America Today (1934)

One of the key works in creating the American social documentary film, this 1934 newsreel compilation crams a lot of information into just 11 minutes. Skillfully edited, the picture captures a panorama of international events centered on the labor movement. Scenes include Mussolini, Hitler and FDR preparing for war, Nazi soldiers persecuting German Jews, a political strike in Paris, the Scottsboro demonstration in Washington, DC, police violence against striking steelworkers in Pennsylvania and union members stopping scab workers from delivering milk during a dairy farmers strike in Wisconsin. Under the direction of pioneering documentarian Leo Hurwitz, the images are edited together to create a powerful image of a world that, in his view, desperately needed radical change.

Director: Leo Hurwitz
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 11 min
Release Date:
Production: Workers Film and Photo League
Country: United States of America
Language: No Language
Original Language: en

Keywords

fascism, labor, war

More Films by Director: Leo Hurwitz
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is America Today about?
One of the key works in creating the American social documentary film, this 1934 newsreel compilation crams a lot of information into just 11 minutes. Skillfully edited, the picture captures a panorama of international events centered on the labor movement. Scenes include Mussolini, Hitler and FDR preparing for war, Nazi soldiers persecuting German Jews, a political strike in Paris, the Scottsboro demonstration in Washington, DC, police violence against striking steelworkers in Pennsylvania and union members stopping scab workers from delivering milk during a dairy farmers strike in Wisconsin. Under the direction of pioneering documentarian Leo Hurwitz, the images are edited together to create a powerful image of a world that, in his view, desperately needed radical change.
Who directed America Today?
America Today was directed by Leo Hurwitz.
How long is America Today?
America Today has a runtime of 11m (11 minutes).
What genre is America Today?
America Today is a Documentary film.
Where was America Today produced?
America Today was produced in United States of America.