Video Parts (2)
This clip is Part 1 of a 2-part film.
AT THE CROSS ROADS [LEAVENWORTH PRISON] Part 1
Description
The original catalog description provided by the Ford Motor Company reads as follows: At the Cross Roads. Leavenworth Prison. Parts I-III. Prison buildings. “These walls are not cold and gray, but white.” Panoramic view of cell blocks. “And in the sunlight, the prison looks like a prosperous banking institution.” “All that we know who are in gaol, Is that the wall is strong; And that each day is like a year, A year who’s days are long.” “Where men, forgetting those things which are behind, press on toward the mark of a higher calling.” Inmates enter a building. “Iron and steel and concrete, securely wrought and cast.” “Uncle Sam is an insistent collector of photographs -- each new visitor to Leavenworth adds his portrait to the collection.” Staff photographer photographs inmate. “And in the Bertillon room, accurate measurements are taken of hands, and fingers, and ears.” Staff member measures inmates. “In this room its always thumbs down. And…fingers also.” Fingerprinting. “The prints are then studied and catalogued.” “Sherlock would take his trusty magnifying glass and go to the police filing cabinet, look over the fingerprints and see this --” “No two people were ever created exactly alike and no two fingers were ever alike. So these prints furnish evidence that is beyond alibi.” “Tier after tier of steel homes.” Cell block. “A man’s home is his castle.” Cell with bunks and pictures on the wall. “Work -- good clean honest work, makes a healthy mind and body.” Prisoners work in shop, in yard, construct building, under supervision of guards. “A watch that never runs down.” Guard towers. “Maybe the price of shoes is going up -- but these chaps make their own.” Prison shoe making shop. “And soon become expert tailors.” Tailor shop. “Shave and a Hair Cut -- Bay Rum!” “And print their own newspaper.” “Fresh vegetables, home grown, help the bill of fare.” Prison farm. “…had a little…his fleece was…as…” Lambs around truck. “Men at Leavenworth are given every opportunity to develop their education.” Classrooms - typing, drafting. “12 M. is the ‘Shake-a-leg’ hour.” Men walk in prison yard. “And on Saturday afternoon baseball.” Game, spectators, guard watches from tower. Prisoner silhouetted against barred window. [1919]
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