How a Car Is Built

From rolls of sheet metal to a completed Ford Mustang, the viewer is treated to a behind-the-scenes looks at the Dearborn, Michigan "line." People and robots interact in what has many of the qualities of dance. There are fascinating contrasts between the machines that endlessly repeat precise patterns of movement and the people who are still essential for the detail work. IQ, an animated parrot, describes what's going on, and occasionally fires a question at one of the line workers. The responses are often terse. These people are well aware that their jobs require intense concentration to interface with their metal counterparts, and that if a task lags, the entire line is impacted. Their jobs are also dangerous; and the footage of arc-welding machines gives one the impression that dozens of ground level fireworks shows are constantly going off. Children will enjoy the giant presses and robots in motion; adults will marvel at the intricate processes. There are several inserts of historical footage, including one that shows Model T assembly at the start of Henry Ford's empire. Since this is a licensed Ford product, we are steered clear of messy topics like labor unions. While the producer recommends this program for ages 4-12, there's plenty here for the grown-ups as well. Highly recommended. (E. Swanson)