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Lee de ForestPresident Coolidge, Taken on the White House Ground (1924)

The first presidential film with sound recording.

Preserved by the Library of Congress from the AFI/Maurice Zouary Collection.


This movie is part of the collection: Feature Films

Director: Lee de Forest
Producer: Lee de Forest
Audio/Visual: sound, black & white

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

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Reviewer: bratman - - June 27, 2006
Subject: Speech by Prés. Coolidge
What a swell speech. Obviously a very great man. He wasn't "silent" at all. Things are so different today. At least this man was able to pronounce words like "to" as in today and tonight. And I will be he even said going, with a g. I once heard a radio announcer say going and then correct himself after a paus to goin'. You have to satisfy the lowest elements. Prés C. was not concerned with pampering anybody, he wanted what was best for the country. A great man.

Reviewer: NEBH - - June 4, 2006
Subject: Amazingly Modern Speech
Coolidge has my vote!

Reviewer: Donavan Blue - - March 24, 2006
Subject: Taxpayers Work for the Government
In 2006, President George Bush should watch this film and be reminded that the people must work many days for the government to pay the taxes that are needed to cover the country's expenditures.

Reviewer: B. Durham - - December 25, 2005
Subject: Phonofilm information
Lee de Forest's Phonofilm system was actually sound-on-film, not sound-on-disc. It's an amazing accomplishment for 1924.

Reviewer: Wilford B. Wolf - - July 21, 2005
Subject: Silent Cal Speaks!
Rare early sound film of Calvin Coolidge shot in 1924, using a sound on disk system. Beside the film history significance, the film also gives a fair overview of the Coolidge philosophy, indeed the major underpining of American conversative thought. The speech that Coolidge delivers states how big government and excessive taxes sap the prosperity and freedom from the American people. Such a speech could be given today with few changes, which in itself is fascinating.