In 1943, U.S. Navy Commander Spencer “Seth” Warner created the “Grampaw Pettibone” character. Designed by cartoonist Robert Osborn, the character appeared in the Naval Aviation News and on various naval aviation safety posters. These often featured case studies of pilot mistakes that proved consequential if not outright fatal. The “sage of safety” campaign proved successful enough that the Navy commissioned a series of UPA studio cartoons. This one, “About Sensations” was made in 1948. It does not feature the Pettibone character, but was probably inspired by that series. The hilarious and informative cartoon tells the story of the human body’s sensory system, including the operation of the inner ear. The film tells the story of U.S. Navy aviator Lieutenant (j.g.), Hank Morgan, a man of “unwavering power and concentration” and takes a peek inside his head to see how decisions are made. Unfortunately for Morgan, he trusts his inner ear and not his instruments, leading to a near crash. The lesson is that instrument readings, and not sensations or pilot perceptions, are to be followed at all times.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com