America Screams

If psychologists and sociologists ever doubt that human beings have an innate tendency to be sadomasochistic, they need look no further than their local amusement park to remind themselves of the basic truth of this proposition. Why else would people stand in line, sometimes for hours, for the opportunity to strap themselves into a machine that is designed to make their bodies do the funky chicken at warp speed? Veteran horror actor Vincent Price is the host for this amiable and amusing look at the history of amusement parks, in general, and rollercoasters, in specific. It all began on Coney Island, where the 1860s saw two major contributions to American culture: the first amusement park, and the invention of the hotdog. Over the course of the next century, rollercoaster designers kept busy (and still do) making bigger and faster rides which promised to deliver the ultimate in hair-raising thrills. Historical footage of the great rides of yore is mixed with contemporary visits to such modern classics as "The Great American Scream Machine" in Atlanta, and the "King Cobra" in King's Dominion, VA. Although the program carries a copyright of 1987, the telltale beehive hairdo, occasional glimpses of love beads, and a very spry looking Vincent Price place this somewhere in the late 60s or early 70s. A good, inexpensive appetizer with some marvelous historical footage. Recommended. (Available from most distributors.)