The 1964 World's Fair

It was the first billion dollar fair in history, representing 66 nations with over 150 pavilions spread across 600-plus acres. More than 50 million people would attend the World's Fair in Flushing, NY from 1964-1965, and the majority would probably agree that out of all the new high tech gadgets and gizmos on display (including the IBM Selectric typewriter!), the most memorable item was the $1 Belgian waffle. Actor Judd Hirsch narrates this engaging homage to planner Robert Moses' almost-failed dream. Planned in the ‘50s, the 1964 World Fair would open in a turbulent time out of sync with the fair's celebration of technological progress and growing consumerism. While Cold War paranoia, civil rights battles, and a new war in Asia captured the social conscience, the fair would--some might argue incongruously--offer everything from an original Michelangelo on display to a test drive in Ford's new Mustang. Combining b&w and color archival footage shot at the fair, along with contemporary interviews with adults who recall their childhood adventures at the fair, this nostalgic blast from the past is sure to trigger fond memories in viewers, as they re-visit a time when people thought the new touch-tone phones from Bell were actually toys. Sure to be popular. Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)