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Coronet Instructional FilmsFun of Being Thoughtful, The (1950)

Social guidance film for teenagers encouraging insight into the motives, tastes and desires of others.


This movie is part of the collection: Prelinger Archives

Producer: Coronet Instructional Films
Sponsor: N/A
Audio/Visual: Sd, B&W
Keywords: Social guidance

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

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Reviewer: jafran - - October 12, 2006
Subject: Fine for 56 years ago.
Each generation views former generations' standards differently. When ERD said "...us" I think that was referring to our present generation- not the 1950's.
The former reviewer seemed to be taking some simple pointers of the movie out of context. In any case, different viewers will have different opinions.
I found the film fine for 56 years ago. I certainly didn't come away with the feeling that the people were boaring and uninteresting (banal).

Reviewer: dashford - - October 9, 2006
Subject: "Do they ever wonder what future generations will think of us?"
Based on this film, they will think we are a very banal people. Courtesy doesn't *have* to be boring.

Besides, being thoughtful with the promise of a reward isn't exactly the most charitable way to live your life. (After all, dogs will modify their behavior for the promise of a treat.) I suppose you could say that being thoughtful to get a new dress is no different than being thoughtful to be sure you get into heaven, but that casts human nature in a pretty bleak light.

Reviewer: ERD - - June 12, 2006
Subject: 1950's "Fun of Being Thoughtful" comes across nicely
Through a cute family sitcom, this 1950 film showed how being thoughtful and cooperative in a family could be beneficial. Well acted and directed. I find that the cynical and negative remarks of some reviewers indicates a lack of knowledge and sensitivity of former times. Do they ever wonder what future generations will think of us?

Reviewer: stache - - June 12, 2006
Subject: Mom & Dad.
I've noticed in the short films of this era how frumpy the older people look. I wonder if it's a reflection of the shorter lifespans of that era.

Reviewer: Spuzz - - June 22, 2003
Subject: Norman Bates, before Psycho.
This atypical Coronet film (of course in the same Coronet House) features the broher and sister team of Jane and Eddie. An IMPOSSIBLY gee-whiz-isnt-life-swell-lets-cook-dinner-for-the-family duo who just can't stop complimenting each other, trying to outdo each other in courtesy, which of course, becomes TOTALLY IRRITATING as we want to wring either or or both of their necks after a while. They keep saying "Gee, that's very thoughtful" all the time. Who lived like this? Noone! The boy looks like Norman Bates. This is an excellent pre-Psycho film.... See what drove Norman to madness!

Shotlist

SHOWS THAT SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT INVOLVES INSIGHT INTO THE MOTIVES, TASTES & DESIRES OF OTHERS. THIS INSIGHT, "THOUGHTFULNESS" IS SHOWN HERE TO BE INTELLIGENT EXERCISE & APPLICATION OF A FEW SOCIAL SKILLS; NOTICING WHAT OTHERS LIKE & WANT.

22:34:00
Teen at vending machine: "In this world it's every man for himself!"
22:36:20
Teen girl and boy sit next to each other on couch.
Teen girl: "Tomorrow night....tomorrow night! I've gotta do something about a dress!"
Boy: "You girls have one track minds. I haven't a thing to wear!"
22:37:32
Teen boy and girl cooking dinner together
22:41:12
Dad and son talking in living room.
Off screen sister: "Eddie, [unintelligible] folks are coming yet?"
Son: "They're here now, sis!"
22:14:17
Sister looking flustered in kitchen: "Here. Come help me then! Mashed potatoes! Do something! [good sequence of housewife freaking out]
22:42:06
Sister comes running downstairs with new dress: "Mom, Dad, it's beautiful!...Eddie look!"
22:42:21
CU Eddie whistling at sister


Ken Smith sez: "Everywhere you go, people talk about thoughtfulness." With this premise in mind, we are wisked into the life of "Jane Proctor," a happy teen who is slavishly devoted to her "fine, thoughtful family." While uttering lines such as "It'd be the thoughtful thing to do," and "That's what makes thoughtfulness worthwhile!" Jane tidies her room, fixes dinner for the family, and fixes her geeky brother Eddie up with a date. In the end, Jane's thoughtfulness pays off ("A new dress!!!") and we leave the Proctor family basking in the sunshine of family togetherness. The script for this film flies in several directions at once, which makes it fun but a little hard to follow.
Goggle-eyed "Jane" later starred in Making Your Own Decisions, super-geek Eddie (who has the best lines) appears in Developing Friendships, and mom has the lead role in Political Parties. With cameos by Sue from How To Say No, Bill from How Do You Know It's Love, and the candy machine from Our Country's Flag.