American Experience (1988–…): Season 12, Episode 5 - New York: Part V - Cosmopolis - full transcript

Reader: "MOST OF THE BIG
SHORE PLACES WERE CLOSED NOW,
AND THERE WERE HARDLY ANY LIGHTS

SHORE PLACES WERE CLOSED NOW,
AND THERE WERE HARDLY ANY LIGHTS
EXCEPT THE SHADOWY, MOVING GLOW

AND THERE WERE HARDLY ANY LIGHTS
EXCEPT THE SHADOWY, MOVING GLOW
OF A FERRYBOAT ACROSS THE SOUND.

EXCEPT THE SHADOWY, MOVING GLOW
OF A FERRYBOAT ACROSS THE SOUND.
AND AS THE MOON ROSE HIGHER, THE

OF A FERRYBOAT ACROSS THE SOUND.
AND AS THE MOON ROSE HIGHER, THE
INESSENTIAL HOUSES BEGAN TO MELT

AND AS THE MOON ROSE HIGHER, THE
INESSENTIAL HOUSES BEGAN TO MELT
AWAY, UNTIL GRADUALLY I BECAME

INESSENTIAL HOUSES BEGAN TO MELT
AWAY, UNTIL GRADUALLY I BECAME
AWARE OF THE OLD ISLAND HERE

AWAY, UNTIL GRADUALLY I BECAME
AWARE OF THE OLD ISLAND HERE
THAT FLOWERED ONCE FOR DUTCH

AWARE OF THE OLD ISLAND HERE
THAT FLOWERED ONCE FOR DUTCH
SAILORS' EYES, A FRESH, GREEN

THAT FLOWERED ONCE FOR DUTCH
SAILORS' EYES, A FRESH, GREEN
BREAST OF THE NEW WORLD.

SAILORS' EYES, A FRESH, GREEN
BREAST OF THE NEW WORLD.
ITS VANISHED TREES HAD ONCE



BREAST OF THE NEW WORLD.
ITS VANISHED TREES HAD ONCE
PANDERED IN WHISPERS TO THE LAST

ITS VANISHED TREES HAD ONCE
PANDERED IN WHISPERS TO THE LAST
AND GREATEST OF ALL HUMAN

PANDERED IN WHISPERS TO THE LAST
AND GREATEST OF ALL HUMAN
DREAMS.

AND GREATEST OF ALL HUMAN
DREAMS.
FOR A TRANSITORY, ENCHANTED

DREAMS.
FOR A TRANSITORY, ENCHANTED
MOMENT, MAN MUST HAVE HELD HIS

FOR A TRANSITORY, ENCHANTED
MOMENT, MAN MUST HAVE HELD HIS
BREATH IN THE PRESENCE OF THIS

MOMENT, MAN MUST HAVE HELD HIS
BREATH IN THE PRESENCE OF THIS
CONTINENT, FACE TO FACE FOR THE

BREATH IN THE PRESENCE OF THIS
CONTINENT, FACE TO FACE FOR THE
LAST TIME IN HISTORY WITH

CONTINENT, FACE TO FACE FOR THE
LAST TIME IN HISTORY WITH
SOMETHING COMMENSURATE TO HIS

LAST TIME IN HISTORY WITH
SOMETHING COMMENSURATE TO HIS
CAPACITY FOR WONDER."

SOMETHING COMMENSURATE TO HIS
CAPACITY FOR WONDER."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.

John Kuo Wei Tchen: I THINK
NEW YORK HAS ALWAYS BEEN MARKED

NEW YORK HAS ALWAYS BEEN MARKED
BY AN EXCHANGE PROCESS, BEING A

BY AN EXCHANGE PROCESS, BEING A
PORT CULTURE, BEING FOUNDED ON



PORT CULTURE, BEING FOUNDED ON
TRADE.

TRADE.
IT'S NOT JUST A TRADE OF

IT'S NOT JUST A TRADE OF
MATERIAL GOODS, BUT IT'S THE

MATERIAL GOODS, BUT IT'S THE
TRADE OF IDEAS; IT'S THE TRADE

TRADE OF IDEAS; IT'S THE TRADE
OF PEOPLE; IT'S THE TRADE OF

OF PEOPLE; IT'S THE TRADE OF
THINGS.
AND IN THAT EXCHANGE PROCESS,

AND IN THAT EXCHANGE PROCESS,
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT
THINGS, THE UNDERLYING,

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT
THINGS, THE UNDERLYING,
UNDERGIRDING THING THAT'S BEING

THINGS, THE UNDERLYING,
UNDERGIRDING THING THAT'S BEING
EXCHANGED IS REALLY DESIRES.

UNDERGIRDING THING THAT'S BEING
EXCHANGED IS REALLY DESIRES.
YOU HAVE THIS CONSTANT STRIVING

EXCHANGED IS REALLY DESIRES.
YOU HAVE THIS CONSTANT STRIVING
FOR MOVING UP, FOR ATTAINING

YOU HAVE THIS CONSTANT STRIVING
FOR MOVING UP, FOR ATTAINING
SOMETHING.

FOR MOVING UP, FOR ATTAINING
SOMETHING.
AND OUT OF THAT PROCESS, YOU

SOMETHING.
AND OUT OF THAT PROCESS, YOU
HAVE THIS KIND OF CONSTANT

AND OUT OF THAT PROCESS, YOU
HAVE THIS KIND OF CONSTANT
FEELING THAT SOMEHOW WHERE YOU

HAVE THIS KIND OF CONSTANT
FEELING THAT SOMEHOW WHERE YOU
ARE IS NOT SUFFICIENT, AND YOU

FEELING THAT SOMEHOW WHERE YOU
ARE IS NOT SUFFICIENT, AND YOU
WANT TO MOVE UP HIGHER.

Alfred Kazin: WELL, I WOULD
SAY THAT A VERY IMPORTANT PART

SAY THAT A VERY IMPORTANT PART
OF IT, SOMETHING THAT I

OF IT, SOMETHING THAT I
UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY, COMING AS

UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY, COMING AS
I DO FROM BROOKLYN, IS THE

I DO FROM BROOKLYN, IS THE
ELEMENT OF YEARNING.
IF YOU GO TO LONG ISLAND CITY,

IF YOU GO TO LONG ISLAND CITY,
IF YOU GO TO BROOKLYN HEIGHTS,
AND LOOK ACROSS THE WATER TO

IF YOU GO TO BROOKLYN HEIGHTS,
AND LOOK ACROSS THE WATER TO
MANHATTAN, YOU HAVE A SENSE OF A

AND LOOK ACROSS THE WATER TO
MANHATTAN, YOU HAVE A SENSE OF A
GOAL THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE

MANHATTAN, YOU HAVE A SENSE OF A
GOAL THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE
REACHED BY POOR OLD YOU, BUT

GOAL THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE
REACHED BY POOR OLD YOU, BUT
WHICH MAKES YOU FEEL THIS IS THE

REACHED BY POOR OLD YOU, BUT
WHICH MAKES YOU FEEL THIS IS THE
MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE

WHICH MAKES YOU FEEL THIS IS THE
MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE
WORLD, YOU SEE.

MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE
WORLD, YOU SEE.
SOMEONE SAID YEARS AGO THAT THE

WORLD, YOU SEE.
SOMEONE SAID YEARS AGO THAT THE
LONGEST JOURNEY IN THE WORLD IS

SOMEONE SAID YEARS AGO THAT THE
LONGEST JOURNEY IN THE WORLD IS
FROM BROOKLYN TO MANHATTAN, AND

LONGEST JOURNEY IN THE WORLD IS
FROM BROOKLYN TO MANHATTAN, AND
THAT'S ABSOLUTELY TRUE.

FROM BROOKLYN TO MANHATTAN, AND
THAT'S ABSOLUTELY TRUE.
I USED TO LIVE FOR YEARS ON A

THAT'S ABSOLUTELY TRUE.
I USED TO LIVE FOR YEARS ON A
STREET CALLED PINEAPPLE, NEAR

I USED TO LIVE FOR YEARS ON A
STREET CALLED PINEAPPLE, NEAR
THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE.

STREET CALLED PINEAPPLE, NEAR
THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE.
I WALKED ACROSS THE BRIDGE EVERY

THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE.
I WALKED ACROSS THE BRIDGE EVERY
DAY.

I WALKED ACROSS THE BRIDGE EVERY
DAY.
EVEN THERE YOU WERE FULL OF

DAY.
EVEN THERE YOU WERE FULL OF
YEARNING FOR WHAT LAY ON THE

EVEN THERE YOU WERE FULL OF
YEARNING FOR WHAT LAY ON THE
OTHER SHORE, AND THAT IS, OF

YEARNING FOR WHAT LAY ON THE
OTHER SHORE, AND THAT IS, OF
COURSE, THE VERY ESSENCE, A VERY

OTHER SHORE, AND THAT IS, OF
COURSE, THE VERY ESSENCE, A VERY
TRANSCENDENTAL EMOTION, VISIBLE

COURSE, THE VERY ESSENCE, A VERY
TRANSCENDENTAL EMOTION, VISIBLE
ALMOST IN YOUR HANDS BEFORE YOU

TRANSCENDENTAL EMOTION, VISIBLE
ALMOST IN YOUR HANDS BEFORE YOU
GET IT, AND THE FEELING THERE IS

ALMOST IN YOUR HANDS BEFORE YOU
GET IT, AND THE FEELING THERE IS
VERY STRONG.

GET IT, AND THE FEELING THERE IS
VERY STRONG.
I HAVE NEVER, EVEN NOW, WHEN I

VERY STRONG.
I HAVE NEVER, EVEN NOW, WHEN I
USED TO WALK ACROSS THE BRIDGE,

I HAVE NEVER, EVEN NOW, WHEN I
USED TO WALK ACROSS THE BRIDGE,
EVER GOTTEN TO LOWER NEW YORK

USED TO WALK ACROSS THE BRIDGE,
EVER GOTTEN TO LOWER NEW YORK
AND WALKED AROUND WITHOUT

EVER GOTTEN TO LOWER NEW YORK
AND WALKED AROUND WITHOUT
FEELING I HAD ACCOMPLISHED

AND WALKED AROUND WITHOUT
FEELING I HAD ACCOMPLISHED
SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY, WHICH

FEELING I HAD ACCOMPLISHED
SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY, WHICH
HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MILE

SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY, WHICH
HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MILE
OR MILE AND A HALF, WHATEVER IT

HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MILE
OR MILE AND A HALF, WHATEVER IT
WAS.

OR MILE AND A HALF, WHATEVER IT
WAS.
IT HAD TO DO WITH THE FEELING

WAS.
IT HAD TO DO WITH THE FEELING
THAT I HAD ENTERED INTO A

IT HAD TO DO WITH THE FEELING
THAT I HAD ENTERED INTO A
DIFFERENT CIVILIZATION.

THAT I HAD ENTERED INTO A
DIFFERENT CIVILIZATION.
AND OF COURSE MANHATTAN IS NEW

DIFFERENT CIVILIZATION.
AND OF COURSE MANHATTAN IS NEW
YORK.

AND OF COURSE MANHATTAN IS NEW
YORK.
OH, QUEENS IS VERY LOVELY; THE

YORK.
OH, QUEENS IS VERY LOVELY; THE
BRONX HAS A LOT OF REAL HISTORY

OH, QUEENS IS VERY LOVELY; THE
BRONX HAS A LOT OF REAL HISTORY
AND IS VERY INTERESTING.

BRONX HAS A LOT OF REAL HISTORY
AND IS VERY INTERESTING.
BUT THE ACTION THAT WE KNOW

AND IS VERY INTERESTING.
BUT THE ACTION THAT WE KNOW
ABOUT IS ALWAYS IN MANHATTAN,

BUT THE ACTION THAT WE KNOW
ABOUT IS ALWAYS IN MANHATTAN,
AND THAT ACTION IS CONTRIBUTED

ABOUT IS ALWAYS IN MANHATTAN,
AND THAT ACTION IS CONTRIBUTED
TO BY THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE

AND THAT ACTION IS CONTRIBUTED
TO BY THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE
ELSEWHERE.

TO BY THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE
ELSEWHERE.
THEY HAVE CREATED MANHATTAN, IN

ELSEWHERE.
THEY HAVE CREATED MANHATTAN, IN
A WAY, BY LIVING OUTSIDE OF IT,

THEY HAVE CREATED MANHATTAN, IN
A WAY, BY LIVING OUTSIDE OF IT,
IRONICALLY.

A WAY, BY LIVING OUTSIDE OF IT,
IRONICALLY.
NOW, THAT IS THEY HAVE WISHED

IRONICALLY.
NOW, THAT IS THEY HAVE WISHED
FOR SOMETHING RICH AND JOYOUS IN

NOW, THAT IS THEY HAVE WISHED
FOR SOMETHING RICH AND JOYOUS IN
THEIR LIVES, AND THAT'S WHAT

FOR SOMETHING RICH AND JOYOUS IN
THEIR LIVES, AND THAT'S WHAT
THEY FOUND IN THE WORLD OF

THEIR LIVES, AND THAT'S WHAT
THEY FOUND IN THE WORLD OF
OPPORTUNITY AND THE WORLD OF

THEY FOUND IN THE WORLD OF
OPPORTUNITY AND THE WORLD OF
ACCOMPLISHMENT.

OPPORTUNITY AND THE WORLD OF
ACCOMPLISHMENT.
Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE

ACCOMPLISHMENT.
Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE
SPRING AND SUMMER OF 1919, THE

Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE
SPRING AND SUMMER OF 1919, THE
STREETS OF NEW YORK WERE FILLED

SPRING AND SUMMER OF 1919, THE
STREETS OF NEW YORK WERE FILLED
WITH PARADES AND TROOPS OF

STREETS OF NEW YORK WERE FILLED
WITH PARADES AND TROOPS OF
MARCHING MEN, RETURNING FROM THE

WITH PARADES AND TROOPS OF
MARCHING MEN, RETURNING FROM THE
GRIM BATTLEFIELDS OF EUROPE.

MARCHING MEN, RETURNING FROM THE
GRIM BATTLEFIELDS OF EUROPE.
WEEK AFTER WEEK, CROWDS LINED

GRIM BATTLEFIELDS OF EUROPE.
WEEK AFTER WEEK, CROWDS LINED
THE STREETS TO CHEER THE

WEEK AFTER WEEK, CROWDS LINED
THE STREETS TO CHEER THE
REGIMENTS AS THEY SWUNG UP FIFTH

THE STREETS TO CHEER THE
REGIMENTS AS THEY SWUNG UP FIFTH
AVENUE, PAST THE GREAT VICTORY

REGIMENTS AS THEY SWUNG UP FIFTH
AVENUE, PAST THE GREAT VICTORY
ARCH AT 23rd STREET, PAST THE

AVENUE, PAST THE GREAT VICTORY
ARCH AT 23rd STREET, PAST THE
SOLEMN MEMORIAL AT 42nd STREET,

ARCH AT 23rd STREET, PAST THE
SOLEMN MEMORIAL AT 42nd STREET,
AND UP TO THE SPECTACULAR

SOLEMN MEMORIAL AT 42nd STREET,
AND UP TO THE SPECTACULAR
"CURTAIN OF JEWELS" BY THE PARK.

AND UP TO THE SPECTACULAR
"CURTAIN OF JEWELS" BY THE PARK.
THE FIRST TO BE HONORED WAS THE

"CURTAIN OF JEWELS" BY THE PARK.
THE FIRST TO BE HONORED WAS THE
369th, AN ALL-BLACK REGIMENT

THE FIRST TO BE HONORED WAS THE
369th, AN ALL-BLACK REGIMENT
FROM HARLEM WHICH THE FRENCH HAD

369th, AN ALL-BLACK REGIMENT
FROM HARLEM WHICH THE FRENCH HAD
AWARDED THEIR HIGHEST MILITARY

FROM HARLEM WHICH THE FRENCH HAD
AWARDED THEIR HIGHEST MILITARY
HONOR, THE CROIX DE GUERRE,

AWARDED THEIR HIGHEST MILITARY
HONOR, THE CROIX DE GUERRE,
ALONG WITH THE NICKNAME

HONOR, THE CROIX DE GUERRE,
ALONG WITH THE NICKNAME
"HELLFIGHTERS," FOR THEIR

ALONG WITH THE NICKNAME
"HELLFIGHTERS," FOR THEIR
LEGENDARY VALOR UNDER FIRE.

"HELLFIGHTERS," FOR THEIR
LEGENDARY VALOR UNDER FIRE.
Reader: "THERE HAD BEEN A WAR

LEGENDARY VALOR UNDER FIRE.
Reader: "THERE HAD BEEN A WAR
FOUGHT AND WON, AND THE GREAT

Reader: "THERE HAD BEEN A WAR
FOUGHT AND WON, AND THE GREAT
CITY OF THE CONQUERING PEOPLE

FOUGHT AND WON, AND THE GREAT
CITY OF THE CONQUERING PEOPLE
WAS CROSSED WITH TRIUMPHAL

CITY OF THE CONQUERING PEOPLE
WAS CROSSED WITH TRIUMPHAL
ARCHES AND VIVID WITH THROWN

WAS CROSSED WITH TRIUMPHAL
ARCHES AND VIVID WITH THROWN
FLOWERS OF WHITE, RED, AND ROSE.

ARCHES AND VIVID WITH THROWN
FLOWERS OF WHITE, RED, AND ROSE.
ALL THROUGH THE LONG SPRING

FLOWERS OF WHITE, RED, AND ROSE.
ALL THROUGH THE LONG SPRING
DAYS, THE RETURNING SOLDIERS

ALL THROUGH THE LONG SPRING
DAYS, THE RETURNING SOLDIERS
MARCHED UP THE CHIEF HIGHWAY

DAYS, THE RETURNING SOLDIERS
MARCHED UP THE CHIEF HIGHWAY
WHILE MERCHANTS AND CLERKS LEFT

MARCHED UP THE CHIEF HIGHWAY
WHILE MERCHANTS AND CLERKS LEFT
THEIR BICKERINGS, AND CROWDING

WHILE MERCHANTS AND CLERKS LEFT
THEIR BICKERINGS, AND CROWDING
TO THE WINDOWS, TURNED THEIR

THEIR BICKERINGS, AND CROWDING
TO THE WINDOWS, TURNED THEIR
WHITE-BUNCHED FACES GRAVELY UPON

TO THE WINDOWS, TURNED THEIR
WHITE-BUNCHED FACES GRAVELY UPON
THE PASSING BATTALIONS."

WHITE-BUNCHED FACES GRAVELY UPON
THE PASSING BATTALIONS."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.

THE PASSING BATTALIONS."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Narrator: TO MOST NEW

F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Narrator: TO MOST NEW
YORKERS, THE HORIZON SEEMED

Narrator: TO MOST NEW
YORKERS, THE HORIZON SEEMED
LIMITLESS THAT SPRING.

YORKERS, THE HORIZON SEEMED
LIMITLESS THAT SPRING.
ON THE FIRST OF THE YEAR, AL

LIMITLESS THAT SPRING.
ON THE FIRST OF THE YEAR, AL
SMITH, THE HERO OF THE LABOR

ON THE FIRST OF THE YEAR, AL
SMITH, THE HERO OF THE LABOR
REFORM MOVEMENT, HAD BEEN SWORN

SMITH, THE HERO OF THE LABOR
REFORM MOVEMENT, HAD BEEN SWORN
IN AS THE FIRST IRISH AMERICAN

REFORM MOVEMENT, HAD BEEN SWORN
IN AS THE FIRST IRISH AMERICAN
GOVERNOR IN AMERICA.

IN AS THE FIRST IRISH AMERICAN
GOVERNOR IN AMERICA.
IT WAS AN ASTONISHING TRIUMPH

GOVERNOR IN AMERICA.
IT WAS AN ASTONISHING TRIUMPH
FOR THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE IN

IT WAS AN ASTONISHING TRIUMPH
FOR THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE IN
NEW YORK.

FOR THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE IN
NEW YORK.
THAT SAME YEAR, THE 19th

NEW YORK.
THAT SAME YEAR, THE 19th
AMENDMENT WOULD TAKE EFFECT.

THAT SAME YEAR, THE 19th
AMENDMENT WOULD TAKE EFFECT.
AFTER DECADES OF PASSIONATE

AMENDMENT WOULD TAKE EFFECT.
AFTER DECADES OF PASSIONATE
STRUGGLE, AMERICAN WOMEN HAD

AFTER DECADES OF PASSIONATE
STRUGGLE, AMERICAN WOMEN HAD
FINALLY WON THE RIGHT TO VOTE.

STRUGGLE, AMERICAN WOMEN HAD
FINALLY WON THE RIGHT TO VOTE.
AND AT LONG LAST, AFTER NEARLY

FINALLY WON THE RIGHT TO VOTE.
AND AT LONG LAST, AFTER NEARLY
300 YEARS, THE OLDEST ETHNIC

AND AT LONG LAST, AFTER NEARLY
300 YEARS, THE OLDEST ETHNIC
GROUP IN NEW YORK AFTER THE

300 YEARS, THE OLDEST ETHNIC
GROUP IN NEW YORK AFTER THE
DUTCH HAD FINALLY FOUND A SPACE

GROUP IN NEW YORK AFTER THE
DUTCH HAD FINALLY FOUND A SPACE
FOR THEMSELVES IN THE TURBULENT

DUTCH HAD FINALLY FOUND A SPACE
FOR THEMSELVES IN THE TURBULENT
COMMERCIAL CITY.

FOR THEMSELVES IN THE TURBULENT
COMMERCIAL CITY.
"EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE," A 23-

COMMERCIAL CITY.
"EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE," A 23-
YEAR-OLD MIDWESTERNER NAMED

"EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE," A 23-
YEAR-OLD MIDWESTERNER NAMED
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD WROTE TO HIS

YEAR-OLD MIDWESTERNER NAMED
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD WROTE TO HIS
FIANCEE, ZELDA, THE DAY HE

F. SCOTT FITZGERALD WROTE TO HIS
FIANCEE, ZELDA, THE DAY HE
ARRIVED IN FEBRUARY.

FIANCEE, ZELDA, THE DAY HE
ARRIVED IN FEBRUARY.
"I AM IN THE LAND OF AMBITION

ARRIVED IN FEBRUARY.
"I AM IN THE LAND OF AMBITION
AND SUCCESS."

"I AM IN THE LAND OF AMBITION
AND SUCCESS."
Brendan Gill: THIS WAS THE

AND SUCCESS."
Brendan Gill: THIS WAS THE
DAWN OF THE DAY OF THE HOPE THAT

Brendan Gill: THIS WAS THE
DAWN OF THE DAY OF THE HOPE THAT
THIS WAS THE AMERICAN CENTURY.

DAWN OF THE DAY OF THE HOPE THAT
THIS WAS THE AMERICAN CENTURY.
EUROPE HADN'T BELIEVED, REALLY,

THIS WAS THE AMERICAN CENTURY.
EUROPE HADN'T BELIEVED, REALLY,
IN THE NOTION OF WHAT AMERICA

EUROPE HADN'T BELIEVED, REALLY,
IN THE NOTION OF WHAT AMERICA
WAS BECOMING UNTIL THE FIRST

IN THE NOTION OF WHAT AMERICA
WAS BECOMING UNTIL THE FIRST
WORLD WAR.

BUT WE WERE SUDDENLY THE GREAT
POWER, WHICH PROMISED TO BECOME

POWER, WHICH PROMISED TO BECOME
THE SUPREME POWER, OF THE 20th

THE SUPREME POWER, OF THE 20th
CENTURY, AND I THINK THAT WAS AN

CENTURY, AND I THINK THAT WAS AN
ACTUAL PSYCHOLOGICAL

ACTUAL PSYCHOLOGICAL
TRANSFORMATION IN US.
Narrator: MORE THAN MOST

Narrator: MORE THAN MOST
PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD, THE WAR HAD
BEEN A WATERSHED FOR EUROPE, FOR

PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD, THE WAR HAD
BEEN A WATERSHED FOR EUROPE, FOR
AMERICA, AND FOR THE SPRAWLING

BEEN A WATERSHED FOR EUROPE, FOR
AMERICA, AND FOR THE SPRAWLING
METROPOLIS THAT WAS ITS CAPITAL.

AMERICA, AND FOR THE SPRAWLING
METROPOLIS THAT WAS ITS CAPITAL.
Mike Wallace: IT'S A CRITICAL

METROPOLIS THAT WAS ITS CAPITAL.
Mike Wallace: IT'S A CRITICAL
MOMENT IN THE CITY'S HISTORY.

Mike Wallace: IT'S A CRITICAL
MOMENT IN THE CITY'S HISTORY.
NEW YORK GOES INTO THAT WAR

MOMENT IN THE CITY'S HISTORY.
NEW YORK GOES INTO THAT WAR
$3 BILLION IN DEBT.

NEW YORK GOES INTO THAT WAR
$3 BILLION IN DEBT.
IT'S A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY;

$3 BILLION IN DEBT.
IT'S A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY;
EUROPEANS HAVE BEEN INVESTING IN

IT'S A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY;
EUROPEANS HAVE BEEN INVESTING IN
ITS STOCKS AND BONDS FOR YEARS;

EUROPEANS HAVE BEEN INVESTING IN
ITS STOCKS AND BONDS FOR YEARS;
WE OWE THEM AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT

ITS STOCKS AND BONDS FOR YEARS;
WE OWE THEM AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT
OF MONEY.

BY THE TIME THE WAR IS OVER, THE
UNITED STATES IS NOW A CREDITOR

UNITED STATES IS NOW A CREDITOR
NATION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS

NATION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS
HISTORY.
IT IS $3 BILLION AHEAD OF THE

IT IS $3 BILLION AHEAD OF THE
GAME, AND CONSEQUENTLY, NEW YORK
HAS MOVED TO A POSITION WHERE IT

GAME, AND CONSEQUENTLY, NEW YORK
HAS MOVED TO A POSITION WHERE IT
CAN CHALLENGE LONDON FOR THE

HAS MOVED TO A POSITION WHERE IT
CAN CHALLENGE LONDON FOR THE
POSITION OF THE CENTER OF THE

CAN CHALLENGE LONDON FOR THE
POSITION OF THE CENTER OF THE
WORLD.

POSITION OF THE CENTER OF THE
WORLD.
Narrator: THOUGH NO ONE COULD

WORLD.
Narrator: THOUGH NO ONE COULD
HAVE KNOWN IT, BY THE SPRING OF

Narrator: THOUGH NO ONE COULD
HAVE KNOWN IT, BY THE SPRING OF
1919, THE CURTAIN WAS ABOUT TO

HAVE KNOWN IT, BY THE SPRING OF
1919, THE CURTAIN WAS ABOUT TO
RISE ON THE MOST SPECTACULAR,

1919, THE CURTAIN WAS ABOUT TO
RISE ON THE MOST SPECTACULAR,
AND IN THE END HEARTBREAKING,

RISE ON THE MOST SPECTACULAR,
AND IN THE END HEARTBREAKING,
ACT IN THE CITY'S ASTONISHING

AND IN THE END HEARTBREAKING,
ACT IN THE CITY'S ASTONISHING
THREE-CENTURY HISTORY, AS 130

ACT IN THE CITY'S ASTONISHING
THREE-CENTURY HISTORY, AS 130
YEARS OF RELENTLESS COMMERCIAL

THREE-CENTURY HISTORY, AS 130
YEARS OF RELENTLESS COMMERCIAL
GROWTH NOW CAME TO A TREMENDOUS

YEARS OF RELENTLESS COMMERCIAL
GROWTH NOW CAME TO A TREMENDOUS
CLIMAX.

GROWTH NOW CAME TO A TREMENDOUS
CLIMAX.
IN THE DECADE TO COME, AS THE

CLIMAX.
IN THE DECADE TO COME, AS THE
CITY AND COUNTRY KICKED

IN THE DECADE TO COME, AS THE
CITY AND COUNTRY KICKED
THEMSELVES FREE OF THE PAST AND

CITY AND COUNTRY KICKED
THEMSELVES FREE OF THE PAST AND
ROSE INTO A SEEMINGLY LIMITLESS

THEMSELVES FREE OF THE PAST AND
ROSE INTO A SEEMINGLY LIMITLESS
FUTURE, NEW YORK WOULD BECOME

ROSE INTO A SEEMINGLY LIMITLESS
FUTURE, NEW YORK WOULD BECOME
ONE OF THE MOST COMMERCIALLY AND

FUTURE, NEW YORK WOULD BECOME
ONE OF THE MOST COMMERCIALLY AND
CULTURALLY CREATIVE PLACES ON

ONE OF THE MOST COMMERCIALLY AND
CULTURALLY CREATIVE PLACES ON
EARTH, COMMITTED AS NEVER BEFORE

CULTURALLY CREATIVE PLACES ON
EARTH, COMMITTED AS NEVER BEFORE
OR SINCE TO THE INTOXICATING

EARTH, COMMITTED AS NEVER BEFORE
OR SINCE TO THE INTOXICATING
DREAMS OF CAPITALISM.

OR SINCE TO THE INTOXICATING
DREAMS OF CAPITALISM.
BEFORE IT WAS OVER, A NEW KIND

DREAMS OF CAPITALISM.
BEFORE IT WAS OVER, A NEW KIND
OF CULTURE, A MASS CULTURE, AND

BEFORE IT WAS OVER, A NEW KIND
OF CULTURE, A MASS CULTURE, AND
A NEW KIND OF CITY, A CITY OF

OF CULTURE, A MASS CULTURE, AND
A NEW KIND OF CITY, A CITY OF
DESIRES AND DREAMS, WOULD BE

A NEW KIND OF CITY, A CITY OF
DESIRES AND DREAMS, WOULD BE
BROUGHT INTO EXISTENCE ON THE

DESIRES AND DREAMS, WOULD BE
BROUGHT INTO EXISTENCE ON THE
SLENDER ISLAND OF MANHATTAN.

BROUGHT INTO EXISTENCE ON THE
SLENDER ISLAND OF MANHATTAN.
AS IT DID, NEW YORK WOULD SOAR

SLENDER ISLAND OF MANHATTAN.
AS IT DID, NEW YORK WOULD SOAR
UPWARD, IN A FRENZY OF

AS IT DID, NEW YORK WOULD SOAR
UPWARD, IN A FRENZY OF
SPECULATION, RISING HIGHER AND

UPWARD, IN A FRENZY OF
SPECULATION, RISING HIGHER AND
THEN FALLING LOWER THAN IT EVER

SPECULATION, RISING HIGHER AND
THEN FALLING LOWER THAN IT EVER
WOULD AGAIN.

Ann Douglas: HENRY FORD ONCE
SAYING, "THE SKY IS THE LIMIT,"

SAYING, "THE SKY IS THE LIMIT,"
AND IN A SENSE, WHAT THE '20s

AND IN A SENSE, WHAT THE '20s
DISCOVERED WAS MAYBE THE SKY

DISCOVERED WAS MAYBE THE SKY
WASN'T THE LIMIT; MAYBE ONE

WASN'T THE LIMIT; MAYBE ONE
COULD GO RIGHT INTO THE SKY.
HART CRANE, THE POET, WROTE

HART CRANE, THE POET, WROTE
ABOUT A "SAIL FLUNG INTO APRIL'S
INMOST DAY"... THAT SENSE THAT

ABOUT A "SAIL FLUNG INTO APRIL'S
INMOST DAY"... THAT SENSE THAT
YOU COULD FLING YOURSELF INTO

INMOST DAY"... THAT SENSE THAT
YOU COULD FLING YOURSELF INTO
SPACE AND IT WOULD BE YOUR

YOU COULD FLING YOURSELF INTO
SPACE AND IT WOULD BE YOUR
FRIEND.

SPACE AND IT WOULD BE YOUR
FRIEND.
NEW YORK IS THE CENTER OF THIS,

FRIEND.
NEW YORK IS THE CENTER OF THIS,
NOT BECAUSE IT HAS THE LARGEST

NEW YORK IS THE CENTER OF THIS,
NOT BECAUSE IT HAS THE LARGEST
AIRPORTS AND THE MOST AIR

NOT BECAUSE IT HAS THE LARGEST
AIRPORTS AND THE MOST AIR
TRAVEL, WHICH IT DOES, BUT

AIRPORTS AND THE MOST AIR
TRAVEL, WHICH IT DOES, BUT
RATHER BECAUSE IT'S THE PLACE

TRAVEL, WHICH IT DOES, BUT
RATHER BECAUSE IT'S THE PLACE
THAT IS THE SKYSCRAPER CAPITAL

RATHER BECAUSE IT'S THE PLACE
THAT IS THE SKYSCRAPER CAPITAL
OF THE WORLD AND ALSO THE

THAT IS THE SKYSCRAPER CAPITAL
OF THE WORLD AND ALSO THE
CAPITAL OF THE MEDIA; THAT THE

OF THE WORLD AND ALSO THE
CAPITAL OF THE MEDIA; THAT THE
MEDIA ARE CENTRALIZED HERE.

CAPITAL OF THE MEDIA; THAT THE
MEDIA ARE CENTRALIZED HERE.
THE MEDIA ARE A WAY OF

MEDIA ARE CENTRALIZED HERE.
THE MEDIA ARE A WAY OF
COLONIZING SPACE, SO IT WAS THE

THE MEDIA ARE A WAY OF
COLONIZING SPACE, SO IT WAS THE
CENTER, I THINK, OF THIS SENSE

COLONIZING SPACE, SO IT WAS THE
CENTER, I THINK, OF THIS SENSE
OF AIR-MINDEDNESS, OF ANYTHING'S

CENTER, I THINK, OF THIS SENSE
OF AIR-MINDEDNESS, OF ANYTHING'S
POSSIBLE; ANYTHING CAN BE DONE.

OF AIR-MINDEDNESS, OF ANYTHING'S
POSSIBLE; ANYTHING CAN BE DONE.
Kenneth T. Jackson: THE

POSSIBLE; ANYTHING CAN BE DONE.
Kenneth T. Jackson: THE
HARBOR IS FLOURISHING.

Kenneth T. Jackson: THE
HARBOR IS FLOURISHING.
SKYSCRAPERS, THE LIKES OF WHICH

HARBOR IS FLOURISHING.
SKYSCRAPERS, THE LIKES OF WHICH
THE WORLD HAD NEVER SEEN, ARE

SKYSCRAPERS, THE LIKES OF WHICH
THE WORLD HAD NEVER SEEN, ARE
CREATING A KIND OF IMAGE OF NEW

THE WORLD HAD NEVER SEEN, ARE
CREATING A KIND OF IMAGE OF NEW
YORK CITY THAT HAS STUCK WITH US

CREATING A KIND OF IMAGE OF NEW
YORK CITY THAT HAS STUCK WITH US
EVER SINCE.

BUT IT'S THIS PERIOD OF INTENSE
CHANGE WHICH REALLY IS A

CHANGE WHICH REALLY IS A
CULMINATION.

CULMINATION.
IT'S SUCH AN EXCITING PLACE TO

IT'S SUCH AN EXCITING PLACE TO
BE.
PERHAPS NO OTHER CITY IN THE

PERHAPS NO OTHER CITY IN THE
HISTORY OF THE WORLD HAS ENJOYED
A KIND OF DECADE THAT NEW YORK

HISTORY OF THE WORLD HAS ENJOYED
A KIND OF DECADE THAT NEW YORK
HAD BETWEEN THE ARMISTICE DAY IN

A KIND OF DECADE THAT NEW YORK
HAD BETWEEN THE ARMISTICE DAY IN
1918 AND THE STOCK MARKET CRASH

HAD BETWEEN THE ARMISTICE DAY IN
1918 AND THE STOCK MARKET CRASH
TOWARD THE END OF 1929, AN 11-

1918 AND THE STOCK MARKET CRASH
TOWARD THE END OF 1929, AN 11-
YEAR PERIOD, AN 11-YEAR RUN THAT

TOWARD THE END OF 1929, AN 11-
YEAR PERIOD, AN 11-YEAR RUN THAT
WAS JUST WONDERFUL.

YEAR PERIOD, AN 11-YEAR RUN THAT
WAS JUST WONDERFUL.
Reader: "IT IS A EUROPEAN

WAS JUST WONDERFUL.
Reader: "IT IS A EUROPEAN
CITY NO LONGER.

Reader: "IT IS A EUROPEAN
CITY NO LONGER.
IT IS AMERICAN.

CITY NO LONGER.
IT IS AMERICAN.
IT IS ITSELF, IMPERIAL NEW YORK.

IT IS AMERICAN.
IT IS ITSELF, IMPERIAL NEW YORK.
PLENTY OF TIME YET.

IT IS ITSELF, IMPERIAL NEW YORK.
PLENTY OF TIME YET.
MEN AND MACHINES.

PLENTY OF TIME YET.
MEN AND MACHINES.
WE ARE ALL SO YOUNG YET.

MEN AND MACHINES.
WE ARE ALL SO YOUNG YET.
WAIT AND SEE.

WE ARE ALL SO YOUNG YET.
WAIT AND SEE.
WAIT AND SEE WHAT NEW YORK WILL

WAIT AND SEE.
WAIT AND SEE WHAT NEW YORK WILL
DO."

WAIT AND SEE WHAT NEW YORK WILL
DO."
SHERWOOD ANDERSON.

DO."
SHERWOOD ANDERSON.
Narrator: THE FIRST ACT, IN

SHERWOOD ANDERSON.
Narrator: THE FIRST ACT, IN
MANY WAYS THE STRANGEST AND MOST

Narrator: THE FIRST ACT, IN
MANY WAYS THE STRANGEST AND MOST
TERRIFYING OF THE ENTIRE DECADE,

MANY WAYS THE STRANGEST AND MOST
TERRIFYING OF THE ENTIRE DECADE,
BEGAN IN THE SPRING OF 1919,

TERRIFYING OF THE ENTIRE DECADE,
BEGAN IN THE SPRING OF 1919,
BEFORE THE TROOPS HAD EVEN

BEGAN IN THE SPRING OF 1919,
BEFORE THE TROOPS HAD EVEN
FINISHED COMING HOME.

