SHIPWAYS is a 1945 film presented by the Bethlehem Steel Company – Shipbuilding Division. The film opens with vintage footage of massive modern ships being built in the yards of Bethlehem Steel Company. (00:00:55:00) Then, we see the christening ceremony (00:01:50:00) of the USS Topeka. A nice shot of ships at Bethlehem yards is seen at (00:04:50:00. Various ship models from the distant past are seen at (00:05:22:00). A nice animated montage of Bethlehem ships launched from Quincy Yards is seen at (00:06:32:00). Famous ships from Sparrows Point Yard during World War I can be seen at (00:6:53:00). Finally, ships from San Francisco Yard are shown at (00:07:05:00). An animated map of Bethlehem’s yards across America can be witnessed at (00:07:27:00). The process of shipbuilding begins with detailed sketches (00:08:35:00). This is followed by hull designs going to the mold loft. (00:08:50:00) Soon, we have a large model to work with. (00:10:22:00) Now, let’s follow a ship through the assembly line starting with the fabricating shop. (00:10:29:00) Next, at the building yard we see workers placing the keel block and running the centerline. (00:11:40:00) After that, we see amazing visuals of the steel parts of the ship being put in place, bit by bit. (00:12:20:00). After much hard work, the ship has its launch ceremony, a major event. (00:15:18:00) Once launched, the ship is off to the outfitting pier, where all of America contributes to putting the finishing touches on the latest Victory ship. (00:17:12:00) Finally, she is off for her trial run at sea. (00:18:10:00) An animated map shows where ships can go to be serviced, (00:18:42:00) followed by various footage of repairs. (00:18:57:00) The ability to convert peace vessels to warships is integral to Bethlehem. (00:20:00:00) Once the Second World War hit, the largest ship building operation in American history took place. Thousands of workers were hired (00:23:15:00) trained, (00:23:35:00) and eventually building ships. (00:24:20:00) We then see the launch of a myriad of ships (00:24:50:00). An overview of how the attack on Pearl Harbor effected the ship building operation begins at (00:26:10:00). Brilliant footage of the Destroyer Escort can be seen at (00:27:10:00). An amazing shot of five ships being launched due to extreme need, can be seen at (00:28:40:00). A commissioning ceremony for the British Navy can be seen at (00:29:13:00). Soon, Bethlehem began building landing craft to give our troops an edge in battle. (00:30:25:00) The launch of the second USS Lexington can be seen at (00:32:15:00). A carrier of epic proportions, the USS Wasp, can be seen being launched at (00:33:15:00). The USS John Hancock can be seen being christened at (00:34:50:00). The film ends with the President of Bethlehem broadcasting a message of progress to all of its workers and all of America. (00:36:10:00) Many launches are shown at (00:37:45:00).
Various impressive shots of shipyards appear at (00:07:40:00), (00:18:25:00), (00:20:50:00), (00:22:32:00), (00:25:10:00), (00:27:30:00) and (00:29:00:00).
Additional footage of ships out at sea can be witnessed at (00:07:55:00), (00:30:00:00), (00:31:25:00), and (00:34:30:00).
Ship wreckage and battle footage can be seen at (00:20:40:00), (00:26:53:00), (00:30:15:00), (00:31:45:00) and (00:32:35:00).
