Motion Picture MP64-13

The Golden Link

Administrative Information

Footage
1188 feet
Running Time
25 minutes 25 seconds
Film Gauge
16mm
Sound
sound
Color
Color
Produced by
MFA Mutual Insurance Co
Restrictions
Undetermined
Description

This film concerns the mural painted by Independence artist Sidney Larson for the MFA Mutual Insurance Company building in Columbia, Missouri. The film also covers the history of insurance.

Date(s)
1962

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Moving Image Type
Motion Picture

Shot List

  • Reel 1
     
00:00   Pictures of Benjamin Franklin, introduction credits
01:10   Provisions for mural at MFA building. Sidney Larson, art teacher at Christian College, is commissioned to do the mural.
01:45   After research Larson submits his idea to company executives
02:27   Makes full size charcoal sketches
02:52   Imported linen prepared for mural
03:14   Specially treated plywood is put in place
03:40   Canvas placed on top of plywood. Charcoal drawing transferred to mural.
04:14   Color is applied to canvas
05:01   Mural depicts origin of insurance in Babylonia where part of Hammurabi’s code dealt with insurance.
06:44   Chinese during the time also insured ships going to sea.
07:54   The Greeks originated life insurance, which was really death insurance, to pay for the funeral and burial. The Romans extended the insurance to their soldiers, providing them security if injured in battle.
08:49   Many maritime nations began insuring their ships.
10:09   The fire in London in 1666 brought about the first fire insurance company in 1667.
11:13   Lloyd’s of London, one of the best known underwriters, began in a coffee house. Lloyd’s is the father of modern fire and casualty insurance.
14:22   The first panel depicts the origin of insurance through the industrial revolution.
14:37   In Colonial America Benjamin Franklin originated the first mutual insurance company in Philadelphia.
18:10   Part of second mural is a depiction of two groups of people – those who had insurance and those who did not.
19:28   There is a likeness of Edmund Halley, who is best known for discovering Halley’s comet, but who also worked out the actuary tables.
19:50   Mural is entitled The Golden Link because each individual accomplishment is a golden link in the insurance chain.
20:23   Franklin defined mutuality as every man helping another.
20:50   The second panel depicts the development of insurance in the United States.
21:00   Third and final panel is a composite of scenes from Missouri. Larson signs his mural. Conclusion.