Motion Picture MP77-8
Administrative Information
On the occasion of Harry S. Truman's 75th birthday, the events of his life and presidency are recognized by individuals such as Melvyn Douglas (master of ceremonies), Mary Jane Truman, Dean Acheson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jack Benny, Jimmy Durante, Sam Rayburn, and Lyndon Johnson. Subjects discussed include Independence, Missouri; Mr. Truman's farm background; and his World War I experience; the Potsdam Conference; the Marshall Plan; NATO; and the Korean War. Truman speaks toward the end of the film.
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Shot List
- Reel 1
| 0:30 | Actor Melvin Douglas is MC and talks about Harry S. Truman and his life at a dinner party (most of the other speakers are on tape or at dinners at other locations). | |
| 3:30 | Truman farm scenes as he talks about HST’s early life. Randall Jessee briefly interviews Vivian. | |
| 4:30 | Independence town scenes. | |
| 5:00 | Drawings of Independence scenes of 19th century as speaker talks of the city. | |
| 5:45 | Mary Jane Truman and interviewer Randall Jessee. She talks about her brothers. | |
| 7:15 | Voice of HST talking on history. | |
| 7:45 | Views of Truman Library interior. | |
| 8:30 | Tom Evans being interviewed by Jessee at Library about ’48 election. | |
| 9:30 | HST at Electoral College dinner January 19, 1949. | |
| 10:45 | Commentator H. V. Kaltenborn talking. | |
| 11:00 | He talks about HST’s WWI service. Jessee interviews Father Tiernan. | |
| 16:30 | He talks about the Truman committee (HST’s voice again with cartoons). | |
| 17:20 | Talks about DOD unification. | |
| 18:00 | Tells of HST becoming President April 12, 1945. | |
| 19:15 | Mrs. Roosevelt speaks and introduces. | |
| 20:20 | Film by Dory Shary of the accession of HST. | |
| 21:15 | HST addresses Congress April 16, 1945. | |
| 22:15 | War scenes. | |
| 22:40 | HST in Berlin as American flag is raised July 20, 1945. | |
| 23:20 | War in Pacific. | |
| 24:00 | HST at Potsdam. | |
| 24:20 | A-Bomb. | |
| 24:30 | USS Missouri – September 2. | |
| 24:40 | Rejoicing at home & HST speaks. | |
| 25:00 | Truman speaks on Rail Strike May 25, 1946. | |
| 25:45 | Marshall Plan November 17, 1947. | |
| 27:00 | Truman speaks at Lincoln Memorial on Civil Rights June 29, 1947. | |
| 27:30 | Berlin Air Lift Scenes. | |
| 27:45 | 1948 Campaign Scenes, Young Democrats Dinner, May 14, 1948. | |
| 28:45 | 81st Congress – announces Fair Deal – HST, January 5, 1949. | |
| 29:15 | NATO - HST speaks, April 4, 1949. | |
| 30:00 | UN Cornerstone New York City – HST speaks, October 24, 1949 on atomic energy. | |
| 31:00 | Korean War, including firing of MacArthur (April 11, 1952 – Radio Address). | |
| 32:20 | 1952 Convention – HST speaks. | |
| 33:00 | Praise of HST to end of film. | |
| 34:00 | Douglas again lauds HST. | |
| 34:45 | Dean Acheson talks about HST. | |
| 35:15 | Singer Peggy Lee sings “I’m Just Wild About Harry.” | |
| 36:15 | Jack Benny plays “Happy Birthday” and then talks about HST. | |
| 38:15 | Jimmy Durante plays and talks and sings. | |
| 41:45 | Mort Sahl (comedian) kids. | |
| 46:00 | Douglas again lauds HST. | |
| 47:00 | Paul Butler talks. | |
| 48:30 | Douglas introduces Lyndon Baines Johnson. | |
| 48:45 | LBJ talks. | |
| 50:00 | Douglas introduces Stevenson. | |
| 50:30 | Adlai Stevenson talks. | |
| 51:30 | Douglas introduces Sam Rayburn. | |
| 51:45 | Sam Rayburn speaks. | |
| 52:45 | Truman speaks (long applause at beginning). | |
| 55:00 | Applause. | |
| 55:30 | Douglas closes. | |
| 56:00 | Boys choir sings “This is My Country” and “Auld Lang Syne” as Truman cuts the cake. | |
| 57:30 | Title again and credits. | |