What Makes A Good Party? (1950)
Title
What Makes A Good Party? (1950)
Subject
Social guidance films
Teenage girls in popular culture
Gender identity
Description
What Makes a Good Party is a social guidance film shown in classrooms in the 1950s. The film chronicles the experiences of three teenage girls as they plan the ideal party. The expected values and behaviors for teens at the time are shown through the story of the film. The underlying guideline to throwing a good party focuses on social experiences, such as making sure everyone has a good time and that everyone conforms to the group's method of thinking. The film demonstrates the gender norms of the time, as the role of the girls in throwing the party differs from the boys. Anxieties regarding teenage behavior, especially that of teen girls, can be seen reflected throughout this social guidance film as the narrator specifies the proper way to throw a party. Watch What Makes a Good Party to gain a fascinating perspective into the daily life of teen girls in post war America.
Creator
Smart, David (Producer)
Weathersby, Mary E. (Educational Consultant)
Source
Prelinger Archive
Publisher
Coronet Instructional Films
Date
1950
Contributor
Connolly, Kate
Rights
Public Domain
Format
Various
Language
English
Type
Moving Image
Identifier
What Makes a Good Party? Produced by David A. Smart. Glenview, IL: Coronet Instructional Films, 1950. SD, B&W. Accessed January 18, 2016, https://archive.org/details/WhatMake1950.
Coverage
Illinois
1950s
United States
Original Format
Film
Duration
10:13 minutes
Compression
MPEG-4
Producer
Coronet Instructional Films
Director
Smart, David
Weathersby, Mary E.
Transcription
Jean: Hello, Eileen? This is Jean. I just had a letter from my brother, and guess what! He’s bringing his roommate home from college! Mother said we can have a party for him, so I was wondering if you could come over tonight, and help me plan it. Yes, Nora’s coming too. This is one party that just has to turn out right.
Narrator: Well, the purpose of a party is to have fun together. And a successful party needs planning and skill. Whether it’s a special carnival, designed for gay entertainment, or a game party, in a home, a birthday party, a holiday party, they all take planning and they should all be fun.
Narrator: Now, the party Jean, Nora, and Eileen are planning. What is its purpose?
Nora: The main idea is to introduce Steve to the gang. Show him a wonderful time.
Eileen: Yeah, show everyone a nice time.
Jean: Right. Now listen, this is what we have to plan. A guest list, invitations, refreshments, and entertainment. Now, a guest list. Who do we ask? There will be the three of us and our dates, and I suppose we can have an extra couple, and two extra girls for Jim and Steve. Now, who do you think Nora?
Nora: Well, let’s have Alice and Ted come. They’re nice and they’re usually in our gang.
Eileen: Margie is lots of fun. The fellas would like her.
Jean: That’s right, Eileen. And let’s ask Dot, we certainly had a wonderful time at her party last month.
Nora: Oh, I’ll say.
Jean. Hmmm. We all enjoy being together, is anyone left out?
Nora: I don’t think so.
Jean: Well, that’s our guest list. Now, invitations. Should we write? Dear Alice, would you like to come to a party at my house Saturday, March 24th at 8pm and so one?
Eileen: Why bother to write, this is just an informal party? Let’s just phone everyone.
Nora: Sure!
Jean: Good, we’ll phone tomorrow. Next business, refreshments.
Nora: We have to feed the men.
Jean: And the girls too, especially you!
Nora: Gee thanks, does it show? Well, we want something to eat and something to drink. Refreshments!
Eileen: How about hot chocolate and sandwiches? I’ll make the sandwiches.
Jean: Well thanks Eileen! Suppose I talk it over with Mother and get her suggestions.
Girls: Alright.
Jean: Now next is entertainment.
Eileen: We want to show Steve a good time but, well, we don’t know too much about what he likes. The best thing I know for breaking the ice and getting people acquainted, is some good mixer games!
Jean: Oh but they can be such a bore if you don’t have good ones.
