'S AN IRREPEATABLE
ACHIEVEMENT, BUT THE WAY THAT I
TODAY, AND IT'S AN IRREPEATABLE
ACHIEVEMENT, BUT THE WAY THAT I
WAS ENGINEERED IN TERMS OF THE
ACHIEVEMENT, BUT THE WAY THAT I
WAS ENGINEERED IN TERMS OF THE
ORGANIZATION OF THE WORK WAS THE
WAS ENGINEERED IN TERMS OF THE
ORGANIZATION OF THE WORK WAS THE
GENIUS, REALLY, OF THE PROJEC
ORGANIZATION OF THE WORK WAS THE
GENIUS, REALLY, OF THE PROJEC
OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING.
GENIUS, REALLY, OF THE PROJEC
OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING.
AND IT WAS THE GENERAL
OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING.
AND IT WAS THE GENERAL
CONTRACTORS, STARRETT BROTHERS
AND IT WAS THE GENERAL
CONTRACTORS, STARRETT BROTHERS
AND EKEN, WHO HAD LONG BEEN
CONTRACTORS, STARRETT BROTHERS
AND EKEN, WHO HAD LONG BEEN
KNOWN FOR THEIR LARGE-SCALE
AND EKEN, WHO HAD LONG BEEN
KNOWN FOR THEIR LARGE-SCALE
PROJECTS.
THESE PROJECTS WERE ALWAYS
ORGANIZED WITH THE GREATES
ORGANIZED WITH THE GREATES
EFFICIENCY AND WITH A KIND OF
EFFICIENCY AND WITH A KIND OF
MILITARY GENIUS.
AND IN FACT, WILLIAM STARRETT,
AND IN FACT, WILLIAM STARRETT,
ONE OF THE STARRETT BROTHERS,
WROTE THAT BUILDING SKYSCRAPERS
ONE OF THE STARRETT BROTHERS,
WROTE THAT BUILDING SKYSCRAPERS
IS THE NEAREST PEACETIME
WROTE THAT BUILDING SKYSCRAPERS
IS THE NEAREST PEACETIME
EQUIVALENT OF WAR.
IS THE NEAREST PEACETIME
EQUIVALENT OF WAR.
Narrator: HALF A CENTURY OF
EQUIVALENT OF WAR.
Narrator: HALF A CENTURY OF
EXPERTISE IN BUILDING
Narrator: HALF A CENTURY OF
EXPERTISE IN BUILDING
SKYSCRAPERS ON THE ISLAND OF
EXPERTISE IN BUILDING
SKYSCRAPERS ON THE ISLAND OF
MANHATTAN WOULD GO INTO THE
SKYSCRAPERS ON THE ISLAND OF
MANHATTAN WOULD GO INTO THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE EMPIRE STATE
MANHATTAN WOULD GO INTO THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING, AN HEROIC FEAT OF
CONSTRUCTION OF THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING, AN HEROIC FEAT OF
ENGINEERING AND WORKMANSHIP BY
BUILDING, AN HEROIC FEAT OF
ENGINEERING AND WORKMANSHIP BY
ANY MEASURE, AT ANY TIME, LE
ENGINEERING AND WORKMANSHIP BY
ANY MEASURE, AT ANY TIME, LE
ALONE IN THE DARK WINTER OF
ANY MEASURE, AT ANY TIME, LE
ALONE IN THE DARK WINTER OF
ALONE IN THE DARK WINTER OF
AT THE PEAK OF CONSTRUCTION, IN
AT THE PEAK OF CONSTRUCTION, IN
AUGUST 1930, 3,439 MEN WERE
AT THE PEAK OF CONSTRUCTION, IN
AUGUST 1930, 3,439 MEN WERE
EMPLOYED ON THE BUILDING, WHOSE
AUGUST 1930, 3,439 MEN WERE
EMPLOYED ON THE BUILDING, WHOSE
50,000 MASSIVE STEEL BEAMS AND
EMPLOYED ON THE BUILDING, WHOSE
50,000 MASSIVE STEEL BEAMS AND
COLUMNS, EACH WEIGHING MORE THAN
50,000 MASSIVE STEEL BEAMS AND
COLUMNS, EACH WEIGHING MORE THAN
A TON AND MILLED TO TOLERANCES
COLUMNS, EACH WEIGHING MORE THAN
A TON AND MILLED TO TOLERANCES
OF LESS THAN AN EIGHTH OF AN
A TON AND MILLED TO TOLERANCES
OF LESS THAN AN EIGHTH OF AN
INCH THICK, WERE BEING ASSEMBLED
OF LESS THAN AN EIGHTH OF AN
INCH THICK, WERE BEING ASSEMBLED
LIKE A GIANT, THREE-DIMENSIONAL
INCH THICK, WERE BEING ASSEMBLED
LIKE A GIANT, THREE-DIMENSIONAL
JIGSAW PUZZLE, ORDERED TO EXAC
LIKE A GIANT, THREE-DIMENSIONAL
JIGSAW PUZZLE, ORDERED TO EXAC
SPECIFICATION FROM STEEL MILLS
JIGSAW PUZZLE, ORDERED TO EXAC
SPECIFICATION FROM STEEL MILLS
IN PITTSBURGH, SHIPPED BY TRAIN
SPECIFICATION FROM STEEL MILLS
IN PITTSBURGH, SHIPPED BY TRAIN
TO NEW JERSEY, BARGED ACROSS THE
IN PITTSBURGH, SHIPPED BY TRAIN
TO NEW JERSEY, BARGED ACROSS THE
HUDSON, AND TRUCKED ALONG
TO NEW JERSEY, BARGED ACROSS THE
HUDSON, AND TRUCKED ALONG
PRECISELY CHOREOGRAPHED ROUTES
HUDSON, AND TRUCKED ALONG
PRECISELY CHOREOGRAPHED ROUTES
IN MANHATTAN TO THE BUILDING
PRECISELY CHOREOGRAPHED ROUTES
IN MANHATTAN TO THE BUILDING
SITE AT 34th AND FIFTH, WHERE,
IN MANHATTAN TO THE BUILDING
SITE AT 34th AND FIFTH, WHERE,
JUST 18 HOURS AFTER LEAVING THE
SITE AT 34th AND FIFTH, WHERE,
JUST 18 HOURS AFTER LEAVING THE
MILL IN PENNSYLVANIA, NINE
JUST 18 HOURS AFTER LEAVING THE
MILL IN PENNSYLVANIA, NINE
MASSIVE DERRICKS LIFTED THEM IN
MILL IN PENNSYLVANIA, NINE
MASSIVE DERRICKS LIFTED THEM IN
PLACE, AND WORKMEN FITTED THEM
MASSIVE DERRICKS LIFTED THEM IN
PLACE, AND WORKMEN FITTED THEM
TOGETHER.
PLACE, AND WORKMEN FITTED THEM
TOGETHER.
Silverman: SOME OF THE STEEL
TOGETHER.
Silverman: SOME OF THE STEEL
THAT WAS ERECTED WAS STILL WARM
Silverman: SOME OF THE STEEL
THAT WAS ERECTED WAS STILL WARM
FROM THE FABRICATION.
THAT WAS ERECTED WAS STILL WARM
FROM THE FABRICATION.
THE STEEL WAS REACHING THE JOB
FROM THE FABRICATION.
THE STEEL WAS REACHING THE JOB
SOME 15 OR 18 OR 20 HOURS AFTER
THE STEEL WAS REACHING THE JOB
SOME 15 OR 18 OR 20 HOURS AFTER
FABRICATION AND WAS STILL HOT TO
SOME 15 OR 18 OR 20 HOURS AFTER
FABRICATION AND WAS STILL HOT TO
THE TOUCH.
FABRICATION AND WAS STILL HOT TO
THE TOUCH.
THAT'S PRETTY UNIQUE.
THE TOUCH.
THAT'S PRETTY UNIQUE.
Narrator: IN AN AGE THAT HAD
THAT'S PRETTY UNIQUE.
Narrator: IN AN AGE THAT HAD
PERFECTED THE ASSEMBLY LINE FOR
Narrator: IN AN AGE THAT HAD
PERFECTED THE ASSEMBLY LINE FOR
MANUFACTURING CARS AND CONSUMER
PERFECTED THE ASSEMBLY LINE FOR
MANUFACTURING CARS AND CONSUMER
GOODS, THE STARRETT BROTHERS HAD
MANUFACTURING CARS AND CONSUMER
GOODS, THE STARRETT BROTHERS HAD
PERFECTED THE FIRST ASSEMBLY
GOODS, THE STARRETT BROTHERS HAD
PERFECTED THE FIRST ASSEMBLY
LINE FOR MANUFACTURING
PERFECTED THE FIRST ASSEMBLY
LINE FOR MANUFACTURING
SKYSCRAPERS.
LINE FOR MANUFACTURING
SKYSCRAPERS.
THE WORK PROGRESSED SO RAPIDLY
SKYSCRAPERS.
THE WORK PROGRESSED SO RAPIDLY
THAT PEOPLE COULD SCARCELY
THE WORK PROGRESSED SO RAPIDLY
THAT PEOPLE COULD SCARCELY
BELIEVE THEIR EYES, THE BUILDING
THAT PEOPLE COULD SCARCELY
BELIEVE THEIR EYES, THE BUILDING
SEEMING TO LEAP INTO THE SKY AS
BELIEVE THEIR EYES, THE BUILDING
SEEMING TO LEAP INTO THE SKY AS
WORKMEN ADDED FOUR TO FIVE NEW
SEEMING TO LEAP INTO THE SKY AS
WORKMEN ADDED FOUR TO FIVE NEW
STORIES A WEEK, AND SOMETIMES AS
WORKMEN ADDED FOUR TO FIVE NEW
STORIES A WEEK, AND SOMETIMES AS
MUCH AS A FLOOR A DAY.
STORIES A WEEK, AND SOMETIMES AS
MUCH AS A FLOOR A DAY.
IN ONE EXTRAORDINARY 22-DAY
MUCH AS A FLOOR A DAY.
IN ONE EXTRAORDINARY 22-DAY
PERIOD, 22 NEW FLOORS WERE
IN ONE EXTRAORDINARY 22-DAY
PERIOD, 22 NEW FLOORS WERE
ERECTED.
PERIOD, 22 NEW FLOORS WERE
ERECTED.
