Shot 16 / 2:30–2:38Select a shot, or shift-click to select multipleSelect a shot, or double-tap to select multiple

Man of Action

195513 min 29 sec103 shots

An animated story follows an average homeowner who learns that ordinary neglect can help turn a stable neighborhood into a slum. A sinister character from the fictional “Division of Urban Destruction” explains how cracked steps, peeling paint, overcrowding, unsafe buildings, traffic, poverty, and poor maintenance contribute to neighborhood decline. The former development of Paradise Gardens shows the result: houses built for one family are divided among many families, children lack safe places to play, and a fire leaves residents homeless.

After discovering that his own neighborhood faces similar dangers, the homeowner warns city officials about an unstable chimney and helps clear the building before it collapses. Residents and officials then form a citywide citizens’ committee on housing, with representatives from every neighborhood, to identify hazards and prevent further decline. As repairs and community improvements begin, the closing message urges people to work through organized groups to address unsafe housing, code violations, overcrowded schools, traffic hazards, and missing playgrounds.

Provenance and rights

Original producer: Transfilm Productions
Collection: Prelinger Archives
Original title: Man of Action
Date: 1955
Original link: Open on Internet Archive
Rights: public_domain