If It Fits (1978)

The once thriving industrial town of Haverhill, Massachusetts on the Merrimack River now resembles, in the words of one of the film's subjects, "a ghost town where you expect to see tumbleweeds come rolling down Main Street." This film examines a dying industrial town and its politicians' search for votes over such issues as municipal spending, rising taxes, the revitalization of depressed areas, and attracting new industry. The film's central event is the 1976 Mayoral election. Election scenes are intercut with comments from Haverhill residents, members of a local foundation, political scientist Frances Fox Piven, the president of the local union, and the shoe manufacturers themselves. The oral history which surrounds the election footage is a reservoir of information about Haverhill's present condition as well as its past.

Director: Mark Erder, John Marshall
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 58 min
Release Date:
Production: Documentary Educational Resources
Country: United States of America
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Mark Erder, John Marshall
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is If It Fits about?
The once thriving industrial town of Haverhill, Massachusetts on the Merrimack River now resembles, in the words of one of the film's subjects, "a ghost town where you expect to see tumbleweeds come rolling down Main Street." This film examines a dying industrial town and its politicians' search for votes over such issues as municipal spending, rising taxes, the revitalization of depressed areas, and attracting new industry. The film's central event is the 1976 Mayoral election. Election scenes are intercut with comments from Haverhill residents, members of a local foundation, political scientist Frances Fox Piven, the president of the local union, and the shoe manufacturers themselves. The oral history which surrounds the election footage is a reservoir of information about Haverhill's present condition as well as its past.
Who directed If It Fits?
If It Fits was directed by Mark Erder, John Marshall.
How long is If It Fits?
If It Fits has a runtime of 58m (58 minutes).
What genre is If It Fits?
If It Fits is a Documentary film.
Where was If It Fits produced?
If It Fits was produced in United States of America.