Silverman: ALSO BECAUSE OF
ERECTED.
Silverman: ALSO BECAUSE OF
THE DEPRESSION, THERE WAS AN
Silverman: ALSO BECAUSE OF
THE DEPRESSION, THERE WAS AN
ALMOST INFINITE SUPPLY OF
THE DEPRESSION, THERE WAS AN
ALMOST INFINITE SUPPLY OF
WILLING MEN TO WORK, AND THERE
ALMOST INFINITE SUPPLY OF
WILLING MEN TO WORK, AND THERE
WAS A FEAR AMONG THOSE MEN THA
WILLING MEN TO WORK, AND THERE
WAS A FEAR AMONG THOSE MEN THA
IF THEY WOULD BE LAID OFF, THERE
WAS A FEAR AMONG THOSE MEN THA
IF THEY WOULD BE LAID OFF, THERE
WOULD BE TEN OTHER GUYS WAITING
IF THEY WOULD BE LAID OFF, THERE
WOULD BE TEN OTHER GUYS WAITING
DOWN ON THE STREET TO TAKE THEIR
WOULD BE TEN OTHER GUYS WAITING
DOWN ON THE STREET TO TAKE THEIR
PLACE, SO THEREFORE INDIVIDUAL
DOWN ON THE STREET TO TAKE THEIR
PLACE, SO THEREFORE INDIVIDUAL
PRODUCTION RATES ACTUALLY
PLACE, SO THEREFORE INDIVIDUAL
PRODUCTION RATES ACTUALLY
CLIMBED WITH RESPECT TO
PRODUCTION RATES ACTUALLY
CLIMBED WITH RESPECT TO
BRICKLAYERS AND OTHER WORKMEN
CLIMBED WITH RESPECT TO
BRICKLAYERS AND OTHER WORKMEN
THAT WERE GAUGED BY THEIR
BRICKLAYERS AND OTHER WORKMEN
THAT WERE GAUGED BY THEIR
PIECEWORK, BY THE NUMBER OF
THAT WERE GAUGED BY THEIR
PIECEWORK, BY THE NUMBER OF
PIECES THEY DID A DAY, EVEN
PIECEWORK, BY THE NUMBER OF
PIECES THEY DID A DAY, EVEN
THOUGH THOSE MEN KNEW WITH
PIECES THEY DID A DAY, EVEN
THOUGH THOSE MEN KNEW WITH
DIRECT CERTAINTY THAT WHEN THEIR
THOUGH THOSE MEN KNEW WITH
DIRECT CERTAINTY THAT WHEN THEIR
JOB WAS OVER THEY WERE GOING TO
DIRECT CERTAINTY THAT WHEN THEIR
JOB WAS OVER THEY WERE GOING TO
EITHER THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINE OR
JOB WAS OVER THEY WERE GOING TO
EITHER THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINE OR
VERY LIKELY THE BREAD LINE.
EITHER THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINE OR
VERY LIKELY THE BREAD LINE.
Narrator: BY MID-SUMMER, ALL
VERY LIKELY THE BREAD LINE.
Narrator: BY MID-SUMMER, ALL
EYES WERE BENT UPON THE
Narrator: BY MID-SUMMER, ALL
EYES WERE BENT UPON THE
MAJESTICALLY RISING STRUCTURE,
EYES WERE BENT UPON THE
MAJESTICALLY RISING STRUCTURE,
NOW CLEARLY VISIBLE FROM EVERY
MAJESTICALLY RISING STRUCTURE,
NOW CLEARLY VISIBLE FROM EVERY
PART OF THE CITY.
NOW CLEARLY VISIBLE FROM EVERY
PART OF THE CITY.
FOR THE CROWDS OF ONLOOKERS THA
PART OF THE CITY.
FOR THE CROWDS OF ONLOOKERS THA
GATHERED EACH DAY ON THE STREETS
FOR THE CROWDS OF ONLOOKERS THA
GATHERED EACH DAY ON THE STREETS
FAR BELOW, AND FOR THE TEAMS OF
GATHERED EACH DAY ON THE STREETS
FAR BELOW, AND FOR THE TEAMS OF
PHOTOGRAPHERS AND NEWSMEN THA
FAR BELOW, AND FOR THE TEAMS OF
PHOTOGRAPHERS AND NEWSMEN THA
EAGERLY FOLLOWED EVERY DETAIL OF
PHOTOGRAPHERS AND NEWSMEN THA
EAGERLY FOLLOWED EVERY DETAIL OF
THE OPERATION, THE REAL HEROES
EAGERLY FOLLOWED EVERY DETAIL OF
THE OPERATION, THE REAL HEROES
WERE THE GANGS OF RIVETERS,
THE OPERATION, THE REAL HEROES
WERE THE GANGS OF RIVETERS,
HUNDREDS OF MEN WORKING IN TEAMS
WERE THE GANGS OF RIVETERS,
HUNDREDS OF MEN WORKING IN TEAMS
OF FOUR, LABORIOUSLY JOINING THE
HUNDREDS OF MEN WORKING IN TEAMS
OF FOUR, LABORIOUSLY JOINING THE
STEEL FRAMEWORK TOGETHER PIECE
OF FOUR, LABORIOUSLY JOINING THE
STEEL FRAMEWORK TOGETHER PIECE
BY PIECE.
STEEL FRAMEWORK TOGETHER PIECE
BY PIECE.
HANGING FROM BEAMS 1,000 FEET IN
BY PIECE.
HANGING FROM BEAMS 1,000 FEET IN
THE SKY, THE GANGS PERFORMED
HANGING FROM BEAMS 1,000 FEET IN
THE SKY, THE GANGS PERFORMED
THEIR DANGEROUS TASKS AT HIGH
THE SKY, THE GANGS PERFORMED
THEIR DANGEROUS TASKS AT HIGH
SPEED WITH CLOCKWORK PRECISION,
THEIR DANGEROUS TASKS AT HIGH
SPEED WITH CLOCKWORK PRECISION,
HEATING, TOSSING, CATCHING, AND
SPEED WITH CLOCKWORK PRECISION,
HEATING, TOSSING, CATCHING, AND
DRIVING HOME THE RED-HOT RIVETS
HEATING, TOSSING, CATCHING, AND
DRIVING HOME THE RED-HOT RIVETS
OF STEEL, 400 RIVETS FOR EACH
DRIVING HOME THE RED-HOT RIVETS
OF STEEL, 400 RIVETS FOR EACH
EIGHT-HOUR DAY, AT $1.92 AN HOUR
OF STEEL, 400 RIVETS FOR EACH
EIGHT-HOUR DAY, AT $1.92 AN HOUR
WITH A HALF HOUR OFF FOR LUNCH.
EIGHT-HOUR DAY, AT $1.92 AN HOUR
WITH A HALF HOUR OFF FOR LUNCH.
Silverman: THESE GUYS WORKED
WITH A HALF HOUR OFF FOR LUNCH.
Silverman: THESE GUYS WORKED
TOGETHER, PLAYED TOGETHER, ATE
Silverman: THESE GUYS WORKED
TOGETHER, PLAYED TOGETHER, ATE
TOGETHER.
TOGETHER, PLAYED TOGETHER, ATE
TOGETHER.
IF ANY ONE MEMBER OF THE
TOGETHER.
IF ANY ONE MEMBER OF THE
RIVETING GANG DIDN'T SHOW UP FOR
IF ANY ONE MEMBER OF THE
RIVETING GANG DIDN'T SHOW UP FOR
WORK BECAUSE OF ILLNESS OR FOR
RIVETING GANG DIDN'T SHOW UP FOR
WORK BECAUSE OF ILLNESS OR FOR
SOME OTHER REASON, THE WHOLE
WORK BECAUSE OF ILLNESS OR FOR
SOME OTHER REASON, THE WHOLE
GANG DIDN'T GO UP THAT DAY.
SOME OTHER REASON, THE WHOLE
GANG DIDN'T GO UP THAT DAY.
YOU SIMPLY JUST DIDN'
GANG DIDN'T GO UP THAT DAY.
YOU SIMPLY JUST DIDN'
SUBSTITUTE PEOPLE AROUND.
YOU SIMPLY JUST DIDN'
SUBSTITUTE PEOPLE AROUND.
THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF TRUS
SUBSTITUTE PEOPLE AROUND.
THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF TRUS
INVOLVED WITH HANDLING 800-
THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF TRUS
INVOLVED WITH HANDLING 800-
DEGREE RIVETS FLYING THROUGH THE
INVOLVED WITH HANDLING 800-
DEGREE RIVETS FLYING THROUGH THE
AI
DEGREE RIVETS FLYING THROUGH THE
AI
THE RIVETS ARE HEATED TILL THEY
AI
THE RIVETS ARE HEATED TILL THEY
ARE RED HOT.
THE RIVETS ARE HEATED TILL THEY
ARE RED HOT.
THEY ARE THEN TAKEN BY TONGS,
ARE RED HOT.
THEY ARE THEN TAKEN BY TONGS,
AND THEY ARE LITERALLY THROWN
THEY ARE THEN TAKEN BY TONGS,
AND THEY ARE LITERALLY THROWN
SOME DISTANCE, SOMETIMES AS MUCH
AND THEY ARE LITERALLY THROWN
SOME DISTANCE, SOMETIMES AS MUCH
AS 50 OR 60 FEET.
SOME DISTANCE, SOMETIMES AS MUCH
AS 50 OR 60 FEET.
THEY ARE THEN CAUGHT BY SOMEONE
AS 50 OR 60 FEET.
THEY ARE THEN CAUGHT BY SOMEONE
WHO HAS A BUCKET WITH A CONICAL
THEY ARE THEN CAUGHT BY SOMEONE
WHO HAS A BUCKET WITH A CONICAL
HEAD, ALMOST LIKE A FUNNEL A
WHO HAS A BUCKET WITH A CONICAL
HEAD, ALMOST LIKE A FUNNEL A
THE TOP, SO THAT IT GAVE THE
HEAD, ALMOST LIKE A FUNNEL A
THE TOP, SO THAT IT GAVE THE
CATCHERS, THEY USED TO BE
THE TOP, SO THAT IT GAVE THE
CATCHERS, THEY USED TO BE
CALLED, A LITTLE BIT MORE LEEWAY
CATCHERS, THEY USED TO BE
CALLED, A LITTLE BIT MORE LEEWAY
TO GET THESE THINGS BEFORE THEY
CALLED, A LITTLE BIT MORE LEEWAY
TO GET THESE THINGS BEFORE THEY
WOULD DROP DOWN TO THE DECK AND
TO GET THESE THINGS BEFORE THEY
WOULD DROP DOWN TO THE DECK AND
ACTUALLY BURN THROUGH SOMETHING.