BEFORE THE TROOPS HAD EVEN
FINISHED COMING HOME.
ON THE EVENING OF MAY 1, A NIGHT

FINISHED COMING HOME.
ON THE EVENING OF MAY 1, A NIGHT
CLERK AT THE MAIN BRANCH OF THE

ON THE EVENING OF MAY 1, A NIGHT
CLERK AT THE MAIN BRANCH OF THE
U.S. POST OFFICE ON 33rd STREET

CLERK AT THE MAIN BRANCH OF THE
U.S. POST OFFICE ON 33rd STREET
AND EIGHTH AVENUE HAPPENED TO

U.S. POST OFFICE ON 33rd STREET
AND EIGHTH AVENUE HAPPENED TO
NOTICE 16 SLENDER, IDENTICALLY

AND EIGHTH AVENUE HAPPENED TO
NOTICE 16 SLENDER, IDENTICALLY
WRAPPED PACKAGES, EACH ADDRESSED

NOTICE 16 SLENDER, IDENTICALLY
WRAPPED PACKAGES, EACH ADDRESSED
TO A PROMINENT POLITICIAN OR

WRAPPED PACKAGES, EACH ADDRESSED
TO A PROMINENT POLITICIAN OR
BUSINESSMEN, AND EACH CONTAINING

TO A PROMINENT POLITICIAN OR
BUSINESSMEN, AND EACH CONTAINING
ENOUGH NITROGLYCERIN TO BLOW A

BUSINESSMEN, AND EACH CONTAINING
ENOUGH NITROGLYCERIN TO BLOW A
MAN'S HEAD OFF.

ENOUGH NITROGLYCERIN TO BLOW A
MAN'S HEAD OFF.
CONFIRMING DEEPLY ROOTED

MAN'S HEAD OFF.
CONFIRMING DEEPLY ROOTED
AMERICAN FEARS THAT SINISTER

CONFIRMING DEEPLY ROOTED
AMERICAN FEARS THAT SINISTER
FOREIGN ELEMENTS WERE AT WORK IN

AMERICAN FEARS THAT SINISTER
FOREIGN ELEMENTS WERE AT WORK IN
THE LAND, THE REVELATION HELPED

FOREIGN ELEMENTS WERE AT WORK IN
THE LAND, THE REVELATION HELPED
SET IN MOTION THE RED SCARE, A

THE LAND, THE REVELATION HELPED
SET IN MOTION THE RED SCARE, A
WAVE OF POLITICAL REACTION AND

SET IN MOTION THE RED SCARE, A
WAVE OF POLITICAL REACTION AND
XENOPHOBIA UNLIKE ANYTHING SEEN

WAVE OF POLITICAL REACTION AND
XENOPHOBIA UNLIKE ANYTHING SEEN
IN THE COUNTRY BEFORE OR SINCE,

XENOPHOBIA UNLIKE ANYTHING SEEN
IN THE COUNTRY BEFORE OR SINCE,
DIRECTED AT CITIES WITH LARGE

IN THE COUNTRY BEFORE OR SINCE,
DIRECTED AT CITIES WITH LARGE
POPULATIONS OF IMMIGRANTS, AND

DIRECTED AT CITIES WITH LARGE
POPULATIONS OF IMMIGRANTS, AND
ESPECIALLY NEW YORK.

POPULATIONS OF IMMIGRANTS, AND
ESPECIALLY NEW YORK.
WITHIN MONTHS, GROUPS THAT HAD

ESPECIALLY NEW YORK.
WITHIN MONTHS, GROUPS THAT HAD
ENJOYED TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS ONLY

WITHIN MONTHS, GROUPS THAT HAD
ENJOYED TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS ONLY
A FEW YEARS BEFORE... IMMIGRANT

ENJOYED TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS ONLY
A FEW YEARS BEFORE... IMMIGRANT
WORKERS, PROGRESSIVE REFORMERS,

A FEW YEARS BEFORE... IMMIGRANT
WORKERS, PROGRESSIVE REFORMERS,
AND UNION ORGANIZERS... FOUND

WORKERS, PROGRESSIVE REFORMERS,
AND UNION ORGANIZERS... FOUND
THEMSELVES ON THE RUN.

AND UNION ORGANIZERS... FOUND
THEMSELVES ON THE RUN.
Wallace: AND THERE ARE MASS

THEMSELVES ON THE RUN.
Wallace: AND THERE ARE MASS
ROUNDUPS.

Wallace: AND THERE ARE MASS
ROUNDUPS.
PEOPLE ARE TAKEN OUT, PUT ON

ROUNDUPS.
PEOPLE ARE TAKEN OUT, PUT ON
ELLIS ISLAND, AND, IF THEY'RE

PEOPLE ARE TAKEN OUT, PUT ON
ELLIS ISLAND, AND, IF THEY'RE
ALIENS, THEY ARE SLATED FOR

ELLIS ISLAND, AND, IF THEY'RE
ALIENS, THEY ARE SLATED FOR
DEPORTATION.

ALIENS, THEY ARE SLATED FOR
DEPORTATION.
AND OF COURSE THE MOST FAMOUS

DEPORTATION.
AND OF COURSE THE MOST FAMOUS
DEPORTEE WHO'S SENT OFF IN THIS

AND OF COURSE THE MOST FAMOUS
DEPORTEE WHO'S SENT OFF IN THIS
PERIOD IS EMMA GOLDMAN.

DEPORTEE WHO'S SENT OFF IN THIS
PERIOD IS EMMA GOLDMAN.
AND IT'S LIKE A FEVER THAT GRIPS

PERIOD IS EMMA GOLDMAN.
AND IT'S LIKE A FEVER THAT GRIPS
PEOPLE.

AND IT'S LIKE A FEVER THAT GRIPS
PEOPLE.
THERE'S ANOTHER WAVE IN EARLY

PEOPLE.
THERE'S ANOTHER WAVE IN EARLY
1920, AND THEN IT BREAKS.

THERE'S ANOTHER WAVE IN EARLY
1920, AND THEN IT BREAKS.
IT WAS LIKE THE FEVER HAD

1920, AND THEN IT BREAKS.
IT WAS LIKE THE FEVER HAD
BROKEN.

IT WAS LIKE THE FEVER HAD
BROKEN.
AND IT'S, I THINK, THEN THAT WE

BROKEN.
AND IT'S, I THINK, THEN THAT WE
REALLY MOVE IN TO THE '20s, AND

AND IT'S, I THINK, THEN THAT WE
REALLY MOVE IN TO THE '20s, AND
WE'VE MOVED INTO A NEW CLIMATE.

REALLY MOVE IN TO THE '20s, AND
WE'VE MOVED INTO A NEW CLIMATE.
THE COMMUNISTS ARE GOING TO BE

WE'VE MOVED INTO A NEW CLIMATE.
THE COMMUNISTS ARE GOING TO BE
DRIVEN UNDERGROUND; THE LABOR

THE COMMUNISTS ARE GOING TO BE
DRIVEN UNDERGROUND; THE LABOR
MOVEMENT IS STILL THERE, BUT

DRIVEN UNDERGROUND; THE LABOR
MOVEMENT IS STILL THERE, BUT
IT'S IN SERIOUS DISARRAY.

MOVEMENT IS STILL THERE, BUT
IT'S IN SERIOUS DISARRAY.
YOU'VE CREATED A SPACE WHERE

IT'S IN SERIOUS DISARRAY.
YOU'VE CREATED A SPACE WHERE
BOTH GLOBALLY, IN TERMS OF THE

YOU'VE CREATED A SPACE WHERE
BOTH GLOBALLY, IN TERMS OF THE
COMPETITORS IN EUROPE ARE BASKET

BOTH GLOBALLY, IN TERMS OF THE
COMPETITORS IN EUROPE ARE BASKET
CASES, BUSINESS IN THE UNITED

COMPETITORS IN EUROPE ARE BASKET
CASES, BUSINESS IN THE UNITED
STATES AND IN NEW YORK IN

CASES, BUSINESS IN THE UNITED
STATES AND IN NEW YORK IN
PARTICULAR IS LOOKING AT

STATES AND IN NEW YORK IN
PARTICULAR IS LOOKING AT
FABULOUS POSSIBILITIES FOR

PARTICULAR IS LOOKING AT
FABULOUS POSSIBILITIES FOR
NORMALCY, FOR PROFIT MAKING, FOR

FABULOUS POSSIBILITIES FOR
NORMALCY, FOR PROFIT MAKING, FOR
GETTING ON WITH BUSINESS.

NORMALCY, FOR PROFIT MAKING, FOR
GETTING ON WITH BUSINESS.
Narrator: WEDNESDAY,

GETTING ON WITH BUSINESS.
Narrator: WEDNESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 16, 1920, DAWNED

Narrator: WEDNESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 16, 1920, DAWNED
PARTLY CLOUDY AND PLEASANTLY

SEPTEMBER 16, 1920, DAWNED
PARTLY CLOUDY AND PLEASANTLY
WARM IN NEW YORK.

PARTLY CLOUDY AND PLEASANTLY
WARM IN NEW YORK.
IT WAS A GOOD MORNING ON THE NEW

WARM IN NEW YORK.
IT WAS A GOOD MORNING ON THE NEW
YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, WITH PRICES

IT WAS A GOOD MORNING ON THE NEW
YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, WITH PRICES
RISING STEADILY.

YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, WITH PRICES
RISING STEADILY.
AS THE LUNCH HOUR APPROACHED,

RISING STEADILY.
AS THE LUNCH HOUR APPROACHED,
CROWDS BEGAN TO SPILL OUT OF THE

AS THE LUNCH HOUR APPROACHED,
CROWDS BEGAN TO SPILL OUT OF THE
SKYSCRAPERS WHICH CLUSTERED

CROWDS BEGAN TO SPILL OUT OF THE
SKYSCRAPERS WHICH CLUSTERED
AROUND THE INTERSECTION OF WALL

SKYSCRAPERS WHICH CLUSTERED
AROUND THE INTERSECTION OF WALL
STREET AND BROAD, THE VERY HEART

AROUND THE INTERSECTION OF WALL
STREET AND BROAD, THE VERY HEART
OF THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT.

STREET AND BROAD, THE VERY HEART
OF THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT.
A LITTLE BEFORE NOON, A HORSE-

OF THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT.
A LITTLE BEFORE NOON, A HORSE-
DRAWN WAGON PULLED TO A STOP

A LITTLE BEFORE NOON, A HORSE-
DRAWN WAGON PULLED TO A STOP
OUTSIDE THE IMPOSING LIMESTONE

DRAWN WAGON PULLED TO A STOP
OUTSIDE THE IMPOSING LIMESTONE
FACADE OF THE HOUSE OF MORGAN,

OUTSIDE THE IMPOSING LIMESTONE
FACADE OF THE HOUSE OF MORGAN,
RIGHT ACROSS FROM FEDERAL HALL.

FACADE OF THE HOUSE OF MORGAN,
RIGHT ACROSS FROM FEDERAL HALL.
THEN ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE.

John Steele Gordon: WHAT
HAPPENED WAS A WAGON DRAWN BY A

HAPPENED WAS A WAGON DRAWN BY A
HORSE PULLED UP OUTSIDE THE

HORSE PULLED UP OUTSIDE THE
MORGAN BANK AT THE CORNER, AS

MORGAN BANK AT THE CORNER, AS
ITS CALLED, OF WALL AND BROAD,

ITS CALLED, OF WALL AND BROAD,
AND A FEW MINUTES BEFORE NOON

AND A FEW MINUTES BEFORE NOON
BLEW UP.
THE WAGON WAS FULL OF DYNAMITE.

THE WAGON WAS FULL OF DYNAMITE.
UNFORTUNATELY, THE FORENSIC
SCIENCE OF EXPLOSIONS WAS NOT

UNFORTUNATELY, THE FORENSIC
SCIENCE OF EXPLOSIONS WAS NOT
EVEN IN EXISTENCE IN 1920.

SCIENCE OF EXPLOSIONS WAS NOT
EVEN IN EXISTENCE IN 1920.
ALL THEY FOUND OF IT WAS THE

EVEN IN EXISTENCE IN 1920.
ALL THEY FOUND OF IT WAS THE
FOUR OF THE HORSE'S HOOVES UP BY

ALL THEY FOUND OF IT WAS THE
FOUR OF THE HORSE'S HOOVES UP BY
TRINITY CHURCH.

FOUR OF THE HORSE'S HOOVES UP BY
TRINITY CHURCH.
THE REST OF THE HORSE WAS SIMPLY

TRINITY CHURCH.
THE REST OF THE HORSE WAS SIMPLY
VAPORIZED, AS WAS THE WAGON.

THE REST OF THE HORSE WAS SIMPLY
VAPORIZED, AS WAS THE WAGON.
AND THE WAGON HAD BEEN FULL OF

VAPORIZED, AS WAS THE WAGON.
AND THE WAGON HAD BEEN FULL OF
SASH WEIGHTS AS WELL AS

AND THE WAGON HAD BEEN FULL OF
SASH WEIGHTS AS WELL AS
EXPLOSIVES THAT HAD BEEN CUT

SASH WEIGHTS AS WELL AS
EXPLOSIVES THAT HAD BEEN CUT
INTO CHUNKS, I MEAN, AS

EXPLOSIVES THAT HAD BEEN CUT
INTO CHUNKS, I MEAN, AS
SHRAPNEL.

INTO CHUNKS, I MEAN, AS
SHRAPNEL.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS WAS TO KILL

SHRAPNEL.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS WAS TO KILL
AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE, AND

THE PURPOSE OF THIS WAS TO KILL
AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE, AND
ABOUT 40 PEOPLE WERE KILLED.

AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE, AND
ABOUT 40 PEOPLE WERE KILLED.
IT WAS A LOVELY DAY.

ABOUT 40 PEOPLE WERE KILLED.
IT WAS A LOVELY DAY.
HAD A BOMB GONE OFF A FEW

IT WAS A LOVELY DAY.
HAD A BOMB GONE OFF A FEW
MINUTES LATER AFTER NOON, WHEN

HAD A BOMB GONE OFF A FEW
MINUTES LATER AFTER NOON, WHEN
PEOPLE WOULD HAVE BEEN GOING ON

MINUTES LATER AFTER NOON, WHEN
PEOPLE WOULD HAVE BEEN GOING ON
THEIR WAY TO LUNCH, THE DEATH

PEOPLE WOULD HAVE BEEN GOING ON
THEIR WAY TO LUNCH, THE DEATH
TOLL PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN

THEIR WAY TO LUNCH, THE DEATH
TOLL PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN
THE HUNDREDS.

TOLL PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN
THE HUNDREDS.
THE GOUGES THAT WERE CUT INTO

THE HUNDREDS.
THE GOUGES THAT WERE CUT INTO
THE LIMESTONE FACADE BY THE

THE GOUGES THAT WERE CUT INTO
THE LIMESTONE FACADE BY THE
EXPLOSION ARE STILL THERE.

THE LIMESTONE FACADE BY THE
EXPLOSION ARE STILL THERE.
YOU CAN GO SEE THEM, THE

EXPLOSION ARE STILL THERE.
YOU CAN GO SEE THEM, THE
STIGMATA OF CAPITALISM, SO TO

YOU CAN GO SEE THEM, THE
STIGMATA OF CAPITALISM, SO TO
SPEAK.

STIGMATA OF CAPITALISM, SO TO
SPEAK.
AND THE HOUSE OF MORGAN JUST

SPEAK.
AND THE HOUSE OF MORGAN JUST
CARRIED ON BUSINESS.

AND THE HOUSE OF MORGAN JUST
CARRIED ON BUSINESS.
THEY WEREN'T ABOUT TO BE, YOU

CARRIED ON BUSINESS.
THEY WEREN'T ABOUT TO BE, YOU
KNOW, SHUT DOWN BY THESE PEOPLE.

THEY WEREN'T ABOUT TO BE, YOU
KNOW, SHUT DOWN BY THESE PEOPLE.
Narrator: BY EVENING,

KNOW, SHUT DOWN BY THESE PEOPLE.
Narrator: BY EVENING,
TEMPORARY LIGHTS HAD BEEN STRUNG

Narrator: BY EVENING,
TEMPORARY LIGHTS HAD BEEN STRUNG
ACROSS WALL STREET TO ALLOW

TEMPORARY LIGHTS HAD BEEN STRUNG
ACROSS WALL STREET TO ALLOW
HASTILY ASSEMBLED WORK CREWS TO

ACROSS WALL STREET TO ALLOW
HASTILY ASSEMBLED WORK CREWS TO
REPAIR THE DAMAGE.

HASTILY ASSEMBLED WORK CREWS TO
REPAIR THE DAMAGE.
BY 1:00 IN THE MORNING, THE NEW

REPAIR THE DAMAGE.
BY 1:00 IN THE MORNING, THE NEW
YORK TIMES REPORTED, "IT WAS

BY 1:00 IN THE MORNING, THE NEW
YORK TIMES REPORTED, "IT WAS
EVIDENT THAT WITH MOST OF THE

YORK TIMES REPORTED, "IT WAS
EVIDENT THAT WITH MOST OF THE
NECESSARY REPAIR WORK VIRTUALLY"

EVIDENT THAT WITH MOST OF THE
NECESSARY REPAIR WORK VIRTUALLY"
COMPLETE, WALL STREET "WOULD GO

NECESSARY REPAIR WORK VIRTUALLY"
COMPLETE, WALL STREET "WOULD GO
ON WITH BUSINESS AS USUAL."

COMPLETE, WALL STREET "WOULD GO
ON WITH BUSINESS AS USUAL."
THE NEXT MORNING, TO EVERYONE'S

ON WITH BUSINESS AS USUAL."
THE NEXT MORNING, TO EVERYONE'S
AMAZEMENT, THE MARKET CONTINUED

THE NEXT MORNING, TO EVERYONE'S
AMAZEMENT, THE MARKET CONTINUED
ITS STEADY UPWARD TREND, WITH

AMAZEMENT, THE MARKET CONTINUED
ITS STEADY UPWARD TREND, WITH
HARDLY A BUMP.

ITS STEADY UPWARD TREND, WITH
HARDLY A BUMP.
THE ROARING '20s HAD BEGUN.

HARDLY A BUMP.
THE ROARING '20s HAD BEGUN.
Kazin: SCOTT FITZGERALD, FROM

THE ROARING '20s HAD BEGUN.
Kazin: SCOTT FITZGERALD, FROM
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, FELT MORE

Kazin: SCOTT FITZGERALD, FROM
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, FELT MORE
AT HOME IN NEW YORK THAN HE DID

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, FELT MORE
AT HOME IN NEW YORK THAN HE DID
IN PARIS.

AT HOME IN NEW YORK THAN HE DID
IN PARIS.
HE LOVED NEW YORK, BECAUSE, AS

IN PARIS.
HE LOVED NEW YORK, BECAUSE, AS
HE SAID, "NEW YORK HAD ALL THE

HE LOVED NEW YORK, BECAUSE, AS
HE SAID, "NEW YORK HAD ALL THE
IRIDESCENCE OF THE BEGINNING OF

HE SAID, "NEW YORK HAD ALL THE
IRIDESCENCE OF THE BEGINNING OF
THE WORLD."

IRIDESCENCE OF THE BEGINNING OF
THE WORLD."
NO ONE EVER SAID ANYTHING AS

THE WORLD."
NO ONE EVER SAID ANYTHING AS
GOOD AS THAT ABOUT NEW YORK.

NO ONE EVER SAID ANYTHING AS
GOOD AS THAT ABOUT NEW YORK.
EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE... THIS IS

GOOD AS THAT ABOUT NEW YORK.
EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE... THIS IS
THE THING... AND POSSIBLE BECAUSE

EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE... THIS IS
THE THING... AND POSSIBLE BECAUSE
ON SUMMER NIGHTS, AS SCOTT

THE THING... AND POSSIBLE BECAUSE
ON SUMMER NIGHTS, AS SCOTT
FITZGERALD WROTE IN THE GREAT

ON SUMMER NIGHTS, AS SCOTT
FITZGERALD WROTE IN THE GREAT
GATSBY, "YOU FEEL THAT SOME

FITZGERALD WROTE IN THE GREAT
GATSBY, "YOU FEEL THAT SOME
BEAUTIFUL FRUIT IS ABOUT TO BE

GATSBY, "YOU FEEL THAT SOME
BEAUTIFUL FRUIT IS ABOUT TO BE
PLUCKED," YOU SEE.

Margo Jefferson: SO THERE'S
THE MIDWESTERN BOY COMING EAST,

THE MIDWESTERN BOY COMING EAST,
FIRST TO PRINCETON, THEN TO NEW

FIRST TO PRINCETON, THEN TO NEW
YORK, REMAKING HIMSELF, STUDYING

YORK, REMAKING HIMSELF, STUDYING
THE CITY, STUDYING LITERATURE,

THE CITY, STUDYING LITERATURE,
THEN GOING FOR SERIOUS ART AND

THEN GOING FOR SERIOUS ART AND
SERIOUS POPULAR SUCCESS.
Narrator: FOR MONTHS AFTER

Narrator: FOR MONTHS AFTER
HIS ARRIVAL, F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
HAD TRIED TO MAKE A GO OF IT AS

HIS ARRIVAL, F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
HAD TRIED TO MAKE A GO OF IT AS
A WRITER, WORKING AT AN

HAD TRIED TO MAKE A GO OF IT AS
A WRITER, WORKING AT AN
ADVERTISING AGENCY BY DAY AND

A WRITER, WORKING AT AN
ADVERTISING AGENCY BY DAY AND
POURING OUT STORIES BY NIGHT

ADVERTISING AGENCY BY DAY AND
POURING OUT STORIES BY NIGHT
THAT WERE REJECTED AS SWIFTLY AS

POURING OUT STORIES BY NIGHT
THAT WERE REJECTED AS SWIFTLY AS
HE COULD WRITE THEM.

THAT WERE REJECTED AS SWIFTLY AS
HE COULD WRITE THEM.
NOTHING CAME OF IT.

HE COULD WRITE THEM.
NOTHING CAME OF IT.
THEN, IN JUNE, WHEN HIS FIANCEE,

NOTHING CAME OF IT.
THEN, IN JUNE, WHEN HIS FIANCEE,
ZELDA, TEMPORARILY BROKE OFF

THEN, IN JUNE, WHEN HIS FIANCEE,
ZELDA, TEMPORARILY BROKE OFF
THEIR ENGAGEMENT, HE WENT ON A

ZELDA, TEMPORARILY BROKE OFF
THEIR ENGAGEMENT, HE WENT ON A
THREE-WEEK DRINKING BINGE,

THEIR ENGAGEMENT, HE WENT ON A
THREE-WEEK DRINKING BINGE,
SOBERED UP, AND RAPIDLY REWROTE

THREE-WEEK DRINKING BINGE,
SOBERED UP, AND RAPIDLY REWROTE
THE MANUSCRIPT OF AN ALREADY-

SOBERED UP, AND RAPIDLY REWROTE
THE MANUSCRIPT OF AN ALREADY-
REJECTED NOVEL.

THE MANUSCRIPT OF AN ALREADY-
REJECTED NOVEL.
PUBLISHED IN THE SPRING OF 1920

REJECTED NOVEL.
PUBLISHED IN THE SPRING OF 1920
UNDER THE TITLE THIS SIDE OF

PUBLISHED IN THE SPRING OF 1920
UNDER THE TITLE THIS SIDE OF
PARADISE, THE BOOK "UNFURLED

UNDER THE TITLE THIS SIDE OF
PARADISE, THE BOOK "UNFURLED
LIKE A BANNER, OVER THE ENTIRE

PARADISE, THE BOOK "UNFURLED
LIKE A BANNER, OVER THE ENTIRE
AGE," ONE MAN SAID, CAPTURING AS

LIKE A BANNER, OVER THE ENTIRE
AGE," ONE MAN SAID, CAPTURING AS
NOTHING ELSE HAD THE RECKLESS

AGE," ONE MAN SAID, CAPTURING AS
NOTHING ELSE HAD THE RECKLESS
SPIRIT OF A WHOLE GENERATION,

NOTHING ELSE HAD THE RECKLESS
SPIRIT OF A WHOLE GENERATION,
DISILLUSIONED WITH THE PAST, AND

SPIRIT OF A WHOLE GENERATION,
DISILLUSIONED WITH THE PAST, AND
DETERMINED TO THROW ITSELF

DISILLUSIONED WITH THE PAST, AND
DETERMINED TO THROW ITSELF
HEADLONG INTO THE FUTURE, COME

DETERMINED TO THROW ITSELF
HEADLONG INTO THE FUTURE, COME
WHAT MAY.

HEADLONG INTO THE FUTURE, COME
WHAT MAY.
FITZGERALD'S METEORIC CAREER WAS

WHAT MAY.
FITZGERALD'S METEORIC CAREER WAS
LAUNCHED AS THE CITY ITSELF

FITZGERALD'S METEORIC CAREER WAS
LAUNCHED AS THE CITY ITSELF
BEGAN ITS GIDDY UPWARD CLIMB.

LAUNCHED AS THE CITY ITSELF
BEGAN ITS GIDDY UPWARD CLIMB.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, NO ONE

BEGAN ITS GIDDY UPWARD CLIMB.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, NO ONE
WOULD CHRONICLE THE ARC OF ITS

IN THE YEARS TO COME, NO ONE
WOULD CHRONICLE THE ARC OF ITS
DARK AND SHINING TRAJECTORY MORE

WOULD CHRONICLE THE ARC OF ITS
DARK AND SHINING TRAJECTORY MORE
POIGNANTLY THAN HE.

DARK AND SHINING TRAJECTORY MORE
POIGNANTLY THAN HE.
Reader: "THE WHOLE GOLDEN

POIGNANTLY THAN HE.
Reader: "THE WHOLE GOLDEN
BOOM WAS IN THE AIR... ITS

Reader: "THE WHOLE GOLDEN
BOOM WAS IN THE AIR... ITS
SPLENDID GENEROSITIES, ITS

BOOM WAS IN THE AIR... ITS
SPLENDID GENEROSITIES, ITS
OUTRAGEOUS CORRUPTIONS, AND THE

SPLENDID GENEROSITIES, ITS
OUTRAGEOUS CORRUPTIONS, AND THE
TORTUROUS DEATH STRUGGLE OF THE

OUTRAGEOUS CORRUPTIONS, AND THE
TORTUROUS DEATH STRUGGLE OF THE
OLD AMERICA.

TORTUROUS DEATH STRUGGLE OF THE
OLD AMERICA.
THERE SEEMED LITTLE DOUBT ABOUT

OLD AMERICA.
THERE SEEMED LITTLE DOUBT ABOUT
WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN.

THERE SEEMED LITTLE DOUBT ABOUT
WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN.
AMERICA WAS GOING ON THE

WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN.
AMERICA WAS GOING ON THE
GREATEST, GAUDIEST SPREE IN

AMERICA WAS GOING ON THE
GREATEST, GAUDIEST SPREE IN
HISTORY, AND THERE WAS GOING TO

GREATEST, GAUDIEST SPREE IN
HISTORY, AND THERE WAS GOING TO
BE PLENTY TO TELL ABOUT IT."

HISTORY, AND THERE WAS GOING TO
BE PLENTY TO TELL ABOUT IT."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.

BE PLENTY TO TELL ABOUT IT."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Wallace: WELL, HONESTLY, THE

F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Wallace: WELL, HONESTLY, THE
THING THAT STRUCK RETURNING

Wallace: WELL, HONESTLY, THE
THING THAT STRUCK RETURNING
VETERANS JUST OFF THE BOAT, AS

THING THAT STRUCK RETURNING
VETERANS JUST OFF THE BOAT, AS
IT WERE, WAS PROHIBITION, AND

VETERANS JUST OFF THE BOAT, AS
IT WERE, WAS PROHIBITION, AND
THEY WERE TICKED OFF THAT WHAT

IT WERE, WAS PROHIBITION, AND
THEY WERE TICKED OFF THAT WHAT
THEY WERE COMING BACK TO WAS A

THEY WERE TICKED OFF THAT WHAT
THEY WERE COMING BACK TO WAS A
NO-BEER UNIVERSE.

THEY WERE COMING BACK TO WAS A
NO-BEER UNIVERSE.
THEY ALSO, IN FACT, WERE NOT

NO-BEER UNIVERSE.
THEY ALSO, IN FACT, WERE NOT
COMING BACK TO ECONOMIC GOOD

THEY ALSO, IN FACT, WERE NOT
COMING BACK TO ECONOMIC GOOD
TIMES.

COMING BACK TO ECONOMIC GOOD
TIMES.
WE TEND TO FORGET THAT THERE

TIMES.
WE TEND TO FORGET THAT THERE
WAS, IN FACT, A POSTWAR

WE TEND TO FORGET THAT THERE
WAS, IN FACT, A POSTWAR
RECESSION, SO FOR A COUPLE OF

WAS, IN FACT, A POSTWAR
RECESSION, SO FOR A COUPLE OF
YEARS, IN FACT, THEY WERE

RECESSION, SO FOR A COUPLE OF
YEARS, IN FACT, THEY WERE
LOOKING AT NO BEER AND NO JOB.

YEARS, IN FACT, THEY WERE
LOOKING AT NO BEER AND NO JOB.
BUT THEN THE BOOM TOOK HOLD, THE

LOOKING AT NO BEER AND NO JOB.
BUT THEN THE BOOM TOOK HOLD, THE
GREAT BOOM OF THE '20s, WHICH IS

BUT THEN THE BOOM TOOK HOLD, THE
GREAT BOOM OF THE '20s, WHICH IS
ORGANIZED AROUND THE MASS

GREAT BOOM OF THE '20s, WHICH IS
ORGANIZED AROUND THE MASS
PRODUCTION AND THE MASS

ORGANIZED AROUND THE MASS
PRODUCTION AND THE MASS
CONSUMPTION OF COMMODITIES.

Daniel Czitrom: WELL, THE
1920s IS A PERIOD THAT PEOPLE

1920s IS A PERIOD THAT PEOPLE
WILL TALK ABOUT IN TERMS OF THE

WILL TALK ABOUT IN TERMS OF THE
SO-CALLED SECOND INDUSTRIAL

SO-CALLED SECOND INDUSTRIAL
REVOLUTION, WHICH REFERS TO A

REVOLUTION, WHICH REFERS TO A
BASIC SHIFT IN THE AMERICAN

BASIC SHIFT IN THE AMERICAN
ECONOMY TOWARD THE PRODUCTION OF

ECONOMY TOWARD THE PRODUCTION OF
WHAT WE WOULD CALL CONSUMER

WHAT WE WOULD CALL CONSUMER
GOODS.
THINK ABOUT THE AUTOMOBILE.

THINK ABOUT THE AUTOMOBILE.
THINK ABOUT TELEPHONES.
THINK ABOUT VACUUM CLEANERS,

THINK ABOUT TELEPHONES.
THINK ABOUT VACUUM CLEANERS,
WASHING MACHINES, HOUSEHOLD

THINK ABOUT VACUUM CLEANERS,
WASHING MACHINES, HOUSEHOLD
APPLIANCES, WHICH REALLY IN THE

WASHING MACHINES, HOUSEHOLD
APPLIANCES, WHICH REALLY IN THE
1920s BECOME AVAILABLE ON A MASS

APPLIANCES, WHICH REALLY IN THE
1920s BECOME AVAILABLE ON A MASS
BASIS TO ORDINARY PEOPLE FOR

1920s BECOME AVAILABLE ON A MASS
BASIS TO ORDINARY PEOPLE FOR
PRETTY MUCH THE FIRST TIME.

BASIS TO ORDINARY PEOPLE FOR
PRETTY MUCH THE FIRST TIME.
AND I THINK AN IMPORTANT PART OF

PRETTY MUCH THE FIRST TIME.
AND I THINK AN IMPORTANT PART OF
THAT SHIFT TO CONSUMER

AND I THINK AN IMPORTANT PART OF
THAT SHIFT TO CONSUMER
CAPITALISM, TO PRODUCING

THAT SHIFT TO CONSUMER
CAPITALISM, TO PRODUCING
CONSUMER GOODS, IS THE NEED TO

CAPITALISM, TO PRODUCING
CONSUMER GOODS, IS THE NEED TO
MAKE SURE THAT YOU CAN SELL

CONSUMER GOODS, IS THE NEED TO
MAKE SURE THAT YOU CAN SELL
THOSE GOODS, THAT YOU CAN

MAKE SURE THAT YOU CAN SELL
THOSE GOODS, THAT YOU CAN
ADVERTISE THEM, THAT YOU CAN

THOSE GOODS, THAT YOU CAN
ADVERTISE THEM, THAT YOU CAN
MARKET THEM.

ADVERTISE THEM, THAT YOU CAN
MARKET THEM.
AND IN THIS RESPECT, NEW YORK,

MARKET THEM.
AND IN THIS RESPECT, NEW YORK,
IN EFFECT, BECOMES A KIND OF

AND IN THIS RESPECT, NEW YORK,
IN EFFECT, BECOMES A KIND OF
CENTRAL PLAYER IN THE SECOND

IN EFFECT, BECOMES A KIND OF
CENTRAL PLAYER IN THE SECOND
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION, BECAUSE

CENTRAL PLAYER IN THE SECOND
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION, BECAUSE
NEW YORK IS THE CENTER OF IMAGE

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION, BECAUSE
NEW YORK IS THE CENTER OF IMAGE
PRODUCTION.

NEW YORK IS THE CENTER OF IMAGE
PRODUCTION.
NEW YORK IS ALSO THE CENTER OF

PRODUCTION.
NEW YORK IS ALSO THE CENTER OF
ADVERTISING.

NEW YORK IS ALSO THE CENTER OF
ADVERTISING.
IT'S THE CENTER OF THE NEW MASS

ADVERTISING.
IT'S THE CENTER OF THE NEW MASS
MEDIA.

IT'S THE CENTER OF THE NEW MASS
MEDIA.
AND SO THE SECOND INDUSTRIAL

MEDIA.
AND SO THE SECOND INDUSTRIAL
REVOLUTION, YOU COULD SAY,

AND SO THE SECOND INDUSTRIAL
REVOLUTION, YOU COULD SAY,
REALLY BECOMES MARKETED,

REVOLUTION, YOU COULD SAY,
REALLY BECOMES MARKETED,
ADVERTISED, SOLD LARGELY THROUGH

REALLY BECOMES MARKETED,
ADVERTISED, SOLD LARGELY THROUGH
WHAT'S GOING ON IN NEW YORK

ADVERTISED, SOLD LARGELY THROUGH
WHAT'S GOING ON IN NEW YORK
CITY.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN NEW YORK
CITY.
Reader: "FORMERLY THE TASK

CITY.
Reader: "FORMERLY THE TASK
WAS TO SUPPLY THINGS THAT MEN

Reader: "FORMERLY THE TASK
WAS TO SUPPLY THINGS THAT MEN
WANTED.

WAS TO SUPPLY THINGS THAT MEN
WANTED.
THE NEW NECESSITY IS TO MAKE MEN

WANTED.
THE NEW NECESSITY IS TO MAKE MEN
WANT THE THINGS WHICH MACHINERY

THE NEW NECESSITY IS TO MAKE MEN
WANT THE THINGS WHICH MACHINERY
MUST TURN OUT IF CIVILIZATION IS

WANT THE THINGS WHICH MACHINERY
MUST TURN OUT IF CIVILIZATION IS
NOT TO PERISH.

MUST TURN OUT IF CIVILIZATION IS
NOT TO PERISH.
THE PROBLEM BEFORE US IS NOT HOW

NOT TO PERISH.
THE PROBLEM BEFORE US IS NOT HOW
TO PRODUCE THE GOODS, BUT HOW TO

THE PROBLEM BEFORE US IS NOT HOW
TO PRODUCE THE GOODS, BUT HOW TO
PRODUCE THE CUSTOMERS."

TO PRODUCE THE GOODS, BUT HOW TO
PRODUCE THE CUSTOMERS."
SAMUEL STRAUSS.

PRODUCE THE CUSTOMERS."
SAMUEL STRAUSS.
Narrator: FOR NEARLY 300

SAMUEL STRAUSS.
Narrator: FOR NEARLY 300
YEARS, THE SIZE OF THE

Narrator: FOR NEARLY 300
YEARS, THE SIZE OF THE
MARKETPLACE REACHED BY NEW YORK

YEARS, THE SIZE OF THE
MARKETPLACE REACHED BY NEW YORK
HAD BEEN STEADILY WIDENING, THE

MARKETPLACE REACHED BY NEW YORK
HAD BEEN STEADILY WIDENING, THE
ORBIT OF ITS INFLUENCE

HAD BEEN STEADILY WIDENING, THE
ORBIT OF ITS INFLUENCE
INCREASING WITH EACH NEW ADVANCE

ORBIT OF ITS INFLUENCE
INCREASING WITH EACH NEW ADVANCE
IN TRANSPORTATION AND

INCREASING WITH EACH NEW ADVANCE
IN TRANSPORTATION AND
TECHNOLOGY.

IN TRANSPORTATION AND
TECHNOLOGY.
NOW, IN LITTLE MORE THAN HALF A

TECHNOLOGY.
NOW, IN LITTLE MORE THAN HALF A
DECADE, THAT REACH WOULD BE

NOW, IN LITTLE MORE THAN HALF A
DECADE, THAT REACH WOULD BE
EXTENDED TO INFINITY BY THE

DECADE, THAT REACH WOULD BE
EXTENDED TO INFINITY BY THE
POWER OF THE NEW MASS MEDIA

EXTENDED TO INFINITY BY THE
POWER OF THE NEW MASS MEDIA
CONCENTRATING IN MANHATTAN, AND

POWER OF THE NEW MASS MEDIA
CONCENTRATING IN MANHATTAN, AND
ABOVE ALL, BY THE STUNNING NEW

CONCENTRATING IN MANHATTAN, AND
ABOVE ALL, BY THE STUNNING NEW
INVENTION THAT BY 1922 WAS

ABOVE ALL, BY THE STUNNING NEW
INVENTION THAT BY 1922 WAS
ALREADY RADIATING INVISIBLY FROM

INVENTION THAT BY 1922 WAS
ALREADY RADIATING INVISIBLY FROM
THE TOPS OF SEVERAL MIDTOWN

ALREADY RADIATING INVISIBLY FROM
THE TOPS OF SEVERAL MIDTOWN
SKYSCRAPERS.

THE TOPS OF SEVERAL MIDTOWN
SKYSCRAPERS.
Wallace: THE FIRST

SKYSCRAPERS.
Wallace: THE FIRST
ADVERTISEMENT THAT EVER GOES OUT

Wallace: THE FIRST
ADVERTISEMENT THAT EVER GOES OUT
ON RADIO IS AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR

ADVERTISEMENT THAT EVER GOES OUT
ON RADIO IS AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR
HOUSING IN JACKSON HEIGHTS, AND

ON RADIO IS AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR
HOUSING IN JACKSON HEIGHTS, AND
THESE GUYS GET IN, THEY DESCRIBE

HOUSING IN JACKSON HEIGHTS, AND
THESE GUYS GET IN, THEY DESCRIBE
THE GLORIES OF QUEENS AND NOT SO

THESE GUYS GET IN, THEY DESCRIBE
THE GLORIES OF QUEENS AND NOT SO
FAR FROM THE CITY AND YET IT'S

THE GLORIES OF QUEENS AND NOT SO
FAR FROM THE CITY AND YET IT'S
BUCOLIC AND RURAL, AND THEY ARE

FAR FROM THE CITY AND YET IT'S
BUCOLIC AND RURAL, AND THEY ARE
SWAMPED; THEY ARE FLOODED WITH

BUCOLIC AND RURAL, AND THEY ARE
SWAMPED; THEY ARE FLOODED WITH
DEMAND FOR JACKSON HEIGHTS

SWAMPED; THEY ARE FLOODED WITH
DEMAND FOR JACKSON HEIGHTS
APARTMENTS.

