Narrated by Jean Shepherd, “The Driving Scene” is a late 1960s or early 1970s color PSA-film produced by Volkswagen. The film targets beginning drivers with a calm, psychologically pleasing message – attempting to get across the idea that control over one’s reckless impulses is imperative behind the wheel. The film features plenty of footage of classic cars including Mustangs, convertibles, VW Bugs as well as interviews with different members of society and their opinions on teen driving.
Film opens, car pulls into driveway and young adults burst out of car carrying various brass and string instruments (0:08). 1964 Pontiac Bonneville (0:39). 1932 Durant Coupe (0:42). 1965 Ford Mustang 2+2 (0:43). 1960 MGA 1600 (0:47). Aerial view desolate beach area, waves crashing (1:00). Spectators fill stands at drag racing venue, woman wears Wynn’s Racing merchandise (1:02). Fast sequence shots of various car models zipping along roads, traffic signs, shots of cars all arriving at beach parking lot with surfboards on roofs (1:22). Illuminated sign of drive-in theater “The Return of Dracula;” Footage cuts between cars pulling in to theater and young adults dancing barefoot to fast-paced music (1:53). Narration begins, title page (2:14). Teen boy stands on side of road trying to hitch ride, couple in convertible pick him up (2:30). 1964 Ford Country Squire, concerned looks of man and woman in car as they drive into mailbox (2:55). Getting a driver’s license: Written test, road test (3:25). High school students exit school, walk towards cars parked in lot, 11,000 kids per day getting licenses (4:54). Close-up perhaps IBM 2401 magnetic tape, recording concerning data/ statistics, footage cuts to first responders responding to fiery crash (5:38). Interviews of every day people on street/ in places of business/ their homes, “why do so many teen drivers involved in/die in accidents?” (6:27). Truck drivers in commercial delivery truck comment on cars speeding past them (8:38). Teen drives through residential area in 1960 MGA 1600 (9:30). Interviews with teens, adults “Do teens really need cars?” (9:51). Interviews with different parents, teens of opinion that there is no one to blame/ parents role as disciplinarians (10:46). Judge speaks to camera from courtroom, sentencing (11:49). Role of alcohol, police officer speaks to camera from side of road (12:22). Connecticut State Capitol, legislator speaks to camera (12:58). Chevy Corvette (13:21). Chevy 210 (13:32). Teen editor of school newspaper speaks to camera, not just teenager problem (13:46). Another police officer offers thoughts, same officer on motorcycle trying to catch speeding Corvette (14:39). Young woman becomes impatient behind elderly driver, older drivers less likely to yield (15:08). Mechanic at gas station blames tires, not teens (15:32). Doctor defines “psycho-motor skills,” examples of other psycho-motor skills i.e. combing hair, playing sports, skiing (16:51). Shots of busy city streets, pedestrian traffic in London; New driver’s cars marked with an “L” (17:43). 1965 Ford Mustang 2+2 speeds through quiet residential area (18:14). Sociologist offers thoughts on what car means to teens, “rebellion, weapon;” Montage male teen drivers showing no road manners, violating traffic signs (18:31). Archival footage astronauts in space (19:23). Implications of car crashes on others, teen car crashes are societal issue (19:40). Town hall meeting/ local legislation proposing motion for stricter laws (20:13). Interview with physical education teacher, how to best reach teens (20:59). In driving, all drivers equal regardless of age, no special privileges – montage various traffic, speed limit signs along highway (21:36). Reckless behaviors: Speeding, drag racing, overloading cars (22:23). High school principal, speaks to camera, doesn’t believe more restrictions are the answer (22:56). 1971 Morgan 4/4, MG MGB line up at stop light for start of race on public road (23:10). Dramatic, fast-paced music; Montage data processing unit on computer perhaps IBM system (23:43). Closing credits (24:53). Film ends (25:48).
Jean Parker Shepherd Jr. (July 26, 1921 – October 16, 1999) was an American storyteller, radio and TV personality, writer and actor. He was often referred to by the nickname Shep. With a career that spanned decades, Shepherd is known for the film A Christmas Story (1983), which he narrated and co-scripted, based on his own semi-autobiographical stories.
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