WOULD DROP DOWN TO THE DECK AND
ACTUALLY BURN THROUGH SOMETHING.
Reader: "A SPLATTERING OF
ACTUALLY BURN THROUGH SOMETHING.
Reader: "A SPLATTERING OF
FIERY PARTICLES CASCADES DOWN
Reader: "A SPLATTERING OF
FIERY PARTICLES CASCADES DOWN
FROM THE TORCHES THAT THE STEEL
FIERY PARTICLES CASCADES DOWN
FROM THE TORCHES THAT THE STEEL
WORKERS USE FOR CUTTING TEN-TON
FROM THE TORCHES THAT THE STEEL
WORKERS USE FOR CUTTING TEN-TON
GIRDERS IN HALF AND FOR LIGHTING
WORKERS USE FOR CUTTING TEN-TON
GIRDERS IN HALF AND FOR LIGHTING
THEIR CIGARETTES.
GIRDERS IN HALF AND FOR LIGHTING
THEIR CIGARETTES.
THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF
THEIR CIGARETTES.
THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF
STROLLING ON THE THIN EDGE OF
THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF
STROLLING ON THE THIN EDGE OF
NOTHINGNESS."
STROLLING ON THE THIN EDGE OF
NOTHINGNESS."
THE NEW YORK TIMES.
NOTHINGNESS."
THE NEW YORK TIMES.
Narrator: WEEK AFTER WEEK,
THE NEW YORK TIMES.
Narrator: WEEK AFTER WEEK,
THE PHOTOGRAPHER LEWIS HINE
Narrator: WEEK AFTER WEEK,
THE PHOTOGRAPHER LEWIS HINE
CAPTURED THE HEART-STOPPING
THE PHOTOGRAPHER LEWIS HINE
CAPTURED THE HEART-STOPPING
WORK-IN-PROGRESS IN SOME OF THE
CAPTURED THE HEART-STOPPING
WORK-IN-PROGRESS IN SOME OF THE
GREATEST IMAGES EVER TAKEN OF
WORK-IN-PROGRESS IN SOME OF THE
GREATEST IMAGES EVER TAKEN OF
NEW YORK.
GREATEST IMAGES EVER TAKEN OF
NEW YORK.
Reader: "THESE ARE CLASSICAL
NEW YORK.
Reader: "THESE ARE CLASSICAL
HEROES IN THE FLESH, OUTWARDLY
Reader: "THESE ARE CLASSICAL
HEROES IN THE FLESH, OUTWARDLY
PROSAIC, INCREDIBLY NONCHALANT,
HEROES IN THE FLESH, OUTWARDLY
PROSAIC, INCREDIBLY NONCHALANT,
CRAWLING, CLIMBING, WALKING,
PROSAIC, INCREDIBLY NONCHALANT,
CRAWLING, CLIMBING, WALKING,
SWINGING, SWOOPING ON GIGANTIC
CRAWLING, CLIMBING, WALKING,
SWINGING, SWOOPING ON GIGANTIC
STEEL FRAMES; HAIRY-CHESTED
SWINGING, SWOOPING ON GIGANTIC
STEEL FRAMES; HAIRY-CHESTED
HUSKIES, STRAPPING YOUTHS,
STEEL FRAMES; HAIRY-CHESTED
HUSKIES, STRAPPING YOUTHS,
CLEAN-LIMBED AND CLEAR-EYED,
HUSKIES, STRAPPING YOUTHS,
CLEAN-LIMBED AND CLEAR-EYED,
FUSING THE IRON OF THEIR NERVES
CLEAN-LIMBED AND CLEAR-EYED,
FUSING THE IRON OF THEIR NERVES
WITH THE STEEL OF THE GIRDERS
FUSING THE IRON OF THEIR NERVES
WITH THE STEEL OF THE GIRDERS
THEY BUILD INTO MODERN CITIES."
WITH THE STEEL OF THE GIRDERS
THEY BUILD INTO MODERN CITIES."
THE LONDON DAILY HERALD.
Joshua Freeman: THEY ARE
REALLY WONDERFUL KIND OF
REALLY WONDERFUL KIND OF
DOCUMENTATIONS OF WHAT SEEMS TO
DOCUMENTATIONS OF WHAT SEEMS TO
ME ALMOST A PROMETHEAN CONQUES
ME ALMOST A PROMETHEAN CONQUES
OF NATURE, OF GRAVITY ITSELF, IN
OF NATURE, OF GRAVITY ITSELF, IN
THE WAY, SUSPENDED IN THE SKY,
THE WAY, SUSPENDED IN THE SKY,
YOU KNOW, VERY MUCH LIKE ICARUS,
YOU KNOW, VERY MUCH LIKE ICARUS,
CHALLENGING THE GODS REALLY, ARE
CHALLENGING THE GODS REALLY, ARE
THESE WORKERS, THESE
THESE WORKERS, THESE
IRONWORKERS, ORDINARY
IRONWORKERS, ORDINARY
IRONWORKERS, SITTING ON THESE
IRONWORKERS, SITTING ON THESE
BEAMS HAVING THEIR LUNCH, YOU
BEAMS HAVING THEIR LUNCH, YOU
KNOW, 80 STORIES ABOVE NEW YORK.
I GREW UP LOOKING AT ONE
I GREW UP LOOKING AT ONE
PARTICULAR ONE OF A YOUNG BARE-
CHESTED WORKER HANGING FROM A
PARTICULAR ONE OF A YOUNG BARE-
CHESTED WORKER HANGING FROM A
GUY WIRE HIGH UP ON THE EMPIRE
CHESTED WORKER HANGING FROM A
GUY WIRE HIGH UP ON THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING WHICH LEWIS HINE
GUY WIRE HIGH UP ON THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING WHICH LEWIS HINE
HAD GIVEN TO MY MOTHER, AND I
STATE BUILDING WHICH LEWIS HINE
HAD GIVEN TO MY MOTHER, AND I
ALWAYS SEEMED TO CAPTURE THE
HAD GIVEN TO MY MOTHER, AND I
ALWAYS SEEMED TO CAPTURE THE
MAGIC OF NEW YORK TO ME.
ALWAYS SEEMED TO CAPTURE THE
MAGIC OF NEW YORK TO ME.
Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE
MAGIC OF NEW YORK TO ME.
Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE
SUMMER AND FALL OF 1930, THE
Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE
SUMMER AND FALL OF 1930, THE
WORK WENT ON.
SUMMER AND FALL OF 1930, THE
WORK WENT ON.
BY OCTOBER, THE STEEL FRAME OF
WORK WENT ON.
BY OCTOBER, THE STEEL FRAME OF
THE BUILDING'S 85-STORY MAIN
BY OCTOBER, THE STEEL FRAME OF
THE BUILDING'S 85-STORY MAIN
SHAFT WAS COMPLETE, AND WORK HAD
THE BUILDING'S 85-STORY MAIN
SHAFT WAS COMPLETE, AND WORK HAD
BEGUN ON THE MOORING MAST.
SHAFT WAS COMPLETE, AND WORK HAD
BEGUN ON THE MOORING MAST.
IN JANUARY 1931, THE SOARING
BEGUN ON THE MOORING MAST.
IN JANUARY 1931, THE SOARING
TOWER'S UPPERMOST BEAMS WERE
IN JANUARY 1931, THE SOARING
TOWER'S UPPERMOST BEAMS WERE
RIVETED INTO PLACE A QUARTER OF
TOWER'S UPPERMOST BEAMS WERE
RIVETED INTO PLACE A QUARTER OF
A MILE IN THE SKY, DESPITE
RIVETED INTO PLACE A QUARTER OF
A MILE IN THE SKY, DESPITE
HOWLING NORTH WINDS, FREEZING
A MILE IN THE SKY, DESPITE
HOWLING NORTH WINDS, FREEZING
RAIN, AND BLINDING FOG.
HOWLING NORTH WINDS, FREEZING
RAIN, AND BLINDING FOG.
AT EXACTLY 5:42 P.M. ON THE
RAIN, AND BLINDING FOG.
AT EXACTLY 5:42 P.M. ON THE
AFTERNOON OF MARCH 18, 1931, THE
AT EXACTLY 5:42 P.M. ON THE
AFTERNOON OF MARCH 18, 1931, THE
COMPLETED MOORING MAST WAS
AFTERNOON OF MARCH 18, 1931, THE
COMPLETED MOORING MAST WAS
TOPPED OFF.
COMPLETED MOORING MAST WAS
TOPPED OFF.
A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE LAST OF
TOPPED OFF.
A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE LAST OF
THE INTERIOR FINISHING WORK WAS
A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE LAST OF
THE INTERIOR FINISHING WORK WAS
COMPLETE.
THE INTERIOR FINISHING WORK WAS
COMPLETE.
IN THE END, JOHN JACOB RASKOB
COMPLETE.
IN THE END, JOHN JACOB RASKOB
AND AL SMITH HAD TRIUMPHED,
IN THE END, JOHN JACOB RASKOB
AND AL SMITH HAD TRIUMPHED,
CONJURING FROM THE DWINDLING
AND AL SMITH HAD TRIUMPHED,
CONJURING FROM THE DWINDLING
OXYGEN OF THE EXTRAORDINARY
CONJURING FROM THE DWINDLING
OXYGEN OF THE EXTRAORDINARY
DECADE THE TALLEST BUILDING IN
OXYGEN OF THE EXTRAORDINARY
DECADE THE TALLEST BUILDING IN
THE WORLD, A DISTINCTION I
DECADE THE TALLEST BUILDING IN
THE WORLD, A DISTINCTION I
WOULD PROUDLY HOLD FOR MORE THAN
THE WORLD, A DISTINCTION I
WOULD PROUDLY HOLD FOR MORE THAN
40 YEARS, AND DESPITE OTHER,
WOULD PROUDLY HOLD FOR MORE THAN
40 YEARS, AND DESPITE OTHER,
TALLER STRUCTURES TO COME, NEVER
40 YEARS, AND DESPITE OTHER,
TALLER STRUCTURES TO COME, NEVER
SEEM TO LOSE.