DEMAND FOR JACKSON HEIGHTS
APARTMENTS.
AND BELLS GO OFF ALL OVER NEW

APARTMENTS.
AND BELLS GO OFF ALL OVER NEW
YORK CITY.

AND BELLS GO OFF ALL OVER NEW
YORK CITY.
Czitrom: AS A RESULT OF THAT

YORK CITY.
Czitrom: AS A RESULT OF THAT
ONE TEN-MINUTE SPOT, THEY SOLD

Czitrom: AS A RESULT OF THAT
ONE TEN-MINUTE SPOT, THEY SOLD
ABOUT $150,000 WORTH OF

ONE TEN-MINUTE SPOT, THEY SOLD
ABOUT $150,000 WORTH OF
APARTMENTS, SO THAT'S THE

ABOUT $150,000 WORTH OF
APARTMENTS, SO THAT'S THE
BEGINNING OF WHAT COMES TO BE

APARTMENTS, SO THAT'S THE
BEGINNING OF WHAT COMES TO BE
THE AMERICAN SYSTEM OF

BEGINNING OF WHAT COMES TO BE
THE AMERICAN SYSTEM OF
BROADCASTING, THE IDEA THAT THE

THE AMERICAN SYSTEM OF
BROADCASTING, THE IDEA THAT THE
BROADCASTS THEMSELVES ARE PAID

BROADCASTING, THE IDEA THAT THE
BROADCASTS THEMSELVES ARE PAID
FOR AND OFTEN CREATED BY

BROADCASTS THEMSELVES ARE PAID
FOR AND OFTEN CREATED BY
ADVERTISERS.

FOR AND OFTEN CREATED BY
ADVERTISERS.
WHAT ARE THE ADVERTISERS BUYING?

ADVERTISERS.
WHAT ARE THE ADVERTISERS BUYING?
THEY'RE BUYING A CAPTIVE

WHAT ARE THE ADVERTISERS BUYING?
THEY'RE BUYING A CAPTIVE
AUDIENCE.

THEY'RE BUYING A CAPTIVE
AUDIENCE.
Radio announcer: HOPE YOU GET

AUDIENCE.
Radio announcer: HOPE YOU GET
HALF THE PLEASURE OUT OF...

Radio announcer: HOPE YOU GET
HALF THE PLEASURE OUT OF...
Narrator: THOUGH NO ONE KNEW

HALF THE PLEASURE OUT OF...
Narrator: THOUGH NO ONE KNEW
IT, MODERN AMERICAN CULTURE HAD

Narrator: THOUGH NO ONE KNEW
IT, MODERN AMERICAN CULTURE HAD
BEEN BORN.

IT, MODERN AMERICAN CULTURE HAD
BEEN BORN.
Reader: "SELL THEM THEIR

BEEN BORN.
Reader: "SELL THEM THEIR
DREAMS.

Reader: "SELL THEM THEIR
DREAMS.
SELL THEM WHAT THEY LONGED FOR

DREAMS.
SELL THEM WHAT THEY LONGED FOR
AND HOPED FOR AND ALMOST

SELL THEM WHAT THEY LONGED FOR
AND HOPED FOR AND ALMOST
DESPAIRED OF HAVING.

AND HOPED FOR AND ALMOST
DESPAIRED OF HAVING.
SELL THEM THIS HOPE, AND YOU

DESPAIRED OF HAVING.
SELL THEM THIS HOPE, AND YOU
WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT

SELL THEM THIS HOPE, AND YOU
WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT
SELLING THEM GOODS."

WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT
SELLING THEM GOODS."
HELEN LANDON CASS.

SELLING THEM GOODS."
HELEN LANDON CASS.
Czitrom: I THINK THERE'S A

HELEN LANDON CASS.
Czitrom: I THINK THERE'S A
HEIGHTENED SOPHISTICATION IN THE

Czitrom: I THINK THERE'S A
HEIGHTENED SOPHISTICATION IN THE
1920s ABOUT HOW IT IS THAT WE

HEIGHTENED SOPHISTICATION IN THE
1920s ABOUT HOW IT IS THAT WE
REACH PEOPLE.

1920s ABOUT HOW IT IS THAT WE
REACH PEOPLE.
CERTAINLY ADVERTISERS IN THE

REACH PEOPLE.
CERTAINLY ADVERTISERS IN THE
FIELD OF RADIO ARE LOOKING OUT

CERTAINLY ADVERTISERS IN THE
FIELD OF RADIO ARE LOOKING OUT
TO THIS NEW MEDIUM WHICH CAN

FIELD OF RADIO ARE LOOKING OUT
TO THIS NEW MEDIUM WHICH CAN
REACH INTO PEOPLES HOMES.

TO THIS NEW MEDIUM WHICH CAN
REACH INTO PEOPLES HOMES.
THEY'RE LOOKING TO IT FOR NEW

REACH INTO PEOPLES HOMES.
THEY'RE LOOKING TO IT FOR NEW
WAYS OF ESSENTIALLY

THEY'RE LOOKING TO IT FOR NEW
WAYS OF ESSENTIALLY
MANUFACTURING DESIRE, OF

WAYS OF ESSENTIALLY
MANUFACTURING DESIRE, OF
CREATING NEEDS IN PEOPLE.

MANUFACTURING DESIRE, OF
CREATING NEEDS IN PEOPLE.
AND IT'S NO ACCIDENT, IT SEEMS

CREATING NEEDS IN PEOPLE.
AND IT'S NO ACCIDENT, IT SEEMS
TO ME, THAT ALL OF THESE PEOPLE

AND IT'S NO ACCIDENT, IT SEEMS
TO ME, THAT ALL OF THESE PEOPLE
ARE VERY INTERESTED IN THE NEW

TO ME, THAT ALL OF THESE PEOPLE
ARE VERY INTERESTED IN THE NEW
PSYCHOLOGIES OF THE 1920s.

ARE VERY INTERESTED IN THE NEW
PSYCHOLOGIES OF THE 1920s.
WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR

PSYCHOLOGIES OF THE 1920s.
WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR
UNLOCKING DESIRE?

WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR
UNLOCKING DESIRE?
WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR

UNLOCKING DESIRE?
WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR
HARNESSING DESIRE?

WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR
HARNESSING DESIRE?
WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR

HARNESSING DESIRE?
WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR
CHANGING BEHAVIOR SO THAT PEOPLE

WHAT ARE THE SECRETS FOR
CHANGING BEHAVIOR SO THAT PEOPLE
WILL BUY A PRODUCT?

CHANGING BEHAVIOR SO THAT PEOPLE
WILL BUY A PRODUCT?

- WILL BUY A PRODUCT?
- Master of ceremonies: THE

Master of ceremonies: THE
STANDARD OIL COMPANY OF

Master of ceremonies: THE
STANDARD OIL COMPANY OF
CALIFORNIA IS PLEASED TO BRING

STANDARD OIL COMPANY OF
CALIFORNIA IS PLEASED TO BRING
YOU THIS HOUR OF GREAT MUSIC BY

CALIFORNIA IS PLEASED TO BRING
YOU THIS HOUR OF GREAT MUSIC BY
THE MASTER COMPOSERS EVERY

YOU THIS HOUR OF GREAT MUSIC BY
THE MASTER COMPOSERS EVERY
THURSDAY EVENING THROUGHOUT THE

THE MASTER COMPOSERS EVERY
THURSDAY EVENING THROUGHOUT THE
YEAR.

THURSDAY EVENING THROUGHOUT THE
YEAR.

- YEAR.
- Man: AIR?

Man: AIR?
Man: ARE YOU LISTENING?

Man: AIR?
Man: ARE YOU LISTENING?
Milton J. Carlson: THIS IS

Man: ARE YOU LISTENING?
Milton J. Carlson: THIS IS
MILTON J. CARLSON ANNOUNCING THE

Milton J. Carlson: THIS IS
MILTON J. CARLSON ANNOUNCING THE
IMPORTANCE OF RADIO

MILTON J. CARLSON ANNOUNCING THE
IMPORTANCE OF RADIO
ENTERTAINMENT IN PRACTICALLY

IMPORTANCE OF RADIO
ENTERTAINMENT IN PRACTICALLY
EVERY AMERICAN HOME TODAY.

ENTERTAINMENT IN PRACTICALLY
EVERY AMERICAN HOME TODAY.
Man: ♪ ALL HEARD BY RADIO

EVERY AMERICAN HOME TODAY.
Man: ♪ ALL HEARD BY RADIO
YOU WILL FIND IT, RADIO... ♪

Man: ♪ ALL HEARD BY RADIO
YOU WILL FIND IT, RADIO... ♪
Man: EVERY DAY AND NIGHT ON

YOU WILL FIND IT, RADIO... ♪
Man: EVERY DAY AND NIGHT ON
THE AIR, MILLIONS AND MILLIONS

Man: EVERY DAY AND NIGHT ON
THE AIR, MILLIONS AND MILLIONS
DOLLARS' WORTH OF

THE AIR, MILLIONS AND MILLIONS
DOLLARS' WORTH OF
ENTERTAINMENT...

DOLLARS' WORTH OF
ENTERTAINMENT...
Man: ♪ YOU WON'T HAVE TO SEND

ENTERTAINMENT...
Man: ♪ YOU WON'T HAVE TO SEND
HER WORD BY WIRE... ♪

Man: ♪ YOU WON'T HAVE TO SEND
HER WORD BY WIRE... ♪
Jefferson: IT HAD TO BECOME

HER WORD BY WIRE... ♪
Jefferson: IT HAD TO BECOME
THIS CENTER, THIS PECULIAR PLACE

Jefferson: IT HAD TO BECOME
THIS CENTER, THIS PECULIAR PLACE
WHERE THINGS COULD MIX, WHERE

THIS CENTER, THIS PECULIAR PLACE
WHERE THINGS COULD MIX, WHERE
ADVERTISING, WHICH IS A DEEPLY

WHERE THINGS COULD MIX, WHERE
ADVERTISING, WHICH IS A DEEPLY
COMMERCIAL, SOMEWHAT CORRUPT

ADVERTISING, WHICH IS A DEEPLY
COMMERCIAL, SOMEWHAT CORRUPT
ENTERPRISE, COULD NEVERTHELESS

COMMERCIAL, SOMEWHAT CORRUPT
ENTERPRISE, COULD NEVERTHELESS
BE CONVERSANT WITH ART,

ENTERPRISE, COULD NEVERTHELESS
BE CONVERSANT WITH ART,
PSYCHOANALYSIS, ET CETERA.

BE CONVERSANT WITH ART,
PSYCHOANALYSIS, ET CETERA.
I SUPPOSE IT HAD TO BECOME A

PSYCHOANALYSIS, ET CETERA.
I SUPPOSE IT HAD TO BECOME A
CENTER PRACTICALLY AS WELL AS

I SUPPOSE IT HAD TO BECOME A
CENTER PRACTICALLY AS WELL AS
IMAGINATIVELY OF MIXED AND

CENTER PRACTICALLY AS WELL AS
IMAGINATIVELY OF MIXED AND
SOMEWHAT CONTRADICTORY NEEDS,

IMAGINATIVELY OF MIXED AND
SOMEWHAT CONTRADICTORY NEEDS,
DRIVES, MOVEMENTS, COMMERCIAL

SOMEWHAT CONTRADICTORY NEEDS,
DRIVES, MOVEMENTS, COMMERCIAL
AND IDEALISTIC IMPULSES.

DRIVES, MOVEMENTS, COMMERCIAL
AND IDEALISTIC IMPULSES.
Narrator: PROPELLED BY THE

AND IDEALISTIC IMPULSES.
Narrator: PROPELLED BY THE
COMMERCIAL EXPLOSION IN MIDTOWN,

Narrator: PROPELLED BY THE
COMMERCIAL EXPLOSION IN MIDTOWN,
AND BY A THRILLING SENSE THAT

COMMERCIAL EXPLOSION IN MIDTOWN,
AND BY A THRILLING SENSE THAT
ALL THE OLD RULES HAD BEEN

AND BY A THRILLING SENSE THAT
ALL THE OLD RULES HAD BEEN
SUSPENDED, IN COMMERCE AND THE

ALL THE OLD RULES HAD BEEN
SUSPENDED, IN COMMERCE AND THE
ARTS, NEW YORK WOULD, IN THE

SUSPENDED, IN COMMERCE AND THE
ARTS, NEW YORK WOULD, IN THE
NEXT HALF DECADE, FINISH GIVING

ARTS, NEW YORK WOULD, IN THE
NEXT HALF DECADE, FINISH GIVING
BIRTH TO THE MOST RAPACIOUSLY

NEXT HALF DECADE, FINISH GIVING
BIRTH TO THE MOST RAPACIOUSLY
COMMERCIAL AND DIZZYINGLY

BIRTH TO THE MOST RAPACIOUSLY
COMMERCIAL AND DIZZYINGLY
DEMOCRATIC CULTURE THE WORLD HAD

COMMERCIAL AND DIZZYINGLY
DEMOCRATIC CULTURE THE WORLD HAD
EVER SEEN.

DEMOCRATIC CULTURE THE WORLD HAD
EVER SEEN.
IN THE DECADE TO COME, AS THE

EVER SEEN.
IN THE DECADE TO COME, AS THE
FORCES OF THE FIRST MASS MEDIA

IN THE DECADE TO COME, AS THE
FORCES OF THE FIRST MASS MEDIA
CULTURE IN HISTORY BEGAN TO

FORCES OF THE FIRST MASS MEDIA
CULTURE IN HISTORY BEGAN TO
DISSOLVE ALL THE OLD WAYS OF

CULTURE IN HISTORY BEGAN TO
DISSOLVE ALL THE OLD WAYS OF
LIFE IN AMERICA, AN IMMENSE

DISSOLVE ALL THE OLD WAYS OF
LIFE IN AMERICA, AN IMMENSE
CHASM WOULD BEGIN TO OPEN UP

LIFE IN AMERICA, AN IMMENSE
CHASM WOULD BEGIN TO OPEN UP
BETWEEN THE PAST AND FUTURE IN

CHASM WOULD BEGIN TO OPEN UP
BETWEEN THE PAST AND FUTURE IN
NEW YORK CITY.

BETWEEN THE PAST AND FUTURE IN
NEW YORK CITY.
LOOKING BACK, AMERICANS FOREVER

NEW YORK CITY.
LOOKING BACK, AMERICANS FOREVER
AFTER WOULD TRY TO SORT OUT WHAT

LOOKING BACK, AMERICANS FOREVER
AFTER WOULD TRY TO SORT OUT WHAT
HAD BEEN LOST AND WHAT HAD BEEN

AFTER WOULD TRY TO SORT OUT WHAT
HAD BEEN LOST AND WHAT HAD BEEN
GAINED.

HAD BEEN LOST AND WHAT HAD BEEN
GAINED.

- GAINED.
- Czitrom: THE '20s FOR MANY

Czitrom: THE '20s FOR MANY
PEOPLE SEEMS TO BE THE MOMENT

Czitrom: THE '20s FOR MANY
PEOPLE SEEMS TO BE THE MOMENT
WHEN NEW YORK BECOMES VERY

PEOPLE SEEMS TO BE THE MOMENT
WHEN NEW YORK BECOMES VERY
FAMILIAR.

WHEN NEW YORK BECOMES VERY
FAMILIAR.
I THINK THAT THE PHRASE "THE

FAMILIAR.
I THINK THAT THE PHRASE "THE
ROARING '20s" CAN BEST BE

I THINK THAT THE PHRASE "THE
ROARING '20s" CAN BEST BE
UNDERSTOOD PERHAPS WITH

ROARING '20s" CAN BEST BE
UNDERSTOOD PERHAPS WITH
REFERENCE TO THE EXPLOSION OF

UNDERSTOOD PERHAPS WITH
REFERENCE TO THE EXPLOSION OF
IMAGE MAKING... THE NEW MASS

REFERENCE TO THE EXPLOSION OF
IMAGE MAKING... THE NEW MASS
MEDIA OF MOTION PICTURES, THE

IMAGE MAKING... THE NEW MASS
MEDIA OF MOTION PICTURES, THE
NEW MASS MEDIA OF RADIO

MEDIA OF MOTION PICTURES, THE
NEW MASS MEDIA OF RADIO
BROADCASTING.

NEW MASS MEDIA OF RADIO
BROADCASTING.
WHAT'S ROARING ABOUT THE '20s,

BROADCASTING.
WHAT'S ROARING ABOUT THE '20s,
IN OTHER WORDS, IS THE

WHAT'S ROARING ABOUT THE '20s,
IN OTHER WORDS, IS THE
TREMENDOUS AMPLIFICATION,

IN OTHER WORDS, IS THE
TREMENDOUS AMPLIFICATION,
INTENSIFICATION OF IMAGE MAKING,

TREMENDOUS AMPLIFICATION,
INTENSIFICATION OF IMAGE MAKING,
IMAGE SELLING, ESPECIALLY

INTENSIFICATION OF IMAGE MAKING,
IMAGE SELLING, ESPECIALLY
THROUGH NEW MEANS OF MASS MEDIA.

IMAGE SELLING, ESPECIALLY
THROUGH NEW MEANS OF MASS MEDIA.
Peter Quinn: NEW YORK'S ROLE

THROUGH NEW MEANS OF MASS MEDIA.
Peter Quinn: NEW YORK'S ROLE
AS THE PLACE WHERE THE

Peter Quinn: NEW YORK'S ROLE
AS THE PLACE WHERE THE
ENTERTAINMENT AND THE IMAGES AND

AS THE PLACE WHERE THE
ENTERTAINMENT AND THE IMAGES AND
THE SONGS THAT THE REST OF THE

ENTERTAINMENT AND THE IMAGES AND
THE SONGS THAT THE REST OF THE
COUNTRY ARE GOING TO SING, EVEN

THE SONGS THAT THE REST OF THE
COUNTRY ARE GOING TO SING, EVEN
IF THEY ARE SET IN DIFFERENT

COUNTRY ARE GOING TO SING, EVEN
IF THEY ARE SET IN DIFFERENT
PLACES, THEY'RE WRITTEN HERE.

THIS IS WHERE... THIS IS THE
FACTORY OF POPULAR

FACTORY OF POPULAR
ENTERTAINMENT.

ENTERTAINMENT.
THIS IS WHAT... THIS IS

THIS IS WHAT... THIS IS
HOLLYWOOD BEFORE HOLLYWOOD IS

HOLLYWOOD BEFORE HOLLYWOOD IS
AROUND, WHERE THE NATIONAL

AROUND, WHERE THE NATIONAL
IMAGES AND THE NATIONAL SYMBOL

IMAGES AND THE NATIONAL SYMBOL
AND THE NATIONAL WORDS ARE

AND THE NATIONAL WORDS ARE
MANUFACTURED.
Wallace: ONE OF THE THINGS

Wallace: ONE OF THE THINGS
THAT'S BURBLING UP FROM THE
STREETS IS JAZZ.

THAT'S BURBLING UP FROM THE
STREETS IS JAZZ.
AND WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE?

STREETS IS JAZZ.
AND WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE?
IT IS THE SPECTACULAR

AND WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE?
IT IS THE SPECTACULAR
EFFLORESCENCE.

IT IS THE SPECTACULAR
EFFLORESCENCE.
I MEAN, JAZZ IS NOT A NEW YORK

EFFLORESCENCE.
I MEAN, JAZZ IS NOT A NEW YORK
PHENOMENA, BUT IN THE '20s,

I MEAN, JAZZ IS NOT A NEW YORK
PHENOMENA, BUT IN THE '20s,
BLACK MUSICIANS COME POURING

PHENOMENA, BUT IN THE '20s,
BLACK MUSICIANS COME POURING
INTO HARLEM.

BLACK MUSICIANS COME POURING
INTO HARLEM.
Louis Armstrong: ♪ DINAH

INTO HARLEM.
Louis Armstrong: ♪ DINAH
LET'S TAKE OUR PLACES... ♪

Louis Armstrong: ♪ DINAH
LET'S TAKE OUR PLACES... ♪
Wallace: YOU'RE GETTING TO

LET'S TAKE OUR PLACES... ♪
Wallace: YOU'RE GETTING TO
HEAR THE MOST SPECTACULARLY

Wallace: YOU'RE GETTING TO
HEAR THE MOST SPECTACULARLY
FASCINATING, EXCITING MUSIC THAT

HEAR THE MOST SPECTACULARLY
FASCINATING, EXCITING MUSIC THAT
THE COUNTRY HAD EVER PRODUCED.

FASCINATING, EXCITING MUSIC THAT
THE COUNTRY HAD EVER PRODUCED.
Armstrong: ♪ 'CAUSE MY DINAH

THE COUNTRY HAD EVER PRODUCED.
Armstrong: ♪ 'CAUSE MY DINAH
MIGHT CHANGE HER MIND... ♪

Armstrong: ♪ 'CAUSE MY DINAH
MIGHT CHANGE HER MIND... ♪
Douglas: THIS WAS WHERE

MIGHT CHANGE HER MIND... ♪
Douglas: THIS WAS WHERE
EUROPEAN... WHEN RAVEL CAME

Douglas: THIS WAS WHERE
EUROPEAN... WHEN RAVEL CAME
HERE, WHERE DID HE WANT TO GO?

EUROPEAN... WHEN RAVEL CAME
HERE, WHERE DID HE WANT TO GO?
HE TOLD GEORGE GERSHWIN, "TAKE

HERE, WHERE DID HE WANT TO GO?
HE TOLD GEORGE GERSHWIN, "TAKE
ME TO HARLEM."

HE TOLD GEORGE GERSHWIN, "TAKE
ME TO HARLEM."
GERSHWIN, OF COURSE, TOOK HIM TO

ME TO HARLEM."
GERSHWIN, OF COURSE, TOOK HIM TO
HARLEM, WHERE HE WAS JUST... YOU

GERSHWIN, OF COURSE, TOOK HIM TO
HARLEM, WHERE HE WAS JUST... YOU
KNOW, HIS SOCKS WERE KNOCKED OFF

HARLEM, WHERE HE WAS JUST... YOU
KNOW, HIS SOCKS WERE KNOCKED OFF
BY THE MUSIC.

KNOW, HIS SOCKS WERE KNOCKED OFF
BY THE MUSIC.
AND EUROPEAN COMPOSERS WOULD

BY THE MUSIC.
AND EUROPEAN COMPOSERS WOULD
COME HERE AND THEN TELL THE

AND EUROPEAN COMPOSERS WOULD
COME HERE AND THEN TELL THE
PRESS AT HOME... THEIR HOME AS

COME HERE AND THEN TELL THE
PRESS AT HOME... THEIR HOME AS
WELL AS HERE... "THIS IS THE

PRESS AT HOME... THEIR HOME AS
WELL AS HERE... "THIS IS THE
MUSIC.

WELL AS HERE... "THIS IS THE
MUSIC.
THIS IS THE MOST EXCITING MUSIC

MUSIC.
THIS IS THE MOST EXCITING MUSIC
BEING MADE TODAY."

THIS IS THE MOST EXCITING MUSIC
BEING MADE TODAY."

BEING MADE TODAY."
Narrator: BY 1924, BLACK

Narrator: BY 1924, BLACK
WRITERS, POETS, ARTISTS, AND

Narrator: BY 1924, BLACK
WRITERS, POETS, ARTISTS, AND
MUSICIANS FROM AROUND THE

WRITERS, POETS, ARTISTS, AND
MUSICIANS FROM AROUND THE
COUNTRY WERE POURING INTO THE

MUSICIANS FROM AROUND THE
COUNTRY WERE POURING INTO THE
NEW BLACK CITY WITHIN A CITY,

COUNTRY WERE POURING INTO THE
NEW BLACK CITY WITHIN A CITY,
DRAWN BY THE PRESENCE OF THE

NEW BLACK CITY WITHIN A CITY,
DRAWN BY THE PRESENCE OF THE
MEDIA, BY EXPLODING

DRAWN BY THE PRESENCE OF THE
MEDIA, BY EXPLODING
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE

MEDIA, BY EXPLODING
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE
ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, AND BY

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE
ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, AND BY
THE SIREN CALL OF HARLEM ITSELF.

ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, AND BY
THE SIREN CALL OF HARLEM ITSELF.
Wallace: AFRICAN AMERICANS

THE SIREN CALL OF HARLEM ITSELF.
Wallace: AFRICAN AMERICANS
HAD NEVER HAD A SPACE OF THEIR

Wallace: AFRICAN AMERICANS
HAD NEVER HAD A SPACE OF THEIR
OWN IN NEW YORK CITY.

HAD NEVER HAD A SPACE OF THEIR
OWN IN NEW YORK CITY.
THERE HAD BEEN LITTLE

OWN IN NEW YORK CITY.
THERE HAD BEEN LITTLE
CONCENTRATIONS, BUT THEY WERE BY

THERE HAD BEEN LITTLE
CONCENTRATIONS, BUT THEY WERE BY
STREETS, AND CONSEQUENTLY, THEY

CONCENTRATIONS, BUT THEY WERE BY
STREETS, AND CONSEQUENTLY, THEY
WERE READILY AND EASILY MOVED,

STREETS, AND CONSEQUENTLY, THEY
WERE READILY AND EASILY MOVED,
SO YOU HAD BLACKS REALLY

WERE READILY AND EASILY MOVED,
SO YOU HAD BLACKS REALLY
CAROMING AROUND TOWN FROM WAY

SO YOU HAD BLACKS REALLY
CAROMING AROUND TOWN FROM WAY
DOWN IN THE LOWER PART OF THE

CAROMING AROUND TOWN FROM WAY
DOWN IN THE LOWER PART OF THE
CITY UP TO GREENWICH VILLAGE,

DOWN IN THE LOWER PART OF THE
CITY UP TO GREENWICH VILLAGE,
AND THE ITALIANS COME IN AND

CITY UP TO GREENWICH VILLAGE,
AND THE ITALIANS COME IN AND
THEY CAROM OFF TO SAN JUAN HILL

AND THE ITALIANS COME IN AND
THEY CAROM OFF TO SAN JUAN HILL
IN THE TENDERLOIN.

THEY CAROM OFF TO SAN JUAN HILL
IN THE TENDERLOIN.
THE SUBWAY SYSTEM, WHICH RUNS ON

IN THE TENDERLOIN.
THE SUBWAY SYSTEM, WHICH RUNS ON
UP INTO HARLEM, OPENS UP A NEW

THE SUBWAY SYSTEM, WHICH RUNS ON
UP INTO HARLEM, OPENS UP A NEW
POSSIBILITY, AN ESCAPE ROUTE.

UP INTO HARLEM, OPENS UP A NEW
POSSIBILITY, AN ESCAPE ROUTE.
AND ALTHOUGH THERE WAS TERRIFIC

POSSIBILITY, AN ESCAPE ROUTE.
AND ALTHOUGH THERE WAS TERRIFIC
RESERVATIONS ABOUT THIS, BLACKS

AND ALTHOUGH THERE WAS TERRIFIC
RESERVATIONS ABOUT THIS, BLACKS
WERE READY TO MOVE UP INTO THIS

RESERVATIONS ABOUT THIS, BLACKS
WERE READY TO MOVE UP INTO THIS
TERRITORY, AND THEY DO.

David Levering Lewis: YOU SEE
ESTIMATES RANGING FROM 200,000

ESTIMATES RANGING FROM 200,000
AFRICAN AMERICANS POURING IN TO

AFRICAN AMERICANS POURING IN TO
MOSTLY HARLEM FROM 1917 TO ABOUT

MOSTLY HARLEM FROM 1917 TO ABOUT
1925.
VERY SOON, HARLEM BECAME FOR

VERY SOON, HARLEM BECAME FOR
AFRICAN AMERICANS EVERYWHERE THE
CHRYSALIS OF THE NEW NEGRO, OF

AFRICAN AMERICANS EVERYWHERE THE
CHRYSALIS OF THE NEW NEGRO, OF
NEW OPPORTUNITY.

CHRYSALIS OF THE NEW NEGRO, OF
NEW OPPORTUNITY.
Jefferson: THEY WERE WILDLY

NEW OPPORTUNITY.
Jefferson: THEY WERE WILDLY
AMBITIOUS.

Jefferson: THEY WERE WILDLY
AMBITIOUS.
THEY KNEW THAT NEW YORK WAS

AMBITIOUS.
THEY KNEW THAT NEW YORK WAS
WHERE YOU REALLY GOT KNOWN, AND

THEY KNEW THAT NEW YORK WAS
WHERE YOU REALLY GOT KNOWN, AND
THEY ALSO KNEW NEW YORK WAS THE

WHERE YOU REALLY GOT KNOWN, AND
THEY ALSO KNEW NEW YORK WAS THE
MEDIA CENTER, AND THAT TO THE

THEY ALSO KNEW NEW YORK WAS THE
MEDIA CENTER, AND THAT TO THE
EXTENT THAT INTEGRATION WAS

MEDIA CENTER, AND THAT TO THE
EXTENT THAT INTEGRATION WAS
GOING TO BENEFIT THEM

EXTENT THAT INTEGRATION WAS
GOING TO BENEFIT THEM
PRACTICALLY... THE PUBLISHING

GOING TO BENEFIT THEM
PRACTICALLY... THE PUBLISHING
INDUSTRY WAS WHITE, IT WAS

PRACTICALLY... THE PUBLISHING
INDUSTRY WAS WHITE, IT WAS
CENTERED IN NEW YORK; MUSICALLY,

INDUSTRY WAS WHITE, IT WAS
CENTERED IN NEW YORK; MUSICALLY,
THE RECORDING INDUSTRY WAS

CENTERED IN NEW YORK; MUSICALLY,
THE RECORDING INDUSTRY WAS
CENTERED IN NEW YORK.

THE RECORDING INDUSTRY WAS
CENTERED IN NEW YORK.
Woman: ♪ WHEN I'M IN THE MOOD

CENTERED IN NEW YORK.
Woman: ♪ WHEN I'M IN THE MOOD
FOR LOVE

Woman: ♪ WHEN I'M IN THE MOOD
FOR LOVE
♪ YOU'RE THE ONE

FOR LOVE
♪ YOU'RE THE ONE
I'M THINKING OF...

♪ YOU'RE THE ONE
I'M THINKING OF...
Douglas: SO WE ATTRACTED...

I'M THINKING OF...
Douglas: SO WE ATTRACTED...
NEW YORK ATTRACTED THIS

Douglas: SO WE ATTRACTED...
NEW YORK ATTRACTED THIS
EXTRAORDINARY BLACK POPULATION,

NEW YORK ATTRACTED THIS
EXTRAORDINARY BLACK POPULATION,
AND AMONG THEM WERE REALLY SOME

EXTRAORDINARY BLACK POPULATION,
AND AMONG THEM WERE REALLY SOME
OF THE MOST GIFTED ARTISTS OF

AND AMONG THEM WERE REALLY SOME
OF THE MOST GIFTED ARTISTS OF
THE CENTURY, AND NEW YORK GOT AN

OF THE MOST GIFTED ARTISTS OF
THE CENTURY, AND NEW YORK GOT AN
AMAZINGLY HIGH SHARE OF THEM.

THE CENTURY, AND NEW YORK GOT AN
AMAZINGLY HIGH SHARE OF THEM.
I BRING THIS UP FIRST BECAUSE

AMAZINGLY HIGH SHARE OF THEM.
I BRING THIS UP FIRST BECAUSE
THIS, I THINK, IS THE SINGLE

I BRING THIS UP FIRST BECAUSE
THIS, I THINK, IS THE SINGLE
MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN NEW

THIS, I THINK, IS THE SINGLE
MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN NEW
YORK'S CULTURAL PREEMINENCE IN

MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN NEW
YORK'S CULTURAL PREEMINENCE IN
THE 1920s.

YORK'S CULTURAL PREEMINENCE IN
THE 1920s.

- THE 1920s.
- Narrator: GALVANIZED BY THE

Narrator: GALVANIZED BY THE
INFUSION BLACK CULTURE, THE MOST

Narrator: GALVANIZED BY THE
INFUSION BLACK CULTURE, THE MOST
EXTRAORDINARY GENERATION OF

INFUSION BLACK CULTURE, THE MOST
EXTRAORDINARY GENERATION OF
COMPOSERS AND LYRICISTS IN

EXTRAORDINARY GENERATION OF
COMPOSERS AND LYRICISTS IN
AMERICAN HISTORY... INCLUDING

COMPOSERS AND LYRICISTS IN
AMERICAN HISTORY... INCLUDING
RICHARD RODGERS, JEROME KERN,

AMERICAN HISTORY... INCLUDING
RICHARD RODGERS, JEROME KERN,
OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN, COLE PORTER,

RICHARD RODGERS, JEROME KERN,
OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN, COLE PORTER,
AND GEORGE AND IRA GERSHWIN...

OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN, COLE PORTER,
AND GEORGE AND IRA GERSHWIN...
NOW FINISHED FORGING AN ENTIRELY

AND GEORGE AND IRA GERSHWIN...
NOW FINISHED FORGING AN ENTIRELY
NEW KIND OF MUSICAL CULTURE,

NOW FINISHED FORGING AN ENTIRELY
NEW KIND OF MUSICAL CULTURE,
DEDICATED NOT TO THE PURITY OF A

NEW KIND OF MUSICAL CULTURE,
DEDICATED NOT TO THE PURITY OF A
SINGLE STYLE, BUT TO THE

DEDICATED NOT TO THE PURITY OF A
SINGLE STYLE, BUT TO THE
EXHILARATING POSSIBILITIES OF

SINGLE STYLE, BUT TO THE
EXHILARATING POSSIBILITIES OF
MANY CULTURES COMING TOGETHER.

EXHILARATING POSSIBILITIES OF
MANY CULTURES COMING TOGETHER.
Reader: "NEW YORK IS A

MANY CULTURES COMING TOGETHER.
Reader: "NEW YORK IS A
MEETING PLACE, A RENDEZVOUS OF

Reader: "NEW YORK IS A
MEETING PLACE, A RENDEZVOUS OF
THE NATIONS.

MEETING PLACE, A RENDEZVOUS OF
THE NATIONS.
I'D LIKE TO CATCH THE RHYTHM OF

THE NATIONS.
I'D LIKE TO CATCH THE RHYTHM OF
THESE INTERFUSING PEOPLES, TO

I'D LIKE TO CATCH THE RHYTHM OF
THESE INTERFUSING PEOPLES, TO
SHOW THEM CLASHING AND BLENDING.

THESE INTERFUSING PEOPLES, TO
SHOW THEM CLASHING AND BLENDING.
I'D LIKE TO WRITE OF THE MELTING

SHOW THEM CLASHING AND BLENDING.
I'D LIKE TO WRITE OF THE MELTING
POT, OF NEW YORK CITY ITSELF,

I'D LIKE TO WRITE OF THE MELTING
POT, OF NEW YORK CITY ITSELF,
WITH ITS BLEND OF NATIVE AND

POT, OF NEW YORK CITY ITSELF,
WITH ITS BLEND OF NATIVE AND
IMMIGRANT STRAINS, ITS MANY

WITH ITS BLEND OF NATIVE AND
IMMIGRANT STRAINS, ITS MANY
KINDS OF MUSIC... BLACK AND

IMMIGRANT STRAINS, ITS MANY
KINDS OF MUSIC... BLACK AND
WHITE, EASTERN AND WESTERN."

KINDS OF MUSIC... BLACK AND
WHITE, EASTERN AND WESTERN."
GEORGE GERSHWIN.

WHITE, EASTERN AND WESTERN."
GEORGE GERSHWIN.
Narrator: 80 YEARS BEFORE,

GEORGE GERSHWIN.
Narrator: 80 YEARS BEFORE,
WATCHING BLACK AND IRISH

Narrator: 80 YEARS BEFORE,
WATCHING BLACK AND IRISH
PERFORMERS MIMICKING AND

WATCHING BLACK AND IRISH
PERFORMERS MIMICKING AND
PARODYING EACH OTHER IN MINSTREL

PERFORMERS MIMICKING AND
PARODYING EACH OTHER IN MINSTREL
SHOWS ALONG THE BOWERY, WALT

PARODYING EACH OTHER IN MINSTREL
SHOWS ALONG THE BOWERY, WALT
WHITMAN HAD PREDICTED THEY WOULD

SHOWS ALONG THE BOWERY, WALT
WHITMAN HAD PREDICTED THEY WOULD
ONE DAY GIVE RISE TO A "NATIVE

WHITMAN HAD PREDICTED THEY WOULD
ONE DAY GIVE RISE TO A "NATIVE
GRAND OPERA IN AMERICA."

ONE DAY GIVE RISE TO A "NATIVE
GRAND OPERA IN AMERICA."
NOW THAT OPERA WAS BEING BORN ON

GRAND OPERA IN AMERICA."
NOW THAT OPERA WAS BEING BORN ON
BROADWAY, WHICH BY 1924 HAD

NOW THAT OPERA WAS BEING BORN ON
BROADWAY, WHICH BY 1924 HAD
BECOME THE LABORATORY OF A

BROADWAY, WHICH BY 1924 HAD
BECOME THE LABORATORY OF A
UNIQUELY MIXED AND DEMOCRATIC

BECOME THE LABORATORY OF A
UNIQUELY MIXED AND DEMOCRATIC
MUSICAL CULTURE.

UNIQUELY MIXED AND DEMOCRATIC
MUSICAL CULTURE.
Jefferson: LOOK AT THE

MUSICAL CULTURE.
Jefferson: LOOK AT THE
MELANGE OF PEOPLE AND STYLES WHO

Jefferson: LOOK AT THE
MELANGE OF PEOPLE AND STYLES WHO
CREATED AMERICAN MUSICAL

MELANGE OF PEOPLE AND STYLES WHO
CREATED AMERICAN MUSICAL
THEATER.

CREATED AMERICAN MUSICAL
THEATER.
NEW YORK ALLOWED THEM TO BE ALL

THEATER.
NEW YORK ALLOWED THEM TO BE ALL
OF THOSE THINGS.

