Round and Round Widgets 1939
Channel: LearnAndInvestSmart
Date: 2015-05-09

'Round and 'Round is ÒvoodooÓ economics at its best. Even if we accept its dramatization of the market economy at face value, how can we explain its remarkable failure to explain the basis of it all: the profit motive? In fact, ÒprofitÓ is never mentioned in this film, and economic activity -- Òwidget-makingÓ -- is the activity of a gang of dim-witted puppets who donÕt even dare to admit their selfishness.
ÕRound and ÕRound was an ÒinstitutionalÓ film produced by Jam Handy for the General Motors Department of Public Relations. The impetus for its making probably came from then-president of G.M., Alfred P. Sloan, who supported Òfree-enterpriseÓ education while he headed G.M. and later through his own Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Its theme is consistent with other, similar films produced during the thirties at General Motors, like From Dawn To Sunset (1937), in which workers are portrayed, not as a class with specific interests and an agenda of their own, but rather as producers and consumers, with a major stake in the circularity of the economic process. If the wheels of production are to continue turning, 'Round and 'Round states, we must all willingly accept our codependence. The question asked at the end (ÒDonÕt you think so?Ó) leaves little room for other views.

SHOWS WORKINGS OF AMERICAN ECONOMY USING PUPPETS PRODUCING, DISTRIBUTING & SELLING "WIDGETS".


Ken Smith sez: Crudely animated wood block figures (sort of like a George Pal Puppetoon) move around while the narrator explains the "widget" theory of free enterprise. A frighteningly simplistic look at global economics. Music box soundtrack. Despite its cheap concept, this film is well-produced. The narration is pretty hilarious.

ECONOMICS CAPITALISM MONEY PRODUCTION SALES SELLING DISTRIBUTION PUPPETS ANIMATION STOP-MOTION WIDGETS NOVELTY MODELS FANTASY SURREALISM NITRATE FILM