TALLER STRUCTURES TO COME, NEVER
SEEM TO LOSE.
IN ALL, SIX MEN HAD DIED DURING
SEEM TO LOSE.
IN ALL, SIX MEN HAD DIED DURING
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EMPIRE
IN ALL, SIX MEN HAD DIED DURING
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING TWO LABORERS,
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING TWO LABORERS,
AN IRONWORKER, AND THREE
STATE BUILDING TWO LABORERS,
AN IRONWORKER, AND THREE
CARPENTERS.
AN IRONWORKER, AND THREE
CARPENTERS.
57,000 TONS OF STRUCTURAL STEEL,
CARPENTERS.
57,000 TONS OF STRUCTURAL STEEL,
ALMOST THREE TIMES THE TOTAL
57,000 TONS OF STRUCTURAL STEEL,
ALMOST THREE TIMES THE TOTAL
USED IN THE CHRYSLER BUILDING,
ALMOST THREE TIMES THE TOTAL
USED IN THE CHRYSLER BUILDING,
HAD BEEN HOISTED INTO PLACE, NO
USED IN THE CHRYSLER BUILDING,
HAD BEEN HOISTED INTO PLACE, NO
ONLY HIGHER BUT FASTER THAN
HAD BEEN HOISTED INTO PLACE, NO
ONLY HIGHER BUT FASTER THAN
ANYONE HAD EVER DREAMED
ONLY HIGHER BUT FASTER THAN
ANYONE HAD EVER DREAMED
POSSIBLE.
ANYONE HAD EVER DREAMED
POSSIBLE.
FROM START TO FINISH, FROM THE
POSSIBLE.
FROM START TO FINISH, FROM THE
COMMENCEMENT OF WORK ON THE
FROM START TO FINISH, FROM THE
COMMENCEMENT OF WORK ON THE
FOUNDATIONS TO THE LAST PIECE OF
COMMENCEMENT OF WORK ON THE
FOUNDATIONS TO THE LAST PIECE OF
INTERIOR WORK ON THE GLEAMING
FOUNDATIONS TO THE LAST PIECE OF
INTERIOR WORK ON THE GLEAMING
MARBLE LOBBY, IT HAD TAKEN THE
INTERIOR WORK ON THE GLEAMING
MARBLE LOBBY, IT HAD TAKEN THE
HEROIC TEAM OF ENGINEERS AND
MARBLE LOBBY, IT HAD TAKEN THE
HEROIC TEAM OF ENGINEERS AND
WORKMEN JUST 13 MONTHS TO EREC
HEROIC TEAM OF ENGINEERS AND
WORKMEN JUST 13 MONTHS TO EREC
THE TALLEST BUILDING IN THE
WORKMEN JUST 13 MONTHS TO EREC
THE TALLEST BUILDING IN THE
WORLD, ONE OF THE GREATEST FEATS
THE TALLEST BUILDING IN THE
WORLD, ONE OF THE GREATEST FEATS
OF CONSTRUCTION SINCE BUILDINGS
WORLD, ONE OF THE GREATEST FEATS
OF CONSTRUCTION SINCE BUILDINGS
BEGAN.
OF CONSTRUCTION SINCE BUILDINGS
BEGAN.
Silverman: YOU'RE TALKING
BEGAN.
Silverman: YOU'RE TALKING
ABOUT FROM THE TIME THAT THE
Silverman: YOU'RE TALKING
ABOUT FROM THE TIME THAT THE
STEEL STARTED, WHICH IS
ABOUT FROM THE TIME THAT THE
STEEL STARTED, WHICH IS
GENERALLY THE BENCHMARK THAT WE
STEEL STARTED, WHICH IS
GENERALLY THE BENCHMARK THAT WE
GIVE THESE BUILDINGS IN TERMS OF
GENERALLY THE BENCHMARK THAT WE
GIVE THESE BUILDINGS IN TERMS OF
ITS ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION.
GIVE THESE BUILDINGS IN TERMS OF
ITS ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION.
YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT 13 OR 14
ITS ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION.
YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT 13 OR 14
MONTHS, WORKING THROUGH THE
YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT 13 OR 14
MONTHS, WORKING THROUGH THE
WINTER, AND THAT WINTER WAS
MONTHS, WORKING THROUGH THE
WINTER, AND THAT WINTER WAS
PRETTY SEVERE; THE WINTER OF '30
WINTER, AND THAT WINTER WAS
PRETTY SEVERE; THE WINTER OF '30
INTO '31 WAS PRETTY SEVERE.
PRETTY SEVERE; THE WINTER OF '30
INTO '31 WAS PRETTY SEVERE.
IT WAS AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING
INTO '31 WAS PRETTY SEVERE.
IT WAS AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING
CONSTRUCTION TIMETABLE.
IT WAS AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING
CONSTRUCTION TIMETABLE.
BUT THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE COME
CONSTRUCTION TIMETABLE.
BUT THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE COME
AFTER THEM, ME AND OTHERS, WHO
BUT THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE COME
AFTER THEM, ME AND OTHERS, WHO
PRACTICE THE ART OF BUILDING,
AFTER THEM, ME AND OTHERS, WHO
PRACTICE THE ART OF BUILDING,
USE THAT BUILDING AS AN EXAMPLE
PRACTICE THE ART OF BUILDING,
USE THAT BUILDING AS AN EXAMPLE
OF WHETHER THE BUILDING WAS A
USE THAT BUILDING AS AN EXAMPLE
OF WHETHER THE BUILDING WAS A
FINANCIAL SUCCESS OR NOT,
OF WHETHER THE BUILDING WAS A
FINANCIAL SUCCESS OR NOT,
WHETHER THE BUILDING IS HANDSOME
FINANCIAL SUCCESS OR NOT,
WHETHER THE BUILDING IS HANDSOME
OR NOT.
WHETHER THE BUILDING IS HANDSOME
OR NOT.
THAT BUILDING WAS CERTAINLY FROM
OR NOT.
THAT BUILDING WAS CERTAINLY FROM
A BUILDING ART A TRIUMPH IN
THAT BUILDING WAS CERTAINLY FROM
A BUILDING ART A TRIUMPH IN
EVERY WAY, IN EVERY POSSIBLE
A BUILDING ART A TRIUMPH IN
EVERY WAY, IN EVERY POSSIBLE
WAY, SOMETHING TO STUDY,
EVERY WAY, IN EVERY POSSIBLE
WAY, SOMETHING TO STUDY,
SOMETHING TO LOOK AT, SOMETHING
WAY, SOMETHING TO STUDY,
SOMETHING TO LOOK AT, SOMETHING
TO TEACH NOT TO BE AFRAID OF
SOMETHING TO LOOK AT, SOMETHING
TO TEACH NOT TO BE AFRAID OF
INNOVATION.
TO TEACH NOT TO BE AFRAID OF
INNOVATION.
Narrator: OPENING DAY, MAY 1,
INNOVATION.
Narrator: OPENING DAY, MAY 1,
1931, DAWNED BRIGHT AND CLEAR.
Narrator: OPENING DAY, MAY 1,
1931, DAWNED BRIGHT AND CLEAR.
Smith: WE ARE ABOUT TO
1931, DAWNED BRIGHT AND CLEAR.
Smith: WE ARE ABOUT TO
OFFICIALLY OPEN THE EMPIRE STATE
Smith: WE ARE ABOUT TO
OFFICIALLY OPEN THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING, THE LARGEST AND MOS
OFFICIALLY OPEN THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING, THE LARGEST AND MOS
BEAUTIFUL OFFICE BUILDING IN THE
BUILDING, THE LARGEST AND MOS
BEAUTIFUL OFFICE BUILDING IN THE
WORLD.
BEAUTIFUL OFFICE BUILDING IN THE
WORLD.
Narrator: AL SMITH, THE
WORLD.
Narrator: AL SMITH, THE
BUILDING'S OFFICIAL GREETER,
Narrator: AL SMITH, THE
BUILDING'S OFFICIAL GREETER,
PRESIDED OVER THE GALA EVEN
BUILDING'S OFFICIAL GREETER,
PRESIDED OVER THE GALA EVEN
HELD ON THE BRAND-NEW
PRESIDED OVER THE GALA EVEN
HELD ON THE BRAND-NEW
OBSERVATION DECK ON THE 86th
HELD ON THE BRAND-NEW
OBSERVATION DECK ON THE 86th
FLOOR, ATTENDED BY JOHN JACOB
OBSERVATION DECK ON THE 86th
FLOOR, ATTENDED BY JOHN JACOB
RASKOB, MAYOR JIMMY WALKER, AND
FLOOR, ATTENDED BY JOHN JACOB
RASKOB, MAYOR JIMMY WALKER, AND
GOVERNOR FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT.
RASKOB, MAYOR JIMMY WALKER, AND
GOVERNOR FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT.
Smith: IN THE WORLD TODAY
GOVERNOR FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT.
Smith: IN THE WORLD TODAY
THAT CAN BE REACHED FROM A
Smith: IN THE WORLD TODAY
THAT CAN BE REACHED FROM A
BUILDING DESIGNED, FASHIONED,
THAT CAN BE REACHED FROM A
BUILDING DESIGNED, FASHIONED,
BUILT BY THE BRAINS, THE BRAWNS,
BUILDING DESIGNED, FASHIONED,
BUILT BY THE BRAINS, THE BRAWNS,
THE INGENUITY, AND THE MUSCLE OF
BUILT BY THE BRAINS, THE BRAWNS,
THE INGENUITY, AND THE MUSCLE OF
MANKIND.
THE INGENUITY, AND THE MUSCLE OF
MANKIND.
Franklin Roosevelt: I AM VERY
MANKIND.
Franklin Roosevelt: I AM VERY
HAPPY TO TAKE PART IN THIS VERY
Franklin Roosevelt: I AM VERY
HAPPY TO TAKE PART IN THIS VERY
AUSPICIOUS OCCASION WITH MY OLD
HAPPY TO TAKE PART IN THIS VERY
AUSPICIOUS OCCASION WITH MY OLD
FRIEND, GOVERNOR SMITH.
AUSPICIOUS OCCASION WITH MY OLD
FRIEND, GOVERNOR SMITH.
