GIVE HER GAS Part 1

Description

The original catalog description provided by the Ford Motor Company reads as follows: “Mr. Whiffle has invested the family savings in a car. Mr. Whiffle…Lee Moran.” Mr. Whiffle dons cap, gloves, puts on goggles, mimics driving. “Mrs. Whiffle was also stricken with gasolinitis. Mrs. Whiffle…Grace Marvin.” Mrs. Whiffle dons gloves, mimics driving, claps hands. “In fact it was a family epidemic.” Little girl in goggles puts goggles on a bulldog - family packs a box. “Their neighbors, the Gussles, had settled down for a quiet Sunday. Mr. Gussle…Eddie Lyons.” Mr. Gussle relaxing, reading magazine, smoking. “Mrs. Gussle also loved the simple life. Mrs. Gussle…Magda Lane.” Mrs. Gussle talks to canary in cage, comes over to Mr. Gussle. “Dearie, let’s go for a little walk.” “Let’s invite the Gussles and show off our new car.” “We’re coming over to take you for a spin in our new machine.” “The consignment of ten arrives.” Man delivers automobile to Whiffles, family inspects it. “If you get stuck - consult the book.” Family gets into automobile, smoke billows from engine after Mr. Whiffle cranks it into operation - Mr. Whiffle again cranks car, attempts to stop it as it moves forward and backward, finally climbs into it, drives to Gussles’ home and up the sidewalk toward the front door, forcing the Gussles to retreat to the porch. “This boat’s sure got a lot of pep.” Both families drive away in car which speeds down a dirt road. “Hurry after Mr. Whiffle and give him this.” “Maybe your engine’s missing.” “No, it’s still here.” “The main-spring’s loose.” Women and child settle down under a tree while men assemble carpenter’s tools, dismantle engine. “I guess she needs oiling.” Whiffle slopped oil over Gussle who is wearing a white suit. “Maybe she’s out of gas.” “The man said it would run five hundred miles on a pint.” While men go for gas, car with dog in it starts by itself, runs along road. “You don’t mind paying for this. I forgot my money.” Both families chase after car - rope tied across bridge by sheriff fails to stop car, man chases it on a bicycle - car crashes into tree. “The main-spring’s loose.” Sequence above repeated. “If you get stuck, consult the book.” Sequence repeated. “Thirty dollars for speeding and the dog driving without a license.” Gussle pays sheriff, group drives away. “Yep -- she’s flat.” Can’t you fix it with this gum?” “Now let’s blow her up.” “Henry, it must be a speed cop.” Speeding car goes over a cliff. [1918]

Collection

Ford Motor Company Collection

Series

Motion Picture Films Relating to the Ford Motor Company, the Henry Ford Family, Noted Personalities, Industry, and Numerous Americana and Other Subjects