NEW YORK ALLOWED THEM TO BE ALL
OF THOSE THINGS.
IT ALLOWED JEROME KERN, YOU

OF THOSE THINGS.
IT ALLOWED JEROME KERN, YOU
KNOW, TO LISTEN TO EUBIE BLAKE

IT ALLOWED JEROME KERN, YOU
KNOW, TO LISTEN TO EUBIE BLAKE
AND TO ALSO LISTEN TO, YOU KNOW,

KNOW, TO LISTEN TO EUBIE BLAKE
AND TO ALSO LISTEN TO, YOU KNOW,
CLASSICAL MUSIC AND TO PUT THEM

AND TO ALSO LISTEN TO, YOU KNOW,
CLASSICAL MUSIC AND TO PUT THEM
ALL ON STAGE.

CLASSICAL MUSIC AND TO PUT THEM
ALL ON STAGE.
George W.S. Trow: IT WAS THE

ALL ON STAGE.
George W.S. Trow: IT WAS THE
MOST ATTRACTIVE, DEMOCRATIC, IN

George W.S. Trow: IT WAS THE
MOST ATTRACTIVE, DEMOCRATIC, IN
A WAY, MIX ACHIEVABLE IN THE

MOST ATTRACTIVE, DEMOCRATIC, IN
A WAY, MIX ACHIEVABLE IN THE
WORLD AT THAT MOMENT, AND THEY

A WAY, MIX ACHIEVABLE IN THE
WORLD AT THAT MOMENT, AND THEY
DOCUMENTED IT.

SO WHEN PEOPLE TALK ABOUT
MULTICULTURALISM, THAT'S WHAT

MULTICULTURALISM, THAT'S WHAT
THEY HAVE TO BE TALKING ABOUT.
THEY HAVE TO BE TALKING ABOUT

THEY HAVE TO BE TALKING ABOUT
HIGH AND LOW ACCEPTING EACH
OTHER AND LOVING EACH OTHER

HIGH AND LOW ACCEPTING EACH
OTHER AND LOVING EACH OTHER
DESPITE THE UNLOVABILITY OF

OTHER AND LOVING EACH OTHER
DESPITE THE UNLOVABILITY OF
THEIR SITUATION, AND LEARNING

DESPITE THE UNLOVABILITY OF
THEIR SITUATION, AND LEARNING
WHAT THE OTHER GUY KNOWS AND

THEIR SITUATION, AND LEARNING
WHAT THE OTHER GUY KNOWS AND
PRESENTING IT IN PUBLIC IN AN

WHAT THE OTHER GUY KNOWS AND
PRESENTING IT IN PUBLIC IN AN
ATMOSPHERE OF PLEASURE.

PRESENTING IT IN PUBLIC IN AN
ATMOSPHERE OF PLEASURE.
Douglas: YOU HAD GENDER

ATMOSPHERE OF PLEASURE.
Douglas: YOU HAD GENDER
COMMINGLINGS OF ALL KINDS.

Douglas: YOU HAD GENDER
COMMINGLINGS OF ALL KINDS.
YOU HAD THESE BLACK AND WHITE

COMMINGLINGS OF ALL KINDS.
YOU HAD THESE BLACK AND WHITE
CROSSOVERS IN MUSIC, IN

YOU HAD THESE BLACK AND WHITE
CROSSOVERS IN MUSIC, IN
LITERATURE, IN EVERY KIND OF

CROSSOVERS IN MUSIC, IN
LITERATURE, IN EVERY KIND OF
PERFORMATIVE ART.

LITERATURE, IN EVERY KIND OF
PERFORMATIVE ART.
YOU HAD AN ONGOING CROSSOVER OF

PERFORMATIVE ART.
YOU HAD AN ONGOING CROSSOVER OF
STYLES AND EXCHANGE BETWEEN

YOU HAD AN ONGOING CROSSOVER OF
STYLES AND EXCHANGE BETWEEN
BLACKS AND WASPS, BETWEEN BLACKS

STYLES AND EXCHANGE BETWEEN
BLACKS AND WASPS, BETWEEN BLACKS
AND IMMIGRANT JEWS.

BLACKS AND WASPS, BETWEEN BLACKS
AND IMMIGRANT JEWS.
PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANT, AND MOST

AND IMMIGRANT JEWS.
PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANT, AND MOST
IMPORTANT FOR NEW YORK IN

PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANT, AND MOST
IMPORTANT FOR NEW YORK IN
PARTICULAR, WAS THE SMASHING OF

IMPORTANT FOR NEW YORK IN
PARTICULAR, WAS THE SMASHING OF
THE BARRIER BETWEEN HIGH ART AND

PARTICULAR, WAS THE SMASHING OF
THE BARRIER BETWEEN HIGH ART AND
LOW ART.

THE BARRIER BETWEEN HIGH ART AND
LOW ART.
Narrator: BUILT AROUND OFTEN

LOW ART.
Narrator: BUILT AROUND OFTEN
INTOXICATINGLY LYRICAL SONGS

Narrator: BUILT AROUND OFTEN
INTOXICATINGLY LYRICAL SONGS
THAT COMBINED SOPHISTICATED

INTOXICATINGLY LYRICAL SONGS
THAT COMBINED SOPHISTICATED
WORDPLAY WITH COMMON SLANG AND

THAT COMBINED SOPHISTICATED
WORDPLAY WITH COMMON SLANG AND
THAT MERGED THE MELODIES AND

WORDPLAY WITH COMMON SLANG AND
THAT MERGED THE MELODIES AND
RHYTHMS OF THREE CONTINENTS, THE

THAT MERGED THE MELODIES AND
RHYTHMS OF THREE CONTINENTS, THE
MESSAGE OF THE NEW BROADWAY

RHYTHMS OF THREE CONTINENTS, THE
MESSAGE OF THE NEW BROADWAY
BEING

MESSAGE OF THE NEW BROADWAY
BEING
AMERICAN MEANT BEING MIXED,

BEING
AMERICAN MEANT BEING MIXED,
CROSSING OVER, BORROWING AND

AMERICAN MEANT BEING MIXED,
CROSSING OVER, BORROWING AND
COMMINGLING TO CREATE NEW FORMS.

CROSSING OVER, BORROWING AND
COMMINGLING TO CREATE NEW FORMS.
THE ESSENCE OF AMERICA, IN

COMMINGLING TO CREATE NEW FORMS.
THE ESSENCE OF AMERICA, IN
SHORT, LAY IN NEW YORK, WHERE A

THE ESSENCE OF AMERICA, IN
SHORT, LAY IN NEW YORK, WHERE A
NEVER-ENDING PROCESS OF

SHORT, LAY IN NEW YORK, WHERE A
NEVER-ENDING PROCESS OF
MIGRATION AND TRANSPLANTATION

NEVER-ENDING PROCESS OF
MIGRATION AND TRANSPLANTATION
HAD BEEN GOING FOR MORE THAN 300

MIGRATION AND TRANSPLANTATION
HAD BEEN GOING FOR MORE THAN 300
YEARS.

HAD BEEN GOING FOR MORE THAN 300
YEARS.
Jefferson: I'D SAY IT'S

YEARS.
Jefferson: I'D SAY IT'S
CONSTANT ACTS OF MISCEGENATION,

Jefferson: I'D SAY IT'S
CONSTANT ACTS OF MISCEGENATION,
YOU KNOW, OF MIXING OF DIFFERENT

CONSTANT ACTS OF MISCEGENATION,
YOU KNOW, OF MIXING OF DIFFERENT
CULTURES.

YOU KNOW, OF MIXING OF DIFFERENT
CULTURES.
YOU KNOW, THINK OF BLOOD AS

CULTURES.
YOU KNOW, THINK OF BLOOD AS
REALLY AS A METAPHOR... MY BLOOD

YOU KNOW, THINK OF BLOOD AS
REALLY AS A METAPHOR... MY BLOOD
IN YOUR VEINS; MY SPEECH IN YOUR

REALLY AS A METAPHOR... MY BLOOD
IN YOUR VEINS; MY SPEECH IN YOUR
MOUTH, YOU KNOW, ET CETERA, ET

IN YOUR VEINS; MY SPEECH IN YOUR
MOUTH, YOU KNOW, ET CETERA, ET
CETERA; MY GESTURES

MOUTH, YOU KNOW, ET CETERA, ET
CETERA; MY GESTURES
REINTERPRETED, YOU KNOW, THROUGH

CETERA; MY GESTURES
REINTERPRETED, YOU KNOW, THROUGH
YOUR BODY.

REINTERPRETED, YOU KNOW, THROUGH
YOUR BODY.
THAT'S WHAT... THAT'S WHAT IT

YOUR BODY.
THAT'S WHAT... THAT'S WHAT IT
IS.

THAT'S WHAT... THAT'S WHAT IT
IS.
WHAT DID RANDOLPH BOURNE CALL

IS.
WHAT DID RANDOLPH BOURNE CALL
IT, "TRANSNATIONAL AMERICA"?

WHAT DID RANDOLPH BOURNE CALL
IT, "TRANSNATIONAL AMERICA"?
BUT I'D CALL IT PERPETUAL

IT, "TRANSNATIONAL AMERICA"?
BUT I'D CALL IT PERPETUAL
EXPANDING, YOU KNOW, ACTS OF

BUT I'D CALL IT PERPETUAL
EXPANDING, YOU KNOW, ACTS OF
MISCEGENATION.

EXPANDING, YOU KNOW, ACTS OF
MISCEGENATION.
Narrator: BY 1927, NEW YORK

MISCEGENATION.
Narrator: BY 1927, NEW YORK
CITY HELD SWAY OVER THE CULTURE

Narrator: BY 1927, NEW YORK
CITY HELD SWAY OVER THE CULTURE
AND ECONOMY OF THE UNITED STATES

CITY HELD SWAY OVER THE CULTURE
AND ECONOMY OF THE UNITED STATES
AS NEVER BEFORE.

AND ECONOMY OF THE UNITED STATES
AS NEVER BEFORE.
NEVER HAD THE POWER OF THE

AS NEVER BEFORE.
NEVER HAD THE POWER OF THE
METROPOLIS EXTENDED SO WIDELY OR

NEVER HAD THE POWER OF THE
METROPOLIS EXTENDED SO WIDELY OR
PENETRATED SO DEEPLY INTO THE

METROPOLIS EXTENDED SO WIDELY OR
PENETRATED SO DEEPLY INTO THE
CONSCIOUS AND UNCONSCIOUS LIFE

PENETRATED SO DEEPLY INTO THE
CONSCIOUS AND UNCONSCIOUS LIFE
OF THE NATION.

CONSCIOUS AND UNCONSCIOUS LIFE
OF THE NATION.
NEVER BEFORE HAD THE CITY'S

OF THE NATION.
NEVER BEFORE HAD THE CITY'S
COMMERCIAL AND CULTURAL FORCES

NEVER BEFORE HAD THE CITY'S
COMMERCIAL AND CULTURAL FORCES
BEEN SO INTERTWINED AND

COMMERCIAL AND CULTURAL FORCES
BEEN SO INTERTWINED AND
TRANSFUSED.

BEEN SO INTERTWINED AND
TRANSFUSED.
THE CREATIVE FERMENT OF PLACES

TRANSFUSED.
THE CREATIVE FERMENT OF PLACES
LIKE HARLEM AND TIMES SQUARE,

THE CREATIVE FERMENT OF PLACES
LIKE HARLEM AND TIMES SQUARE,
WHERE ART WAS ASPIRING TO THE

LIKE HARLEM AND TIMES SQUARE,
WHERE ART WAS ASPIRING TO THE
CONDITION OF COMMERCE, WAS NOW

WHERE ART WAS ASPIRING TO THE
CONDITION OF COMMERCE, WAS NOW
REACHING EVERY CORNER OF

CONDITION OF COMMERCE, WAS NOW
REACHING EVERY CORNER OF
AMERICA, PROPELLED BY THE

REACHING EVERY CORNER OF
AMERICA, PROPELLED BY THE
EXPLOSION OF MEDIA IN MIDTOWN,

AMERICA, PROPELLED BY THE
EXPLOSION OF MEDIA IN MIDTOWN,
WHERE COMMERCE WAS ASPIRING TO

EXPLOSION OF MEDIA IN MIDTOWN,
WHERE COMMERCE WAS ASPIRING TO
THE CONDITION OF ART.

WHERE COMMERCE WAS ASPIRING TO
THE CONDITION OF ART.
Reader: "ITS MAGAZINES GO

THE CONDITION OF ART.
Reader: "ITS MAGAZINES GO
EVERYWHERE, STANDARDIZING IDEAS.

Reader: "ITS MAGAZINES GO
EVERYWHERE, STANDARDIZING IDEAS.
ITS SLANG INVADES THE REMOTEST

EVERYWHERE, STANDARDIZING IDEAS.
ITS SLANG INVADES THE REMOTEST
RECESSES, STANDARDIZING SPEECH.

ITS SLANG INVADES THE REMOTEST
RECESSES, STANDARDIZING SPEECH.
ITS MELODIES ARE IN EVERY HOME,

RECESSES, STANDARDIZING SPEECH.
ITS MELODIES ARE IN EVERY HOME,
STANDARDIZING ENTERTAINMENT.

ITS MELODIES ARE IN EVERY HOME,
STANDARDIZING ENTERTAINMENT.
THE VERY THOUGHT OF BROADWAY,

STANDARDIZING ENTERTAINMENT.
THE VERY THOUGHT OF BROADWAY,
THE MAIN STREET OF ALL AMERICA,

THE VERY THOUGHT OF BROADWAY,
THE MAIN STREET OF ALL AMERICA,
THRILLS MILLIONS WHO ARE

THE MAIN STREET OF ALL AMERICA,
THRILLS MILLIONS WHO ARE
SCATTERED FAR AND WIDE."

THRILLS MILLIONS WHO ARE
SCATTERED FAR AND WIDE."
COLLINSON OWEN.

SCATTERED FAR AND WIDE."
COLLINSON OWEN.
Narrator: BY 1927, NEW YORK

COLLINSON OWEN.
Narrator: BY 1927, NEW YORK
HAD BECOME NOT MERELY THE

Narrator: BY 1927, NEW YORK
HAD BECOME NOT MERELY THE
CAPITAL OF AMERICAN CULTURE, BUT

HAD BECOME NOT MERELY THE
CAPITAL OF AMERICAN CULTURE, BUT
THE PLACE WHERE THE VERY IDEA OF

CAPITAL OF AMERICAN CULTURE, BUT
THE PLACE WHERE THE VERY IDEA OF
WHAT IT MEANT TO BE AN AMERICAN

THE PLACE WHERE THE VERY IDEA OF
WHAT IT MEANT TO BE AN AMERICAN
WAS MANUFACTURED, THEN BEAMED

WHAT IT MEANT TO BE AN AMERICAN
WAS MANUFACTURED, THEN BEAMED
OUT TO THE REST OF THE NATION

WAS MANUFACTURED, THEN BEAMED
OUT TO THE REST OF THE NATION
AND THE WORLD.

OUT TO THE REST OF THE NATION
AND THE WORLD.
GAZING ON THAT IMAGE, MANY

AND THE WORLD.
GAZING ON THAT IMAGE, MANY
PEOPLE WERE ATTRACTED BY WHAT

GAZING ON THAT IMAGE, MANY
PEOPLE WERE ATTRACTED BY WHAT
THEY SAW, AND MANY OTHERS

PEOPLE WERE ATTRACTED BY WHAT
THEY SAW, AND MANY OTHERS
FRIGHTENED AND APPALLED.

THEY SAW, AND MANY OTHERS
FRIGHTENED AND APPALLED.
BUT FEW COULD IGNORE IT, OR TAKE

FRIGHTENED AND APPALLED.
BUT FEW COULD IGNORE IT, OR TAKE
THEIR EYES OFF IT FOR LONG.

BUT FEW COULD IGNORE IT, OR TAKE
THEIR EYES OFF IT FOR LONG.
"OLD AMERICAN MUSIC AND DANCES,"

THEIR EYES OFF IT FOR LONG.
"OLD AMERICAN MUSIC AND DANCES,"
THE AUTOMOBILE MAGNATE HENRY

"OLD AMERICAN MUSIC AND DANCES,"
THE AUTOMOBILE MAGNATE HENRY
FORD COMPLAINED, "ARE BEING

THE AUTOMOBILE MAGNATE HENRY
FORD COMPLAINED, "ARE BEING
RAPIDLY SWAMPED INTO OBLIVION BY

FORD COMPLAINED, "ARE BEING
RAPIDLY SWAMPED INTO OBLIVION BY
THE COMMERCIALLY PROMOTED JAZZ

RAPIDLY SWAMPED INTO OBLIVION BY
THE COMMERCIALLY PROMOTED JAZZ
MUSIC EMANATING FROM NEW YORK."

THE COMMERCIALLY PROMOTED JAZZ
MUSIC EMANATING FROM NEW YORK."
Wallace: AND THERE'S A LARGER

MUSIC EMANATING FROM NEW YORK."
Wallace: AND THERE'S A LARGER
POINT HERE THAT HAS TO DO WITH

Wallace: AND THERE'S A LARGER
POINT HERE THAT HAS TO DO WITH
THE RELATION BETWEEN THE CITY

POINT HERE THAT HAS TO DO WITH
THE RELATION BETWEEN THE CITY
AND THE COUNTRY.

THE RELATION BETWEEN THE CITY
AND THE COUNTRY.
1920 WAS THE FIRST TIME IN WHICH

AND THE COUNTRY.
1920 WAS THE FIRST TIME IN WHICH
MORE PEOPLE LIVED IN CITIES THAN

1920 WAS THE FIRST TIME IN WHICH
MORE PEOPLE LIVED IN CITIES THAN
LIVED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.

MORE PEOPLE LIVED IN CITIES THAN
LIVED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
IT'S A MARKER BETWEEN THE

LIVED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
IT'S A MARKER BETWEEN THE
COLONIAL PERIOD, WHEN 95% OF THE

IT'S A MARKER BETWEEN THE
COLONIAL PERIOD, WHEN 95% OF THE
POPULATION WAS IN THE COUNTRY

COLONIAL PERIOD, WHEN 95% OF THE
POPULATION WAS IN THE COUNTRY
AND 5% IN THE CITIES, AND NOW,

POPULATION WAS IN THE COUNTRY
AND 5% IN THE CITIES, AND NOW,
WHEN IT'S, IN FACT, COMPLETELY

AND 5% IN THE CITIES, AND NOW,
WHEN IT'S, IN FACT, COMPLETELY
THE OPPOSITE.

WHEN IT'S, IN FACT, COMPLETELY
THE OPPOSITE.
AND IT LED TO, IN FACT,

THE OPPOSITE.
AND IT LED TO, IN FACT,
TREMENDOUS ANIMOSITY AND ANXIETY

AND IT LED TO, IN FACT,
TREMENDOUS ANIMOSITY AND ANXIETY
ON THE PART OF THE COUNTRY

TREMENDOUS ANIMOSITY AND ANXIETY
ON THE PART OF THE COUNTRY
TOWARDS THIS, YOU KNOW,

ON THE PART OF THE COUNTRY
TOWARDS THIS, YOU KNOW,
GLITTERING URBAN PHENOMENA, IN

TOWARDS THIS, YOU KNOW,
GLITTERING URBAN PHENOMENA, IN
GENERAL AND NEW YORK IN

GLITTERING URBAN PHENOMENA, IN
GENERAL AND NEW YORK IN
PARTICULAR.

GENERAL AND NEW YORK IN
PARTICULAR.
AND THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS

PARTICULAR.
AND THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS
INSISTENCE IN THE COUNTRY THAT

AND THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS
INSISTENCE IN THE COUNTRY THAT
NEW YORK IS AN ALIEN PLACE; IT'S

INSISTENCE IN THE COUNTRY THAT
NEW YORK IS AN ALIEN PLACE; IT'S
NOT PART OF AMERICA; IT'S FULL

NEW YORK IS AN ALIEN PLACE; IT'S
NOT PART OF AMERICA; IT'S FULL
OF IMMIGRANTS.

NOT PART OF AMERICA; IT'S FULL
OF IMMIGRANTS.
THERE'S COMMIES; THERE'S TAMMANY

OF IMMIGRANTS.
THERE'S COMMIES; THERE'S TAMMANY
HALL; THERE'S CORRUPTION;

THERE'S COMMIES; THERE'S TAMMANY
HALL; THERE'S CORRUPTION;
THERE'S GANGSTERS.

HALL; THERE'S CORRUPTION;
THERE'S GANGSTERS.
IT'S NOT US, YOU KNOW.

THERE'S GANGSTERS.
IT'S NOT US, YOU KNOW.
AND YET, SOME OF THAT ANXIETY

IT'S NOT US, YOU KNOW.
AND YET, SOME OF THAT ANXIETY
AND ANGER WAS POWERED BY THE

AND YET, SOME OF THAT ANXIETY
AND ANGER WAS POWERED BY THE
FACT THAT THEY UNDERSTOOD THE

AND ANGER WAS POWERED BY THE
FACT THAT THEY UNDERSTOOD THE
TREMENDOUS ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE

FACT THAT THEY UNDERSTOOD THE
TREMENDOUS ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE
IMAGES COMING OUT OF NEW YORK

TREMENDOUS ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE
IMAGES COMING OUT OF NEW YORK
CITY; THAT THEIR DAUGHTERS WERE

IMAGES COMING OUT OF NEW YORK
CITY; THAT THEIR DAUGHTERS WERE
DRESSING UP WITH CLARA BOW-TYPE

CITY; THAT THEIR DAUGHTERS WERE
DRESSING UP WITH CLARA BOW-TYPE
MAKEUP; THAT THEY ALL HAD THEIR

DRESSING UP WITH CLARA BOW-TYPE
MAKEUP; THAT THEY ALL HAD THEIR
EARS GLUED TO THE NBC NETWORK;

MAKEUP; THAT THEY ALL HAD THEIR
EARS GLUED TO THE NBC NETWORK;
THAT THEY WERE FOLLOWING, YOU

EARS GLUED TO THE NBC NETWORK;
THAT THEY WERE FOLLOWING, YOU
KNOW, BOXING MATCHES AND

THAT THEY WERE FOLLOWING, YOU
KNOW, BOXING MATCHES AND
CARNEGIE HALL, AND A SENSE

KNOW, BOXING MATCHES AND
CARNEGIE HALL, AND A SENSE
ALMOST OF HELPLESSNESS THAT MANY

CARNEGIE HALL, AND A SENSE
ALMOST OF HELPLESSNESS THAT MANY
PEOPLE FELT BEFORE THIS

ALMOST OF HELPLESSNESS THAT MANY
PEOPLE FELT BEFORE THIS
TREMENDOUSLY POWERFUL INUNDATION

PEOPLE FELT BEFORE THIS
TREMENDOUSLY POWERFUL INUNDATION
OF NEW FASHIONS AND TRENDS AND

TREMENDOUSLY POWERFUL INUNDATION
OF NEW FASHIONS AND TRENDS AND
IDEAS AND ATTITUDES ABOUT

OF NEW FASHIONS AND TRENDS AND
IDEAS AND ATTITUDES ABOUT
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEOPLE AND

IDEAS AND ATTITUDES ABOUT
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEOPLE AND
MEN AND WOMEN AND SEXUALITY AND

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEOPLE AND
MEN AND WOMEN AND SEXUALITY AND
THE REST OF IT.

MEN AND WOMEN AND SEXUALITY AND
THE REST OF IT.
AND YET YOU CAN'T SEPARATE THE

THE REST OF IT.
AND YET YOU CAN'T SEPARATE THE
CITY FROM THE COUNTRY, BECAUSE

AND YET YOU CAN'T SEPARATE THE
CITY FROM THE COUNTRY, BECAUSE
IN FACT THE COUNTRY IS ALSO

CITY FROM THE COUNTRY, BECAUSE
IN FACT THE COUNTRY IS ALSO
ENAMORED OF THE CITY, IS

IN FACT THE COUNTRY IS ALSO
ENAMORED OF THE CITY, IS
ENAMORED OF WHAT NEW YORK STANDS

ENAMORED OF THE CITY, IS
ENAMORED OF WHAT NEW YORK STANDS
FOR, IS ENAMORED OF MODERNITY

ENAMORED OF WHAT NEW YORK STANDS
FOR, IS ENAMORED OF MODERNITY
AND POSSIBILITIES.

FOR, IS ENAMORED OF MODERNITY
AND POSSIBILITIES.
Reader: "BY 1927, THE TEMPO

AND POSSIBILITIES.
Reader: "BY 1927, THE TEMPO
OF THE CITY HAD CHANGED SHARPLY.

Reader: "BY 1927, THE TEMPO
OF THE CITY HAD CHANGED SHARPLY.
THE UNCERTAINTIES OF 1920 WERE

OF THE CITY HAD CHANGED SHARPLY.
THE UNCERTAINTIES OF 1920 WERE
DROWNED IN A STEADY GOLDEN ROAR,

THE UNCERTAINTIES OF 1920 WERE
DROWNED IN A STEADY GOLDEN ROAR,
AND MANY OF OUR FRIENDS HAD

DROWNED IN A STEADY GOLDEN ROAR,
AND MANY OF OUR FRIENDS HAD
GROWN WEALTHY.

AND MANY OF OUR FRIENDS HAD
GROWN WEALTHY.
BUT THE RESTLESSNESS OF NEW YORK

GROWN WEALTHY.
BUT THE RESTLESSNESS OF NEW YORK
IN 1927 APPROACHED HYSTERIA.

BUT THE RESTLESSNESS OF NEW YORK
IN 1927 APPROACHED HYSTERIA.
THE PARTIES WERE BIGGER, THE

IN 1927 APPROACHED HYSTERIA.
THE PARTIES WERE BIGGER, THE
SHOWS WERE BROADER, THE

THE PARTIES WERE BIGGER, THE
SHOWS WERE BROADER, THE
BUILDINGS WERE HIGHER, THE

SHOWS WERE BROADER, THE
BUILDINGS WERE HIGHER, THE
MORALS WERE LOOSER, AND THE

BUILDINGS WERE HIGHER, THE
MORALS WERE LOOSER, AND THE
LIQUOR WAS CHEAPER.

MORALS WERE LOOSER, AND THE
LIQUOR WAS CHEAPER.
BUT ALL THESE BENEFITS DID NOT

LIQUOR WAS CHEAPER.
BUT ALL THESE BENEFITS DID NOT
REALLY MINISTER TO MUCH DELIGHT.

BUT ALL THESE BENEFITS DID NOT
REALLY MINISTER TO MUCH DELIGHT.
YOUNG PEOPLE WORE OUT EARLY.

REALLY MINISTER TO MUCH DELIGHT.
YOUNG PEOPLE WORE OUT EARLY.
THEY WERE HARD AND LANGUID AT

YOUNG PEOPLE WORE OUT EARLY.
THEY WERE HARD AND LANGUID AT
21, AND NONE OF THEM CONTRIBUTED

THEY WERE HARD AND LANGUID AT
21, AND NONE OF THEM CONTRIBUTED
ANYTHING NEW.

21, AND NONE OF THEM CONTRIBUTED
ANYTHING NEW.
MOST OF MY FRIENDS DRANK TOO

ANYTHING NEW.
MOST OF MY FRIENDS DRANK TOO
MUCH.

MOST OF MY FRIENDS DRANK TOO
MUCH.
THE MORE THEY WERE IN TUNE WITH

MUCH.
THE MORE THEY WERE IN TUNE WITH
THE TIMES, THE MORE THEY DRANK."

THE MORE THEY WERE IN TUNE WITH
THE TIMES, THE MORE THEY DRANK."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.

THE TIMES, THE MORE THEY DRANK."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Narrator: BY 1927, THE DECADE

F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Narrator: BY 1927, THE DECADE
WAS BEGINNING TO TAKE ITS TOLL

Narrator: BY 1927, THE DECADE
WAS BEGINNING TO TAKE ITS TOLL
ON SCOTT AND ZELDA FITZGERALD.

WAS BEGINNING TO TAKE ITS TOLL
ON SCOTT AND ZELDA FITZGERALD.
TWO YEARS BEFORE, HIS GREATEST

ON SCOTT AND ZELDA FITZGERALD.
TWO YEARS BEFORE, HIS GREATEST
NOVEL, THE GREAT GATSBY,

TWO YEARS BEFORE, HIS GREATEST
NOVEL, THE GREAT GATSBY,
PUBLISHED TO CRITICAL ACCLAIM

NOVEL, THE GREAT GATSBY,
PUBLISHED TO CRITICAL ACCLAIM
BUT INDIFFERENT SALES, HAD

PUBLISHED TO CRITICAL ACCLAIM
BUT INDIFFERENT SALES, HAD
CAPTURED AS NOTHING ELSE HAD THE

BUT INDIFFERENT SALES, HAD
CAPTURED AS NOTHING ELSE HAD THE
ROMANCE, WONDER, AND

CAPTURED AS NOTHING ELSE HAD THE
ROMANCE, WONDER, AND
HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY OF THE

ROMANCE, WONDER, AND
HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY OF THE
METROPOLIS HE WOULD SOON CALL

HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY OF THE
METROPOLIS HE WOULD SOON CALL
"MY LOST CITY."

METROPOLIS HE WOULD SOON CALL
"MY LOST CITY."
BUT ZELDA, ALWAYS UNSTABLE, HAD

"MY LOST CITY."
BUT ZELDA, ALWAYS UNSTABLE, HAD
BEGUN TO SLIDE INTO MENTAL

BUT ZELDA, ALWAYS UNSTABLE, HAD
BEGUN TO SLIDE INTO MENTAL
ILLNESS, AND FITZGERALD HIMSELF,

BEGUN TO SLIDE INTO MENTAL
ILLNESS, AND FITZGERALD HIMSELF,
WOEFULLY ALCOHOLIC, WAS BECOMING

ILLNESS, AND FITZGERALD HIMSELF,
WOEFULLY ALCOHOLIC, WAS BECOMING
INCREASINGLY SELF-DESTRUCTIVE.

WOEFULLY ALCOHOLIC, WAS BECOMING
INCREASINGLY SELF-DESTRUCTIVE.
PERHAPS HE HAD FLOWN TOO HIGH IN

INCREASINGLY SELF-DESTRUCTIVE.
PERHAPS HE HAD FLOWN TOO HIGH IN
THE FIRST WILD RUSH OF SUCCESS

PERHAPS HE HAD FLOWN TOO HIGH IN
THE FIRST WILD RUSH OF SUCCESS
TO EVER FLY SO HIGH AGAIN.

THE FIRST WILD RUSH OF SUCCESS
TO EVER FLY SO HIGH AGAIN.
PERHAPS IT WAS TRUE, AS

TO EVER FLY SO HIGH AGAIN.
PERHAPS IT WAS TRUE, AS
FITZGERALD HIMSELF DECLARED,

PERHAPS IT WAS TRUE, AS
FITZGERALD HIMSELF DECLARED,
THAT THERE WERE "NO SECOND ACTS

FITZGERALD HIMSELF DECLARED,
THAT THERE WERE "NO SECOND ACTS
IN AMERICA LIVES."

THAT THERE WERE "NO SECOND ACTS
IN AMERICA LIVES."
Jefferson: WELL, I SUPPOSE

IN AMERICA LIVES."
Jefferson: WELL, I SUPPOSE
THAT THE PARABLE, WHAT LINKS THE

Jefferson: WELL, I SUPPOSE
THAT THE PARABLE, WHAT LINKS THE
CULTURAL, THE SPIRITUAL, AND THE

THAT THE PARABLE, WHAT LINKS THE
CULTURAL, THE SPIRITUAL, AND THE
ECONOMIC, IS SOME REAL

CULTURAL, THE SPIRITUAL, AND THE
ECONOMIC, IS SOME REAL
MISMANAGEMENT, SQUANDERING,

ECONOMIC, IS SOME REAL
MISMANAGEMENT, SQUANDERING,
WANTONNESS, MISCALCULATION OF

MISMANAGEMENT, SQUANDERING,
WANTONNESS, MISCALCULATION OF
YOUR RESOURCES, OBVIOUSLY YOUR

WANTONNESS, MISCALCULATION OF
YOUR RESOURCES, OBVIOUSLY YOUR
ECONOMIC, BUT YOUR SPIRITUAL AS

YOUR RESOURCES, OBVIOUSLY YOUR
ECONOMIC, BUT YOUR SPIRITUAL AS
WELL AS YOUR CREATIVE.

ECONOMIC, BUT YOUR SPIRITUAL AS
WELL AS YOUR CREATIVE.
WITH A LOT OF THE ARTISTS WHO

WELL AS YOUR CREATIVE.
WITH A LOT OF THE ARTISTS WHO
REALLY WERE RUINED BY THE END OF

WITH A LOT OF THE ARTISTS WHO
REALLY WERE RUINED BY THE END OF
THAT DECADE, THEY HAD, AGAIN TO

REALLY WERE RUINED BY THE END OF
THAT DECADE, THEY HAD, AGAIN TO
USE A FITZGERALD EXPRESSION,

THAT DECADE, THEY HAD, AGAIN TO
USE A FITZGERALD EXPRESSION,
PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY

USE A FITZGERALD EXPRESSION,
PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY
OVERDRAWN ON THEIR ACCOUNT.

PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY
OVERDRAWN ON THEIR ACCOUNT.
IN SOME WAY, THE EXPERIMENTATION

OVERDRAWN ON THEIR ACCOUNT.
IN SOME WAY, THE EXPERIMENTATION
HAD BEEN ACCOMPANIED BY SO MUCH

IN SOME WAY, THE EXPERIMENTATION
HAD BEEN ACCOMPANIED BY SO MUCH
PSYCHIC AND OFTEN PHYSICAL

HAD BEEN ACCOMPANIED BY SO MUCH
PSYCHIC AND OFTEN PHYSICAL
ABUSE, YOU KNOW, THAT THE

PSYCHIC AND OFTEN PHYSICAL
ABUSE, YOU KNOW, THAT THE
SYSTEM, THE BODIES, GAVE WAY,

ABUSE, YOU KNOW, THAT THE
SYSTEM, THE BODIES, GAVE WAY,
AND THE ENERGY REQUIRED TO

SYSTEM, THE BODIES, GAVE WAY,
AND THE ENERGY REQUIRED TO
RECONFIGURE, TO, YOU KNOW, SET A

AND THE ENERGY REQUIRED TO
RECONFIGURE, TO, YOU KNOW, SET A
NEW BEAT, THOSE RESOURCES

RECONFIGURE, TO, YOU KNOW, SET A
NEW BEAT, THOSE RESOURCES
WEREN'T THERE FOR THE ONES WHO

NEW BEAT, THOSE RESOURCES
WEREN'T THERE FOR THE ONES WHO
COLLAPSED.

WEREN'T THERE FOR THE ONES WHO
COLLAPSED.
AND PARTLY, YOU KNOW, THEY

COLLAPSED.
AND PARTLY, YOU KNOW, THEY
REALLY WERE GROUNDBREAKERS; THEY

AND PARTLY, YOU KNOW, THEY
REALLY WERE GROUNDBREAKERS; THEY
WERE PIONEERS.

REALLY WERE GROUNDBREAKERS; THEY
WERE PIONEERS.
IT'S THE NATURE OF PIONEERS NOT

WERE PIONEERS.
IT'S THE NATURE OF PIONEERS NOT
TO KNOW, AND SOMETIMES IN A

IT'S THE NATURE OF PIONEERS NOT
TO KNOW, AND SOMETIMES IN A
DEEPLY HARMFUL AND HATEFUL WAY,

TO KNOW, AND SOMETIMES IN A
DEEPLY HARMFUL AND HATEFUL WAY,
YOU KNOW, NOT TO KNOW WHAT THE

DEEPLY HARMFUL AND HATEFUL WAY,
YOU KNOW, NOT TO KNOW WHAT THE
ECOLOGICAL BALANCE IS, IF YOU

YOU KNOW, NOT TO KNOW WHAT THE
ECOLOGICAL BALANCE IS, IF YOU
WILL.

ECOLOGICAL BALANCE IS, IF YOU
WILL.
AND THAT'S JUST AS TRUE FOR THE

WILL.
AND THAT'S JUST AS TRUE FOR THE
ARTISTS, THOUGH THEY TENDED TO

AND THAT'S JUST AS TRUE FOR THE
ARTISTS, THOUGH THEY TENDED TO
HURT THEMSELVES MUCH MORE THAN

ARTISTS, THOUGH THEY TENDED TO
HURT THEMSELVES MUCH MORE THAN
ANYONE ELSE.

HURT THEMSELVES MUCH MORE THAN
ANYONE ELSE.
Narrator: AND YET, IF THE

ANYONE ELSE.
Narrator: AND YET, IF THE
"CITY OF AMBITION AND SUCCESS"

Narrator: AND YET, IF THE
"CITY OF AMBITION AND SUCCESS"
WAS DESTROYING HIM, A FEW THINGS

"CITY OF AMBITION AND SUCCESS"
WAS DESTROYING HIM, A FEW THINGS
STILL SEEMED POSSIBLE.

WAS DESTROYING HIM, A FEW THINGS
STILL SEEMED POSSIBLE.
ASKED BY A REPORTER WHAT HIS

STILL SEEMED POSSIBLE.
ASKED BY A REPORTER WHAT HIS
ULTIMATE AMBITION WAS,

ASKED BY A REPORTER WHAT HIS
ULTIMATE AMBITION WAS,
FITZGERALD SAID SIMPLY, "TO STAY

ULTIMATE AMBITION WAS,
FITZGERALD SAID SIMPLY, "TO STAY
IN LOVE WITH ZELDA AND WRITE THE

FITZGERALD SAID SIMPLY, "TO STAY
IN LOVE WITH ZELDA AND WRITE THE
GREATEST NOVEL IN THE WORLD."

IN LOVE WITH ZELDA AND WRITE THE
GREATEST NOVEL IN THE WORLD."
Gill: WELL, HE WAS SUCH A

GREATEST NOVEL IN THE WORLD."
Gill: WELL, HE WAS SUCH A
ROMANTICIST, AND HE WAS ON THE

Gill: WELL, HE WAS SUCH A
ROMANTICIST, AND HE WAS ON THE
SIDE OF BELIEVING THAT

ROMANTICIST, AND HE WAS ON THE
SIDE OF BELIEVING THAT
EVERYTHING WONDERFUL WAS

SIDE OF BELIEVING THAT
EVERYTHING WONDERFUL WAS
POSSIBLE.

EVERYTHING WONDERFUL WAS
POSSIBLE.
HE SAID, IN ONE OF HIS WRITINGS,

POSSIBLE.
HE SAID, IN ONE OF HIS WRITINGS,
"ALL MY GIRLS WERE SO YOUNG AND

HE SAID, IN ONE OF HIS WRITINGS,
"ALL MY GIRLS WERE SO YOUNG AND
FULL OF PROMISE," AND WHO WOULD

"ALL MY GIRLS WERE SO YOUNG AND
FULL OF PROMISE," AND WHO WOULD
WANT SOMETHING BETTER THAN THAT?