WHEN I CAME UP IN THE ELEVATOR,
FRIEND, GOVERNOR SMITH.
WHEN I CAME UP IN THE ELEVATOR,
I WENT SO HIGH THAT I EXPECTED
WHEN I CAME UP IN THE ELEVATOR,
I WENT SO HIGH THAT I EXPECTED
TO GET ABOVE SNOW LEVEL.
I WENT SO HIGH THAT I EXPECTED
TO GET ABOVE SNOW LEVEL.
Narrator: THAT EVENING, AS A
TO GET ABOVE SNOW LEVEL.
Narrator: THAT EVENING, AS A
BRILLIANTLY CLEAR TWILIGH
Narrator: THAT EVENING, AS A
BRILLIANTLY CLEAR TWILIGH
DESCENDED ON NEW YORK, PRESIDEN
BRILLIANTLY CLEAR TWILIGH
DESCENDED ON NEW YORK, PRESIDEN
HERBERT HOOVER TURNED A KEY IN
DESCENDED ON NEW YORK, PRESIDEN
HERBERT HOOVER TURNED A KEY IN
THE WHITE HOUSE, AND THE GREA
HERBERT HOOVER TURNED A KEY IN
THE WHITE HOUSE, AND THE GREA
BUILDING WAS ILLUMINATED FOR THE
THE WHITE HOUSE, AND THE GREA
BUILDING WAS ILLUMINATED FOR THE
FIRST TIME.
BUILDING WAS ILLUMINATED FOR THE
FIRST TIME.
Reader: "EMPIRE STATE SEEMED
FIRST TIME.
Reader: "EMPIRE STATE SEEMED
ALMOST TO FLOAT, LIKE AN
Reader: "EMPIRE STATE SEEMED
ALMOST TO FLOAT, LIKE AN
ENCHANTED FAIRY TOWER, OVER NEW
ALMOST TO FLOAT, LIKE AN
ENCHANTED FAIRY TOWER, OVER NEW
YORK.
ENCHANTED FAIRY TOWER, OVER NEW
YORK.
AN EDIFICE SO LOFTY, SO SERENE,
YORK.
AN EDIFICE SO LOFTY, SO SERENE,
SO MARVELOUSLY SIMPLE, SO
AN EDIFICE SO LOFTY, SO SERENE,
SO MARVELOUSLY SIMPLE, SO
LUMINOUSLY BEAUTIFUL, HAD NEVER
SO MARVELOUSLY SIMPLE, SO
LUMINOUSLY BEAUTIFUL, HAD NEVER
BEFORE BEEN IMAGINED.
LUMINOUSLY BEAUTIFUL, HAD NEVER
BEFORE BEEN IMAGINED.
ONE COULD LOOK BACK ON A DREAM
BEFORE BEEN IMAGINED.
ONE COULD LOOK BACK ON A DREAM
WELL PLANNED."
ONE COULD LOOK BACK ON A DREAM
WELL PLANNED."
Smith: WELL, WHAT DO YOU
WELL PLANNED."
Smith: WELL, WHAT DO YOU
THINK OF THE SIGHT OF GREATER
Smith: WELL, WHAT DO YOU
THINK OF THE SIGHT OF GREATER
NEW YORK FROM THE 86th FLOOR OF
THINK OF THE SIGHT OF GREATER
NEW YORK FROM THE 86th FLOOR OF
THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING?
NEW YORK FROM THE 86th FLOOR OF
THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING?
Winston Churchill: I THINK
THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING?
Winston Churchill: I THINK
IT'S A MARVELOUS SIGHT.
Winston Churchill: I THINK
IT'S A MARVELOUS SIGHT.
Smith: ON A CLEAR DAY, YOU
IT'S A MARVELOUS SIGHT.
Smith: ON A CLEAR DAY, YOU
CAN SEE ALL THE WAY DOWN TO
Smith: ON A CLEAR DAY, YOU
CAN SEE ALL THE WAY DOWN TO
SANDY HOOK IN THE SOUTH, THE
CAN SEE ALL THE WAY DOWN TO
SANDY HOOK IN THE SOUTH, THE
LONGEST VISION FROM ANY
SANDY HOOK IN THE SOUTH, THE
LONGEST VISION FROM ANY
BUILDING, I PROBABLY THINK, IN
LONGEST VISION FROM ANY
BUILDING, I PROBABLY THINK, IN
THE WORLD.
BUILDING, I PROBABLY THINK, IN
THE WORLD.
Churchill: WELL, IT'S MUCH
THE WORLD.
Churchill: WELL, IT'S MUCH
THE HIGHEST I'VE EVER BEEN UP.
Churchill: WELL, IT'S MUCH
THE HIGHEST I'VE EVER BEEN UP.
Smith: HIGHEST FOR ME, TOO.
THE HIGHEST I'VE EVER BEEN UP.
Smith: HIGHEST FOR ME, TOO.
PROBABLY AS HIGH AS I'LL EVER
Smith: HIGHEST FOR ME, TOO.
PROBABLY AS HIGH AS I'LL EVER
BE.
PROBABLY AS HIGH AS I'LL EVER
BE.
Narrator: AND SO THE ROARING
BE.
Narrator: AND SO THE ROARING
'20s THE HAUNTING, POETIC
Narrator: AND SO THE ROARING
'20s THE HAUNTING, POETIC
DECADE OF VAULTING AMBITION AND
'20s THE HAUNTING, POETIC
DECADE OF VAULTING AMBITION AND
FURIOUS DREAMS CAME TO AN END.
DECADE OF VAULTING AMBITION AND
FURIOUS DREAMS CAME TO AN END.
Interviewer: MR. GOVERNOR?
FURIOUS DREAMS CAME TO AN END.
Interviewer: MR. GOVERNOR?
Smith and Roosevelt: YES?
Interviewer: MR. GOVERNOR?
Smith and Roosevelt: YES?
Smith: WHICH ONE?
Smith and Roosevelt: YES?
Smith: WHICH ONE?
( laughter)
Smith: WHICH ONE?
( laughter)
Interviewer: THE GOVERNOR OF
( laughter)
Interviewer: THE GOVERNOR OF
THE EMPIRE OR GOVERNOR OF THE
Interviewer: THE GOVERNOR OF
THE EMPIRE OR GOVERNOR OF THE
EMPIRE STATE?
THE EMPIRE OR GOVERNOR OF THE
EMPIRE STATE?
Narrator: AL SMITH NEVER GO
EMPIRE STATE?
Narrator: AL SMITH NEVER GO
OVER HIS BITTER DEFEAT IN THE
Narrator: AL SMITH NEVER GO
OVER HIS BITTER DEFEAT IN THE
CAMPAIGN OF 1928.
OVER HIS BITTER DEFEAT IN THE
CAMPAIGN OF 1928.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, CONVINCED
CAMPAIGN OF 1928.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, CONVINCED
FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT HAD STOLEN
IN THE YEARS TO COME, CONVINCED
FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT HAD STOLEN
HIS THUNDER, THE ONCE-HAPPY
FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT HAD STOLEN
HIS THUNDER, THE ONCE-HAPPY
WARRIOR WOULD REPUDIATE THE NEW
HIS THUNDER, THE ONCE-HAPPY
WARRIOR WOULD REPUDIATE THE NEW
DEAL, FOR WHICH HIS OWN STATE
WARRIOR WOULD REPUDIATE THE NEW
DEAL, FOR WHICH HIS OWN STATE
PROGRAMS HAD BEEN THE MODEL, AND
DEAL, FOR WHICH HIS OWN STATE
PROGRAMS HAD BEEN THE MODEL, AND
DRIFT AWAY FROM THE DEMOCRATIC
PROGRAMS HAD BEEN THE MODEL, AND
DRIFT AWAY FROM THE DEMOCRATIC
PARTY ENTIRELY.
DRIFT AWAY FROM THE DEMOCRATIC
PARTY ENTIRELY.
THOUGH JOHN JACOB RASKOB, TOO,
PARTY ENTIRELY.
THOUGH JOHN JACOB RASKOB, TOO,
HAD TOUCHED THE SKY, HIS BELOVED
THOUGH JOHN JACOB RASKOB, TOO,
HAD TOUCHED THE SKY, HIS BELOVED
TOWER NEVER LIVED UP TO HIS
HAD TOUCHED THE SKY, HIS BELOVED
TOWER NEVER LIVED UP TO HIS
GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
TOWER NEVER LIVED UP TO HIS
GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
ALL THE HIGH SPIRITS OF OPENING
GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
ALL THE HIGH SPIRITS OF OPENING
DAY COULD NOT DISGUISE THE FAC
ALL THE HIGH SPIRITS OF OPENING
DAY COULD NOT DISGUISE THE FAC
THAT FROM THE VERY START, THE
DAY COULD NOT DISGUISE THE FAC
THAT FROM THE VERY START, THE
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING WAS A
THAT FROM THE VERY START, THE
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING WAS A
COMMERCIAL FAILURE, AND AN
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING WAS A
COMMERCIAL FAILURE, AND AN
INCREASING EMBARRASSMENT TO ITS
COMMERCIAL FAILURE, AND AN
INCREASING EMBARRASSMENT TO ITS
PRINCIPAL OWNER.
INCREASING EMBARRASSMENT TO ITS
PRINCIPAL OWNER.
THE SKEPTICS WHO HAD ISSUED DIRE
PRINCIPAL OWNER.
THE SKEPTICS WHO HAD ISSUED DIRE
WARNINGS ABOUT THE BUILDING'S
THE SKEPTICS WHO HAD ISSUED DIRE
WARNINGS ABOUT THE BUILDING'S
RISKY LOCATION WERE PROVED
WARNINGS ABOUT THE BUILDING'S
RISKY LOCATION WERE PROVED
RIGHT.
RISKY LOCATION WERE PROVED
RIGHT.
BY OPENING DAY, RASKOB AND HIS
RIGHT.
BY OPENING DAY, RASKOB AND HIS
PARTNERS HAD MANAGED TO REN
BY OPENING DAY, RASKOB AND HIS
PARTNERS HAD MANAGED TO REN
LESS THAN 30% OF THE BUILDING'S
PARTNERS HAD MANAGED TO REN
LESS THAN 30% OF THE BUILDING'S
OFFICE SPACE, AND 56 FLOORS
LESS THAN 30% OF THE BUILDING'S
OFFICE SPACE, AND 56 FLOORS
REMAINED COMPLETELY VACANT.
