“The Mark Of A Man” is an episode from the 1950s television show The Greatest Drama. This episode tells the story of Henry Ford (00:33). The episode begins with a massive spring storm hitting the Midwest, causing the River Rouge to swell and flood the streets of Dearborn, Michigan (00:45), as well as Henry Ford’s estate—an aerial view (00:54) shows the flooded Fair Lane property. Shortly after the flood, Henry Ford passes away and mourners gather to pay their respects (01:04). The episode then cuts to shots of automobiles driving on highways and aerial views of highway and interstate systems that stand as a testament to Henry Ford’s influence. The episode moves back in time to recap Ford’s life and work. Henry Ford participates in a radio broadcast with Thomas Edison (01:43). Shots of farms give viewers a glimpse of Ford’s childhood. In a Detroit workshop, the Ford Quadricycle is built (02:32) and driven down a road (02:59). Ford’s famous 999 Racing Car (03:23) is driven on a racetrack by Barney Oldfield. Ford begins production of his first cars, utilizing the assembly line (03:53; 05:07) for quick and efficient production. The episode shows footage of the Model T driving down roads and across bridges. The Ford Motor Company grows and now includes massive factories and foundries (04:20). Henry Ford announces a raise in wages for workers with the hope of improving their lives and enabling them to buy their own automobiles. The Business Recession of 1921 hits and unemployed men wait in long lines looking for work (05:20). There is a shot of Wall Street brokers buying and selling stocks (05:30); Ford meets with his executives (05:38) to discuss taking a loan from Wall Street to get through the recession. Ford ultimately turns down the loan offer and, instead, reduces the price of his cars to increase demand. The move works and the Ford Motor Co. assembly line is busy once again (06:08). A Model T comes off the production line (06:08). Ford attends a meeting at the White House (06:19). The episode shows Ford with his grandchildren and friends, including Thomas Edison and John Burroughs (07:01), as well as Orville Wright (07:18). Ford and his son Edsel (07:41) display cars at the 1934 Chicago World’s Fair. With the onset of World War II, Ford oversees the production of military scout cars and a production plant for bombers (08:06). Edsel Ford dies, devastating Ford and leaving the future of the company in doubt. The episode gives viewers several glimpses of Edsel’s funeral (08:37). Ford rides in the cockpit of a bomber (09:17) then shows the aircraft to Army officials. Ford celebrates his 83rd birthday (09:47) with friends and children from the community. An elderly Ford climbs onto an old quadracycle with his wife (10:10). The episode ends with a series of shots of cars, trucks, highways, and scout cars—all made a reality by Ford’s vision.
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