1953 News Parade (Universal Newsreel, Dec 1953)

Description

The original release sheet reads: 1. 1953 NEWS PARADE - Universal International Newsreel presents the news highlights of the year as they passed before the camera–the events that made history in a year of transition for the free world. The world's attention focused on Washington as soldier-statesman Dwight D. Eisenhower took the oath of office as President of the United States. The death of Senator Robert A. Taft, one of the nation's most respected leaders was mourned by America. The most powerful dictator in history, Joseph Stalin, also passed from the scene. America successfully tested its first atomic artillery weapon. East Germans riot protesting increases in work quotas and the withholding of American food. In West Berlin, thousands slipped across the frontier to receive food parcels. Italy and Yugoslavia clashed diplomatically over Trieste, long a Balkan trouble-spot, as students rioted in the Adriatic port city. 2. 1953 YEAR OF CATASTROPHE - America's Southwest experienced the worst drought since the grim Dust Bowl era, and President Eisenhower met with governors of stricken states. The worst flood in centuries overran the Low Countries, inundating thousands of square miles. Earthquakes turned the Ionian Isles of Greece, into a scene of nightmare agony. In Japan, 129 soldiers died in the crash of a transport plane - the worst in aviation history. Tornadoes slashed across the United States wreaking untold destruction in one of the worst storm years on record. 3. 1953 QUEEN IS CROWNED - Traditional pomp and ceremony in Westminster Abbey marked the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, high point of the year for Britain and the Commonwealth. 4. 1953 PEACE IN KOREA - America rejoiced as prisoners of war in Korea were freed, returning from the ordeal of Red captivity. A truce was signed, ending the fighting in the bitter costly war. Veterans and prisoners reached home, to heartfelt, touching welcomes at the harbors - returning to the arms of liberty, in whose cause they fought and suffered.

Collection

MCA/Universal Pictures Collection

Series

Motion Picture Releases of the Universal Newsreel Library