FULL OF PROMISE," AND WHO WOULD
WANT SOMETHING BETTER THAN THAT?
AND THEN, IN THE GREAT GATSBY,

WANT SOMETHING BETTER THAN THAT?
AND THEN, IN THE GREAT GATSBY,
WHEN HE SAYS, "IN HIS BLUE

AND THEN, IN THE GREAT GATSBY,
WHEN HE SAYS, "IN HIS BLUE
GARDENS, MEN AND GIRLS CAME AND

WHEN HE SAYS, "IN HIS BLUE
GARDENS, MEN AND GIRLS CAME AND
WENT LIKE MOTHS AMONG THE

GARDENS, MEN AND GIRLS CAME AND
WENT LIKE MOTHS AMONG THE
WHISPERINGS AND THE CHAMPAGNE

WENT LIKE MOTHS AMONG THE
WHISPERINGS AND THE CHAMPAGNE
AND THE STARS," WELL, THAT WAS

WHISPERINGS AND THE CHAMPAGNE
AND THE STARS," WELL, THAT WAS
WHAT AMERICA WAS THERE.

AND THE STARS," WELL, THAT WAS
WHAT AMERICA WAS THERE.
IT WAS A TINY LITTLE BIT OF

WHAT AMERICA WAS THERE.
IT WAS A TINY LITTLE BIT OF
AMERICA, BUT WE ALL BELIEVED IT,

IT WAS A TINY LITTLE BIT OF
AMERICA, BUT WE ALL BELIEVED IT,
AND NONE OF US GOT TO LONG

AMERICA, BUT WE ALL BELIEVED IT,
AND NONE OF US GOT TO LONG
ISLAND, NONE OF US GOT TO

AND NONE OF US GOT TO LONG
ISLAND, NONE OF US GOT TO
GATSBY'S PLACE, BUT THAT WAS

ISLAND, NONE OF US GOT TO
GATSBY'S PLACE, BUT THAT WAS
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.

GATSBY'S PLACE, BUT THAT WAS
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.
AND THEN, AS A ROMANCE, GATSBY

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.
AND THEN, AS A ROMANCE, GATSBY
HAD TO DIE.

AND THEN, AS A ROMANCE, GATSBY
HAD TO DIE.
Reader: "IN THE SPRING OF

HAD TO DIE.
Reader: "IN THE SPRING OF
'27, SOMETHING BRIGHT AND ALIEN

Reader: "IN THE SPRING OF
'27, SOMETHING BRIGHT AND ALIEN
FLASHED ACROSS THE SKY.

'27, SOMETHING BRIGHT AND ALIEN
FLASHED ACROSS THE SKY.
A YOUNG MINNESOTAN WHO SEEMED TO

FLASHED ACROSS THE SKY.
A YOUNG MINNESOTAN WHO SEEMED TO
HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH HIS

A YOUNG MINNESOTAN WHO SEEMED TO
HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH HIS
GENERATION DID A HEROIC THING,

HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH HIS
GENERATION DID A HEROIC THING,
AND FOR A MOMENT PEOPLE SET DOWN

GENERATION DID A HEROIC THING,
AND FOR A MOMENT PEOPLE SET DOWN
THEIR GLASSES IN COUNTRY CLUBS

AND FOR A MOMENT PEOPLE SET DOWN
THEIR GLASSES IN COUNTRY CLUBS
AND SPEAKEASIES AND THOUGHT OF

THEIR GLASSES IN COUNTRY CLUBS
AND SPEAKEASIES AND THOUGHT OF
THEIR OLD, BEST DREAMS.

AND SPEAKEASIES AND THOUGHT OF
THEIR OLD, BEST DREAMS.
MAYBE THERE WAS A WAY OUT BY

THEIR OLD, BEST DREAMS.
MAYBE THERE WAS A WAY OUT BY
FLYING.

MAYBE THERE WAS A WAY OUT BY
FLYING.
MAYBE OUR RESTLESS BLOOD COULD

FLYING.
MAYBE OUR RESTLESS BLOOD COULD
FIND FRONTIERS IN THE

MAYBE OUR RESTLESS BLOOD COULD
FIND FRONTIERS IN THE
ILLIMITABLE AIR.

FIND FRONTIERS IN THE
ILLIMITABLE AIR.
BUT BY THAT TIME WE WERE ALL

ILLIMITABLE AIR.
BUT BY THAT TIME WE WERE ALL
PRETTY MUCH COMMITTED, AND THE

BUT BY THAT TIME WE WERE ALL
PRETTY MUCH COMMITTED, AND THE
JAZZ AGE CONTINUED.

PRETTY MUCH COMMITTED, AND THE
JAZZ AGE CONTINUED.
WE WOULD ALL HAVE ONE MORE."

JAZZ AGE CONTINUED.
WE WOULD ALL HAVE ONE MORE."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.

WE WOULD ALL HAVE ONE MORE."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Reader: "NEW YORK CITY IS THE

F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Reader: "NEW YORK CITY IS THE
MOST FATALLY FASCINATING THING

Reader: "NEW YORK CITY IS THE
MOST FATALLY FASCINATING THING
IN AMERICA.

MOST FATALLY FASCINATING THING
IN AMERICA.
SHE SITS LIKE A GREAT WITCH AT

IN AMERICA.
SHE SITS LIKE A GREAT WITCH AT
THE GATE OF THE COUNTRY, SHOWING

SHE SITS LIKE A GREAT WITCH AT
THE GATE OF THE COUNTRY, SHOWING
HER ALLURING WHITE FACE AND

THE GATE OF THE COUNTRY, SHOWING
HER ALLURING WHITE FACE AND
HIDING HER CROOKED HANDS AND

HER ALLURING WHITE FACE AND
HIDING HER CROOKED HANDS AND
FEET UNDER THE FOLDS OF HER WIDE

HIDING HER CROOKED HANDS AND
FEET UNDER THE FOLDS OF HER WIDE
GARMENTS, CONSTANTLY ENTICING

FEET UNDER THE FOLDS OF HER WIDE
GARMENTS, CONSTANTLY ENTICING
THOUSANDS FROM FAR WITHIN, AND

GARMENTS, CONSTANTLY ENTICING
THOUSANDS FROM FAR WITHIN, AND
TEMPTING THOSE WHO COME FROM

THOUSANDS FROM FAR WITHIN, AND
TEMPTING THOSE WHO COME FROM
ACROSS THE SEAS TO GO NO

TEMPTING THOSE WHO COME FROM
ACROSS THE SEAS TO GO NO
FURTHER.

ACROSS THE SEAS TO GO NO
FURTHER.
AND ALL THESE BECOME THE VICTIMS

FURTHER.
AND ALL THESE BECOME THE VICTIMS
OF HER CAPRICE.

AND ALL THESE BECOME THE VICTIMS
OF HER CAPRICE.
SOME SHE AT ONCE CRUSHES BENEATH

OF HER CAPRICE.
SOME SHE AT ONCE CRUSHES BENEATH
HER CRUEL FEET.

SOME SHE AT ONCE CRUSHES BENEATH
HER CRUEL FEET.
OTHERS SHE CONDEMNS TO A FATE

HER CRUEL FEET.
OTHERS SHE CONDEMNS TO A FATE
LIKE THAT OF GALLEY SLAVES.

OTHERS SHE CONDEMNS TO A FATE
LIKE THAT OF GALLEY SLAVES.
A FEW SHE FAVORS AND FONDLES,

LIKE THAT OF GALLEY SLAVES.
A FEW SHE FAVORS AND FONDLES,
RIDING THEM HIGH ON BUBBLES OF

A FEW SHE FAVORS AND FONDLES,
RIDING THEM HIGH ON BUBBLES OF
FORTUNE.

RIDING THEM HIGH ON BUBBLES OF
FORTUNE.
THEN, WITH A SUDDEN BREATH, SHE

FORTUNE.
THEN, WITH A SUDDEN BREATH, SHE
BLOWS THE BUBBLES OUT AND LAUGHS

THEN, WITH A SUDDEN BREATH, SHE
BLOWS THE BUBBLES OUT AND LAUGHS
MOCKINGLY AS SHE WATCHES THEM

BLOWS THE BUBBLES OUT AND LAUGHS
MOCKINGLY AS SHE WATCHES THEM
FALL."

MOCKINGLY AS SHE WATCHES THEM
FALL."
JAMES WELDON JOHNSON.

FALL."
JAMES WELDON JOHNSON.
Narrator: LOOKING BACK, SOME

JAMES WELDON JOHNSON.
Narrator: LOOKING BACK, SOME
PEOPLE WOULD TRACE THE BEGINNING

Narrator: LOOKING BACK, SOME
PEOPLE WOULD TRACE THE BEGINNING
OF THE END OF THE CITY'S WILDEST

PEOPLE WOULD TRACE THE BEGINNING
OF THE END OF THE CITY'S WILDEST
AND GIDDIEST DECADE TO THE

OF THE END OF THE CITY'S WILDEST
AND GIDDIEST DECADE TO THE
SUMMER OF 1928, WHEN THE

AND GIDDIEST DECADE TO THE
SUMMER OF 1928, WHEN THE
GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK, ALFRED

SUMMER OF 1928, WHEN THE
GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK, ALFRED
EMMANUEL SMITH, EMBARKED UPON

GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK, ALFRED
EMMANUEL SMITH, EMBARKED UPON
HIS HISTORIC RACE FOR THE

EMMANUEL SMITH, EMBARKED UPON
HIS HISTORIC RACE FOR THE
HIGHEST OFFICE IN THE LAND.

HIS HISTORIC RACE FOR THE
HIGHEST OFFICE IN THE LAND.
THE ODDS AGAINST HIM WERE LONG

HIGHEST OFFICE IN THE LAND.
THE ODDS AGAINST HIM WERE LONG
FROM THE START, BUT SMITH

THE ODDS AGAINST HIM WERE LONG
FROM THE START, BUT SMITH
HIMSELF WAS SURE HE COULD WIN.

FROM THE START, BUT SMITH
HIMSELF WAS SURE HE COULD WIN.
THE OVERWHELMING CHOICE OF THE

HIMSELF WAS SURE HE COULD WIN.
THE OVERWHELMING CHOICE OF THE
DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO RUN AGAINST

THE OVERWHELMING CHOICE OF THE
DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO RUN AGAINST
THE REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT,

DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO RUN AGAINST
THE REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT,
HERBERT HOOVER, THE IMMENSELY

THE REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT,
HERBERT HOOVER, THE IMMENSELY
POPULAR LEADER OF THE MOST

HERBERT HOOVER, THE IMMENSELY
POPULAR LEADER OF THE MOST
POWERFUL STATE IN THE UNION HAD

POPULAR LEADER OF THE MOST
POWERFUL STATE IN THE UNION HAD
WON 20 OF THE 21 CAMPAIGNS HE

POWERFUL STATE IN THE UNION HAD
WON 20 OF THE 21 CAMPAIGNS HE
HAD WAGED AND BEEN ELECTED TO AN

WON 20 OF THE 21 CAMPAIGNS HE
HAD WAGED AND BEEN ELECTED TO AN
UNPRECEDENTED FOUR TERMS AS

HAD WAGED AND BEEN ELECTED TO AN
UNPRECEDENTED FOUR TERMS AS
GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK.

UNPRECEDENTED FOUR TERMS AS
GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK.
HIS RECORD IN ALBANY WAS NOTHING

GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK.
HIS RECORD IN ALBANY WAS NOTHING
LESS THAN DAZZLING.

HIS RECORD IN ALBANY WAS NOTHING
LESS THAN DAZZLING.
IN EIGHT YEARS, HE HAD

LESS THAN DAZZLING.
IN EIGHT YEARS, HE HAD
RATIONALIZED AND RESTRUCTURED

IN EIGHT YEARS, HE HAD
RATIONALIZED AND RESTRUCTURED
THE STATE GOVERNMENT, PUSHED

RATIONALIZED AND RESTRUCTURED
THE STATE GOVERNMENT, PUSHED
THROUGH LANDMARK LEGISLATION ON

THE STATE GOVERNMENT, PUSHED
THROUGH LANDMARK LEGISLATION ON
SOCIAL WELFARE REFORM, AND

THROUGH LANDMARK LEGISLATION ON
SOCIAL WELFARE REFORM, AND
INITIATED A SPECTACULAR PROGRAM

SOCIAL WELFARE REFORM, AND
INITIATED A SPECTACULAR PROGRAM
OF PUBLIC WORKS THROUGH HIS

INITIATED A SPECTACULAR PROGRAM
OF PUBLIC WORKS THROUGH HIS
BRILLIANT YOUNG PARKS

OF PUBLIC WORKS THROUGH HIS
BRILLIANT YOUNG PARKS
COMMISSIONER, ROBERT MOSES.

BRILLIANT YOUNG PARKS
COMMISSIONER, ROBERT MOSES.
BY 1928, THE HARDWORKING BOY

COMMISSIONER, ROBERT MOSES.
BY 1928, THE HARDWORKING BOY
FROM THE LOWER EAST SIDE HAD

BY 1928, THE HARDWORKING BOY
FROM THE LOWER EAST SIDE HAD
EMERGED AS ONE OF THE MOST

FROM THE LOWER EAST SIDE HAD
EMERGED AS ONE OF THE MOST
REMARKABLE POLITICIANS IN THE

EMERGED AS ONE OF THE MOST
REMARKABLE POLITICIANS IN THE
COUNTRY.

REMARKABLE POLITICIANS IN THE
COUNTRY.
Robert A. Caro: I MEAN, TO

COUNTRY.
Robert A. Caro: I MEAN, TO
SEE A PICTURE OF AL SMITH, HIS

Robert A. Caro: I MEAN, TO
SEE A PICTURE OF AL SMITH, HIS
FACE IS SO RED YOU CAN'T BELIEVE

SEE A PICTURE OF AL SMITH, HIS
FACE IS SO RED YOU CAN'T BELIEVE
IT.

FACE IS SO RED YOU CAN'T BELIEVE
IT.
HE HAS A BIG NOSE.

IT.
HE HAS A BIG NOSE.
HE HAS GOLD-CAPPED TEETH.

HE HAS A BIG NOSE.
HE HAS GOLD-CAPPED TEETH.
HE HAS THIS BROWN DERBY PERCHED

HE HAS GOLD-CAPPED TEETH.
HE HAS THIS BROWN DERBY PERCHED
ON THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD.

HE HAS THIS BROWN DERBY PERCHED
ON THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD.
HE'S ALWAYS SMOKING; THE STUB OF

ON THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD.
HE'S ALWAYS SMOKING; THE STUB OF
A CIGAR IS STICKING OUT.

HE'S ALWAYS SMOKING; THE STUB OF
A CIGAR IS STICKING OUT.
AND HIS VOICE IS SO LOUD AND

A CIGAR IS STICKING OUT.
AND HIS VOICE IS SO LOUD AND
RASPY.

AND HIS VOICE IS SO LOUD AND
RASPY.
Boy: I KNOW YOU.

RASPY.
Boy: I KNOW YOU.
YOU'RE AL SMITH.

Boy: I KNOW YOU.
YOU'RE AL SMITH.
Al Smith: ATTABOY.

YOU'RE AL SMITH.
Al Smith: ATTABOY.
YOU GOT ME RIGHT.

Al Smith: ATTABOY.
YOU GOT ME RIGHT.
PUT IT THERE.

- YOU GOT ME RIGHT.
- PUT IT THERE.

- PUT IT THERE.
- THERE'S A BIG AIRPLANE, RIGHT

THERE'S A BIG AIRPLANE, RIGHT
OUT OF THE RUNWAY.

THERE'S A BIG AIRPLANE, RIGHT
OUT OF THE RUNWAY.
WHAT'S YOUR NAME, YOUNG FELLA?

OUT OF THE RUNWAY.
WHAT'S YOUR NAME, YOUNG FELLA?
Caro: HE WOULD SEEM LIKE A

WHAT'S YOUR NAME, YOUNG FELLA?
Caro: HE WOULD SEEM LIKE A
JOKE UNTIL HE BEGAN TO SPEAK OR

Caro: HE WOULD SEEM LIKE A
JOKE UNTIL HE BEGAN TO SPEAK OR
TILL HE BEGAN TO FIGHT.

JOKE UNTIL HE BEGAN TO SPEAK OR
TILL HE BEGAN TO FIGHT.
Smith: THE ELECTION OF

TILL HE BEGAN TO FIGHT.
Smith: THE ELECTION OF
ROOSEVELT, AGAIN!

Smith: THE ELECTION OF
ROOSEVELT, AGAIN!

- ROOSEVELT, AGAIN!
- Caro: SOMEONE ONCE SAID OF

Caro: SOMEONE ONCE SAID OF
SMITH, "HIS VOICE HAS TRUMPETS

Caro: SOMEONE ONCE SAID OF
SMITH, "HIS VOICE HAS TRUMPETS
IN IT."

AND THIS WAS A VOICE THAT COULD
SUMMON PEOPLE TO A CAUSE, AND AL

SUMMON PEOPLE TO A CAUSE, AND AL
SMITH'S CAUSE WAS THE CAUSE OF

SMITH'S CAUSE WAS THE CAUSE OF
SOCIAL WELFARE.
HE HAD A REAL DREAM IN HIS HEART

HE HAD A REAL DREAM IN HIS HEART
OF HELPING HIS PEOPLE.
Narrator: THE VERY IDEA HAD

OF HELPING HIS PEOPLE.
Narrator: THE VERY IDEA HAD
BEEN UNTHINKABLE TEN YEARS

Narrator: THE VERY IDEA HAD
BEEN UNTHINKABLE TEN YEARS
AN UNEDUCATED IRISH

BEEN UNTHINKABLE TEN YEARS
AN UNEDUCATED IRISH
CATHOLIC BOY FROM THE FOURTH

AN UNEDUCATED IRISH
CATHOLIC BOY FROM THE FOURTH
WARD OF NEW YORK RUNNING FOR THE

CATHOLIC BOY FROM THE FOURTH
WARD OF NEW YORK RUNNING FOR THE
NATION'S HIGHEST OFFICE.

WARD OF NEW YORK RUNNING FOR THE
NATION'S HIGHEST OFFICE.
BUT THERE HAD NEVER BEEN ANYONE

NATION'S HIGHEST OFFICE.
BUT THERE HAD NEVER BEEN ANYONE
QUITE LIKE AL SMITH.

BUT THERE HAD NEVER BEEN ANYONE
QUITE LIKE AL SMITH.
CONFIDENT HE COULD EXTEND NEW

QUITE LIKE AL SMITH.
CONFIDENT HE COULD EXTEND NEW
YORK'S IMMENSE COMMERCIAL AND

CONFIDENT HE COULD EXTEND NEW
YORK'S IMMENSE COMMERCIAL AND
CULTURAL REACH TO THE POLITICAL

YORK'S IMMENSE COMMERCIAL AND
CULTURAL REACH TO THE POLITICAL
REALM, HE DID NOTHING TO

CULTURAL REACH TO THE POLITICAL
REALM, HE DID NOTHING TO
DISGUISE WHO HE WAS OR WHERE HE

REALM, HE DID NOTHING TO
DISGUISE WHO HE WAS OR WHERE HE
CAME FROM, ADOPTING AS HE HAD

DISGUISE WHO HE WAS OR WHERE HE
CAME FROM, ADOPTING AS HE HAD
TEN YEARS BEFORE "THE SIDEWALKS

CAME FROM, ADOPTING AS HE HAD
TEN YEARS BEFORE "THE SIDEWALKS
OF NEW YORK" AS THE ANTHEM OF

TEN YEARS BEFORE "THE SIDEWALKS
OF NEW YORK" AS THE ANTHEM OF
HIS CAMPAIGN.

OF NEW YORK" AS THE ANTHEM OF
HIS CAMPAIGN.
Smith: ♪ ME AND MAMIE

HIS CAMPAIGN.
Smith: ♪ ME AND MAMIE
O'ROURKE

Smith: ♪ ME AND MAMIE
O'ROURKE
♪ WE TRIPPED THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

O'ROURKE
♪ WE TRIPPED THE LIGHT FANTASTIC
ON THE SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK. ♪

♪ WE TRIPPED THE LIGHT FANTASTIC
ON THE SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK. ♪

ON THE SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK. ♪
Smith: ♪ THE BOWERY

Smith: ♪ THE BOWERY
THE BOWERY

Smith: ♪ THE BOWERY
THE BOWERY
♪ I'LL NEVER GO THERE

THE BOWERY
♪ I'LL NEVER GO THERE
ANYMORE. ♪

♪ I'LL NEVER GO THERE
ANYMORE. ♪

Wallace: IN SOME WAYS, THE
ELECTION OF 1928 WAS A

ELECTION OF 1928 WAS A
REFERENDUM ON NEW YORK CITY AND

REFERENDUM ON NEW YORK CITY AND
THE DIRECTION THAT THE COUNTRY

THE DIRECTION THAT THE COUNTRY
WAS GOING IN.
PROBABLY NO DEMOCRAT COULD HAVE

PROBABLY NO DEMOCRAT COULD HAVE
BEATEN HERBERT HOOVER IN 1928
GIVEN THE TREMENDOUS STRENGTH OF

BEATEN HERBERT HOOVER IN 1928
GIVEN THE TREMENDOUS STRENGTH OF
THE ECONOMY AND THE GENERAL

GIVEN THE TREMENDOUS STRENGTH OF
THE ECONOMY AND THE GENERAL
SATISFACTION THROUGHOUT THE

THE ECONOMY AND THE GENERAL
SATISFACTION THROUGHOUT THE
COUNTRY.

SATISFACTION THROUGHOUT THE
COUNTRY.
BUT SMITH, IN FACT, MADE IT MUCH

COUNTRY.
BUT SMITH, IN FACT, MADE IT MUCH
WORSE FOR HIMSELF.

BUT SMITH, IN FACT, MADE IT MUCH
WORSE FOR HIMSELF.
Narrator: THE CAMPAIGN GOT

WORSE FOR HIMSELF.
Narrator: THE CAMPAIGN GOT
OFF TO A ROCKY START.

Narrator: THE CAMPAIGN GOT
OFF TO A ROCKY START.
HOPING TO BURNISH HIS IMAGE AS A

OFF TO A ROCKY START.
HOPING TO BURNISH HIS IMAGE AS A
FRIEND OF BIG BUSINESS, SMITH

HOPING TO BURNISH HIS IMAGE AS A
FRIEND OF BIG BUSINESS, SMITH
CHOSE AS HIS CAMPAIGN MANAGER A

FRIEND OF BIG BUSINESS, SMITH
CHOSE AS HIS CAMPAIGN MANAGER A
PROMINENT WALL STREET FINANCIER

CHOSE AS HIS CAMPAIGN MANAGER A
PROMINENT WALL STREET FINANCIER
NAMED JOHN JACOB RASKOB, "A

PROMINENT WALL STREET FINANCIER
NAMED JOHN JACOB RASKOB, "A
STRANGE LITTLE MAN," ONE OF

NAMED JOHN JACOB RASKOB, "A
STRANGE LITTLE MAN," ONE OF
SMITH'S ADVISORS SAID, "ALMOST

STRANGE LITTLE MAN," ONE OF
SMITH'S ADVISORS SAID, "ALMOST
MACHIAVELLIAN, REALLY," WHO HAD

SMITH'S ADVISORS SAID, "ALMOST
MACHIAVELLIAN, REALLY," WHO HAD
INVENTED A SCHEME FOR BUYING

MACHIAVELLIAN, REALLY," WHO HAD
INVENTED A SCHEME FOR BUYING
AUTOMOBILES ON CREDIT AND HELPED

INVENTED A SCHEME FOR BUYING
AUTOMOBILES ON CREDIT AND HELPED
ASSEMBLE THE FORTUNES OF DU PONT

AUTOMOBILES ON CREDIT AND HELPED
ASSEMBLE THE FORTUNES OF DU PONT
AND GENERAL MOTORS.

ASSEMBLE THE FORTUNES OF DU PONT
AND GENERAL MOTORS.
THE STRATEGY BACKFIRED WHEN THE

AND GENERAL MOTORS.
THE STRATEGY BACKFIRED WHEN THE
WELL-KNOWN, SELF-MADE CATHOLIC

THE STRATEGY BACKFIRED WHEN THE
WELL-KNOWN, SELF-MADE CATHOLIC
MILLIONAIRE WAS USED TO PAINT

WELL-KNOWN, SELF-MADE CATHOLIC
MILLIONAIRE WAS USED TO PAINT
SMITH AS AN AGENT OF ROME AND

MILLIONAIRE WAS USED TO PAINT
SMITH AS AN AGENT OF ROME AND
WALL STREET.

SMITH AS AN AGENT OF ROME AND
WALL STREET.
IN THE END, HOWEVER, RASKOB WAS

WALL STREET.
IN THE END, HOWEVER, RASKOB WAS
THE LEAST OF SMITH'S PROBLEMS,

IN THE END, HOWEVER, RASKOB WAS
THE LEAST OF SMITH'S PROBLEMS,
AS THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF

THE LEAST OF SMITH'S PROBLEMS,
AS THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF
1928 RAPIDLY DESCENDED INTO ONE

AS THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF
1928 RAPIDLY DESCENDED INTO ONE
OF THE DARKEST EPISODES IN

1928 RAPIDLY DESCENDED INTO ONE
OF THE DARKEST EPISODES IN
AMERICAN POLITICAL HISTORY.

OF THE DARKEST EPISODES IN
AMERICAN POLITICAL HISTORY.
EVERYTHING THAT HAD MADE SMITH

AMERICAN POLITICAL HISTORY.
EVERYTHING THAT HAD MADE SMITH
SUCCESSFUL IN NEW YORK NOW

EVERYTHING THAT HAD MADE SMITH
SUCCESSFUL IN NEW YORK NOW
WORKED AGAINST HIM OUT IN THE

SUCCESSFUL IN NEW YORK NOW
WORKED AGAINST HIM OUT IN THE
COUNTRYSIDE, WHERE DECADES OF

WORKED AGAINST HIM OUT IN THE
COUNTRYSIDE, WHERE DECADES OF
RISING ANIMUS AGAINST THE CITY

COUNTRYSIDE, WHERE DECADES OF
RISING ANIMUS AGAINST THE CITY
AND EVERYTHING IT STOOD FOR ROSE

RISING ANIMUS AGAINST THE CITY
AND EVERYTHING IT STOOD FOR ROSE
UP LIKE A POISONOUS VAPOR.

AND EVERYTHING IT STOOD FOR ROSE
UP LIKE A POISONOUS VAPOR.
Czitrom: I THINK THAT SMITH,

UP LIKE A POISONOUS VAPOR.
Czitrom: I THINK THAT SMITH,
ALTHOUGH HE WAS COSMOPOLITAN IN

Czitrom: I THINK THAT SMITH,
ALTHOUGH HE WAS COSMOPOLITAN IN
NEW YORK TERMS WAS PERHAPS ALSO

ALTHOUGH HE WAS COSMOPOLITAN IN
NEW YORK TERMS WAS PERHAPS ALSO
VERY PAROCHIAL IN NATIONAL

NEW YORK TERMS WAS PERHAPS ALSO
VERY PAROCHIAL IN NATIONAL
TERMS.

AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I
THINK PEOPLE SAY ABOUT NEW YORK

THINK PEOPLE SAY ABOUT NEW YORK
GENERALLY; THAT FOR ALL ITS

GENERALLY; THAT FOR ALL ITS
COSMOPOLITANNESS, FOR ALL OF ITS

COSMOPOLITANNESS, FOR ALL OF ITS
PLURALISM, NEW YORK IS ALSO

PLURALISM, NEW YORK IS ALSO
PRETTY PROVINCIAL, AND I THINK

PRETTY PROVINCIAL, AND I THINK
THAT SMITH'S CAMPAIGN IN 1928 IS

THAT SMITH'S CAMPAIGN IN 1928 IS
ONE MEASURE OF THAT.
I DON'T THINK HE REALLY WAS

I DON'T THINK HE REALLY WAS
PREPARED OR REALLY UNDERSTOOD
THE DEPTH OF RESENTMENT AND ALSO

PREPARED OR REALLY UNDERSTOOD
THE DEPTH OF RESENTMENT AND ALSO
THE SENSE TO WHICH HE WAS SUCH A

THE DEPTH OF RESENTMENT AND ALSO
THE SENSE TO WHICH HE WAS SUCH A
STRANGER TO SO MANY PEOPLE; THAT

THE SENSE TO WHICH HE WAS SUCH A
STRANGER TO SO MANY PEOPLE; THAT
HIS STRANGENESS WAS SO REAL, SO

STRANGER TO SO MANY PEOPLE; THAT
HIS STRANGENESS WAS SO REAL, SO
PALPABLE TO PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY

HIS STRANGENESS WAS SO REAL, SO
PALPABLE TO PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY
IN THE SOUTH AND IN THE MIDWEST

PALPABLE TO PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY
IN THE SOUTH AND IN THE MIDWEST
AND PEOPLE IN RURAL AREAS.

IN THE SOUTH AND IN THE MIDWEST
AND PEOPLE IN RURAL AREAS.
THE 1928 CAMPAIGN WAS ONE OF THE

AND PEOPLE IN RURAL AREAS.
THE 1928 CAMPAIGN WAS ONE OF THE
FIRST ONES IN WHICH RADIO PLAYED

THE 1928 CAMPAIGN WAS ONE OF THE
FIRST ONES IN WHICH RADIO PLAYED
A REAL PART, AND SO SMITH'S

FIRST ONES IN WHICH RADIO PLAYED
A REAL PART, AND SO SMITH'S
VOICE, WHICH WAS VERY MUCH THE

A REAL PART, AND SO SMITH'S
VOICE, WHICH WAS VERY MUCH THE
VOICE OF A FOURTH WARDER, A

VOICE, WHICH WAS VERY MUCH THE
VOICE OF A FOURTH WARDER, A
LOWER MANHATTANITE, A KIND OF

VOICE OF A FOURTH WARDER, A
LOWER MANHATTANITE, A KIND OF
CLASSIC NEW YORK ACCENT...

LOWER MANHATTANITE, A KIND OF
CLASSIC NEW YORK ACCENT...
Smith: THE ONLY CURE FOR THE

CLASSIC NEW YORK ACCENT...
Smith: THE ONLY CURE FOR THE
ILLS OF DEMOCRACY IS MORE

Smith: THE ONLY CURE FOR THE
ILLS OF DEMOCRACY IS MORE
DEMOCRACY.

ILLS OF DEMOCRACY IS MORE
DEMOCRACY.
Czitrom: THAT VOICE WAS HEARD

DEMOCRACY.
Czitrom: THAT VOICE WAS HEARD
ALL OVER THE NATION, AND IT WAS

Czitrom: THAT VOICE WAS HEARD
ALL OVER THE NATION, AND IT WAS
QUITE JARRING, QUITE ALIEN,

ALL OVER THE NATION, AND IT WAS
QUITE JARRING, QUITE ALIEN,
QUITE STRANGE TO MANY PEOPLE WHO

QUITE JARRING, QUITE ALIEN,
QUITE STRANGE TO MANY PEOPLE WHO
HEARD IT.

QUITE STRANGE TO MANY PEOPLE WHO
HEARD IT.
AND THERE WAS A WAY IN WHICH I

HEARD IT.
AND THERE WAS A WAY IN WHICH I
THINK SMITH WAS TURNED INTO

AND THERE WAS A WAY IN WHICH I
THINK SMITH WAS TURNED INTO
ALMOST A KIND OF A CARICATURE IN

THINK SMITH WAS TURNED INTO
ALMOST A KIND OF A CARICATURE IN
THAT CAMPAIGN, AS A KIND OF...

ALMOST A KIND OF A CARICATURE IN
THAT CAMPAIGN, AS A KIND OF...
SORT OF CARTOON VERSION OF WHAT

THAT CAMPAIGN, AS A KIND OF...
SORT OF CARTOON VERSION OF WHAT
NEW YORK WAS.

SORT OF CARTOON VERSION OF WHAT
NEW YORK WAS.
Narrator: WARM CROWDS GREETED

NEW YORK WAS.
Narrator: WARM CROWDS GREETED
SMITH IN NEW YORK, AND IN CITIES

Narrator: WARM CROWDS GREETED
SMITH IN NEW YORK, AND IN CITIES
FROM BOSTON TO SACRAMENTO.

SMITH IN NEW YORK, AND IN CITIES
FROM BOSTON TO SACRAMENTO.
BUT IN SMALL TOWNS AND RURAL

FROM BOSTON TO SACRAMENTO.
BUT IN SMALL TOWNS AND RURAL
PLACES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THE

BUT IN SMALL TOWNS AND RURAL
PLACES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THE
JAUNTY AMBASSADOR OF THE CITY OF

PLACES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THE
JAUNTY AMBASSADOR OF THE CITY OF
WALT WHITMAN AND EMMA LAZARUS

JAUNTY AMBASSADOR OF THE CITY OF
WALT WHITMAN AND EMMA LAZARUS
WAS SHOCKED BY THE TIDE OF

WALT WHITMAN AND EMMA LAZARUS
WAS SHOCKED BY THE TIDE OF
HATRED HE ENCOUNTERED FOR WHAT

WAS SHOCKED BY THE TIDE OF
HATRED HE ENCOUNTERED FOR WHAT
ONE MAN CALLED "THE FOREIGN-

HATRED HE ENCOUNTERED FOR WHAT
ONE MAN CALLED "THE FOREIGN-
POPULATED CITY OF NEW YORK."

ONE MAN CALLED "THE FOREIGN-
POPULATED CITY OF NEW YORK."
RIDICULED FOR HIS CITY-SLICKER

POPULATED CITY OF NEW YORK."
RIDICULED FOR HIS CITY-SLICKER
SUITS AND STRONG NEW YORK

RIDICULED FOR HIS CITY-SLICKER
SUITS AND STRONG NEW YORK
ACCENT, HE WAS SAVAGELY ATTACKED

SUITS AND STRONG NEW YORK
ACCENT, HE WAS SAVAGELY ATTACKED
FOR HIS OPPOSITION TO

ACCENT, HE WAS SAVAGELY ATTACKED
FOR HIS OPPOSITION TO
PROHIBITION, FOR HIS LIBERAL

FOR HIS OPPOSITION TO
PROHIBITION, FOR HIS LIBERAL
VIEWS, AND HIS LINKS TO TAMMANY

PROHIBITION, FOR HIS LIBERAL
VIEWS, AND HIS LINKS TO TAMMANY
HALL.

VIEWS, AND HIS LINKS TO TAMMANY
HALL.
BUT IT WAS THE VIRULENCE OF THE

HALL.
BUT IT WAS THE VIRULENCE OF THE
ANTI-CATHOLIC HATRED IN THE

BUT IT WAS THE VIRULENCE OF THE
ANTI-CATHOLIC HATRED IN THE
COUNTRYSIDE THAT SHOCKED AND

ANTI-CATHOLIC HATRED IN THE
COUNTRYSIDE THAT SHOCKED AND
HURT HIM MOST, "A CAMPAIGN OF

COUNTRYSIDE THAT SHOCKED AND
HURT HIM MOST, "A CAMPAIGN OF
BIGOTRY ALMOST UNBELIEVABLE IN

HURT HIM MOST, "A CAMPAIGN OF
BIGOTRY ALMOST UNBELIEVABLE IN
ITS INTENSITY," ONE ADVISOR

BIGOTRY ALMOST UNBELIEVABLE IN
ITS INTENSITY," ONE ADVISOR
REMEMBERED.

ITS INTENSITY," ONE ADVISOR
REMEMBERED.
IT WOULD BE, HIS DAUGHTER EMILY

REMEMBERED.
IT WOULD BE, HIS DAUGHTER EMILY
LATER SAID, "THE DEEPEST SHADOW

IT WOULD BE, HIS DAUGHTER EMILY
LATER SAID, "THE DEEPEST SHADOW
IN HIS LIFE, THE GREATEST SORROW

LATER SAID, "THE DEEPEST SHADOW
IN HIS LIFE, THE GREATEST SORROW
THAT EVER CAME TO HIM."

IN HIS LIFE, THE GREATEST SORROW
THAT EVER CAME TO HIM."
ON THE STUMP IN KANSAS, FARMERS

THAT EVER CAME TO HIM."
ON THE STUMP IN KANSAS, FARMERS
GREETED SMITH'S SPEECHES IN

ON THE STUMP IN KANSAS, FARMERS
GREETED SMITH'S SPEECHES IN
STONY SILENCE.

GREETED SMITH'S SPEECHES IN
STONY SILENCE.
IN OKLAHOMA, KU KLUX KLANSMEN

STONY SILENCE.
IN OKLAHOMA, KU KLUX KLANSMEN
PLACED BURNING CROSSES ALONG THE

IN OKLAHOMA, KU KLUX KLANSMEN
PLACED BURNING CROSSES ALONG THE
ROUTE OF HIS CAMPAIGN TRAIN.

PLACED BURNING CROSSES ALONG THE
ROUTE OF HIS CAMPAIGN TRAIN.
ACROSS THE COUNTRY, PROTESTANT

ROUTE OF HIS CAMPAIGN TRAIN.
ACROSS THE COUNTRY, PROTESTANT
RELIGIOUS LEADERS ATTACKED HIM

ACROSS THE COUNTRY, PROTESTANT
RELIGIOUS LEADERS ATTACKED HIM
FROM THE PULPIT, INSISTING, ONE

RELIGIOUS LEADERS ATTACKED HIM
FROM THE PULPIT, INSISTING, ONE
MINISTER SAID, THAT "NO SUBJECT

FROM THE PULPIT, INSISTING, ONE
MINISTER SAID, THAT "NO SUBJECT
OF THE POPE SHOULD BE

MINISTER SAID, THAT "NO SUBJECT
OF THE POPE SHOULD BE
PRESIDENT."

OF THE POPE SHOULD BE
PRESIDENT."
Reader: "AS AMBASSADOR OF

PRESIDENT."
Reader: "AS AMBASSADOR OF
GOD, IT IS MY DUTY TO DEFY THE

Reader: "AS AMBASSADOR OF
GOD, IT IS MY DUTY TO DEFY THE
FORCES OF HELL, AL SMITH AND THE

GOD, IT IS MY DUTY TO DEFY THE
FORCES OF HELL, AL SMITH AND THE
REST OF THEM.