Nora: Well, let’s go to the library and get some good magazines and books, and find some really good games.
Jean: Oh, terrific!
Nora: I’ll do that!
Jean: Oh, good! Then this party can just be an informal, get acquainted sort of party, and we’ll have games for entertainments.
Nora: Yeah!
Narrator: Well, there are still many details to be planned. But the main things are settled; guest list, invitations, refreshments, entertainment. All these things should be planned to fit together well.
Narrator: It’s the big night. The planning and preparation will help make a good party. But, what else makes a good party? It’s the skill of the hosts, and the skill of the guests in making the party fun for everyone.
Jim: Here we are gang, step right in!
Everyone: Greet each other
Jean: I’m so glad you came.
Guest: Finally made it!
Wonderful!
Narrator: First, getting everyone acquainted and into the spirt of the party. How’s it done?
Jean: Come in here Steve we’ll wait for the girls to put their coats away.
Steve: Ok, Jean.
Jean: Well, Steve, what do you think of our gang? What you’ve met of them, I mean.
Steve: Oh, they’re swell. But what’s this about me being the guest of honor?
Jim: Oh that’s Jean’s way of keeping you quiet.
Steve: Oh, I see.
Jean: Marge and Dotty were just thrilled to think you college men would call for them.
Steve: Oh, a couple of campus bigwigs we are.
Jim: You bet your life. Oh, I think our guests are arriving, excuse me.
Jean: I hope you like our friends, Steve.
Steve: Well I hope they’ll like me.
Jean: They will.
Eileen: Oh how are you?
Jim: Hi Eileen, it’s good to see you.
Eileen. Hi! Are we the first ones here?
Jean: No, Margie and Dotty are here.
Eileen: Oh.
Paul: Hi Jean, how’ve you been?
Jean: Hello Paul, I’m so glad you could come.
Paul: Well you can’t keep me away.
Jean: Eileen, this is Steve
Eileen: Hello, Steve
Steve: Hello, Eileen. Aren’t you the party planner I’ve heard so much about?
Jean: And this is Paul Johnson, our star tackle.
Paul: How are you doing, Steve?
Steve: Glad to know you, Paul.
Jim: Here, I can take your coat Paul.
Narrator: Notice how Jean helps her guests get acquainted. Well, the party is off to a good start. Guests are on time. Everyone is out to have fun, and to help others have fun. And when all the guests have arrived, and have been introduced, the games begin. Well-planned, well-chosen games. First a simple get-together game. Each one may ask questions and try to guess his own identity. This mixes the group well and besides it provides a means of choosing partners for the next game. Having fun together makes a party. This means both host and guests. Whenever any of the guests begin to lose interest in a game, the host should start a new game, so fun together can continue. And of course the guests have a part in this too. Each one should try to make the games fun. Each should take part in what the group is doing. And, if some guests forget this, well, anyone, even another guest, can help get the entire group together again.
Eileen: Nora, Jim started that hat-making contest that you like so much, come on.
Chatter:
Jim: In the end, we’re going to give the prize to the best hat. Alright, now here are your materials.
Narrator: A hat making contest? Well, this will reveal some talent. The party is going well again. Have you noticed some of the skills of the guests that help keep the party fun for all? Let’s look for others.
Narrator: And, did you ever play rhythm?
Chatter:
Narrator: Or, how about charades?
Now your turn!
Oh we’re really have fun!
Narrator: And then, at just the right moment—
Jean: Is anybody hungry? Everything is ready!
Narrator: Is anybody hungry? Well, a little snack certainly is pleasant about this time of evening. Simple food, buffet style, an informal way to serve refreshments. Each one can serve himself, and help the others too. And while everyone finishes eating, a little more spontaneous, unplanned fun.
(Steve sits down and starts playing piano)
Eileen: Oh, do you play, Steve?
Jim: Does he play?! Show ‘em, Steve!
Eileen: Oh!
