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Motion Picture MP77-3

The Chicago 1956 Democratic National Convention

Administrative Information

Original Format(s)
Motion Picture
Footage
768 feet
666 feet
Running Time
21 minutes 20 seconds
18 minutes 30 seconds
Film Gauge
16mm
Sound
sound
Color
Black & White
Produced by
CBS (filmed from television)
Restrictions
Restricted
Description

Subject is the 1956 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. Harry S. Truman makes a speech about civil rights. He announces his full support for Adlai Stevenson, the Democratic Presidential nominee, and to the Democratic ticket. Walter Cronkite and Sam Rayburn also appear. Estes Kefauver, Averell Harriman, Lyndon Johnson and Sam Rayburn join Truman on the podium.

Date(s)
August 1956

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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.

Moving Image Type
Motion Picture

Shot List

Reel 1

(Speech not complete on this reel)

0:00   View of the convention floor; Harry and BessTruman in box; Judge Samuel Rosenman and Oscar Chapman.
2:15   Walter Cronkite talking about nominees.
3:30   Truman being interviewed by Doug Edwards, Wednesday, August 15; debate on civil rights.
4:10   Truman speaks on subject of bringing harmony.
7:45   Cronkite commenting on speech. Sam Rayburn speaks – takes vote – plank is accepted.
9:15   August 16: Truman introduced by Rayburn.
10:30   Truman speaks for Averell Harriman and the necessity of a Democratic victory.
12:00   Friday, August 17: Truman introduced again by Rayburn (long ovation).
15:45   Truman gives full support to Stevenson and the Democratic ticket.

Reel 2

0:00   Truman speech continued:(Problems he sees: conservation, farms, rights of labor, small business, protect finances of all people from bankers, national defense, save allies)
17:00   Ends with pep talk to win. Ovation for Truman and then Stevenson, Estes Kefauver, Averell Harriman. Lyndon B. Johnson, and Sam Rayburn join him on podium.
18:30   Produced by CBS News.