FORCES OF HELL, AL SMITH AND THE
REST OF THEM.
HIS MALE SUPPORTERS ARE DAMNABLE

REST OF THEM.
HIS MALE SUPPORTERS ARE DAMNABLE
WHISKEY POLITICIANS,

HIS MALE SUPPORTERS ARE DAMNABLE
WHISKEY POLITICIANS,
BOOTLEGGERS, CROOKS, PIMPS, AND

WHISKEY POLITICIANS,
BOOTLEGGERS, CROOKS, PIMPS, AND
BUSINESSMEN WHO DEAL WITH THEM.

BOOTLEGGERS, CROOKS, PIMPS, AND
BUSINESSMEN WHO DEAL WITH THEM.
HIS FEMALE SUPPORTERS ARE

BUSINESSMEN WHO DEAL WITH THEM.
HIS FEMALE SUPPORTERS ARE
STREETWALKERS."

HIS FEMALE SUPPORTERS ARE
STREETWALKERS."
THE REVEREND BILLY SUNDAY.

STREETWALKERS."
THE REVEREND BILLY SUNDAY.
Narrator: SMITH KEPT SILENT

THE REVEREND BILLY SUNDAY.
Narrator: SMITH KEPT SILENT
AS LONG AS HE COULD.

Narrator: SMITH KEPT SILENT
AS LONG AS HE COULD.
THEN, IN AN ELOQUENT SPEECH IN

AS LONG AS HE COULD.
THEN, IN AN ELOQUENT SPEECH IN
OKLAHOMA CITY, ON SEPTEMBER 20,

THEN, IN AN ELOQUENT SPEECH IN
OKLAHOMA CITY, ON SEPTEMBER 20,
STRUCK BACK, IMPLORING HIS

OKLAHOMA CITY, ON SEPTEMBER 20,
STRUCK BACK, IMPLORING HIS
AUDIENCE TO REJECT ALL BIGOTRY

STRUCK BACK, IMPLORING HIS
AUDIENCE TO REJECT ALL BIGOTRY
AS UN-CHRISTIAN AND UN-AMERICAN.

AUDIENCE TO REJECT ALL BIGOTRY
AS UN-CHRISTIAN AND UN-AMERICAN.
Smith: WE HAVE OUR A.P.A.s

AS UN-CHRISTIAN AND UN-AMERICAN.
Smith: WE HAVE OUR A.P.A.s
AND OUR K.K.K.s.

Smith: WE HAVE OUR A.P.A.s
AND OUR K.K.K.s.

- AND OUR K.K.K.s.
- WE'VE HAD INFLICTED UPON US

WE'VE HAD INFLICTED UPON US
ABOUT AS STRONG A SHOWER OF 18-

WE'VE HAD INFLICTED UPON US
ABOUT AS STRONG A SHOWER OF 18-
KARAT CRACKPOTS AS ANY COUNTRY

ABOUT AS STRONG A SHOWER OF 18-
KARAT CRACKPOTS AS ANY COUNTRY
IN THE WORLD COULD SUFFER.

KARAT CRACKPOTS AS ANY COUNTRY
IN THE WORLD COULD SUFFER.
Narrator: THE HOSTILITY OF

IN THE WORLD COULD SUFFER.
Narrator: THE HOSTILITY OF
THE CROWD WAS SO PALPABLE THAT

Narrator: THE HOSTILITY OF
THE CROWD WAS SO PALPABLE THAT
SMITH'S ADVISORS FEARED FOR HIS

THE CROWD WAS SO PALPABLE THAT
SMITH'S ADVISORS FEARED FOR HIS
SAFETY.

SMITH'S ADVISORS FEARED FOR HIS
SAFETY.
Czitrom: BUT WHAT'S

SAFETY.
Czitrom: BUT WHAT'S
REMARKABLE IS TO LOOK AT SO MUCH

Czitrom: BUT WHAT'S
REMARKABLE IS TO LOOK AT SO MUCH
OF THE VILIFICATION, SO MANY OF

REMARKABLE IS TO LOOK AT SO MUCH
OF THE VILIFICATION, SO MANY OF
THE ATTACKS, SO MUCH OF THE

OF THE VILIFICATION, SO MANY OF
THE ATTACKS, SO MUCH OF THE
HATRED DIRECTED AT SMITH BY

THE ATTACKS, SO MUCH OF THE
HATRED DIRECTED AT SMITH BY
NEWSPAPERS, POLITICOS, PEOPLE

HATRED DIRECTED AT SMITH BY
NEWSPAPERS, POLITICOS, PEOPLE
ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.

NEWSPAPERS, POLITICOS, PEOPLE
ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.
I DON'T THINK YOU CAN READ THAT

ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.
I DON'T THINK YOU CAN READ THAT
AS ANYTHING ELSE BUT AN ATTACK

I DON'T THINK YOU CAN READ THAT
AS ANYTHING ELSE BUT AN ATTACK
ON NEW YORK CITY; THAT IS, SMITH

AS ANYTHING ELSE BUT AN ATTACK
ON NEW YORK CITY; THAT IS, SMITH
COMES TO BE SORT OF THE SYMBOL,

ON NEW YORK CITY; THAT IS, SMITH
COMES TO BE SORT OF THE SYMBOL,
THE EMBLEM OF NEW YORK, AND

COMES TO BE SORT OF THE SYMBOL,
THE EMBLEM OF NEW YORK, AND
THEREFORE BECOMES THE OBJECT OF

THE EMBLEM OF NEW YORK, AND
THEREFORE BECOMES THE OBJECT OF
ALL THESE ATTACKS.

THEREFORE BECOMES THE OBJECT OF
ALL THESE ATTACKS.
AND, YOU KNOW, THINLY VEILED,

ALL THESE ATTACKS.
AND, YOU KNOW, THINLY VEILED,
THESE ATTACKS ARE ALSO ATTACKS

AND, YOU KNOW, THINLY VEILED,
THESE ATTACKS ARE ALSO ATTACKS
ON CATHOLICS, ATTACKS ON JEWS,

THESE ATTACKS ARE ALSO ATTACKS
ON CATHOLICS, ATTACKS ON JEWS,
ATTACKS ON THE COSMOPOLITAN

ON CATHOLICS, ATTACKS ON JEWS,
ATTACKS ON THE COSMOPOLITAN
CULTURE OF NEW YORK, AND THAT, I

ATTACKS ON THE COSMOPOLITAN
CULTURE OF NEW YORK, AND THAT, I
THINK, IS REALLY WHAT'S GOING ON

CULTURE OF NEW YORK, AND THAT, I
THINK, IS REALLY WHAT'S GOING ON
IN THAT ELECTION.

THINK, IS REALLY WHAT'S GOING ON
IN THAT ELECTION.
Narrator: ON ELECTION NIGHT,

IN THAT ELECTION.
Narrator: ON ELECTION NIGHT,
NOVEMBER 6, 1928, SMITH SAT

Narrator: ON ELECTION NIGHT,
NOVEMBER 6, 1928, SMITH SAT
STOICALLY WITH HIS SUPPORTERS IN

NOVEMBER 6, 1928, SMITH SAT
STOICALLY WITH HIS SUPPORTERS IN
THE ARMORY ON PARK AVENUE, AN

STOICALLY WITH HIS SUPPORTERS IN
THE ARMORY ON PARK AVENUE, AN
UNLIT CIGAR IN HIS MOUTH,

THE ARMORY ON PARK AVENUE, AN
UNLIT CIGAR IN HIS MOUTH,
WATCHING THE RETURNS COME IN.

UNLIT CIGAR IN HIS MOUTH,
WATCHING THE RETURNS COME IN.
HE HAD DONE SURPRISINGLY WELL IN

WATCHING THE RETURNS COME IN.
HE HAD DONE SURPRISINGLY WELL IN
MAJOR URBAN AREAS ACROSS THE

HE HAD DONE SURPRISINGLY WELL IN
MAJOR URBAN AREAS ACROSS THE
COUNTRY, BUT BY 9:30, IT WAS

MAJOR URBAN AREAS ACROSS THE
COUNTRY, BUT BY 9:30, IT WAS
CLEAR THAT HERBERT HOOVER WAS ON

COUNTRY, BUT BY 9:30, IT WAS
CLEAR THAT HERBERT HOOVER WAS ON
HIS WAY TO ONE OF THE BIGGEST

CLEAR THAT HERBERT HOOVER WAS ON
HIS WAY TO ONE OF THE BIGGEST
LANDSLIDES IN AMERICAN HISTORY.

HIS WAY TO ONE OF THE BIGGEST
LANDSLIDES IN AMERICAN HISTORY.
IN THE END, THE NEW YORKER LOST

LANDSLIDES IN AMERICAN HISTORY.
IN THE END, THE NEW YORKER LOST
ALMOST EVERY STATE IN THE UNION,

IN THE END, THE NEW YORKER LOST
ALMOST EVERY STATE IN THE UNION,
INCLUDING NEW YORK ITSELF, WHERE

ALMOST EVERY STATE IN THE UNION,
INCLUDING NEW YORK ITSELF, WHERE
UPSTATE VOTERS HAD TURNED OUT IN

INCLUDING NEW YORK ITSELF, WHERE
UPSTATE VOTERS HAD TURNED OUT IN
DROVES AGAINST HIM.

UPSTATE VOTERS HAD TURNED OUT IN
DROVES AGAINST HIM.
IN A CRUEL TWIST OF FATE,

DROVES AGAINST HIM.
IN A CRUEL TWIST OF FATE,
SMITH'S ARISTOCRATIC COLLEAGUE,

IN A CRUEL TWIST OF FATE,
SMITH'S ARISTOCRATIC COLLEAGUE,
46-YEAR-OLD FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT,

SMITH'S ARISTOCRATIC COLLEAGUE,
46-YEAR-OLD FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT,
RUNNING WELL AHEAD OF THE

46-YEAR-OLD FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT,
RUNNING WELL AHEAD OF THE
NATIONAL TICKET, SQUEAKED INTO

RUNNING WELL AHEAD OF THE
NATIONAL TICKET, SQUEAKED INTO
THE GOVERNOR'S SEAT SMITH HAD

NATIONAL TICKET, SQUEAKED INTO
THE GOVERNOR'S SEAT SMITH HAD
VACATED BY THE SLENDEREST OF

THE GOVERNOR'S SEAT SMITH HAD
VACATED BY THE SLENDEREST OF
MARGINS.

VACATED BY THE SLENDEREST OF
MARGINS.
AROUND 10:00, SMITH DROVE TO THE

MARGINS.
AROUND 10:00, SMITH DROVE TO THE
BILTMORE TO CONCEDE DEFEAT AND

AROUND 10:00, SMITH DROVE TO THE
BILTMORE TO CONCEDE DEFEAT AND
SPEAK TO A CROWD OF HIS LOYAL

BILTMORE TO CONCEDE DEFEAT AND
SPEAK TO A CROWD OF HIS LOYAL
SUPPORTERS.

SPEAK TO A CROWD OF HIS LOYAL
SUPPORTERS.
"IT'S GOD'S WILL," HIS WIFE,

SUPPORTERS.
"IT'S GOD'S WILL," HIS WIFE,
KATIE, SAID, WITH TEARS IN HER

"IT'S GOD'S WILL," HIS WIFE,
KATIE, SAID, WITH TEARS IN HER
EYES.

KATIE, SAID, WITH TEARS IN HER
EYES.
"BUT WE'LL SEE MORE OF YOU NOW."

EYES.
"BUT WE'LL SEE MORE OF YOU NOW."
Reader: "HIS CHIN WAS UP, AND

"BUT WE'LL SEE MORE OF YOU NOW."
Reader: "HIS CHIN WAS UP, AND
HIS INDOMITABLE HEART WAS HIGH.

Reader: "HIS CHIN WAS UP, AND
HIS INDOMITABLE HEART WAS HIGH.
AT THE SIGHT OF HIS JAUNTINESS

HIS INDOMITABLE HEART WAS HIGH.
AT THE SIGHT OF HIS JAUNTINESS
IN DEFEAT, MEN AND WOMEN WORKERS

AT THE SIGHT OF HIS JAUNTINESS
IN DEFEAT, MEN AND WOMEN WORKERS
BURST INTO TEARS.

IN DEFEAT, MEN AND WOMEN WORKERS
BURST INTO TEARS.
DEEPLY TOUCHED, SMITH BARKED OUT

BURST INTO TEARS.
DEEPLY TOUCHED, SMITH BARKED OUT
A FEW WORDS OF THANKS TO HIDE

DEEPLY TOUCHED, SMITH BARKED OUT
A FEW WORDS OF THANKS TO HIDE
HIS OWN MOUNTING EMOTIONS,

A FEW WORDS OF THANKS TO HIDE
HIS OWN MOUNTING EMOTIONS,
CLASPED HANDS, AND WAS GONE.

HIS OWN MOUNTING EMOTIONS,
CLASPED HANDS, AND WAS GONE.
PERHAPS NEVER IN POLITICAL

CLASPED HANDS, AND WAS GONE.
PERHAPS NEVER IN POLITICAL
HISTORY WAS THERE SO MUCH

PERHAPS NEVER IN POLITICAL
HISTORY WAS THERE SO MUCH
DISTRESS AMONGST THE RANK AND

HISTORY WAS THERE SO MUCH
DISTRESS AMONGST THE RANK AND
FILE OF THE PARTY AS THERE WAS

DISTRESS AMONGST THE RANK AND
FILE OF THE PARTY AS THERE WAS
OVER HIS DEFEAT."

FILE OF THE PARTY AS THERE WAS
OVER HIS DEFEAT."
JAMES FARLEY.

OVER HIS DEFEAT."
JAMES FARLEY.
Czitrom: IT'S HARD TO SEE HOW

JAMES FARLEY.
Czitrom: IT'S HARD TO SEE HOW
SMITH COULD HAVE WON, HOW

Czitrom: IT'S HARD TO SEE HOW
SMITH COULD HAVE WON, HOW
ANYBODY COULD HAVE WON, AGAINST

SMITH COULD HAVE WON, HOW
ANYBODY COULD HAVE WON, AGAINST
HOOVER IN THE FLUSH TIMES, BUT I

ANYBODY COULD HAVE WON, AGAINST
HOOVER IN THE FLUSH TIMES, BUT I
THINK WHAT SOMETIMES PEOPLE MISS

HOOVER IN THE FLUSH TIMES, BUT I
THINK WHAT SOMETIMES PEOPLE MISS
OR FORGET IS THAT ALTHOUGH HE

THINK WHAT SOMETIMES PEOPLE MISS
OR FORGET IS THAT ALTHOUGH HE
LOST PRETTY BADLY TO HOOVER,

OR FORGET IS THAT ALTHOUGH HE
LOST PRETTY BADLY TO HOOVER,
SMITH DID CARRY THE 12 LARGEST

LOST PRETTY BADLY TO HOOVER,
SMITH DID CARRY THE 12 LARGEST
CITIES IN THE UNITED STATES, AND

SMITH DID CARRY THE 12 LARGEST
CITIES IN THE UNITED STATES, AND
THEREFORE PROVIDED A KIND OF

CITIES IN THE UNITED STATES, AND
THEREFORE PROVIDED A KIND OF
HARBINGER FOR THE NEW DEAL

THEREFORE PROVIDED A KIND OF
HARBINGER FOR THE NEW DEAL
COALITION TO COME.

HARBINGER FOR THE NEW DEAL
COALITION TO COME.
WHAT SMITH DID WAS ESSENTIALLY

COALITION TO COME.
WHAT SMITH DID WAS ESSENTIALLY
CEMENT THE BIG-CITY URBAN VOTE

WHAT SMITH DID WAS ESSENTIALLY
CEMENT THE BIG-CITY URBAN VOTE
FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY FOR THE

CEMENT THE BIG-CITY URBAN VOTE
FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY FOR THE
FORESEEABLE FUTURE.

FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY FOR THE
FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
Caro: OSCAR HANDLIN, THE

FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
Caro: OSCAR HANDLIN, THE
GREAT HISTORIAN, HAS SAID, "OF

Caro: OSCAR HANDLIN, THE
GREAT HISTORIAN, HAS SAID, "OF
ALL THE MAJOR POLITICAL FIGURES

GREAT HISTORIAN, HAS SAID, "OF
ALL THE MAJOR POLITICAL FIGURES
IN THE UNITED STATES, ALFRED E.

ALL THE MAJOR POLITICAL FIGURES
IN THE UNITED STATES, ALFRED E.
SMITH IS THE MOST FORGOTTEN."

IN THE UNITED STATES, ALFRED E.
SMITH IS THE MOST FORGOTTEN."
HE IS FORGOTTEN, BUT HE

SMITH IS THE MOST FORGOTTEN."
HE IS FORGOTTEN, BUT HE
SHOULDN'T BE.

HE IS FORGOTTEN, BUT HE
SHOULDN'T BE.
YOU KNOW, WHEN ROOSEVELT WAS AT

SHOULDN'T BE.
YOU KNOW, WHEN ROOSEVELT WAS AT
THE VERY HEIGHT OF THE NEW DEAL,

YOU KNOW, WHEN ROOSEVELT WAS AT
THE VERY HEIGHT OF THE NEW DEAL,
HE SAID... PRIVATELY, BECAUSE HE

THE VERY HEIGHT OF THE NEW DEAL,
HE SAID... PRIVATELY, BECAUSE HE
PERSONALLY HATED SMITH... HE

HE SAID... PRIVATELY, BECAUSE HE
PERSONALLY HATED SMITH... HE
SAID, "YOU KNOW, EVERYTHING

PERSONALLY HATED SMITH... HE
SAID, "YOU KNOW, EVERYTHING
WE'VE DONE IN THE NEW DEAL IS

SAID, "YOU KNOW, EVERYTHING
WE'VE DONE IN THE NEW DEAL IS
SOMETHING THAT AL SMITH STARTED

WE'VE DONE IN THE NEW DEAL IS
SOMETHING THAT AL SMITH STARTED
IN NEW YORK," EVERYTHING THAT WE

SOMETHING THAT AL SMITH STARTED
IN NEW YORK," EVERYTHING THAT WE
THINK OF TODAY AS SOCIAL WELFARE

IN NEW YORK," EVERYTHING THAT WE
THINK OF TODAY AS SOCIAL WELFARE
REFORM.

THINK OF TODAY AS SOCIAL WELFARE
REFORM.
Narrator: IN THE WEEKS AFTER

REFORM.
Narrator: IN THE WEEKS AFTER
THE ELECTION, SMITH TRIED TO PUT

Narrator: IN THE WEEKS AFTER
THE ELECTION, SMITH TRIED TO PUT
A BRAVE FACE ON THE CRUSHING

THE ELECTION, SMITH TRIED TO PUT
A BRAVE FACE ON THE CRUSHING
DEFEAT, BUT IT WAS CLEAR THAT

A BRAVE FACE ON THE CRUSHING
DEFEAT, BUT IT WAS CLEAR THAT
HIS LONG POLITICAL CAREER WAS

DEFEAT, BUT IT WAS CLEAR THAT
HIS LONG POLITICAL CAREER WAS
OVER.

HIS LONG POLITICAL CAREER WAS
OVER.
IN DECEMBER, HE ATTENDED A

OVER.
IN DECEMBER, HE ATTENDED A
BANQUET AT THE LOTOS CLUB IN NEW

IN DECEMBER, HE ATTENDED A
BANQUET AT THE LOTOS CLUB IN NEW
YORK, WHERE, FOR THE FIRST TIME

BANQUET AT THE LOTOS CLUB IN NEW
YORK, WHERE, FOR THE FIRST TIME
IN YEARS, HE WAS NOT THE GUEST

YORK, WHERE, FOR THE FIRST TIME
IN YEARS, HE WAS NOT THE GUEST
OF HONOR.

IN YEARS, HE WAS NOT THE GUEST
OF HONOR.
WATCHING THE NEW GOVERNOR-ELECT,

OF HONOR.
WATCHING THE NEW GOVERNOR-ELECT,
FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT, BASKING IN

WATCHING THE NEW GOVERNOR-ELECT,
FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT, BASKING IN
THE SPOTLIGHT, THE REALITY OF

FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT, BASKING IN
THE SPOTLIGHT, THE REALITY OF
THE DISASTER BEGAN TO SETTLE

THE SPOTLIGHT, THE REALITY OF
THE DISASTER BEGAN TO SETTLE
OVER HIM.

THE DISASTER BEGAN TO SETTLE
OVER HIM.
AS THE BANQUET WORE ON, SMITH

OVER HIM.
AS THE BANQUET WORE ON, SMITH
SLIPPED OUT OF THE HALL AND DOWN

AS THE BANQUET WORE ON, SMITH
SLIPPED OUT OF THE HALL AND DOWN
TO THE MEN'S ROOM WITH HIS CLOSE

SLIPPED OUT OF THE HALL AND DOWN
TO THE MEN'S ROOM WITH HIS CLOSE
FRIEND, EDDIE DOWLING, A

TO THE MEN'S ROOM WITH HIS CLOSE
FRIEND, EDDIE DOWLING, A
PROMINENT BROADWAY PRODUCER.

FRIEND, EDDIE DOWLING, A
PROMINENT BROADWAY PRODUCER.
WASHING HIS HANDS BEFORE THE

PROMINENT BROADWAY PRODUCER.
WASHING HIS HANDS BEFORE THE
GLEAMING MARBLED MIRROR, DOWLING

WASHING HIS HANDS BEFORE THE
GLEAMING MARBLED MIRROR, DOWLING
REMEMBERED, SMITH WORRIED ALOUD

GLEAMING MARBLED MIRROR, DOWLING
REMEMBERED, SMITH WORRIED ALOUD
ABOUT THE BLEAKNESS OF HIS

REMEMBERED, SMITH WORRIED ALOUD
ABOUT THE BLEAKNESS OF HIS
PROSPECTS, WHEN A SOFT VOICE

ABOUT THE BLEAKNESS OF HIS
PROSPECTS, WHEN A SOFT VOICE
SPOKE UP BEHIND THEM.

PROSPECTS, WHEN A SOFT VOICE
SPOKE UP BEHIND THEM.
UNBEKNOWNST TO THE TWO MEN, JOHN

SPOKE UP BEHIND THEM.
UNBEKNOWNST TO THE TWO MEN, JOHN
JACOB RASKOB HAD SILENTLY

UNBEKNOWNST TO THE TWO MEN, JOHN
JACOB RASKOB HAD SILENTLY
FOLLOWED THE TWO MEN IN, AND NOW

JACOB RASKOB HAD SILENTLY
FOLLOWED THE TWO MEN IN, AND NOW
STOOD LISTENING INTENTLY TO

FOLLOWED THE TWO MEN IN, AND NOW
STOOD LISTENING INTENTLY TO
SMITH'S LAMENT.

STOOD LISTENING INTENTLY TO
SMITH'S LAMENT.
"DON'T WORRY, AL," THE FINANCIER

SMITH'S LAMENT.
"DON'T WORRY, AL," THE FINANCIER
NOW SAID.

"DON'T WORRY, AL," THE FINANCIER
NOW SAID.
"I'M GOING TO BUILD A NEW

NOW SAID.
"I'M GOING TO BUILD A NEW
SKYSCRAPER, THE BIGGEST IN THE

"I'M GOING TO BUILD A NEW
SKYSCRAPER, THE BIGGEST IN THE
WORLD, AND YOU'RE GOING TO BE

SKYSCRAPER, THE BIGGEST IN THE
WORLD, AND YOU'RE GOING TO BE
THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMPANY."

WORLD, AND YOU'RE GOING TO BE
THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMPANY."
Narrator: THE TWO DIZZYING

THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMPANY."
Narrator: THE TWO DIZZYING
DRAMAS THAT BROUGHT THE 1920s TO

Narrator: THE TWO DIZZYING
DRAMAS THAT BROUGHT THE 1920s TO
A CLOSE... THE STOCK MARKET RISE

DRAMAS THAT BROUGHT THE 1920s TO
A CLOSE... THE STOCK MARKET RISE
AND THE GREAT SKYSCRAPER WARS...

A CLOSE... THE STOCK MARKET RISE
AND THE GREAT SKYSCRAPER WARS...
WOULD BE LIKE NOTHING EVER SEEN

AND THE GREAT SKYSCRAPER WARS...
WOULD BE LIKE NOTHING EVER SEEN
BEFORE IN NEW YORK, AND, IN THE

WOULD BE LIKE NOTHING EVER SEEN
BEFORE IN NEW YORK, AND, IN THE
END, JOHN JACOB RASKOB WOULD

BEFORE IN NEW YORK, AND, IN THE
END, JOHN JACOB RASKOB WOULD
HAVE A HAND IN BOTH.

END, JOHN JACOB RASKOB WOULD
HAVE A HAND IN BOTH.
FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS, THE STOCK

HAVE A HAND IN BOTH.
FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS, THE STOCK
MARKET HAD BEEN SPIRALING

FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS, THE STOCK
MARKET HAD BEEN SPIRALING
UPWARD, SHATTERING RECORDS MONTH

MARKET HAD BEEN SPIRALING
UPWARD, SHATTERING RECORDS MONTH
BY MONTH.

UPWARD, SHATTERING RECORDS MONTH
BY MONTH.
ONLY A FEW YEARS BEFORE,

BY MONTH.
ONLY A FEW YEARS BEFORE,
ANALYSTS HAD BEEN STUNNED WHEN

ONLY A FEW YEARS BEFORE,
ANALYSTS HAD BEEN STUNNED WHEN
FOR THE FIRST TIME, TWO MILLION

ANALYSTS HAD BEEN STUNNED WHEN
FOR THE FIRST TIME, TWO MILLION
SHARES HAD BEEN TRADED IN A

FOR THE FIRST TIME, TWO MILLION
SHARES HAD BEEN TRADED IN A
SINGLE DAY.

SHARES HAD BEEN TRADED IN A
SINGLE DAY.
NOW FIVE MILLION-SHARE DAYS HAD

SINGLE DAY.
NOW FIVE MILLION-SHARE DAYS HAD
BECOME ROUTINE.

NOW FIVE MILLION-SHARE DAYS HAD
BECOME ROUTINE.
HERBERT HOOVER'S LANDSLIDE HAD

BECOME ROUTINE.
HERBERT HOOVER'S LANDSLIDE HAD
TRIGGERED A BUYING SPREE THAT

HERBERT HOOVER'S LANDSLIDE HAD
TRIGGERED A BUYING SPREE THAT
TOPPED SEVEN MILLION, AND

TRIGGERED A BUYING SPREE THAT
TOPPED SEVEN MILLION, AND
BROKERS ON THE NEW YORK STOCK

TOPPED SEVEN MILLION, AND
BROKERS ON THE NEW YORK STOCK
EXCHANGE OFTEN FELL TO THE FLOOR

BROKERS ON THE NEW YORK STOCK
EXCHANGE OFTEN FELL TO THE FLOOR
IN EXHAUSTION FOLLOWING THE 3:00

EXCHANGE OFTEN FELL TO THE FLOOR
IN EXHAUSTION FOLLOWING THE 3:00
GONG.

IN EXHAUSTION FOLLOWING THE 3:00
GONG.
Wallace: BY THE END OF THE

GONG.
Wallace: BY THE END OF THE
'20s, YOU HAD A STANDARD

Wallace: BY THE END OF THE
'20s, YOU HAD A STANDARD
PHENOMENON, CYCLICAL PHENOMENON,

'20s, YOU HAD A STANDARD
PHENOMENON, CYCLICAL PHENOMENON,
OF THE BUSINESS CYCLE, WHICH IS

PHENOMENON, CYCLICAL PHENOMENON,
OF THE BUSINESS CYCLE, WHICH IS
AT THE BEGINNING OF A BOOM,

OF THE BUSINESS CYCLE, WHICH IS
AT THE BEGINNING OF A BOOM,
CAPITAL GOES INTO THE PRODUCTION

AT THE BEGINNING OF A BOOM,
CAPITAL GOES INTO THE PRODUCTION
OF COMMODITIES; THE COMMODITIES

CAPITAL GOES INTO THE PRODUCTION
OF COMMODITIES; THE COMMODITIES
ARE SOLD; YOU REAP YOUR PROFITS,

OF COMMODITIES; THE COMMODITIES
ARE SOLD; YOU REAP YOUR PROFITS,
AND YOU PILE THEM BACK INTO MORE

ARE SOLD; YOU REAP YOUR PROFITS,
AND YOU PILE THEM BACK INTO MORE
PRODUCTION.

AND YOU PILE THEM BACK INTO MORE
PRODUCTION.
BY THE END OF THE '20s, YOU WERE

PRODUCTION.
BY THE END OF THE '20s, YOU WERE
RUNNING INTO TROUBLE.

BY THE END OF THE '20s, YOU WERE
RUNNING INTO TROUBLE.
AUTOMOBILE SALES, FOR INSTANCE,

RUNNING INTO TROUBLE.
AUTOMOBILE SALES, FOR INSTANCE,
HAD PEAKED BY 1926, 1927.

AUTOMOBILE SALES, FOR INSTANCE,
HAD PEAKED BY 1926, 1927.
INCREASINGLY, IT MADE LESS SENSE

HAD PEAKED BY 1926, 1927.
INCREASINGLY, IT MADE LESS SENSE
TO CONTINUE TO POUR MONEY INTO

INCREASINGLY, IT MADE LESS SENSE
TO CONTINUE TO POUR MONEY INTO
THE PRODUCTION OF COMMODITIES,

TO CONTINUE TO POUR MONEY INTO
THE PRODUCTION OF COMMODITIES,
AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS, USUALLY

THE PRODUCTION OF COMMODITIES,
AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS, USUALLY
CAPITAL GOES IN TWO DIRECTIONS...

AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS, USUALLY
CAPITAL GOES IN TWO DIRECTIONS...
ONE, PAPER SPECULATION, AND

CAPITAL GOES IN TWO DIRECTIONS...
ONE, PAPER SPECULATION, AND
INDEED IT FUELED THIS TREMENDOUS

ONE, PAPER SPECULATION, AND
INDEED IT FUELED THIS TREMENDOUS
SURGE OF SPECULATION, DRIVING UP

INDEED IT FUELED THIS TREMENDOUS
SURGE OF SPECULATION, DRIVING UP
STOCK PRICES ON THE MARKET IN

SURGE OF SPECULATION, DRIVING UP
STOCK PRICES ON THE MARKET IN
THE END OF THE '20s; AND REAL

STOCK PRICES ON THE MARKET IN
THE END OF THE '20s; AND REAL
ESTATE, AND YOU GET A SURGE OF

THE END OF THE '20s; AND REAL
ESTATE, AND YOU GET A SURGE OF
CAPITAL INTO FAR MORE OFFICE

ESTATE, AND YOU GET A SURGE OF
CAPITAL INTO FAR MORE OFFICE
SPACE THAN IN FACT IS WARRANTED

CAPITAL INTO FAR MORE OFFICE
SPACE THAN IN FACT IS WARRANTED
BY ANY RATIONAL CALCULATION OF

SPACE THAN IN FACT IS WARRANTED
BY ANY RATIONAL CALCULATION OF
EXPANDING BUSINESSES.

BY ANY RATIONAL CALCULATION OF
EXPANDING BUSINESSES.
BUT ONCE YOU START ON THAT

EXPANDING BUSINESSES.
BUT ONCE YOU START ON THAT
DYNAMIC, IT'S IN FACT ALMOST

BUT ONCE YOU START ON THAT
DYNAMIC, IT'S IN FACT ALMOST
IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP.

DYNAMIC, IT'S IN FACT ALMOST
IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP.
Narrator: BY 1929, A CULTURE

IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP.
Narrator: BY 1929, A CULTURE
OF PURE SPECULATION HAD TAKEN

Narrator: BY 1929, A CULTURE
OF PURE SPECULATION HAD TAKEN
HOLD IN NEW YORK.

OF PURE SPECULATION HAD TAKEN
HOLD IN NEW YORK.
IN THE AUGUST ISSUE OF THE

HOLD IN NEW YORK.
IN THE AUGUST ISSUE OF THE
LADIES' HOME JOURNAL, JOHN

IN THE AUGUST ISSUE OF THE
LADIES' HOME JOURNAL, JOHN
JACOB RASKOB UNVEILED A

LADIES' HOME JOURNAL, JOHN
JACOB RASKOB UNVEILED A
STARTLING NEW INVESTMENT SCHEME,

JACOB RASKOB UNVEILED A
STARTLING NEW INVESTMENT SCHEME,
BASED ON THE STUNNING

STARTLING NEW INVESTMENT SCHEME,
BASED ON THE STUNNING
PROPOSITION THAT EVERYONE OUGHT

BASED ON THE STUNNING
PROPOSITION THAT EVERYONE OUGHT
TO BE RICH.

PROPOSITION THAT EVERYONE OUGHT
TO BE RICH.
THE TRICK WAS SIMPLE.

TO BE RICH.
THE TRICK WAS SIMPLE.
JUST AS PEOPLE OF MODEST MEANS

THE TRICK WAS SIMPLE.
JUST AS PEOPLE OF MODEST MEANS
COULD NOW BUY CARS ON CREDIT, SO

JUST AS PEOPLE OF MODEST MEANS
COULD NOW BUY CARS ON CREDIT, SO
EVEN THE SMALLEST INVESTORS

COULD NOW BUY CARS ON CREDIT, SO
EVEN THE SMALLEST INVESTORS
SHOULD BE ABLE TO BUY STOCKS ON

EVEN THE SMALLEST INVESTORS
SHOULD BE ABLE TO BUY STOCKS ON
CREDIT, USING MONEY THAT WALL

SHOULD BE ABLE TO BUY STOCKS ON
CREDIT, USING MONEY THAT WALL
STREET BANKERS WOULD LEND THEM.

CREDIT, USING MONEY THAT WALL
STREET BANKERS WOULD LEND THEM.
IF STOCK PRICES FELL, OF COURSE,

STREET BANKERS WOULD LEND THEM.
IF STOCK PRICES FELL, OF COURSE,
THE INVESTOR WOULD BE RUINED.

IF STOCK PRICES FELL, OF COURSE,
THE INVESTOR WOULD BE RUINED.
BUT THAT, RASKOB ARGUED, WAS NO

THE INVESTOR WOULD BE RUINED.
BUT THAT, RASKOB ARGUED, WAS NO
LONGER A REAL POSSIBILITY.

BUT THAT, RASKOB ARGUED, WAS NO
LONGER A REAL POSSIBILITY.
Reader: "IN MY OPINION, THE

LONGER A REAL POSSIBILITY.
Reader: "IN MY OPINION, THE
WEALTH OF THE COUNTRY IS BOUND

Reader: "IN MY OPINION, THE
WEALTH OF THE COUNTRY IS BOUND
TO INCREASE AT A VERY RAPID

WEALTH OF THE COUNTRY IS BOUND
TO INCREASE AT A VERY RAPID
RATE.

TO INCREASE AT A VERY RAPID
RATE.
THE RAPIDITY OF THE RATE WILL BE

RATE.
THE RAPIDITY OF THE RATE WILL BE
DETERMINED BY THE INCREASE OF

THE RAPIDITY OF THE RATE WILL BE
DETERMINED BY THE INCREASE OF
CONSUMPTION, AND UNDER WISE

DETERMINED BY THE INCREASE OF
CONSUMPTION, AND UNDER WISE
INVESTMENT PLANS, THE

CONSUMPTION, AND UNDER WISE
INVESTMENT PLANS, THE
CONSUMPTION WILL STEADILY

INVESTMENT PLANS, THE
CONSUMPTION WILL STEADILY
INCREASE."

CONSUMPTION WILL STEADILY
INCREASE."
JOHN JACOB RASKOB.

INCREASE."
JOHN JACOB RASKOB.
Narrator: BY THE END OF

JOHN JACOB RASKOB.
Narrator: BY THE END OF
AUGUST, BROKERS WERE ROUTINELY

Narrator: BY THE END OF
AUGUST, BROKERS WERE ROUTINELY
LENDING SMALL INVESTORS MORE

AUGUST, BROKERS WERE ROUTINELY
LENDING SMALL INVESTORS MORE
THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THE FACE

LENDING SMALL INVESTORS MORE
THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THE FACE
VALUE OF THE STOCKS THEY WERE

THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THE FACE
VALUE OF THE STOCKS THEY WERE
BUYING.

VALUE OF THE STOCKS THEY WERE
BUYING.
OVER $8.5 BILLION WAS ALREADY

BUYING.
OVER $8.5 BILLION WAS ALREADY
OUT ON LOAN, MORE THAN THE

OVER $8.5 BILLION WAS ALREADY
OUT ON LOAN, MORE THAN THE
ENTIRE AMOUNT OF CURRENCY

OUT ON LOAN, MORE THAN THE
ENTIRE AMOUNT OF CURRENCY
CIRCULATING THROUGH THE ENTIRE

ENTIRE AMOUNT OF CURRENCY
CIRCULATING THROUGH THE ENTIRE
UNITED STATES.

CIRCULATING THROUGH THE ENTIRE
UNITED STATES.
THE SKYLINE, MEANWHILE, WAS

UNITED STATES.
THE SKYLINE, MEANWHILE, WAS
SOARING TO EVEN MORE DIZZYING

THE SKYLINE, MEANWHILE, WAS
SOARING TO EVEN MORE DIZZYING
HEIGHTS.

SOARING TO EVEN MORE DIZZYING
HEIGHTS.
FOR 16 YEARS, THE 60-STORY

HEIGHTS.
FOR 16 YEARS, THE 60-STORY
WOOLWORTH BUILDING HAD REIGNED

FOR 16 YEARS, THE 60-STORY
WOOLWORTH BUILDING HAD REIGNED
SUPREME AS THE TALLEST BUILDING

WOOLWORTH BUILDING HAD REIGNED
SUPREME AS THE TALLEST BUILDING
IN THE WORLD.

SUPREME AS THE TALLEST BUILDING
IN THE WORLD.
NOW THE RACE WAS ON TO TOP IT,

IN THE WORLD.
NOW THE RACE WAS ON TO TOP IT,
AND EVERYONE SEEMED TO BE

NOW THE RACE WAS ON TO TOP IT,
AND EVERYONE SEEMED TO BE
BREATHING THE SAME THIN, COLD,

AND EVERYONE SEEMED TO BE
BREATHING THE SAME THIN, COLD,
INTOXICATING AIR.

BREATHING THE SAME THIN, COLD,
INTOXICATING AIR.
"THE HEIGHT OF A BUILDING IS

INTOXICATING AIR.
"THE HEIGHT OF A BUILDING IS
NOTHING AT ALL," THE ARCHITECT

"THE HEIGHT OF A BUILDING IS
NOTHING AT ALL," THE ARCHITECT
RAYMOND HOOD DECLARED, INSISTING

NOTHING AT ALL," THE ARCHITECT
RAYMOND HOOD DECLARED, INSISTING
IT WAS NOW POSSIBLE TO SEND

RAYMOND HOOD DECLARED, INSISTING
IT WAS NOW POSSIBLE TO SEND
TOWERS SOARING A MILE AND A HALF

IT WAS NOW POSSIBLE TO SEND
TOWERS SOARING A MILE AND A HALF
INTO THE SKY.