Steve: OK. (Singing)
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
My master's gone away
When I was young, I used to wait
On the boss and give him his plate
And pass him the bottle when he got dry
And brush away the blue tail fly
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
My master's gone away
Narrator: And, part of a good party is knowing when to go home, soon after refreshments have been served. Now, let’s think back. What made this party such a good one? What do we want to do next time? If you are going to give a party, plan that party around a purpose. Choose your guests carefully. Plan invitations, plan for refreshments and entertainment. Then, practice to be a skillful host. Make sure the party is fun for everyone. And when you’re invited to a party, practice the skills of a good guest. Be on time, ready for fun. Take part in the party, help everyone around you to have a good time. Leave on time, and courteously too. Thanking your hosts sincerely for the good time you’ve had. All these things help to make a good party, a party that’s fun for all.
(Singing)
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
My master's gone away
Narrator: Well, the purpose of a party is to have fun together. And a successful party needs planning and skill. Whether it’s a special carnival, designed for gay entertainment, or a game party, in a home, a birthday party, a holiday party, they all take planning and they should all be fun.
Narrator: Now, the party Jean, Nora, and Eileen are planning. What is its purpose?
Nora: The main idea is to introduce Steve to the gang. Show him a wonderful time.
Eileen: Yeah, show everyone a nice time.
Jean: Right. Now listen, this is what we have to plan. A guest list, invitations, refreshments, and entertainment. Now, a guest list. Who do we ask? There will be the three of us and our dates, and I suppose we can have an extra couple, and two extra girls for Jim and Steve. Now, who do you think Nora?
Nora: Well, let’s have Alice and Ted come. They’re nice and they’re usually in our gang.
Eileen: Margie is lots of fun. The fellas would like her.
Jean: That’s right, Eileen. And let’s ask Dot, we certainly had a wonderful time at her party last month.
Nora: Oh, I’ll say.
Jean. Hmmm. We all enjoy being together, is anyone left out?
Nora: I don’t think so.
Jean: Well, that’s our guest list. Now, invitations. Should we write? Dear Alice, would you like to come to a party at my house Saturday, March 24th at 8pm and so one?
Eileen: Why bother to write, this is just an informal party? Let’s just phone everyone.
Nora: Sure!
Jean: Good, we’ll phone tomorrow. Next business, refreshments.
Nora: We have to feed the men.
Jean: And the girls too, especially you!
Nora: Gee thanks, does it show? Well, we want something to eat and something to drink. Refreshments!
Eileen: How about hot chocolate and sandwiches? I’ll make the sandwiches.
Jean: Well thanks Eileen! Suppose I talk it over with Mother and get her suggestions.
Girls: Alright.
Jean: Now next is entertainment.
Eileen: We want to show Steve a good time but, well, we don’t know too much about what he likes. The best thing I know for breaking the ice and getting people acquainted, is some good mixer games!
Jean: Oh but they can be such a bore if you don’t have good ones.
Nora: Well, let’s go to the library and get some good magazines and books, and find some really good games.
Jean: Oh, terrific!
Nora: I’ll do that!
Jean: Oh, good! Then this party can just be an informal, get acquainted sort of party, and we’ll have games for entertainments.
Nora: Yeah!
Narrator: Well, there are still many details to be planned. But the main things are settled; guest list, invitations, refreshments, entertainment. All these things should be planned to fit together well.
Narrator: It’s the big night. The planning and preparation will help make a good party. But, what else makes a good party? It’s the skill of the hosts, and the skill of the guests in making the party fun for everyone.
Jim: Here we are gang, step right in!
Everyone: Greet each other
Jean: I’m so glad you came.
Guest: Finally made it!
Wonderful!
Narrator: First, getting everyone acquainted and into the spirt of the party. How’s it done?
Jean: Come in here Steve we’ll wait for the girls to put their coats away.
Steve: Ok, Jean.
Jean: Well, Steve, what do you think of our gang? What you’ve met of them, I mean.