OFFICE SPACE, AND 56 FLOORS
REMAINED COMPLETELY VACANT.
PEOPLE SOON TOOK TO CALLING I
REMAINED COMPLETELY VACANT.
PEOPLE SOON TOOK TO CALLING I
THE EMPTY STATE BUILDING.
PEOPLE SOON TOOK TO CALLING I
THE EMPTY STATE BUILDING.
Willis: WHEN IT WAS FINISHED
THE EMPTY STATE BUILDING.
Willis: WHEN IT WAS FINISHED
IN 1931, THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS
Willis: WHEN IT WAS FINISHED
IN 1931, THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS
SUPPLY OF OFFICE SPACE COMING
IN 1931, THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS
SUPPLY OF OFFICE SPACE COMING
ONTO THE MARKET AT THE SAME
SUPPLY OF OFFICE SPACE COMING
ONTO THE MARKET AT THE SAME
TIME, AND THE EMPIRE STATE
ONTO THE MARKET AT THE SAME
TIME, AND THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING WAS LOCATED IN AN AREA
TIME, AND THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING WAS LOCATED IN AN AREA
WHICH WAS NOT PARTICULARLY
BUILDING WAS LOCATED IN AN AREA
WHICH WAS NOT PARTICULARLY
COMPETITIVE.
WHICH WAS NOT PARTICULARLY
COMPETITIVE.
IT WASN'T AROUND THE
COMPETITIVE.
IT WASN'T AROUND THE
TRANSPORTATION NEXUS OF GRAND
IT WASN'T AROUND THE
TRANSPORTATION NEXUS OF GRAND
CENTRAL; IT WASN'T IN THE CENTER
TRANSPORTATION NEXUS OF GRAND
CENTRAL; IT WASN'T IN THE CENTER
OF THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT.
CENTRAL; IT WASN'T IN THE CENTER
OF THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT.
IT STOOD ALONE, AND SO IT DIDN'
OF THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT.
IT STOOD ALONE, AND SO IT DIDN'
HAVE THE MAGNETIC CAPACITY TO
IT STOOD ALONE, AND SO IT DIDN'
HAVE THE MAGNETIC CAPACITY TO
DRAW IN NEW TENANTS.
HAVE THE MAGNETIC CAPACITY TO
DRAW IN NEW TENANTS.
AND THE BUILDING DIDN'T BECOME
DRAW IN NEW TENANTS.
AND THE BUILDING DIDN'T BECOME
PROFITABLE UNTIL 1950, 20 YEARS
AND THE BUILDING DIDN'T BECOME
PROFITABLE UNTIL 1950, 20 YEARS
AFTER ITS COMPLETION.
PROFITABLE UNTIL 1950, 20 YEARS
AFTER ITS COMPLETION.
Narrator: WITHIN A YEAR OF
AFTER ITS COMPLETION.
Narrator: WITHIN A YEAR OF
OPENING, WHAT WAS TO HAVE BEEN A
Narrator: WITHIN A YEAR OF
OPENING, WHAT WAS TO HAVE BEEN A
SYMBOL OF THE MIGHT OF AMERICAN
OPENING, WHAT WAS TO HAVE BEEN A
SYMBOL OF THE MIGHT OF AMERICAN
FINANCE SEEMED TO MANY TO HAVE
SYMBOL OF THE MIGHT OF AMERICAN
FINANCE SEEMED TO MANY TO HAVE
BECOME A MONUMENT TO THE
FINANCE SEEMED TO MANY TO HAVE
BECOME A MONUMENT TO THE
EXCESSES OF THE 1920s.
BECOME A MONUMENT TO THE
EXCESSES OF THE 1920s.
AFTER TWO UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS
EXCESSES OF THE 1920s.
AFTER TWO UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS
TO DOCK DIRIGIBLES FROM THE TOP
AFTER TWO UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS
TO DOCK DIRIGIBLES FROM THE TOP
OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING,
TO DOCK DIRIGIBLES FROM THE TOP
OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING,
THE MOORING MAST WAS ABANDONED.
OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING,
THE MOORING MAST WAS ABANDONED.
Reader: "THE EMPIRE STATE, A
THE MOORING MAST WAS ABANDONED.
Reader: "THE EMPIRE STATE, A
LONELY DINOSAUR, ROSE SADLY A
Reader: "THE EMPIRE STATE, A
LONELY DINOSAUR, ROSE SADLY A
MIDTOWN, HIGHEST TOWER, TALLES
LONELY DINOSAUR, ROSE SADLY A
MIDTOWN, HIGHEST TOWER, TALLES
MOUNTAIN, LONGEST ROAD, KING
MIDTOWN, HIGHEST TOWER, TALLES
MOUNTAIN, LONGEST ROAD, KING
KONG'S AERIE, MEANT TO MOOR
MOUNTAIN, LONGEST ROAD, KING
KONG'S AERIE, MEANT TO MOOR
AIRSHIPS.
KONG'S AERIE, MEANT TO MOOR
AIRSHIPS.
ALAS!"
AIRSHIPS.
ALAS!"
VINCENT SCULLY.
ALAS!"
VINCENT SCULLY.
Narrator: AND YET, DESPITE
VINCENT SCULLY.
Narrator: AND YET, DESPITE
ALL THE DISAPPOINTMENTS, NEW
Narrator: AND YET, DESPITE
ALL THE DISAPPOINTMENTS, NEW
YORKERS FELL IN LOVE WITH THE
ALL THE DISAPPOINTMENTS, NEW
YORKERS FELL IN LOVE WITH THE
SOARING STRUCTURE AT ONCE, AND
YORKERS FELL IN LOVE WITH THE
SOARING STRUCTURE AT ONCE, AND
ALMOST OVERNIGHT, THE EMPIRE
SOARING STRUCTURE AT ONCE, AND
ALMOST OVERNIGHT, THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING BECAME THE MOS
ALMOST OVERNIGHT, THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING BECAME THE MOS
ROMANTIC AND WIDELY RECOGNIZABLE
STATE BUILDING BECAME THE MOS
ROMANTIC AND WIDELY RECOGNIZABLE
SYMBOL OF THE CITY.
ROMANTIC AND WIDELY RECOGNIZABLE
SYMBOL OF THE CITY.
VISITORS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
SYMBOL OF THE CITY.
VISITORS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
AND AROUND THE WORLD WERE SOON
VISITORS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
AND AROUND THE WORLD WERE SOON
THRONGING TO ITS THRILLING
AND AROUND THE WORLD WERE SOON
THRONGING TO ITS THRILLING
OBSERVATION DECK, WHICH IN ITS
THRONGING TO ITS THRILLING
OBSERVATION DECK, WHICH IN ITS
FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION TOOK IN
OBSERVATION DECK, WHICH IN ITS
FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION TOOK IN
OVER A MILLION DOLLARS, AS MUCH
FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION TOOK IN
OVER A MILLION DOLLARS, AS MUCH
AS ITS OWNERS MADE IN RENT THA
OVER A MILLION DOLLARS, AS MUCH
AS ITS OWNERS MADE IN RENT THA
YEAR.
AS ITS OWNERS MADE IN RENT THA
YEAR.
THE MOORING MAST, UNSUITABLE FOR
YEAR.
THE MOORING MAST, UNSUITABLE FOR
AIRSHIPS, SOON FOUND ITS REAL
THE MOORING MAST, UNSUITABLE FOR
AIRSHIPS, SOON FOUND ITS REAL
VOCATION, AS A MIGHTY WAND FOR
AIRSHIPS, SOON FOUND ITS REAL
VOCATION, AS A MIGHTY WAND FOR
CASTING RADIO, AND THEN
VOCATION, AS A MIGHTY WAND FOR
CASTING RADIO, AND THEN
TELEVISION, SIGNALS, OUT OVER
CASTING RADIO, AND THEN
TELEVISION, SIGNALS, OUT OVER
THE AIRWAVES.
TELEVISION, SIGNALS, OUT OVER
THE AIRWAVES.
THOUGH THE BUILDING NEVER MADE
THE AIRWAVES.
THOUGH THE BUILDING NEVER MADE
34th STREET THE CENTER OF
THOUGH THE BUILDING NEVER MADE
34th STREET THE CENTER OF
GRAVITY IN MANHATTAN, EVEN THA
34th STREET THE CENTER OF
GRAVITY IN MANHATTAN, EVEN THA
FAILURE WOULD EVENTUALLY COME TO
GRAVITY IN MANHATTAN, EVEN THA
FAILURE WOULD EVENTUALLY COME TO
SEEM A KIND OF TRIUMPH, THE
FAILURE WOULD EVENTUALLY COME TO
SEEM A KIND OF TRIUMPH, THE
SIMPLE, SOARING TOWER FOREVER
SEEM A KIND OF TRIUMPH, THE
SIMPLE, SOARING TOWER FOREVER
STANDING IN ITS SPLENDID
SIMPLE, SOARING TOWER FOREVER
STANDING IN ITS SPLENDID
ISOLATION MAGNIFICENT, PROUD,
STANDING IN ITS SPLENDID
ISOLATION MAGNIFICENT, PROUD,
VISIBLE FROM AFAR, AND
ISOLATION MAGNIFICENT, PROUD,
VISIBLE FROM AFAR, AND
INCOMPARABLE.
VISIBLE FROM AFAR, AND
INCOMPARABLE.
Willis: WELL, THE EMPIRE
INCOMPARABLE.
Willis: WELL, THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING IS MY FAVORITE
Willis: WELL, THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING IS MY FAVORITE
BUILDING IN THE WORLD, AND I
STATE BUILDING IS MY FAVORITE
BUILDING IN THE WORLD, AND I
THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE HOLD I
BUILDING IN THE WORLD, AND I
THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE HOLD I
CLOSE LIKE THAT.
THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE HOLD I
CLOSE LIKE THAT.
IT PRESENTS ITS IMAGE FROM ANY
CLOSE LIKE THAT.
IT PRESENTS ITS IMAGE FROM ANY
DIRECTION AS THIS BEACON THA
IT PRESENTS ITS IMAGE FROM ANY
DIRECTION AS THIS BEACON THA
YOU SEE.
DIRECTION AS THIS BEACON THA
YOU SEE.