TOWERS SOARING A MILE AND A HALF
INTO THE SKY.
"THE ELEVATOR COMPANIES ARE

INTO THE SKY.
"THE ELEVATOR COMPANIES ARE
READY," HE SAID.

"THE ELEVATOR COMPANIES ARE
READY," HE SAID.
IN THE SPRING OF 1929, THE RACE

READY," HE SAID.
IN THE SPRING OF 1929, THE RACE
INTO THE SKIES REACHED FEVER

IN THE SPRING OF 1929, THE RACE
INTO THE SKIES REACHED FEVER
PITCH, WHEN THE AUTOMOBILE

INTO THE SKIES REACHED FEVER
PITCH, WHEN THE AUTOMOBILE
MAGNATE WALTER CHRYSLER UNVEILED

PITCH, WHEN THE AUTOMOBILE
MAGNATE WALTER CHRYSLER UNVEILED
PLANS FOR A MASSIVE NEW

MAGNATE WALTER CHRYSLER UNVEILED
PLANS FOR A MASSIVE NEW
SKYSCRAPER AT THE CORNER OF 42nd

PLANS FOR A MASSIVE NEW
SKYSCRAPER AT THE CORNER OF 42nd
STREET AND LEXINGTON AVENUE,

SKYSCRAPER AT THE CORNER OF 42nd
STREET AND LEXINGTON AVENUE,
WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO THE

STREET AND LEXINGTON AVENUE,
WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO THE
ARCHITECT, WILLIAM VAN ALEN, TO

WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO THE
ARCHITECT, WILLIAM VAN ALEN, TO
MAKE IT THE TALLEST IN THE

ARCHITECT, WILLIAM VAN ALEN, TO
MAKE IT THE TALLEST IN THE
WORLD.

MAKE IT THE TALLEST IN THE
WORLD.
VAN ALEN HAD SCARCELY BROKEN

WORLD.
VAN ALEN HAD SCARCELY BROKEN
GROUND WHEN HIS ONETIME PARTNER

VAN ALEN HAD SCARCELY BROKEN
GROUND WHEN HIS ONETIME PARTNER
AND NOW BITTER ENEMY H. CRAIG

GROUND WHEN HIS ONETIME PARTNER
AND NOW BITTER ENEMY H. CRAIG
SEVERANCE SET TO WORK ON A RIVAL

AND NOW BITTER ENEMY H. CRAIG
SEVERANCE SET TO WORK ON A RIVAL
STRUCTURE 80 BLOCKS TO THE

SEVERANCE SET TO WORK ON A RIVAL
STRUCTURE 80 BLOCKS TO THE
SOUTH, FOR THE BANK OF THE

STRUCTURE 80 BLOCKS TO THE
SOUTH, FOR THE BANK OF THE
MANHATTAN COMPANY ON WALL

SOUTH, FOR THE BANK OF THE
MANHATTAN COMPANY ON WALL
STREET, AND THE RACE WAS ON.

MANHATTAN COMPANY ON WALL
STREET, AND THE RACE WAS ON.
MONTH AFTER MONTH, THE TWO

STREET, AND THE RACE WAS ON.
MONTH AFTER MONTH, THE TWO
BUILDERS VIED FOR PREEMINENCE,

MONTH AFTER MONTH, THE TWO
BUILDERS VIED FOR PREEMINENCE,
EACH ALTERING HIS PLANS AGAIN

BUILDERS VIED FOR PREEMINENCE,
EACH ALTERING HIS PLANS AGAIN
AND AGAIN, IN MID-CONSTRUCTION,

EACH ALTERING HIS PLANS AGAIN
AND AGAIN, IN MID-CONSTRUCTION,
TO STAY AHEAD OF THE OTHER.

AND AGAIN, IN MID-CONSTRUCTION,
TO STAY AHEAD OF THE OTHER.
ON CLEAR DAYS, WORKERS IN EACH

TO STAY AHEAD OF THE OTHER.
ON CLEAR DAYS, WORKERS IN EACH
OF THE TWO TALL TOWERS COULD

ON CLEAR DAYS, WORKERS IN EACH
OF THE TWO TALL TOWERS COULD
TRACK THE PROGRESS OF THEIR

OF THE TWO TALL TOWERS COULD
TRACK THE PROGRESS OF THEIR
RIVALS FOUR MILES AWAY.

TRACK THE PROGRESS OF THEIR
RIVALS FOUR MILES AWAY.
WHEN THE BANK OF THE MANHATTAN

RIVALS FOUR MILES AWAY.
WHEN THE BANK OF THE MANHATTAN
COMPANY FINALLY TOPPED OUT IN

WHEN THE BANK OF THE MANHATTAN
COMPANY FINALLY TOPPED OUT IN
THE FALL OF 1929, MOST WERE SURE

COMPANY FINALLY TOPPED OUT IN
THE FALL OF 1929, MOST WERE SURE
IT HAD WON THE WAR.

THE FALL OF 1929, MOST WERE SURE
IT HAD WON THE WAR.
SEVERANCE HAD ADDED FIRST A

IT HAD WON THE WAR.
SEVERANCE HAD ADDED FIRST A
LANTERN, THEN TEN NEW PENTHOUSE

SEVERANCE HAD ADDED FIRST A
LANTERN, THEN TEN NEW PENTHOUSE
FLOORS, AND FINALLY A 50-FOOT

LANTERN, THEN TEN NEW PENTHOUSE
FLOORS, AND FINALLY A 50-FOOT
FLAGPOLE, TO BEAT OUT HIS RIVAL

FLOORS, AND FINALLY A 50-FOOT
FLAGPOLE, TO BEAT OUT HIS RIVAL
ONCE AND FOR ALL.

FLAGPOLE, TO BEAT OUT HIS RIVAL
ONCE AND FOR ALL.
BUT THE CHRYSLER BUILDING HAD

ONCE AND FOR ALL.
BUT THE CHRYSLER BUILDING HAD
ONE MORE TRICK UP ITS SLEEVE.

Robert A.M. Stern: SEVERANCE
IS THINKING HIS BUILDING IS THE

IS THINKING HIS BUILDING IS THE
TALLEST, AND VAN ALEN BUILDS A

TALLEST, AND VAN ALEN BUILDS A
STEEL, OR MONEL, SPIKE.

STEEL, OR MONEL, SPIKE.
MONEL WAS A KIND OF EARLY FORM

MONEL WAS A KIND OF EARLY FORM
OF STAINLESS STEEL.
A SPIKE IS CREATED IN THE TOP OF

A SPIKE IS CREATED IN THE TOP OF
THE BUILDING, AND THEN, AT THE
LAST MINUTE, IT'S LITERALLY

THE BUILDING, AND THEN, AT THE
LAST MINUTE, IT'S LITERALLY
PUSHED UP TO CREATE THE CROWNING

LAST MINUTE, IT'S LITERALLY
PUSHED UP TO CREATE THE CROWNING
FEATURE AT THE TOP OF THE

PUSHED UP TO CREATE THE CROWNING
FEATURE AT THE TOP OF THE
BUILDING, TALLER THAN HIS FORMER

FEATURE AT THE TOP OF THE
BUILDING, TALLER THAN HIS FORMER
PARTNER.

BUILDING, TALLER THAN HIS FORMER
PARTNER.
Narrator: ON OCTOBER 16,

PARTNER.
Narrator: ON OCTOBER 16,
1929, THE 185-FOOT-LONG SPIRE,

Narrator: ON OCTOBER 16,
1929, THE 185-FOOT-LONG SPIRE,
ASSEMBLED IN SECRET IN THE

1929, THE 185-FOOT-LONG SPIRE,
ASSEMBLED IN SECRET IN THE
BUILDING'S TOWER, EMERGED FROM

ASSEMBLED IN SECRET IN THE
BUILDING'S TOWER, EMERGED FROM
ITS CHROME COCOON, AND WAS

BUILDING'S TOWER, EMERGED FROM
ITS CHROME COCOON, AND WAS
BOLTED TRIUMPHANTLY INTO PLACE.

ITS CHROME COCOON, AND WAS
BOLTED TRIUMPHANTLY INTO PLACE.
THE GLEAMING, SILVERY SPIKE

BOLTED TRIUMPHANTLY INTO PLACE.
THE GLEAMING, SILVERY SPIKE
RAISED THE CHRYSLER BUILDING

THE GLEAMING, SILVERY SPIKE
RAISED THE CHRYSLER BUILDING
OVERALL HEIGHT TO 1,048 FEET,

RAISED THE CHRYSLER BUILDING
OVERALL HEIGHT TO 1,048 FEET,
121 FEET TALLER THAN ITS

OVERALL HEIGHT TO 1,048 FEET,
121 FEET TALLER THAN ITS
DOWNTOWN RIVAL.

121 FEET TALLER THAN ITS
DOWNTOWN RIVAL.
WITH ITS GOTHIC EAVES, HUBCAP

DOWNTOWN RIVAL.
WITH ITS GOTHIC EAVES, HUBCAP
FRIEZES, AND STAINLESS STEEL

WITH ITS GOTHIC EAVES, HUBCAP
FRIEZES, AND STAINLESS STEEL
GARGOYLES SHAPED LIKE THE HOOD

FRIEZES, AND STAINLESS STEEL
GARGOYLES SHAPED LIKE THE HOOD
ORNAMENTS OF A 1929 CHRYSLER,

GARGOYLES SHAPED LIKE THE HOOD
ORNAMENTS OF A 1929 CHRYSLER,
THE MAJESTIC 77-STORY TOWER WAS

ORNAMENTS OF A 1929 CHRYSLER,
THE MAJESTIC 77-STORY TOWER WAS
NOW TALLER THAN THE WOOLWORTH

THE MAJESTIC 77-STORY TOWER WAS
NOW TALLER THAN THE WOOLWORTH
BUILDING, TALLER THAN THE BANK

NOW TALLER THAN THE WOOLWORTH
BUILDING, TALLER THAN THE BANK
OF THE MANHATTAN COMPANY, TALLER

BUILDING, TALLER THAN THE BANK
OF THE MANHATTAN COMPANY, TALLER
THAN THE EIFFEL TOWER...

OF THE MANHATTAN COMPANY, TALLER
THAN THE EIFFEL TOWER...
INDISPUTABLY THE TALLEST

THAN THE EIFFEL TOWER...
INDISPUTABLY THE TALLEST
STRUCTURE IN THE WORLD, FOR NOW.

INDISPUTABLY THE TALLEST
STRUCTURE IN THE WORLD, FOR NOW.
WITHIN WEEKS OF THE CHRYSLER

STRUCTURE IN THE WORLD, FOR NOW.
WITHIN WEEKS OF THE CHRYSLER
BUILDING'S TRIUMPH THAT FALL,

WITHIN WEEKS OF THE CHRYSLER
BUILDING'S TRIUMPH THAT FALL,
TWO AWESOME EVENTS WOULD

BUILDING'S TRIUMPH THAT FALL,
TWO AWESOME EVENTS WOULD
OVERTAKE NEW YORK CITY AT

TWO AWESOME EVENTS WOULD
OVERTAKE NEW YORK CITY AT
VIRTUALLY THE SAME TIME.

OVERTAKE NEW YORK CITY AT
VIRTUALLY THE SAME TIME.
THE FIRST WOULD SEND IT PLUNGING

VIRTUALLY THE SAME TIME.
THE FIRST WOULD SEND IT PLUNGING
INTO THE DEEPEST AND DARKEST

THE FIRST WOULD SEND IT PLUNGING
INTO THE DEEPEST AND DARKEST
ABYSS OF ITS TUMULTUOUS HISTORY,

INTO THE DEEPEST AND DARKEST
ABYSS OF ITS TUMULTUOUS HISTORY,
AND BRING THE GIDDY DECADE OF

ABYSS OF ITS TUMULTUOUS HISTORY,
AND BRING THE GIDDY DECADE OF
SPECULATION TO A SWIFT AND

AND BRING THE GIDDY DECADE OF
SPECULATION TO A SWIFT AND
HORRIFYING END.

SPECULATION TO A SWIFT AND
HORRIFYING END.
THE OTHER WOULD SEND IT SOARING,

HORRIFYING END.
THE OTHER WOULD SEND IT SOARING,
AGAINST ALL ODDS, HIGHER THAN IT

THE OTHER WOULD SEND IT SOARING,
AGAINST ALL ODDS, HIGHER THAN IT
HAD EVER GONE BEFORE, AN ENSIGN

AGAINST ALL ODDS, HIGHER THAN IT
HAD EVER GONE BEFORE, AN ENSIGN
IN THE SKY THAT WOULD

HAD EVER GONE BEFORE, AN ENSIGN
IN THE SKY THAT WOULD
COMMEMORATE, PERHAPS FOR ALL

IN THE SKY THAT WOULD
COMMEMORATE, PERHAPS FOR ALL
TIME, THE CITY'S INSATIABLE WILL

COMMEMORATE, PERHAPS FOR ALL
TIME, THE CITY'S INSATIABLE WILL
TO RISE.

Douglas: THAT SENSE OF THERE
IS NO LIMIT AND THAT ALL THIS

IS NO LIMIT AND THAT ALL THIS
EXPANSION, THIS EXCESS, THIS

EXPANSION, THIS EXCESS, THIS
ELAN... "WE'RE NOT REALLY GOING

ELAN... "WE'RE NOT REALLY GOING
TO HAVE TO PAY FOR IT."

TO HAVE TO PAY FOR IT."
NOW, OF COURSE, THAT DIDN'T TURN

NOW, OF COURSE, THAT DIDN'T TURN
OUT TO BE TRUE.
YOU COULD SEE "THE CRASH."

YOU COULD SEE "THE CRASH."
WHY DO YOU THINK THEY CALLED IT
THE CRASH?

WHY DO YOU THINK THEY CALLED IT
THE CRASH?
I MEAN, IT'S REALLY AN AIRBORNE

THE CRASH?
I MEAN, IT'S REALLY AN AIRBORNE
COLLAPSE METAPHOR.

I MEAN, IT'S REALLY AN AIRBORNE
COLLAPSE METAPHOR.
YOU CAN'T CRASH IF YOU'VE NEVER

COLLAPSE METAPHOR.
YOU CAN'T CRASH IF YOU'VE NEVER
LEFT THE GROUND.

YOU CAN'T CRASH IF YOU'VE NEVER
LEFT THE GROUND.
AND IT'S NOT LIKE A CRACK-UP

LEFT THE GROUND.
AND IT'S NOT LIKE A CRACK-UP
WHERE YOU'RE ON THE GROUND AND

AND IT'S NOT LIKE A CRACK-UP
WHERE YOU'RE ON THE GROUND AND
YOU COLLIDE INTO SOMETHING ELSE.

WHERE YOU'RE ON THE GROUND AND
YOU COLLIDE INTO SOMETHING ELSE.
RATHER IT'S, YOU KNOW, THE PLANE

YOU COLLIDE INTO SOMETHING ELSE.
RATHER IT'S, YOU KNOW, THE PLANE
FELL.

Gordon: THE '20s HAD BEEN SO
PROSPEROUS IN SO MANY PLACES...

PROSPEROUS IN SO MANY PLACES...
NOT IN THE COUNTRYSIDE; THE

NOT IN THE COUNTRYSIDE; THE
FARMING INDUSTRY WAS IN VERY BAD

FARMING INDUSTRY WAS IN VERY BAD
SHAPE IN THE 1920s... BUT

SHAPE IN THE 1920s... BUT
CERTAINLY IN THE CITIES, IT WAS

CERTAINLY IN THE CITIES, IT WAS
VERY PROSPEROUS.
PEOPLE WERE MAKING FORTUNES ON

PEOPLE WERE MAKING FORTUNES ON
THE STOCK MARKET, AND THEN, ALL
OF A SUDDEN, POOF, IT WENT.

THE STOCK MARKET, AND THEN, ALL
OF A SUDDEN, POOF, IT WENT.
I MEAN, PEOPLE... ECONOMISTS,

OF A SUDDEN, POOF, IT WENT.
I MEAN, PEOPLE... ECONOMISTS,
VERY SERIOUS ECONOMISTS, HAD

I MEAN, PEOPLE... ECONOMISTS,
VERY SERIOUS ECONOMISTS, HAD
BEEN SAYING WE'D REACHED A NEW

VERY SERIOUS ECONOMISTS, HAD
BEEN SAYING WE'D REACHED A NEW
LEVEL, A NEW PLATEAU OF

BEEN SAYING WE'D REACHED A NEW
LEVEL, A NEW PLATEAU OF
PROSPERITY IN THIS COUNTRY, AND,

LEVEL, A NEW PLATEAU OF
PROSPERITY IN THIS COUNTRY, AND,
YOU KNOW, WE WERE NEVER GOING TO

PROSPERITY IN THIS COUNTRY, AND,
YOU KNOW, WE WERE NEVER GOING TO
GO BACK.

YOU KNOW, WE WERE NEVER GOING TO
GO BACK.
AND THEN THE CRASH HAPPENED.

GO BACK.
AND THEN THE CRASH HAPPENED.
Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE

AND THEN THE CRASH HAPPENED.
Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE
SUMMER OF 1929, THERE HAD BEEN

Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE
SUMMER OF 1929, THERE HAD BEEN
OMINOUS RUMBLINGS.

SUMMER OF 1929, THERE HAD BEEN
OMINOUS RUMBLINGS.
FOR MONTHS, UNEMPLOYMENT HAD

OMINOUS RUMBLINGS.
FOR MONTHS, UNEMPLOYMENT HAD
BEEN RISING.

FOR MONTHS, UNEMPLOYMENT HAD
BEEN RISING.
AUTOMOBILES SALES AND DEPARTMENT

BEEN RISING.
AUTOMOBILES SALES AND DEPARTMENT
STORE REVENUES HAD FALLEN OFF

AUTOMOBILES SALES AND DEPARTMENT
STORE REVENUES HAD FALLEN OFF
SHARPLY.

STORE REVENUES HAD FALLEN OFF
SHARPLY.
ACROSS THE SOUTH AND WEST, FARMS

SHARPLY.
ACROSS THE SOUTH AND WEST, FARMS
WERE FAILING IN RECORD NUMBERS.

ACROSS THE SOUTH AND WEST, FARMS
WERE FAILING IN RECORD NUMBERS.
AND STILL, ON WALL STREET, THE

WERE FAILING IN RECORD NUMBERS.
AND STILL, ON WALL STREET, THE
DELIRIOUS OPTIMISM CONTINUED,

AND STILL, ON WALL STREET, THE
DELIRIOUS OPTIMISM CONTINUED,
UNDIMMED.

DELIRIOUS OPTIMISM CONTINUED,
UNDIMMED.
ON AUGUST 27, 1929, THE DOW

UNDIMMED.
ON AUGUST 27, 1929, THE DOW
JONES AVERAGE REACHED ITS ALL-

ON AUGUST 27, 1929, THE DOW
JONES AVERAGE REACHED ITS ALL-
TIME PEAK, AS AN ARMY OF

JONES AVERAGE REACHED ITS ALL-
TIME PEAK, AS AN ARMY OF
FRENZIED BUYERS DESCENDED ON NEW

TIME PEAK, AS AN ARMY OF
FRENZIED BUYERS DESCENDED ON NEW
YORK, DESPERATE NOT TO MISS A

FRENZIED BUYERS DESCENDED ON NEW
YORK, DESPERATE NOT TO MISS A
SINGLE DAY'S TRADING, SWAMPING

YORK, DESPERATE NOT TO MISS A
SINGLE DAY'S TRADING, SWAMPING
THE HOTELS, CAMPING OUT ON THE

SINGLE DAY'S TRADING, SWAMPING
THE HOTELS, CAMPING OUT ON THE
STREET IN FRONT OF THE STOCK

THE HOTELS, CAMPING OUT ON THE
STREET IN FRONT OF THE STOCK
EXCHANGE AND IN THE TINY

STREET IN FRONT OF THE STOCK
EXCHANGE AND IN THE TINY
GRAVEYARD OF TRINITY CHURCH ON

EXCHANGE AND IN THE TINY
GRAVEYARD OF TRINITY CHURCH ON
BROADWAY, WHERE ALEXANDER

GRAVEYARD OF TRINITY CHURCH ON
BROADWAY, WHERE ALEXANDER
HAMILTON LAY BURIED.

BROADWAY, WHERE ALEXANDER
HAMILTON LAY BURIED.
Gordon: WHAT CAUSED THE CRASH

HAMILTON LAY BURIED.
Gordon: WHAT CAUSED THE CRASH
OF '29 WAS EXCESS SPECULATION.

Gordon: WHAT CAUSED THE CRASH
OF '29 WAS EXCESS SPECULATION.
WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS THAT THE

OF '29 WAS EXCESS SPECULATION.
WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS THAT THE
AMERICAN ECONOMY AS A WHOLE HAD

WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS THAT THE
AMERICAN ECONOMY AS A WHOLE HAD
BEGUN TO COOL STARTING IN 1928,

AMERICAN ECONOMY AS A WHOLE HAD
BEGUN TO COOL STARTING IN 1928,
AND THE WALL STREET ECONOMY

BEGUN TO COOL STARTING IN 1928,
AND THE WALL STREET ECONOMY
DISCONNECTED FROM THE UNDERLYING

AND THE WALL STREET ECONOMY
DISCONNECTED FROM THE UNDERLYING
REAL ECONOMY AND BECAME A

DISCONNECTED FROM THE UNDERLYING
REAL ECONOMY AND BECAME A
SPECULATIVE BUBBLE, AND THIS

REAL ECONOMY AND BECAME A
SPECULATIVE BUBBLE, AND THIS
FUELED THE SPECULATION THAT JUST

SPECULATIVE BUBBLE, AND THIS
FUELED THE SPECULATION THAT JUST
TOOK OFF AND TOOK OFF AND TOOK

FUELED THE SPECULATION THAT JUST
TOOK OFF AND TOOK OFF AND TOOK
OFF UNTIL, AGAIN, ONE DAY,

TOOK OFF AND TOOK OFF AND TOOK
OFF UNTIL, AGAIN, ONE DAY,
SOMEBODY WOKE UP AND SAID, "THIS

OFF UNTIL, AGAIN, ONE DAY,
SOMEBODY WOKE UP AND SAID, "THIS
HAS GONE TOO FAR."

SOMEBODY WOKE UP AND SAID, "THIS
HAS GONE TOO FAR."
THERE'S AN OLD STORY ABOUT

HAS GONE TOO FAR."
THERE'S AN OLD STORY ABOUT
BERNARD BARUCH, THAT HE HAD HIS

THERE'S AN OLD STORY ABOUT
BERNARD BARUCH, THAT HE HAD HIS
SHOES SHINED EVERY MORNING BY

BERNARD BARUCH, THAT HE HAD HIS
SHOES SHINED EVERY MORNING BY
THE SAME SHOESHINE BOY, AND ONE

SHOES SHINED EVERY MORNING BY
THE SAME SHOESHINE BOY, AND ONE
MORNING, THE SHOESHINE BOY GAVE

THE SAME SHOESHINE BOY, AND ONE
MORNING, THE SHOESHINE BOY GAVE
HIM A STOCK TIP, AND BARUCH WENT

MORNING, THE SHOESHINE BOY GAVE
HIM A STOCK TIP, AND BARUCH WENT
TO HIS OFFICE, CALLED UP HIS

HIM A STOCK TIP, AND BARUCH WENT
TO HIS OFFICE, CALLED UP HIS
BROKER, AND SAID, "SELL ME OUT.

TO HIS OFFICE, CALLED UP HIS
BROKER, AND SAID, "SELL ME OUT.
WHEN SHOESHINE BOYS ARE GIVING

BROKER, AND SAID, "SELL ME OUT.
WHEN SHOESHINE BOYS ARE GIVING
STOCK TIPS, IT'S TIME TO GET

WHEN SHOESHINE BOYS ARE GIVING
STOCK TIPS, IT'S TIME TO GET
OUT."

STOCK TIPS, IT'S TIME TO GET
OUT."
Narrator: AS SUMMER TURNED TO

OUT."
Narrator: AS SUMMER TURNED TO
FALL, THE MOOD CHANGED.

Narrator: AS SUMMER TURNED TO
FALL, THE MOOD CHANGED.
AS THE STOCK MARKET DIPPED, THEN

FALL, THE MOOD CHANGED.
AS THE STOCK MARKET DIPPED, THEN
ROSE, THEN LURCHED DOWNWARDS

AS THE STOCK MARKET DIPPED, THEN
ROSE, THEN LURCHED DOWNWARDS
AGAIN, INVESTORS GREW

ROSE, THEN LURCHED DOWNWARDS
AGAIN, INVESTORS GREW
INCREASINGLY UNEASY.

AGAIN, INVESTORS GREW
INCREASINGLY UNEASY.
IN SEPTEMBER, AN ECONOMIST NAMED

INCREASINGLY UNEASY.
IN SEPTEMBER, AN ECONOMIST NAMED
ROGER BABSON SENT A WAVE OF FEAR

IN SEPTEMBER, AN ECONOMIST NAMED
ROGER BABSON SENT A WAVE OF FEAR
RIPPLING THROUGH WALL STREET

ROGER BABSON SENT A WAVE OF FEAR
RIPPLING THROUGH WALL STREET
WHEN HE WARNED THAT "SOONER OR

RIPPLING THROUGH WALL STREET
WHEN HE WARNED THAT "SOONER OR
LATER, A CRASH IS COMING, AND IT

WHEN HE WARNED THAT "SOONER OR
LATER, A CRASH IS COMING, AND IT
MAY BE TERRIFIC."

LATER, A CRASH IS COMING, AND IT
MAY BE TERRIFIC."
BUT MOST EXPERTS BRUSHED AWAY

MAY BE TERRIFIC."
BUT MOST EXPERTS BRUSHED AWAY
ANY CONCERNS.

BUT MOST EXPERTS BRUSHED AWAY
ANY CONCERNS.
"STOCK PRICES," ONE MAN

ANY CONCERNS.
"STOCK PRICES," ONE MAN
DECLARED, "HAVE REACHED WHAT

"STOCK PRICES," ONE MAN
DECLARED, "HAVE REACHED WHAT
LOOKS LIKE A PERMANENTLY HIGH

DECLARED, "HAVE REACHED WHAT
LOOKS LIKE A PERMANENTLY HIGH
PLATEAU."

LOOKS LIKE A PERMANENTLY HIGH
PLATEAU."
AND THEN THE BOTTOM FELL OUT.

PLATEAU."
AND THEN THE BOTTOM FELL OUT.
ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1929,

AND THEN THE BOTTOM FELL OUT.
ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1929,
THE FIRST WAVES OF PANICKY

ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1929,
THE FIRST WAVES OF PANICKY
SELLING BEGAN TO DRIVE DOWN THE

THE FIRST WAVES OF PANICKY
SELLING BEGAN TO DRIVE DOWN THE
PRICE OF BLUE CHIP STOCKS LIKE

SELLING BEGAN TO DRIVE DOWN THE
PRICE OF BLUE CHIP STOCKS LIKE
WESTINGHOUSE AND GENERAL

PRICE OF BLUE CHIP STOCKS LIKE
WESTINGHOUSE AND GENERAL
ELECTRIC.

WESTINGHOUSE AND GENERAL
ELECTRIC.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, THE FEAR

ELECTRIC.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, THE FEAR
TURNED TO PANIC, AND BROKERS

THE FOLLOWING MORNING, THE FEAR
TURNED TO PANIC, AND BROKERS
BEGAN UNLOADING MARGIN ACCOUNTS

TURNED TO PANIC, AND BROKERS
BEGAN UNLOADING MARGIN ACCOUNTS
AT RECORD SPEED.

BEGAN UNLOADING MARGIN ACCOUNTS
AT RECORD SPEED.
STOCK PRICES PLUMMETED

AT RECORD SPEED.
STOCK PRICES PLUMMETED
SICKENINGLY, ACROSS THE BOARD,

STOCK PRICES PLUMMETED
SICKENINGLY, ACROSS THE BOARD,
SPURRING THE RUSH OF SELL ORDERS

SICKENINGLY, ACROSS THE BOARD,
SPURRING THE RUSH OF SELL ORDERS
FROM TERRIFIED SPECULATORS STILL

SPURRING THE RUSH OF SELL ORDERS
FROM TERRIFIED SPECULATORS STILL
MORE.

FROM TERRIFIED SPECULATORS STILL
MORE.
AS ANGUISHED SHRIEKS ROSE UP

MORE.
AS ANGUISHED SHRIEKS ROSE UP
FROM THE FLOOR OF THE NEW YORK

AS ANGUISHED SHRIEKS ROSE UP
FROM THE FLOOR OF THE NEW YORK
STOCK EXCHANGE, THE VISITORS'

FROM THE FLOOR OF THE NEW YORK
STOCK EXCHANGE, THE VISITORS'
GALLERY WAS CLEARED.

STOCK EXCHANGE, THE VISITORS'
GALLERY WAS CLEARED.
IN LESS THAN TWO HOURS, NEARLY

GALLERY WAS CLEARED.
IN LESS THAN TWO HOURS, NEARLY
$10 BILLION INVESTED IN STOCKS

IN LESS THAN TWO HOURS, NEARLY
$10 BILLION INVESTED IN STOCKS
WAS SIMPLY WIPED OUT.

$10 BILLION INVESTED IN STOCKS
WAS SIMPLY WIPED OUT.
OUTSIDE ON THE STREET, CROWDS

WAS SIMPLY WIPED OUT.
OUTSIDE ON THE STREET, CROWDS
MASSED SIX DEEP IN FRONT OF THE

OUTSIDE ON THE STREET, CROWDS
MASSED SIX DEEP IN FRONT OF THE
STOCK EXCHANGE, WHILE HUNDREDS

MASSED SIX DEEP IN FRONT OF THE
STOCK EXCHANGE, WHILE HUNDREDS
MORE STOOD IN SHOCKED SILENCE ON

STOCK EXCHANGE, WHILE HUNDREDS
MORE STOOD IN SHOCKED SILENCE ON
THE STEPS OF FEDERAL HALL.

MORE STOOD IN SHOCKED SILENCE ON
THE STEPS OF FEDERAL HALL.
NEWSPAPERS WOULD LATER TRY TO

THE STEPS OF FEDERAL HALL.
NEWSPAPERS WOULD LATER TRY TO
DESCRIBE THE UNCANNY MURMURING

NEWSPAPERS WOULD LATER TRY TO
DESCRIBE THE UNCANNY MURMURING
SOUND THAT ECHOED OFF THE STONE

DESCRIBE THE UNCANNY MURMURING
SOUND THAT ECHOED OFF THE STONE
FACADES OF THE FINANCIAL

SOUND THAT ECHOED OFF THE STONE
FACADES OF THE FINANCIAL
DISTRICT THAT MORNING.

FACADES OF THE FINANCIAL
DISTRICT THAT MORNING.
IT WAS A COLLECTIVE MOAN OF

DISTRICT THAT MORNING.
IT WAS A COLLECTIVE MOAN OF
HORROR AND GRIEF AND STUNNED

IT WAS A COLLECTIVE MOAN OF
HORROR AND GRIEF AND STUNNED
DISBELIEF RISING UP FROM

HORROR AND GRIEF AND STUNNED
DISBELIEF RISING UP FROM
THOUSANDS OF RUINED, FRIGHTENED

DISBELIEF RISING UP FROM
THOUSANDS OF RUINED, FRIGHTENED
MEN.

THOUSANDS OF RUINED, FRIGHTENED
MEN.
THE BIGGEST CROWDS GATHERED

MEN.
THE BIGGEST CROWDS GATHERED
OUTSIDE THE HOUSE OF MORGAN,

THE BIGGEST CROWDS GATHERED
OUTSIDE THE HOUSE OF MORGAN,
DESPERATELY HOPING FOR A

OUTSIDE THE HOUSE OF MORGAN,
DESPERATELY HOPING FOR A
MIRACLE.

DESPERATELY HOPING FOR A
MIRACLE.
CHEERS BROKE OUT WHEN WORD CAME

MIRACLE.
CHEERS BROKE OUT WHEN WORD CAME
THAT A CONSORTIUM OF BANKERS HAD

CHEERS BROKE OUT WHEN WORD CAME
THAT A CONSORTIUM OF BANKERS HAD
AGREED TO PUMP HUNDREDS OF

THAT A CONSORTIUM OF BANKERS HAD
AGREED TO PUMP HUNDREDS OF
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO THE

AGREED TO PUMP HUNDREDS OF
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO THE
STOCK EXCHANGE TO SHORE UP THE

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO THE
STOCK EXCHANGE TO SHORE UP THE
FALTERING MARKET.

STOCK EXCHANGE TO SHORE UP THE
FALTERING MARKET.
WORD SPREAD THAT ONCE AGAIN THE

FALTERING MARKET.
WORD SPREAD THAT ONCE AGAIN THE
DAY HAD BEEN SAVED BY THE HOUSE

WORD SPREAD THAT ONCE AGAIN THE
DAY HAD BEEN SAVED BY THE HOUSE
OF MORGAN, BUT THE DAY HAD NOT

DAY HAD BEEN SAVED BY THE HOUSE
OF MORGAN, BUT THE DAY HAD NOT
BEEN SAVED.

OF MORGAN, BUT THE DAY HAD NOT
BEEN SAVED.
ON FRIDAY, WITH THE MARKET

BEEN SAVED.
ON FRIDAY, WITH THE MARKET
APPARENTLY STABILIZED, THE BANKS

ON FRIDAY, WITH THE MARKET
APPARENTLY STABILIZED, THE BANKS
WITHDREW THEIR FUNDS.

APPARENTLY STABILIZED, THE BANKS
WITHDREW THEIR FUNDS.
THE FOLLOWING TUESDAY... OCTOBER

WITHDREW THEIR FUNDS.
THE FOLLOWING TUESDAY... OCTOBER
29, 1929, KNOWN FOREVER AFTER AS

THE FOLLOWING TUESDAY... OCTOBER
29, 1929, KNOWN FOREVER AFTER AS
BLACK TUESDAY... ANOTHER TIDAL

29, 1929, KNOWN FOREVER AFTER AS
BLACK TUESDAY... ANOTHER TIDAL
WAVE OF SELLING HIT THE

BLACK TUESDAY... ANOTHER TIDAL
WAVE OF SELLING HIT THE
EXCHANGE, AND THIS TIME, NO ONE

WAVE OF SELLING HIT THE
EXCHANGE, AND THIS TIME, NO ONE
CAME TO THE RESCUE.

EXCHANGE, AND THIS TIME, NO ONE
CAME TO THE RESCUE.
Gordon: NOTHING COULD STOP

CAME TO THE RESCUE.
Gordon: NOTHING COULD STOP
IT.

Gordon: NOTHING COULD STOP
IT.
JUST PEOPLE WANTED OUT.

IT.
JUST PEOPLE WANTED OUT.
AND THIS WAS IN THE FALL.

JUST PEOPLE WANTED OUT.
AND THIS WAS IN THE FALL.
MOST CRASHES TEND TO BE IN THE

AND THIS WAS IN THE FALL.
MOST CRASHES TEND TO BE IN THE
FALL.

MOST CRASHES TEND TO BE IN THE
FALL.
AND, I THINK, AGAIN, IT'S HUMAN

FALL.
AND, I THINK, AGAIN, IT'S HUMAN
PSYCHOLOGY.

AND, I THINK, AGAIN, IT'S HUMAN
PSYCHOLOGY.
YOU TEND TO BE MORE CAUTIONS IN

PSYCHOLOGY.
YOU TEND TO BE MORE CAUTIONS IN
THE FALL.

YOU TEND TO BE MORE CAUTIONS IN
THE FALL.
I MEAN, THE SPECULATIONS OF

THE FALL.
I MEAN, THE SPECULATIONS OF
SUMMER THAT SEEM SO BRILLIANT,

I MEAN, THE SPECULATIONS OF
SUMMER THAT SEEM SO BRILLIANT,
AND SUDDENLY WHEN THE CHILL

SUMMER THAT SEEM SO BRILLIANT,
AND SUDDENLY WHEN THE CHILL
WINDS OF OCTOBER COME, YOU

AND SUDDENLY WHEN THE CHILL
WINDS OF OCTOBER COME, YOU
WONDER IF THEY'RE SUCH A GOOD

WINDS OF OCTOBER COME, YOU
WONDER IF THEY'RE SUCH A GOOD
IDEA AND YOU TRY TO GET OUT.

WONDER IF THEY'RE SUCH A GOOD
IDEA AND YOU TRY TO GET OUT.
AND IF TOO MANY PEOPLE DO THAT

IDEA AND YOU TRY TO GET OUT.
AND IF TOO MANY PEOPLE DO THAT
AT ONCE, IT CAUSES THE MARKET TO

AND IF TOO MANY PEOPLE DO THAT
AT ONCE, IT CAUSES THE MARKET TO
DROP, WHICH CAUSES MORE PEOPLE

AT ONCE, IT CAUSES THE MARKET TO
DROP, WHICH CAUSES MORE PEOPLE
TO WANT TO GET OUT, AND

DROP, WHICH CAUSES MORE PEOPLE
TO WANT TO GET OUT, AND
SUDDENLY, YOU KNOW, THE SNOWBALL

TO WANT TO GET OUT, AND
SUDDENLY, YOU KNOW, THE SNOWBALL
ROLLS DOWN THE HILL.

SUDDENLY, YOU KNOW, THE SNOWBALL
ROLLS DOWN THE HILL.
Narrator: HOUR AFTER HOUR,

ROLLS DOWN THE HILL.
Narrator: HOUR AFTER HOUR,
THE MARKET CONTINUED ITS DESCENT

Narrator: HOUR AFTER HOUR,
THE MARKET CONTINUED ITS DESCENT
INTO CHAOS AND PANDEMONIUM AS

THE MARKET CONTINUED ITS DESCENT
INTO CHAOS AND PANDEMONIUM AS
STOCK PRICES SIMPLY COLLAPSED

INTO CHAOS AND PANDEMONIUM AS
STOCK PRICES SIMPLY COLLAPSED
UNDER THE TORRENT OF PANICKED

STOCK PRICES SIMPLY COLLAPSED
UNDER THE TORRENT OF PANICKED
SELLING, AND DESPERATE BROKERS

UNDER THE TORRENT OF PANICKED
SELLING, AND DESPERATE BROKERS
FOUGHT AND SCREAMED AND TRAMPLED

SELLING, AND DESPERATE BROKERS
FOUGHT AND SCREAMED AND TRAMPLED
ONE ANOTHER TO GET OUT.

