Collection

The Bell System Science Series

8 titles · in release order

A series of nine educational short subjects from the 1950s-60s, produced by AT&T and Bell Laboratories.

Our Mr. SunOur Mr. Sun · 1956
Our Mr. Sun
★ 7.31956
MovieDocumentaryTV Movie
One entry in a series of films produced to make science accessible to the masses—especially children—this film describes the sun in scientific but entertaining terms.
Hemo the MagnificentHemo the Magnificent · 1957
Hemo the Magnificent
★ 7.51957
MovieAnimationFamily
Professor Frank Baxter and some animated friends answer questions about blood. what makes it red? Why do little animals' hearts beat so quickly? And so much more.
The Strange Case of the Cosmic RaysThe Strange Case of the Cosmic Rays · 1957
The Strange Case of the Cosmic Rays
★ 5.71957
MovieAnimationFamily
Part of acclaimed filmmaker Frank Capra's "Wonders of Life" series of science-based films (which won an Emmy Award for Best Editing) teaches kids about the power of gamma rays and radiation.
Gateways to the MindGateways to the Mind · 1958
Gateways to the Mind
★ 7.01958
MovieDocumentaryAnimation
The film presents how the human body recognizes and becomes aware of its surroundings. The various information pathways to the brain such as sight, sound, smell, taste and touch are explored in a accurate but simple manner via human impression and cartoon characters!
The Alphabet ConspiracyThe Alphabet Conspiracy · 1959
The Alphabet Conspiracy
★ 7.11959
MovieFamilyTV Movie
Dr. Frank Baxter, with the help of The Mad Hatter and Jabberwock, takes young Judy exploring the world of language, in which she finds out that language is for doing more than just talking.
The Thread of LifeThe Thread of Life · 1960
The Thread of Life
★ 6.31960
MovieDocumentary
Introduction to DNA by Frank Baxter and Bell Labs.
About TimeAbout Time · 1962
About Time
★ 10.01962
MovieAnimationFamily
An entry in the Bell Science animated film series, on the nature of time.
The Restless SeaThe Restless Sea · 1964
The Restless Sea
★ 9.01964
MovieDocumentaryAnimation
The Restless Sea is a 1964 educational animated feature-length film. It was produced by Disney as the final entry in the Bell Telephone Science Hour series. Animated sequences illustrate the work of oceanographers in searching out complex and interwoven relationships of nature in the sea integrating the marine applications of many sciences. Filmed action from above and below the surface shows instruments which plunge through layers of sediment to obtain geological records and oceanographic equipment ranging from underwater television to research vessels.