IT MARKS THE CENTER OF THE
YOU SEE.
IT MARKS THE CENTER OF THE
ISLAND.
IT MARKS THE CENTER OF THE
ISLAND.
YOU SEE IT FROM THE AIRPORT WHEN
ISLAND.
YOU SEE IT FROM THE AIRPORT WHEN
YOU COME IN.
YOU SEE IT FROM THE AIRPORT WHEN
YOU COME IN.
YOU FIX IT FROM NEW JERSEY.
YOU COME IN.
YOU FIX IT FROM NEW JERSEY.
IT LIGHTS UP AT NIGHT TO SHOW
YOU FIX IT FROM NEW JERSEY.
IT LIGHTS UP AT NIGHT TO SHOW
YOU THE WAY.
IT LIGHTS UP AT NIGHT TO SHOW
YOU THE WAY.
EVERYTHING ABOUT IT, I THINK,
YOU THE WAY.
EVERYTHING ABOUT IT, I THINK,
EVOKES AN EMOTIONAL REACTION
EVERYTHING ABOUT IT, I THINK,
EVOKES AN EMOTIONAL REACTION
FROM PEOPLE.
EVOKES AN EMOTIONAL REACTION
FROM PEOPLE.
Stern: THE EMPIRE STATE
FROM PEOPLE.
Stern: THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING IS THE GREATES
Stern: THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING IS THE GREATES
SKYSCRAPER OF THE PURE TYPE
BUILDING IS THE GREATES
SKYSCRAPER OF THE PURE TYPE
EVER.
SKYSCRAPER OF THE PURE TYPE
EVER.
IT'S UNSUNG IN MANY QUARTERS.
EVER.
IT'S UNSUNG IN MANY QUARTERS.
IT HAS GOING FOR IT A NUMBER OF
IT'S UNSUNG IN MANY QUARTERS.
IT HAS GOING FOR IT A NUMBER OF
THINGS THAT ARE FANTASTIC, ONE
IT HAS GOING FOR IT A NUMBER OF
THINGS THAT ARE FANTASTIC, ONE
OF WHICH IS ITS SITE, BECAUSE
THINGS THAT ARE FANTASTIC, ONE
OF WHICH IS ITS SITE, BECAUSE
EVEN TODAY, IT RISES VIRTUALLY
OF WHICH IS ITS SITE, BECAUSE
EVEN TODAY, IT RISES VIRTUALLY
UNSURROUNDED BY ANYTHING HIGH,
EVEN TODAY, IT RISES VIRTUALLY
UNSURROUNDED BY ANYTHING HIGH,
SO THE SHEER HEIGHT OF IT; AND
UNSURROUNDED BY ANYTHING HIGH,
SO THE SHEER HEIGHT OF IT; AND
THEN THE BEAUTIFUL MASSING OF
SO THE SHEER HEIGHT OF IT; AND
THEN THE BEAUTIFUL MASSING OF
THE BUILDING, SYMMETRICAL ON
THEN THE BEAUTIFUL MASSING OF
THE BUILDING, SYMMETRICAL ON
EVERY ELEVATION, BUT STEPPING
THE BUILDING, SYMMETRICAL ON
EVERY ELEVATION, BUT STEPPING
BACK AT GREAT SCALE TO THE TOP,
EVERY ELEVATION, BUT STEPPING
BACK AT GREAT SCALE TO THE TOP,
AND THEN IT HAS THIS MAGIC
BACK AT GREAT SCALE TO THE TOP,
AND THEN IT HAS THIS MAGIC
TERRACE, WHERE YOU CAN LOOK OU
AND THEN IT HAS THIS MAGIC
TERRACE, WHERE YOU CAN LOOK OU
ON THE CITY AS THOUGH YOU'RE
TERRACE, WHERE YOU CAN LOOK OU
ON THE CITY AS THOUGH YOU'RE
ALMOST ON THE DECK OF A
ON THE CITY AS THOUGH YOU'RE
ALMOST ON THE DECK OF A
DIRIGIBLE, AND THEN BEYOND IT,
ALMOST ON THE DECK OF A
DIRIGIBLE, AND THEN BEYOND IT,
IT HAS THIS ILLUMINATED LANTERN
DIRIGIBLE, AND THEN BEYOND IT,
IT HAS THIS ILLUMINATED LANTERN
OF A VERTICAL PROPORTIONED,
IT HAS THIS ILLUMINATED LANTERN
OF A VERTICAL PROPORTIONED,
PHALLIC-LIKE IF YOU WILL, WHICH
OF A VERTICAL PROPORTIONED,
PHALLIC-LIKE IF YOU WILL, WHICH
WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A LANDING
PHALLIC-LIKE IF YOU WILL, WHICH
WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A LANDING
MAST FOR DIRIGIBLES.
WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A LANDING
MAST FOR DIRIGIBLES.
WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY REALLY HAD
MAST FOR DIRIGIBLES.
WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY REALLY HAD
IN MIND?
WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY REALLY HAD
IN MIND?
BUT WHAT A GREAT CULMINATION, A
IN MIND?
BUT WHAT A GREAT CULMINATION, A
LANTERN.
BUT WHAT A GREAT CULMINATION, A
LANTERN.
IT'S THE GREAT LIGHTHOUSE FOR
LANTERN.
IT'S THE GREAT LIGHTHOUSE FOR
THE CITY.
IT'S THE GREAT LIGHTHOUSE FOR
THE CITY.
I MEAN, THE ANCIENT WORLD OF
THE CITY.
I MEAN, THE ANCIENT WORLD OF
EGYPT OR GREECE, YOU HAD THESE
I MEAN, THE ANCIENT WORLD OF
EGYPT OR GREECE, YOU HAD THESE
GREAT LANTERNS IN THE HARBOR.
EGYPT OR GREECE, YOU HAD THESE
GREAT LANTERNS IN THE HARBOR.
THE STATUE OF LIBERTY WAS A
GREAT LANTERNS IN THE HARBOR.
THE STATUE OF LIBERTY WAS A
GREAT LANTERN, OR LIGHTHOUSE
THE STATUE OF LIBERTY WAS A
GREAT LANTERN, OR LIGHTHOUSE
"I LIFT MY LIGHT BESIDE THE
GREAT LANTERN, OR LIGHTHOUSE
"I LIFT MY LIGHT BESIDE THE
GOLDEN DOOR."
"I LIFT MY LIGHT BESIDE THE
GOLDEN DOOR."
HERE WAS THE LIGHTHOUSE OF
GOLDEN DOOR."
HERE WAS THE LIGHTHOUSE OF
COMMERCE IN THE MIDDLE OF
HERE WAS THE LIGHTHOUSE OF
COMMERCE IN THE MIDDLE OF
MIDTOWN, WHERE ALL THE BUILDINGS
COMMERCE IN THE MIDDLE OF
MIDTOWN, WHERE ALL THE BUILDINGS
WERE LOW.
MIDTOWN, WHERE ALL THE BUILDINGS
WERE LOW.
Narrator: NEVER AGAIN WOULD
WERE LOW.
Narrator: NEVER AGAIN WOULD
ANYTHING BE BUILT QUITE LIKE IT.
Narrator: NEVER AGAIN WOULD
ANYTHING BE BUILT QUITE LIKE IT.
SUMMONED FROM THE EARTH AT THE
ANYTHING BE BUILT QUITE LIKE IT.
SUMMONED FROM THE EARTH AT THE
END OF THE 1920s BY COMMERCIAL
SUMMONED FROM THE EARTH AT THE
END OF THE 1920s BY COMMERCIAL
AND CULTURAL FORCES THAT HAD
END OF THE 1920s BY COMMERCIAL
AND CULTURAL FORCES THAT HAD
BEEN BUILDING SINCE THE ERIE
AND CULTURAL FORCES THAT HAD
BEEN BUILDING SINCE THE ERIE
CANAL, THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
BEEN BUILDING SINCE THE ERIE
CANAL, THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
WAS PERHAPS THE SUPREME
CANAL, THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
WAS PERHAPS THE SUPREME
EXPRESSION OF THE CITY'S
WAS PERHAPS THE SUPREME
EXPRESSION OF THE CITY'S
UNPARALLELED POWER TO SHAPE ITS
EXPRESSION OF THE CITY'S
UNPARALLELED POWER TO SHAPE ITS
OWN DESTINY.
UNPARALLELED POWER TO SHAPE ITS
OWN DESTINY.
RISING AS THE CITY AND COUNTRY
OWN DESTINY.
RISING AS THE CITY AND COUNTRY
SANK INTO THE WORST DEPRESSION
RISING AS THE CITY AND COUNTRY
SANK INTO THE WORST DEPRESSION
OF THEIR HISTORY, IT MARKED A
SANK INTO THE WORST DEPRESSION
OF THEIR HISTORY, IT MARKED A
MIGHTY CULMINATION AND CRUCIAL
OF THEIR HISTORY, IT MARKED A
MIGHTY CULMINATION AND CRUCIAL
TURNING POINT IN THE LIFE OF NEW
MIGHTY CULMINATION AND CRUCIAL
TURNING POINT IN THE LIFE OF NEW
YORK CITY.
TURNING POINT IN THE LIFE OF NEW
YORK CITY.
NEVER AGAIN WOULD THERE BE SUCH
YORK CITY.
NEVER AGAIN WOULD THERE BE SUCH
BOUNDLESS FAITH IN THE FUTURE,
NEVER AGAIN WOULD THERE BE SUCH
BOUNDLESS FAITH IN THE FUTURE,
OR IN THE UNBRIDLED FORCES OF
BOUNDLESS FAITH IN THE FUTURE,
OR IN THE UNBRIDLED FORCES OF
COMMERCE AND CAPITALISM.
OR IN THE UNBRIDLED FORCES OF
COMMERCE AND CAPITALISM.
NEVER AGAIN WOULD THE CITY HOLD
COMMERCE AND CAPITALISM.
NEVER AGAIN WOULD THE CITY HOLD
SUCH UNRIVALED SWAY OVER THE
NEVER AGAIN WOULD THE CITY HOLD
SUCH UNRIVALED SWAY OVER THE
CULTURE AND COMMERCE OF THE
SUCH UNRIVALED SWAY OVER THE
CULTURE AND COMMERCE OF THE
UNITED STATES, NOR WOULD THE
CULTURE AND COMMERCE OF THE
UNITED STATES, NOR WOULD THE
GLEAMING METROPOLIS EVER FEEL
UNITED STATES, NOR WOULD THE
GLEAMING METROPOLIS EVER FEEL
QUITE SO INDISPUTABLY LIKE THE
GLEAMING METROPOLIS EVER FEEL
QUITE SO INDISPUTABLY LIKE THE
CENTER OF THE WORLD.
