Motion Picture MP2006-12
Administrative Information
President Harry S. Truman's speech to a Special Session of Congress on the subject of his anti-inflation program.
SD-quality copies of already digitized motion pictures are available for $20, and HD-quality copies of already digitized motion pictures are $50. Copies of motion pictures not already digitized will incur additional costs.
SD-quality copies of already digitized motion pictures are available for $20, and HD-quality copies of already digitized motion pictures are $50. Copies of motion pictures not already digitized will incur additional costs.
This item does not circulate but reproductions may be purchased.
To request a copy of this item, please contact truman.reference@nara.gov
Please note that this video belongs to a different video collection than the items available to be borrowed by teachers, from our Education Department.
Shot List
- Reel 1
| 00:00 | Main titles read “Telepix. First on scene. First on the screen.” These are followed by informal narration by journalist of Harry S. Truman’s entrance before congress. | |
| 01:29 | Truman begins his address. A full transcript can be found in the Public Papers of the Presidents. Truman emphasizes that his main purpose is to urge congress to immediate action regarding both inflation and a shortage of affordable housing. He links the cost of living and overall American economy with his hopes for world peace. | |
| 08:54 | Truman outlines his eight-part anti-inflation program. | |
| 12:10 | Truman addresses the national housing shortage. He urges the Senate to pass Senate Bill 866, known as the Taft-Ellender-Wagner bill. | |
| 15:05 | Truman makes brief remarks about other issues he feels require legislative action, including educational funding (Senate Bill 472), minimum wage law (increasing it to 75 cents an hour; Senate Bill 2062), retirement benefits, the Displaced Persons Act, construction of the United Nations Headquarters in New York and the International Wheat Agreement. | |
| 20:30 | Truman calls for attention to three further problems: a shortage of electric power, inequitable federal pay scales, and the lack of passage of several civil rights reforms suggested by Truman. He also makes brief pitches for a comprehensive health program, a labor-management relations law to replace the “unsound” Taft-Harley law, a long-range farm program, stronger reciprocal trade agreements, a universal training program, a national science foundation, strengthened anti-trust laws, and the approval of the St. Lawrence waterway treaty. | |
| 24:53 | Truman concludes his speech. Congress applauds. The journalist’s narration resumes as Truman leaves the assembly. The end titles are the same as the introductory titles. |