Steve: Oh, they’re swell. But what’s this about me being the guest of honor?
Jim: Oh that’s Jean’s way of keeping you quiet.
Steve: Oh, I see.
Jean: Marge and Dotty were just thrilled to think you college men would call for them.
Steve: Oh, a couple of campus bigwigs we are.
Jim: You bet your life. Oh, I think our guests are arriving, excuse me.
Jean: I hope you like our friends, Steve.
Steve: Well I hope they’ll like me.
Jean: They will.
Eileen: Oh how are you?
Jim: Hi Eileen, it’s good to see you.
Eileen. Hi! Are we the first ones here?
Jean: No, Margie and Dotty are here.
Eileen: Oh.
Paul: Hi Jean, how’ve you been?
Jean: Hello Paul, I’m so glad you could come.
Paul: Well you can’t keep me away.
Jean: Eileen, this is Steve
Eileen: Hello, Steve
Steve: Hello, Eileen. Aren’t you the party planner I’ve heard so much about?
Jean: And this is Paul Johnson, our star tackle.
Paul: How are you doing, Steve?
Steve: Glad to know you, Paul.
Jim: Here, I can take your coat Paul.
Narrator: Notice how Jean helps her guests get acquainted. Well, the party is off to a good start. Guests are on time. Everyone is out to have fun, and to help others have fun. And when all the guests have arrived, and have been introduced, the games begin. Well-planned, well-chosen games. First a simple get-together game. Each one may ask questions and try to guess his own identity. This mixes the group well and besides it provides a means of choosing partners for the next game. Having fun together makes a party. This means both host and guests. Whenever any of the guests begin to lose interest in a game, the host should start a new game, so fun together can continue. And of course the guests have a part in this too. Each one should try to make the games fun. Each should take part in what the group is doing. And, if some guests forget this, well, anyone, even another guest, can help get the entire group together again.
Eileen: Nora, Jim started that hat-making contest that you like so much, come on.
Chatter:
Jim: In the end, we’re going to give the prize to the best hat. Alright, now here are your materials.
Narrator: A hat making contest? Well, this will reveal some talent. The party is going well again. Have you noticed some of the skills of the guests that help keep the party fun for all? Let’s look for others.
Narrator: And, did you ever play rhythm?
Chatter:
Narrator: Or, how about charades?
Now your turn!
Oh we’re really have fun!
Narrator: And then, at just the right moment—
Jean: Is anybody hungry? Everything is ready!
Narrator: Is anybody hungry? Well, a little snack certainly is pleasant about this time of evening. Simple food, buffet style, an informal way to serve refreshments. Each one can serve himself, and help the others too. And while everyone finishes eating, a little more spontaneous, unplanned fun.
(Steve sits down and starts playing piano)
Eileen: Oh, do you play, Steve?
Jim: Does he play?! Show ‘em, Steve!
Eileen: Oh!
Steve: OK. (Singing)
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
My master's gone away
When I was young, I used to wait
On the boss and give him his plate
And pass him the bottle when he got dry
And brush away the blue tail fly
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
My master's gone away
Narrator: And, part of a good party is knowing when to go home, soon after refreshments have been served. Now, let’s think back. What made this party such a good one? What do we want to do next time? If you are going to give a party, plan that party around a purpose. Choose your guests carefully. Plan invitations, plan for refreshments and entertainment. Then, practice to be a skillful host. Make sure the party is fun for everyone. And when you’re invited to a party, practice the skills of a good guest. Be on time, ready for fun. Take part in the party, help everyone around you to have a good time. Leave on time, and courteously too. Thanking your hosts sincerely for the good time you’ve had. All these things help to make a good party, a party that’s fun for all.
(Singing)
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care
My master's gone away
Files
Citation
Smart, David (Producer) and Weathersby, Mary E. (Educational Consultant), “What Makes A Good Party? (1950),” Post War Teen Tuning, accessed April 28, 2024, https://postwarteentuning.omeka.net/items/show/2.