QUITE SO INDISPUTABLY LIKE THE
CENTER OF THE WORLD.
NEW FORCES WERE ABROAD IN THE
CENTER OF THE WORLD.
NEW FORCES WERE ABROAD IN THE
LAND, UNLEASHED IN PART BY THE
NEW FORCES WERE ABROAD IN THE
LAND, UNLEASHED IN PART BY THE
CITY'S VERY POWER, AND IN PAR
LAND, UNLEASHED IN PART BY THE
CITY'S VERY POWER, AND IN PAR
BY ITS BREATHTAKING PROFLIGACY,
CITY'S VERY POWER, AND IN PAR
BY ITS BREATHTAKING PROFLIGACY,
AND IN THE DECADES TO COME,
BY ITS BREATHTAKING PROFLIGACY,
AND IN THE DECADES TO COME,
THOSE FORCES WOULD DRAMATICALLY
AND IN THE DECADES TO COME,
THOSE FORCES WOULD DRAMATICALLY
TRANSFORM THE RELATION OF THE
THOSE FORCES WOULD DRAMATICALLY
TRANSFORM THE RELATION OF THE
CITY AND THE COUNTRY.
TRANSFORM THE RELATION OF THE
CITY AND THE COUNTRY.
NO ONE SENSED THOSE CHANGES MORE
CITY AND THE COUNTRY.
NO ONE SENSED THOSE CHANGES MORE
POIGNANTLY, OR EXPRESSED THEM
NO ONE SENSED THOSE CHANGES MORE
POIGNANTLY, OR EXPRESSED THEM
MORE LYRICALLY, THAN THE CITY'S
POIGNANTLY, OR EXPRESSED THEM
MORE LYRICALLY, THAN THE CITY'S
BRILLIANT FALLEN ANGEL, F. SCOT
MORE LYRICALLY, THAN THE CITY'S
BRILLIANT FALLEN ANGEL, F. SCOT
FITZGERALD, WHOSE OWN CAREER WAS
BRILLIANT FALLEN ANGEL, F. SCOT
FITZGERALD, WHOSE OWN CAREER WAS
ALREADY DESCENDING INTO
FITZGERALD, WHOSE OWN CAREER WAS
ALREADY DESCENDING INTO
DARKNESS.
ALREADY DESCENDING INTO
DARKNESS.
TWO YEARS AFTER THE CRASH, IN
DARKNESS.
TWO YEARS AFTER THE CRASH, IN
WHAT HE CALLED THE "DARK AUTUMN"
TWO YEARS AFTER THE CRASH, IN
WHAT HE CALLED THE "DARK AUTUMN"
OF 1931, HE RETURNED TO NEW YORK
WHAT HE CALLED THE "DARK AUTUMN"
OF 1931, HE RETURNED TO NEW YORK
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NEARLY
OF 1931, HE RETURNED TO NEW YORK
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NEARLY
THREE YEARS.
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NEARLY
THREE YEARS.
A LIFETIME BEFORE, HE HAD COME
THREE YEARS.
A LIFETIME BEFORE, HE HAD COME
TO A PLACE WHERE EVERYTHING
A LIFETIME BEFORE, HE HAD COME
TO A PLACE WHERE EVERYTHING
SEEMED POSSIBLE.
TO A PLACE WHERE EVERYTHING
SEEMED POSSIBLE.
NOW EVERYTHING HAD CHANGED, AND
SEEMED POSSIBLE.
NOW EVERYTHING HAD CHANGED, AND
IN A PIERCING, CLEAR-EYED,
NOW EVERYTHING HAD CHANGED, AND
IN A PIERCING, CLEAR-EYED,
MELANCHOLY ESSAY CALLED "MY LOS
IN A PIERCING, CLEAR-EYED,
MELANCHOLY ESSAY CALLED "MY LOS
CITY," HE STRUGGLED TO PUT INTO
MELANCHOLY ESSAY CALLED "MY LOS
CITY," HE STRUGGLED TO PUT INTO
WORDS EXACTLY WHAT THAT WAS.
CITY," HE STRUGGLED TO PUT INTO
WORDS EXACTLY WHAT THAT WAS.
Reader: "FROM THE RUINS,
WORDS EXACTLY WHAT THAT WAS.
Reader: "FROM THE RUINS,
LONELY AND INEXPLICABLE AS THE
Reader: "FROM THE RUINS,
LONELY AND INEXPLICABLE AS THE
SPHINX, ROSE THE EMPIRE STATE
LONELY AND INEXPLICABLE AS THE
SPHINX, ROSE THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING.
SPHINX, ROSE THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING.
AND JUST AS IT HAD BEEN A
BUILDING.
AND JUST AS IT HAD BEEN A
TRADITION OF MINE TO CLIMB TO
AND JUST AS IT HAD BEEN A
TRADITION OF MINE TO CLIMB TO
THE PLAZA ROOF TO TAKE LEAVE OF
TRADITION OF MINE TO CLIMB TO
THE PLAZA ROOF TO TAKE LEAVE OF
THE BEAUTIFUL CITY EXTENDING AS
THE PLAZA ROOF TO TAKE LEAVE OF
THE BEAUTIFUL CITY EXTENDING AS
FAR AS THE EYES COULD REACH, SO
THE BEAUTIFUL CITY EXTENDING AS
FAR AS THE EYES COULD REACH, SO
NOW I WENT TO THE ROOF OF THE
FAR AS THE EYES COULD REACH, SO
NOW I WENT TO THE ROOF OF THE
LAST AND MOST MAGNIFICENT OF
NOW I WENT TO THE ROOF OF THE
LAST AND MOST MAGNIFICENT OF
TOWERS.
LAST AND MOST MAGNIFICENT OF
TOWERS.
THEN I UNDERSTOOD.
TOWERS.
THEN I UNDERSTOOD.
EVERYTHING WAS EXPLAINED.
THEN I UNDERSTOOD.
EVERYTHING WAS EXPLAINED.
I HAD DISCOVERED THE CROWNING
EVERYTHING WAS EXPLAINED.
I HAD DISCOVERED THE CROWNING
ERROR OF THE CITY, ITS PANDORA'S
I HAD DISCOVERED THE CROWNING
ERROR OF THE CITY, ITS PANDORA'S
BOX.
ERROR OF THE CITY, ITS PANDORA'S
BOX.
FULL OF VAUNTING PRIDE, THE NEW
BOX.
FULL OF VAUNTING PRIDE, THE NEW
YORKER HAD CLIMBED HERE AND SEEN
FULL OF VAUNTING PRIDE, THE NEW
YORKER HAD CLIMBED HERE AND SEEN
WITH DISMAY WHAT HE HAD NEVER
YORKER HAD CLIMBED HERE AND SEEN
WITH DISMAY WHAT HE HAD NEVER
SUSPECTED: THAT THE CITY WAS NO
WITH DISMAY WHAT HE HAD NEVER
SUSPECTED: THAT THE CITY WAS NO
THE ENDLESS SUCCESSION OF
SUSPECTED: THAT THE CITY WAS NO
THE ENDLESS SUCCESSION OF
CANYONS THAT HE HAD SUPPOSED,
THE ENDLESS SUCCESSION OF
CANYONS THAT HE HAD SUPPOSED,
BUT THAT IT HAD LIMITS, FADING
CANYONS THAT HE HAD SUPPOSED,
BUT THAT IT HAD LIMITS, FADING
OUT INTO THE COUNTRY ON ALL
BUT THAT IT HAD LIMITS, FADING
OUT INTO THE COUNTRY ON ALL
SIDES, INTO AN EXPANSE OF GREEN
OUT INTO THE COUNTRY ON ALL
SIDES, INTO AN EXPANSE OF GREEN
AND BLUE THAT ALONE WAS
SIDES, INTO AN EXPANSE OF GREEN
AND BLUE THAT ALONE WAS
LIMITLESS.
AND BLUE THAT ALONE WAS
LIMITLESS.
AND WITH THE AWFUL REALIZATION
LIMITLESS.
AND WITH THE AWFUL REALIZATION
THAT NEW YORK WAS A CITY AFTER
AND WITH THE AWFUL REALIZATION
THAT NEW YORK WAS A CITY AFTER
ALL AND NOT A UNIVERSE, THE
THAT NEW YORK WAS A CITY AFTER
ALL AND NOT A UNIVERSE, THE
WHOLE SHINING EDIFICE THAT HE
ALL AND NOT A UNIVERSE, THE
WHOLE SHINING EDIFICE THAT HE
HAD REARED IN HIS IMAGINATION
WHOLE SHINING EDIFICE THAT HE
HAD REARED IN HIS IMAGINATION
CAME CRASHING TO THE GROUND.
HAD REARED IN HIS IMAGINATION
CAME CRASHING TO THE GROUND.
THAT WAS THE GIFT OF ALFRED
CAME CRASHING TO THE GROUND.
THAT WAS THE GIFT OF ALFRED
SMITH TO THE CITIZENS OF NEW
THAT WAS THE GIFT OF ALFRED
SMITH TO THE CITIZENS OF NEW
YORK."
SMITH TO THE CITIZENS OF NEW
YORK."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
YORK."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
VISIT NEW YORK ONLINE.
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
VISIT NEW YORK ONLINE.
JUMP INTO A TAXI AND PLAY
VISIT NEW YORK ONLINE.
JUMP INTO A TAXI AND PLAY
A QUIZ GAME.
JUMP INTO A TAXI AND PLAY
A QUIZ GAME.
VISIT A VIRTUAL NEW YORK.
A QUIZ GAME.
VISIT A VIRTUAL NEW YORK.
AND FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS,
VISIT A VIRTUAL NEW YORK.
AND FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS,
TAKE YOUR KIDS ON A LEARNING
AND FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS,
TAKE YOUR KIDS ON A LEARNING
ADVENTURE THROUGH YOUR TOWN.
TAKE YOUR KIDS ON A LEARNING
ADVENTURE THROUGH YOUR TOWN.
pbsonline@pbs.org.