“The Bell Heard Round the World” (1950) is a promo film made for the National Cash Register Company (NCR) by Cinecraft Productions. It follows a young man’s visit to NCR’s Dayton, Ohio headquarters as he considers potential employment. He learns not only about NCR and its products, but its corporate culture and multitude of employee benefits. Script: Al Weeks, director: Orlando Lippert, camera: John Niklasch, narration: Vincent Pelletier, score: Peter Cavallo. NCR was founded in Dayton, Ohio, in 1884. It became a dominant market leader in cash registers, then decryption machinery, then computing machinery, and computers. By 1991, when it was acquired by AT&T, it was the fifth-largest manufacturer of computers.

0:59 Brief look back at a human life — from baby to high school graduate. Importance of choosing the right workplace and the potential for multiple attempts to find a suitable match.2:05 National Cash Register was founded in 1884. 2:56 The candidate inquires about NCR’s future, manufacturing and selling methods, product popularity, engineering, research, and employee relations. The NCR executive suggests a tour to provide answers. 3:42 Begins the tour, mentioning John H. Patterson, the founder, and his philosophy. The NCR’s buildings and the value placed on employee surroundings. 4:29 Working models and NCR’s history of innovation, including early cash register models and the development of the electric motor. 5:51 Evolution of cash register designs. NCR’s complete line of cash registers. 7:07 Introduces accounting machines as a significant part of the business and their role in various business records. Showcases the Class 6000 machine. 7:55 Extensive thought, experimentation, and investment in product development, including the cost of tools and dyes. Product development process. 9:23 Precision engineering and meticulous inspection of materials. 10:11 Use of plastics and the research involved in designing keypads, considering pressure, stroke, diameter, and color. Compares new register designs to older models, emphasizing continuous improvement and adaptation to changing needs. 11:03: Future developments, staying ahead of customer needs. Tour of the manufacturing process, starting with the creation of tools and dyes and the production of plastic parts.11:54 Screw machines and the automatic production of precision parts. In-house casting and motor production, highlighting quality control.12:39 Subassembly process. Final inspection of registers and the conveyor system for moving units. 14:30 Printing division, which produces paper rolls and business forms, and the NCR’s own publications. 15:58 Describes the prompt shipment of products worldwide and the use of the machines in over 80 countries. Highlights the NCR’s global presence and its role as a “business ambassador” and the service provided through branch offices. 17:07 Training of repairmen and apprentices at NCR’s school in Dayton. 17:24 Application of NCR’s products in various businesses, including hotels and hospitals. Describes the use of accounting machines for billing in utility companies and department stores. 19:00 Adoption of NCR’s products in the banking industry for speed and accuracy. Central control and proof machine for banks. 20:20 Payroll machine and its advantages, including the printing of deductions in red. Describes the use of the NCR’s products in restaurants, cafes, and self-service food stores. 21:27 Store planning service offered by NCR and its impact. 22:54 NCR’s night school and co-op programs .23:37 Plant lending library, credit union, and doctor services. Emergency dental care and use of violet ray treatments and light cabinets for employee health. 24:30 Dining rooms, including one for women only and horseshoe room for officials. Auditorium, movie screenings, and community events. 26:03 Employee management meetings and NCR’s involvement in community activities. Mentions Saturday morning parties for children. 27:30 NCR’s integration with the community and its long-standing relationship with Dayton. Describes the location of the NCR plant on the old Patterson farm and the use of Sugar Camp for training salesmen.Introduces Old River, a playground for employees and their families. 32:57 A conversation at Old River about NCR’s history and its transformation of a swamp into a recreational area. 34:04 NCR’s global reach and its future prospects.

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