An MGM PETE SMITH SPECIALITY Short Subject.
RADIO HAMS do more than play with their machines--they are also invaluable in relaying vital information during times of tragedy & disaster.
This little film, rather more serious than many of Pete Smith's presentations, takes a look at how ham radios can become priceless aids during emergencies. The two stories shown, one dealing with sickness--the other with a missing plane, are bookended by a humorous look at a typical three-generation family's fascination with their ham radio.
Clayton Moore, later famous as the Lone Ranger, appears uncredited as a ship radio operator.
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Often overlooked or neglected today, the one and two-reel short subjects were useful to the Studios as important training grounds for new or burgeoning talents, both in front & behind the camera. The dynamics for creating a successful short subject was completely different from that of a feature length film, something akin to writing a topnotch short story rather than a novel. Economical to produce in terms of both budget & schedule and capable of portraying a wide range of material, short subjects were the perfect complement to the Studios' feature films.