FOUGHT AND SCREAMED AND TRAMPLED
ONE ANOTHER TO GET OUT.
Gordon: 16 MILLION SHARES

ONE ANOTHER TO GET OUT.
Gordon: 16 MILLION SHARES
TRADED THAT DAY, WHICH SEEMS

Gordon: 16 MILLION SHARES
TRADED THAT DAY, WHICH SEEMS
LIKE NOTHING TODAY BECAUSE WE

TRADED THAT DAY, WHICH SEEMS
LIKE NOTHING TODAY BECAUSE WE
TRADE 16 MILLION SHARES IN THE

LIKE NOTHING TODAY BECAUSE WE
TRADE 16 MILLION SHARES IN THE
FIRST FIVE SECONDS OF THE

TRADE 16 MILLION SHARES IN THE
FIRST FIVE SECONDS OF THE
BUSINESS DAY.

FIRST FIVE SECONDS OF THE
BUSINESS DAY.
BUT THE TRADING RECORD SET ON

BUSINESS DAY.
BUT THE TRADING RECORD SET ON
THE DAY OF THE CRASH, THE 16

BUT THE TRADING RECORD SET ON
THE DAY OF THE CRASH, THE 16
MILLION SHARES, WAS NOT BESTED

THE DAY OF THE CRASH, THE 16
MILLION SHARES, WAS NOT BESTED
UNTIL 1969.

MILLION SHARES, WAS NOT BESTED
UNTIL 1969.
IT WAS 40 YEARS BEFORE THE NEW

UNTIL 1969.
IT WAS 40 YEARS BEFORE THE NEW
YORK STOCK EXCHANGE TRADED MORE

IT WAS 40 YEARS BEFORE THE NEW
YORK STOCK EXCHANGE TRADED MORE
SHARES THAN IT TRADED ON THE DAY

YORK STOCK EXCHANGE TRADED MORE
SHARES THAN IT TRADED ON THE DAY
OF THE CRASH.

SHARES THAN IT TRADED ON THE DAY
OF THE CRASH.
THE TICKERS DID NOT STOP RUNNING

OF THE CRASH.
THE TICKERS DID NOT STOP RUNNING
UNTIL QUARTER OF 8:00, WHEN THE

THE TICKERS DID NOT STOP RUNNING
UNTIL QUARTER OF 8:00, WHEN THE
MARKET HAD CLOSED AT 3:30, I

UNTIL QUARTER OF 8:00, WHEN THE
MARKET HAD CLOSED AT 3:30, I
GUESS.

MARKET HAD CLOSED AT 3:30, I
GUESS.
Narrator: IN THE WORST SINGLE

GUESS.
Narrator: IN THE WORST SINGLE
DAY IN THE HISTORY OF THE NEW

Narrator: IN THE WORST SINGLE
DAY IN THE HISTORY OF THE NEW
YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, THE MARKET

DAY IN THE HISTORY OF THE NEW
YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, THE MARKET
LOST $14 BILLION IN VALUE,

YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, THE MARKET
LOST $14 BILLION IN VALUE,
BRINGING THE WEEK'S LOSS TO MORE

LOST $14 BILLION IN VALUE,
BRINGING THE WEEK'S LOSS TO MORE
THAN $30 BILLION, TEN TIMES MORE

BRINGING THE WEEK'S LOSS TO MORE
THAN $30 BILLION, TEN TIMES MORE
THAN THE ENTIRE ANNUAL BUDGET OF

THAN $30 BILLION, TEN TIMES MORE
THAN THE ENTIRE ANNUAL BUDGET OF
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND FAR

THAN THE ENTIRE ANNUAL BUDGET OF
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND FAR
MORE THAN THE UNITED STATES HAD

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND FAR
MORE THAN THE UNITED STATES HAD
SPENT DURING ALL OF WORLD WAR I.

MORE THAN THE UNITED STATES HAD
SPENT DURING ALL OF WORLD WAR I.
WORST HIT IN THE SHORT RUN WERE

SPENT DURING ALL OF WORLD WAR I.
WORST HIT IN THE SHORT RUN WERE
THE THOUSANDS OF SMALL INVESTORS

WORST HIT IN THE SHORT RUN WERE
THE THOUSANDS OF SMALL INVESTORS
WHO, BELIEVING THAT EVERYONE

THE THOUSANDS OF SMALL INVESTORS
WHO, BELIEVING THAT EVERYONE
COULD BE RICH, HAD BOUGHT STOCK

WHO, BELIEVING THAT EVERYONE
COULD BE RICH, HAD BOUGHT STOCK
ON MARGIN, SOMETIMES BORROWING

COULD BE RICH, HAD BOUGHT STOCK
ON MARGIN, SOMETIMES BORROWING
AS MUCH AS 90% OF ITS BOOK

ON MARGIN, SOMETIMES BORROWING
AS MUCH AS 90% OF ITS BOOK
VALUE.

AS MUCH AS 90% OF ITS BOOK
VALUE.
IN A MATTER OF HOURS, IN SOME

VALUE.
IN A MATTER OF HOURS, IN SOME
CASES MINUTES, THEY HAD LOST

IN A MATTER OF HOURS, IN SOME
CASES MINUTES, THEY HAD LOST
EVERYTHING... THEIR LIFE SAVINGS,

CASES MINUTES, THEY HAD LOST
EVERYTHING... THEIR LIFE SAVINGS,
THEIR HOUSES, AND THEIR DREAMS.

EVERYTHING... THEIR LIFE SAVINGS,
THEIR HOUSES, AND THEIR DREAMS.
FINANCIERS WHO HAD NOT BEEN

THEIR HOUSES, AND THEIR DREAMS.
FINANCIERS WHO HAD NOT BEEN
WIPED OUT TRIED TO PUT A BRAVE

FINANCIERS WHO HAD NOT BEEN
WIPED OUT TRIED TO PUT A BRAVE
FACE ON THINGS, INSISTING THERE

WIPED OUT TRIED TO PUT A BRAVE
FACE ON THINGS, INSISTING THERE
WAS NO CAUSE FOR ALARM.

FACE ON THINGS, INSISTING THERE
WAS NO CAUSE FOR ALARM.
"PRUDENT INVESTORS ARE NOW

WAS NO CAUSE FOR ALARM.
"PRUDENT INVESTORS ARE NOW
BUYING STOCKS IN HUGE

"PRUDENT INVESTORS ARE NOW
BUYING STOCKS IN HUGE
QUANTITIES," JOHN JACOB RASKOB

BUYING STOCKS IN HUGE
QUANTITIES," JOHN JACOB RASKOB
TOLD THE NEW YORK TIMES, "AND

QUANTITIES," JOHN JACOB RASKOB
TOLD THE NEW YORK TIMES, "AND
WILL PROFIT HANDSOMELY WHEN THIS

TOLD THE NEW YORK TIMES, "AND
WILL PROFIT HANDSOMELY WHEN THIS
HYSTERIA IS OVER."

WILL PROFIT HANDSOMELY WHEN THIS
HYSTERIA IS OVER."
Reader: "WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER

HYSTERIA IS OVER."
Reader: "WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER
30, 1929.

Reader: "WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER
30, 1929.
MR. RASKOB WAS ASKED IF HE

30, 1929.
MR. RASKOB WAS ASKED IF HE
BELIEVED THAT THE DECLINE IN THE

MR. RASKOB WAS ASKED IF HE
BELIEVED THAT THE DECLINE IN THE
STOCK MARKET WOULD HAVE GREAT

BELIEVED THAT THE DECLINE IN THE
STOCK MARKET WOULD HAVE GREAT
EFFECTS ON BUSINESS.

STOCK MARKET WOULD HAVE GREAT
EFFECTS ON BUSINESS.
HE ANSWERED THAT HE DID NOT

EFFECTS ON BUSINESS.
HE ANSWERED THAT HE DID NOT
BELIEVE THE EFFECTS WOULD BE

HE ANSWERED THAT HE DID NOT
BELIEVE THE EFFECTS WOULD BE
OTHER THAN TEMPORARY, LASTING

BELIEVE THE EFFECTS WOULD BE
OTHER THAN TEMPORARY, LASTING
PROBABLY TWO OR THREE MONTHS,

OTHER THAN TEMPORARY, LASTING
PROBABLY TWO OR THREE MONTHS,
AND THAT HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT

PROBABLY TWO OR THREE MONTHS,
AND THAT HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT
THE EFFECTS WOULD BE DRASTIC IN

AND THAT HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT
THE EFFECTS WOULD BE DRASTIC IN
OTHER THAN LUXURY INDUSTRIES."

THE EFFECTS WOULD BE DRASTIC IN
OTHER THAN LUXURY INDUSTRIES."
THE NEW YORK TIMES.

OTHER THAN LUXURY INDUSTRIES."
THE NEW YORK TIMES.
Narrator: BUT OTHERS FEARED

THE NEW YORK TIMES.
Narrator: BUT OTHERS FEARED
THE WORST.

Narrator: BUT OTHERS FEARED
THE WORST.
"THE PRESENT WEEK," ONE

THE WORST.
"THE PRESENT WEEK," ONE
NEWSPAPER EDITOR DECLARED, "HAS

"THE PRESENT WEEK," ONE
NEWSPAPER EDITOR DECLARED, "HAS
WITNESSED THE GREATEST STOCK

NEWSPAPER EDITOR DECLARED, "HAS
WITNESSED THE GREATEST STOCK
MARKET CATASTROPHE OF ALL

WITNESSED THE GREATEST STOCK
MARKET CATASTROPHE OF ALL
TIMES."

MARKET CATASTROPHE OF ALL
TIMES."
IT WOULD TAKE A DECADE AND A

TIMES."
IT WOULD TAKE A DECADE AND A
HALF FOR THE AMERICAN ECONOMY TO

IT WOULD TAKE A DECADE AND A
HALF FOR THE AMERICAN ECONOMY TO
FULLY RECOVER.

HALF FOR THE AMERICAN ECONOMY TO
FULLY RECOVER.
Gordon: I THINK THE REASON

FULLY RECOVER.
Gordon: I THINK THE REASON
THE CRASH LIVES ON IN THE

Gordon: I THINK THE REASON
THE CRASH LIVES ON IN THE
AMERICAN FOLK MEMORY, ALTHOUGH

THE CRASH LIVES ON IN THE
AMERICAN FOLK MEMORY, ALTHOUGH
THERE AREN'T MANY PEOPLE ALIVE

AMERICAN FOLK MEMORY, ALTHOUGH
THERE AREN'T MANY PEOPLE ALIVE
TODAY WHO WERE ADULTS WHEN THE

THERE AREN'T MANY PEOPLE ALIVE
TODAY WHO WERE ADULTS WHEN THE
CRASH HAPPENED ALMOST 70 YEARS

TODAY WHO WERE ADULTS WHEN THE
CRASH HAPPENED ALMOST 70 YEARS
AGO NOW, BUT WHAT FOLLOWED THE

CRASH HAPPENED ALMOST 70 YEARS
AGO NOW, BUT WHAT FOLLOWED THE
CRASH, THE GREAT DEPRESSION,

AGO NOW, BUT WHAT FOLLOWED THE
CRASH, THE GREAT DEPRESSION,
WHICH PERMANENTLY SCARRED THE

CRASH, THE GREAT DEPRESSION,
WHICH PERMANENTLY SCARRED THE
AMERICAN PSYCHE, AND THEY

WHICH PERMANENTLY SCARRED THE
AMERICAN PSYCHE, AND THEY
REMEMBER THE CRASH AS THE

AMERICAN PSYCHE, AND THEY
REMEMBER THE CRASH AS THE
BEGINNING OF THE GREAT

REMEMBER THE CRASH AS THE
BEGINNING OF THE GREAT
DEPRESSION, ALTHOUGH, IN FACT,

BEGINNING OF THE GREAT
DEPRESSION, ALTHOUGH, IN FACT,
THE TWO HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH

DEPRESSION, ALTHOUGH, IN FACT,
THE TWO HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH
EACH OTHER, OR VERY LITTLE.

THE TWO HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH
EACH OTHER, OR VERY LITTLE.
BUT THAT'S WHY I THINK THE CRASH

EACH OTHER, OR VERY LITTLE.
BUT THAT'S WHY I THINK THE CRASH
BECAME SUCH A BENCHMARK, BECAUSE

BUT THAT'S WHY I THINK THE CRASH
BECAME SUCH A BENCHMARK, BECAUSE
IT WAS THIS VERY SHARP LINE

BECAME SUCH A BENCHMARK, BECAUSE
IT WAS THIS VERY SHARP LINE
BETWEEN PROSPERITY AND THE GIDDY

IT WAS THIS VERY SHARP LINE
BETWEEN PROSPERITY AND THE GIDDY
COCKTAIL PARTY OF THE 1920s AND

BETWEEN PROSPERITY AND THE GIDDY
COCKTAIL PARTY OF THE 1920s AND
THE AWFUL DEPRESSION OF THE

COCKTAIL PARTY OF THE 1920s AND
THE AWFUL DEPRESSION OF THE
1930s, AND THE BREAD LINES AND

THE AWFUL DEPRESSION OF THE
1930s, AND THE BREAD LINES AND
THE APPLE SELLERS AND THE BONUS

1930s, AND THE BREAD LINES AND
THE APPLE SELLERS AND THE BONUS
RIOTS AND WHAT HAVE YOU.

THE APPLE SELLERS AND THE BONUS
RIOTS AND WHAT HAVE YOU.
Narrator: SCOTT FITZGERALD

RIOTS AND WHAT HAVE YOU.
Narrator: SCOTT FITZGERALD
WAS SOMEWHERE IN NORTH AFRICA

Narrator: SCOTT FITZGERALD
WAS SOMEWHERE IN NORTH AFRICA
WHEN THE END CAME, AND THOUGHT

WAS SOMEWHERE IN NORTH AFRICA
WHEN THE END CAME, AND THOUGHT
HE HEARD A "DULL, DISTANT CRASH"

WHEN THE END CAME, AND THOUGHT
HE HEARD A "DULL, DISTANT CRASH"
ECHOING TO THE FARTHEST WASTES

HE HEARD A "DULL, DISTANT CRASH"
ECHOING TO THE FARTHEST WASTES
OF THE DESERT.

ECHOING TO THE FARTHEST WASTES
OF THE DESERT.
ZELDA'S CONDITION WAS WORSENING.

OF THE DESERT.
ZELDA'S CONDITION WAS WORSENING.
WHEN HE FINALLY RETURNED TO WHAT

ZELDA'S CONDITION WAS WORSENING.
WHEN HE FINALLY RETURNED TO WHAT
HE CALLED "MY LOST CITY," HE

WHEN HE FINALLY RETURNED TO WHAT
HE CALLED "MY LOST CITY," HE
KNEW INSTANTLY THAT EVERYTHING

HE CALLED "MY LOST CITY," HE
KNEW INSTANTLY THAT EVERYTHING
HAD CHANGED.

KNEW INSTANTLY THAT EVERYTHING
HAD CHANGED.
Reader: "I CAN ONLY CRY OUT

HAD CHANGED.
Reader: "I CAN ONLY CRY OUT
THAT I HAVE LOST MY SPLENDID

Reader: "I CAN ONLY CRY OUT
THAT I HAVE LOST MY SPLENDID
MIRAGE.

THAT I HAVE LOST MY SPLENDID
MIRAGE.
COME BACK, COME BACK, O

MIRAGE.
COME BACK, COME BACK, O
GLITTERING AND WHITE."

COME BACK, COME BACK, O
GLITTERING AND WHITE."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.

GLITTERING AND WHITE."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Narrator: IT WAS THE BUILDING

F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
Narrator: IT WAS THE BUILDING
THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN

Narrator: IT WAS THE BUILDING
THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN
BUILT, RISING IN THE WRONG PLACE

THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN
BUILT, RISING IN THE WRONG PLACE
AT THE WRONG TIME, PROPELLED

BUILT, RISING IN THE WRONG PLACE
AT THE WRONG TIME, PROPELLED
SKYWARD BY THE SAME SPECULATIVE

AT THE WRONG TIME, PROPELLED
SKYWARD BY THE SAME SPECULATIVE
IMPULSE THAT HAD JUST BEEN SO

SKYWARD BY THE SAME SPECULATIVE
IMPULSE THAT HAD JUST BEEN SO
SEVERELY CHASTISED ON WALL

IMPULSE THAT HAD JUST BEEN SO
SEVERELY CHASTISED ON WALL
STREET.

SEVERELY CHASTISED ON WALL
STREET.
AND YET UP IT WENT, IN THE

STREET.
AND YET UP IT WENT, IN THE
DEAFENING SILENCE THAT FOLLOWED

AND YET UP IT WENT, IN THE
DEAFENING SILENCE THAT FOLLOWED
THE CRASH.

DEAFENING SILENCE THAT FOLLOWED
THE CRASH.
AND WHEN IT WAS THROUGH, THOUGH

THE CRASH.
AND WHEN IT WAS THROUGH, THOUGH
NO ONE COULD TELL WHETHER IT HAD

AND WHEN IT WAS THROUGH, THOUGH
NO ONE COULD TELL WHETHER IT HAD
BEEN A SUCCESS OR FAILURE,

NO ONE COULD TELL WHETHER IT HAD
BEEN A SUCCESS OR FAILURE,
EVERYONE KNEW IT WAS THE PUREST

BEEN A SUCCESS OR FAILURE,
EVERYONE KNEW IT WAS THE PUREST
AND MOST GLORIOUS EXPRESSION OF

EVERYONE KNEW IT WAS THE PUREST
AND MOST GLORIOUS EXPRESSION OF
EVERYTHING THE CITY STOOD FOR.

AND MOST GLORIOUS EXPRESSION OF
EVERYTHING THE CITY STOOD FOR.
LONG BEFORE THE NIGHT OF HIS

EVERYTHING THE CITY STOOD FOR.
LONG BEFORE THE NIGHT OF HIS
FATEFUL PROMISE TO AL SMITH IN

LONG BEFORE THE NIGHT OF HIS
FATEFUL PROMISE TO AL SMITH IN
THE LOTOS CLUB, JOHN JACOB

FATEFUL PROMISE TO AL SMITH IN
THE LOTOS CLUB, JOHN JACOB
RASKOB HAD BEEN BURNING TO BUILD

THE LOTOS CLUB, JOHN JACOB
RASKOB HAD BEEN BURNING TO BUILD
A TOWER THAT WOULD SOAR ABOVE

RASKOB HAD BEEN BURNING TO BUILD
A TOWER THAT WOULD SOAR ABOVE
THE REST.

A TOWER THAT WOULD SOAR ABOVE
THE REST.
ALL THROUGH THE SPRING AND

THE REST.
ALL THROUGH THE SPRING AND
SUMMER OF THE GREAT BOOM YEAR,

ALL THROUGH THE SPRING AND
SUMMER OF THE GREAT BOOM YEAR,
HE HAD MARSHALED HIS FORCES IN

SUMMER OF THE GREAT BOOM YEAR,
HE HAD MARSHALED HIS FORCES IN
TOTAL SECRECY.

HE HAD MARSHALED HIS FORCES IN
TOTAL SECRECY.
BY MAY, HE HAD SETTLED ON A

TOTAL SECRECY.
BY MAY, HE HAD SETTLED ON A
DARING SITE WELL SOUTH OF THE

BY MAY, HE HAD SETTLED ON A
DARING SITE WELL SOUTH OF THE
MIDTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT, AT

DARING SITE WELL SOUTH OF THE
MIDTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT, AT
THE CORNER OF 34th STREET AND

MIDTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT, AT
THE CORNER OF 34th STREET AND
FIFTH AVENUE, WHERE THE OLD

THE CORNER OF 34th STREET AND
FIFTH AVENUE, WHERE THE OLD
WALDORF ASTORIA STILL STOOD.

FIFTH AVENUE, WHERE THE OLD
WALDORF ASTORIA STILL STOOD.
BEFORE THE YEAR WAS OUT, THE

WALDORF ASTORIA STILL STOOD.
BEFORE THE YEAR WAS OUT, THE
FINANCING WAS IN PLACE, ALONG

BEFORE THE YEAR WAS OUT, THE
FINANCING WAS IN PLACE, ALONG
WITH A LEGENDARY CONSTRUCTION

FINANCING WAS IN PLACE, ALONG
WITH A LEGENDARY CONSTRUCTION
FIRM, STARRETT BROTHERS AND

WITH A LEGENDARY CONSTRUCTION
FIRM, STARRETT BROTHERS AND
EKEN, AND AN ARCHITECT, WILLIAM

FIRM, STARRETT BROTHERS AND
EKEN, AND AN ARCHITECT, WILLIAM
LAMB, TO WHOM RASKOB PUT A

EKEN, AND AN ARCHITECT, WILLIAM
LAMB, TO WHOM RASKOB PUT A
SIMPLE, BREATHTAKING QUESTION:

LAMB, TO WHOM RASKOB PUT A
SIMPLE, BREATHTAKING QUESTION:
"BILL, HOW HIGH CAN YOU MAKE IT

SIMPLE, BREATHTAKING QUESTION:
"BILL, HOW HIGH CAN YOU MAKE IT
SO IT WON'T FALL DOWN?"

Joel Silverman: THE BUILDER
OF THE BUILDING, ACTUALLY, WAS

OF THE BUILDING, ACTUALLY, WAS
COMMISSIONED BY RASKOB TO DO

COMMISSIONED BY RASKOB TO DO
SOME STUDIES TO FIND OUT WHAT

SOME STUDIES TO FIND OUT WHAT
WAS THE MAXIMUM BUILDING THAT

WAS THE MAXIMUM BUILDING THAT
COULD BE BUILT, AND THE REPORT

COULD BE BUILT, AND THE REPORT
CAME BACK THAT 65 STORIES WOULD

CAME BACK THAT 65 STORIES WOULD
BE IDEAL, AND 85 STORIES WAS THE

BE IDEAL, AND 85 STORIES WAS THE
ABSOLUTE UPPER LIMIT OF

ABSOLUTE UPPER LIMIT OF
TECHNOLOGY AS IT EXISTED.
Wallace: BY SETTLING ON 34th

Wallace: BY SETTLING ON 34th
STREET, WHICH IS ACTUALLY OFF
THE BEATEN TRACK, HE IS GAMBLING

STREET, WHICH IS ACTUALLY OFF
THE BEATEN TRACK, HE IS GAMBLING
A BIT, AND HE NEEDS A BOLD AND

THE BEATEN TRACK, HE IS GAMBLING
A BIT, AND HE NEEDS A BOLD AND
DRAMATIC GESTURE TO IN FACT WIN

A BIT, AND HE NEEDS A BOLD AND
DRAMATIC GESTURE TO IN FACT WIN
TENANTS TO THAT SPACE, AND HE

DRAMATIC GESTURE TO IN FACT WIN
TENANTS TO THAT SPACE, AND HE
DOES IT OF COURSE BY OPTING TO

TENANTS TO THAT SPACE, AND HE
DOES IT OF COURSE BY OPTING TO
BUILD THE TALLEST BUILDING IN

DOES IT OF COURSE BY OPTING TO
BUILD THE TALLEST BUILDING IN
THE WORLD.

BUILD THE TALLEST BUILDING IN
THE WORLD.
Narrator: ON AUGUST 29, 1929,

THE WORLD.
Narrator: ON AUGUST 29, 1929,
JUST TWO DAYS AFTER THE STOCK

Narrator: ON AUGUST 29, 1929,
JUST TWO DAYS AFTER THE STOCK
MARKET HIT ITS ALL-TIME PEAK,

JUST TWO DAYS AFTER THE STOCK
MARKET HIT ITS ALL-TIME PEAK,
NEWS OF THE STAGGERING PROJECT

MARKET HIT ITS ALL-TIME PEAK,
NEWS OF THE STAGGERING PROJECT
WAS DRAMATICALLY UNVEILED BY NEW

NEWS OF THE STAGGERING PROJECT
WAS DRAMATICALLY UNVEILED BY NEW
YORK'S FAMOUS FAVORITE SON, AL

WAS DRAMATICALLY UNVEILED BY NEW
YORK'S FAMOUS FAVORITE SON, AL
SMITH.

YORK'S FAMOUS FAVORITE SON, AL
SMITH.
GOOD TO HIS WORD, RASKOB HAD

SMITH.
GOOD TO HIS WORD, RASKOB HAD
MADE THE EX-GOVERNOR PRESIDENT

GOOD TO HIS WORD, RASKOB HAD
MADE THE EX-GOVERNOR PRESIDENT
AND CHIEF SPOKESMAN OF WHAT WAS

MADE THE EX-GOVERNOR PRESIDENT
AND CHIEF SPOKESMAN OF WHAT WAS
NOW OFFICIALLY CALLED THE EMPIRE

AND CHIEF SPOKESMAN OF WHAT WAS
NOW OFFICIALLY CALLED THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING.

NOW OFFICIALLY CALLED THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING.
Reader: "IT IS A SPECTACULAR

STATE BUILDING.
Reader: "IT IS A SPECTACULAR
GESTURE.

Reader: "IT IS A SPECTACULAR
GESTURE.
IF THE OWNERS ARE RIGHT, THEY

GESTURE.
IF THE OWNERS ARE RIGHT, THEY
MIGHT FIX THE CENTER OF THE

IF THE OWNERS ARE RIGHT, THEY
MIGHT FIX THE CENTER OF THE
METROPOLIS.

MIGHT FIX THE CENTER OF THE
METROPOLIS.
IF THEY ARE WRONG, THEY WILL

METROPOLIS.
IF THEY ARE WRONG, THEY WILL
HAVE THE HOOTING OF THE EXPERTS

IF THEY ARE WRONG, THEY WILL
HAVE THE HOOTING OF THE EXPERTS
IN THEIR EARS FOR THE REST OF

HAVE THE HOOTING OF THE EXPERTS
IN THEIR EARS FOR THE REST OF
THEIR LIVES."

IN THEIR EARS FOR THE REST OF
THEIR LIVES."
FORTUNE MAGAZINE.

THEIR LIVES."
FORTUNE MAGAZINE.
Smith: THE NORTHWARD MARCH OF

FORTUNE MAGAZINE.
Smith: THE NORTHWARD MARCH OF
PROGRESS, THE GROWTH AND

Smith: THE NORTHWARD MARCH OF
PROGRESS, THE GROWTH AND
DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY, MAKES

PROGRESS, THE GROWTH AND
DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY, MAKES
IT NECESSARY THAT THIS HISTORIC

DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY, MAKES
IT NECESSARY THAT THIS HISTORIC
STRUCTURE, KNOWN AROUND THE

IT NECESSARY THAT THIS HISTORIC
STRUCTURE, KNOWN AROUND THE
WORLD, BE REMOVED TO MAKE ROOM

STRUCTURE, KNOWN AROUND THE
WORLD, BE REMOVED TO MAKE ROOM
FOR THE LARGEST OFFICE BUILDING

WORLD, BE REMOVED TO MAKE ROOM
FOR THE LARGEST OFFICE BUILDING
IN THE WORLD, TOWERING INTO THE

FOR THE LARGEST OFFICE BUILDING
IN THE WORLD, TOWERING INTO THE
AIR MORE THAN 80 STORIES HIGH.

IN THE WORLD, TOWERING INTO THE
AIR MORE THAN 80 STORIES HIGH.
NOW, GENTLEMEN, STAND BACK WHILE

AIR MORE THAN 80 STORIES HIGH.
NOW, GENTLEMEN, STAND BACK WHILE
I START THE REAL WORK OF

NOW, GENTLEMEN, STAND BACK WHILE
I START THE REAL WORK OF
DEMOLITION.

I START THE REAL WORK OF
DEMOLITION.

- DEMOLITION.
- DOWN SHE COMES.

DOWN SHE COMES.
Narrator: IN OCTOBER 1929,

DOWN SHE COMES.
Narrator: IN OCTOBER 1929,
THE VERY MONTH THE STOCK MARKET

Narrator: IN OCTOBER 1929,
THE VERY MONTH THE STOCK MARKET
BEGAN ITS TREMENDOUS DOWNWARD

THE VERY MONTH THE STOCK MARKET
BEGAN ITS TREMENDOUS DOWNWARD
SPIRAL, WORK ON THE EMPIRE STATE

BEGAN ITS TREMENDOUS DOWNWARD
SPIRAL, WORK ON THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING BEGAN WITH THE

SPIRAL, WORK ON THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING BEGAN WITH THE
DEMOLITION OF THE WALDORF

BUILDING BEGAN WITH THE
DEMOLITION OF THE WALDORF
ASTORIA.

DEMOLITION OF THE WALDORF
ASTORIA.
ONE MONTH LATER, AS THE ECONOMIC

ASTORIA.
ONE MONTH LATER, AS THE ECONOMIC
CRISIS WORSENED, AL SMITH CALLED

ONE MONTH LATER, AS THE ECONOMIC
CRISIS WORSENED, AL SMITH CALLED
ANOTHER NEWS CONFERENCE.

CRISIS WORSENED, AL SMITH CALLED
ANOTHER NEWS CONFERENCE.
FAR FROM SCALING BACK HIS PLANS,

ANOTHER NEWS CONFERENCE.
FAR FROM SCALING BACK HIS PLANS,
RASKOB HAD DECIDED TO ADD A

FAR FROM SCALING BACK HIS PLANS,
RASKOB HAD DECIDED TO ADD A
MASSIVE 200-FOOT-TALL TOWER TO

RASKOB HAD DECIDED TO ADD A
MASSIVE 200-FOOT-TALL TOWER TO
THE TOP OF HIS 85-STORY

MASSIVE 200-FOOT-TALL TOWER TO
THE TOP OF HIS 85-STORY
BUILDING.

THE TOP OF HIS 85-STORY
BUILDING.
THE STUNNING SPIRE, ITSELF AS

BUILDING.
THE STUNNING SPIRE, ITSELF AS
TALL AS A 17-STORY BUILDING,

THE STUNNING SPIRE, ITSELF AS
TALL AS A 17-STORY BUILDING,
WOULD RAISE THE FINAL HEIGHT OF

TALL AS A 17-STORY BUILDING,
WOULD RAISE THE FINAL HEIGHT OF
THE STRUCTURE TO AN INSUPERABLE

WOULD RAISE THE FINAL HEIGHT OF
THE STRUCTURE TO AN INSUPERABLE
1,250 FEET, A FULL 202 FEET

THE STRUCTURE TO AN INSUPERABLE
1,250 FEET, A FULL 202 FEET
HIGHER THAN THE CHRYSLER

1,250 FEET, A FULL 202 FEET
HIGHER THAN THE CHRYSLER
BUILDING, ITS GLEAMING RIVAL TEN

HIGHER THAN THE CHRYSLER
BUILDING, ITS GLEAMING RIVAL TEN
BLOCKS TO THE NORTH.

BUILDING, ITS GLEAMING RIVAL TEN
BLOCKS TO THE NORTH.
EVEN MORE ASTONISHING THAN THE

BLOCKS TO THE NORTH.
EVEN MORE ASTONISHING THAN THE
TOWER ITSELF WAS ITS PROPOSED

EVEN MORE ASTONISHING THAN THE
TOWER ITSELF WAS ITS PROPOSED
FUNCTION.

TOWER ITSELF WAS ITS PROPOSED
FUNCTION.
IT WOULD SERVE, SMITH SOLEMNLY

FUNCTION.
IT WOULD SERVE, SMITH SOLEMNLY
EXPLAINED, AS A GIANT MOORING

IT WOULD SERVE, SMITH SOLEMNLY
EXPLAINED, AS A GIANT MOORING
MAST FOR TRANSATLANTIC

EXPLAINED, AS A GIANT MOORING
MAST FOR TRANSATLANTIC
DIRIGIBLES ARRIVING FROM EUROPE,

MAST FOR TRANSATLANTIC
DIRIGIBLES ARRIVING FROM EUROPE,
ALLOWING PASSENGERS TO DOCK A

DIRIGIBLES ARRIVING FROM EUROPE,
ALLOWING PASSENGERS TO DOCK A
QUARTER OF A MILE IN THE SKY

ALLOWING PASSENGERS TO DOCK A
QUARTER OF A MILE IN THE SKY
OVER MIDTOWN MANHATTAN.

QUARTER OF A MILE IN THE SKY
OVER MIDTOWN MANHATTAN.
EXPERTS DISMISSED THE SCHEME AT

OVER MIDTOWN MANHATTAN.
EXPERTS DISMISSED THE SCHEME AT
ONCE, BUT NOBODY SEEMED TO CARE.

EXPERTS DISMISSED THE SCHEME AT
ONCE, BUT NOBODY SEEMED TO CARE.
THE VISION OF THE CITY'S TALLEST

ONCE, BUT NOBODY SEEMED TO CARE.
THE VISION OF THE CITY'S TALLEST
TOWER SERVING AS A PORT OF CALL

THE VISION OF THE CITY'S TALLEST
TOWER SERVING AS A PORT OF CALL
FOR AIRSHIPS FROM AROUND THE

TOWER SERVING AS A PORT OF CALL
FOR AIRSHIPS FROM AROUND THE
WORLD FIRED THE PUBLIC

FOR AIRSHIPS FROM AROUND THE
WORLD FIRED THE PUBLIC
IMAGINATION AS NOTHING ELSE HAD.

WORLD FIRED THE PUBLIC
IMAGINATION AS NOTHING ELSE HAD.
SEVEN WEEKS LATER, ON JANUARY

IMAGINATION AS NOTHING ELSE HAD.
SEVEN WEEKS LATER, ON JANUARY
22, 1930, WORK ON THE

SEVEN WEEKS LATER, ON JANUARY
22, 1930, WORK ON THE
FOUNDATIONS OF THE MIGHTY

22, 1930, WORK ON THE
FOUNDATIONS OF THE MIGHTY
BUILDING BEGAN.

FOUNDATIONS OF THE MIGHTY
BUILDING BEGAN.
Stern: THE EMPIRE STATE

BUILDING BEGAN.
Stern: THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING IS NOT ONLY AN

Stern: THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING IS NOT ONLY AN
INCREDIBLE ICON; IT ALSO HAS THE

BUILDING IS NOT ONLY AN
INCREDIBLE ICON; IT ALSO HAS THE
IRONIC ROLE IN THIS STORY OF

INCREDIBLE ICON; IT ALSO HAS THE
IRONIC ROLE IN THIS STORY OF
COMING REALLY AFTER THE CRASH OF

IRONIC ROLE IN THIS STORY OF
COMING REALLY AFTER THE CRASH OF
THE STOCK MARKET, BEING THE KIND

COMING REALLY AFTER THE CRASH OF
THE STOCK MARKET, BEING THE KIND
OF, LIKE THE GUEST WHO ARRIVES

THE STOCK MARKET, BEING THE KIND
OF, LIKE THE GUEST WHO ARRIVES
TOO LATE AT THE PARTY.

OF, LIKE THE GUEST WHO ARRIVES
TOO LATE AT THE PARTY.
NOBODY HAD A JOB SUDDENLY.

TOO LATE AT THE PARTY.
NOBODY HAD A JOB SUDDENLY.
THERE WERE NO MORE SKYSCRAPERS.

NOBODY HAD A JOB SUDDENLY.
THERE WERE NO MORE SKYSCRAPERS.
CONSTRUCTION WAS ALMOST NOTHING.

THERE WERE NO MORE SKYSCRAPERS.
CONSTRUCTION WAS ALMOST NOTHING.
THEY HAD A BUDGET; THEY HAD TO

CONSTRUCTION WAS ALMOST NOTHING.
THEY HAD A BUDGET; THEY HAD TO
BUILD THE BUILDING AS QUICKLY AS

THEY HAD A BUDGET; THEY HAD TO
BUILD THE BUILDING AS QUICKLY AS
POSSIBLE IN THE HOPES OF GETTING

BUILD THE BUILDING AS QUICKLY AS
POSSIBLE IN THE HOPES OF GETTING
SOME TENANTS IN.

POSSIBLE IN THE HOPES OF GETTING
SOME TENANTS IN.
Narrator: AS THE MONTHS WORE

SOME TENANTS IN.
Narrator: AS THE MONTHS WORE
ON, AND THE ANTICIPATED UPTURN

Narrator: AS THE MONTHS WORE
ON, AND THE ANTICIPATED UPTURN
IN THE STOCK MARKET FAILED TO

ON, AND THE ANTICIPATED UPTURN
IN THE STOCK MARKET FAILED TO
MATERIALIZE, THE ECONOMIC

IN THE STOCK MARKET FAILED TO
MATERIALIZE, THE ECONOMIC
SITUATION BEGAN TO DETERIORATE

MATERIALIZE, THE ECONOMIC
SITUATION BEGAN TO DETERIORATE
ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

SITUATION BEGAN TO DETERIORATE
ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
AND YET, EVEN AS THE WORST

ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
AND YET, EVEN AS THE WORST
DEPRESSION IN AMERICAN HISTORY

AND YET, EVEN AS THE WORST
DEPRESSION IN AMERICAN HISTORY
BEGAN TO SETTLE AROUND THEM, NEW

DEPRESSION IN AMERICAN HISTORY
BEGAN TO SETTLE AROUND THEM, NEW
YORKERS WERE GREETED BY AN

BEGAN TO SETTLE AROUND THEM, NEW
YORKERS WERE GREETED BY AN
ASTOUNDING SIGHT, AS THE BARE

YORKERS WERE GREETED BY AN
ASTOUNDING SIGHT, AS THE BARE
STEEL GIRDERS OF SMITH AND

ASTOUNDING SIGHT, AS THE BARE
STEEL GIRDERS OF SMITH AND
RASKOB'S BUILDING BEGAN TO RISE

STEEL GIRDERS OF SMITH AND
RASKOB'S BUILDING BEGAN TO RISE
LIKE AN IMMENSE METAL PHOENIX IN

RASKOB'S BUILDING BEGAN TO RISE
LIKE AN IMMENSE METAL PHOENIX IN
THE MIDDLE OF MANHATTAN ISLAND,

LIKE AN IMMENSE METAL PHOENIX IN
THE MIDDLE OF MANHATTAN ISLAND,
THE SYMBOL OF HOPE IN THE

THE MIDDLE OF MANHATTAN ISLAND,
THE SYMBOL OF HOPE IN THE
DARKEST OF TIMES AND A DEFIANT

THE SYMBOL OF HOPE IN THE
DARKEST OF TIMES AND A DEFIANT
DECLARATION THAT THE CITY AND

DARKEST OF TIMES AND A DEFIANT
DECLARATION THAT THE CITY AND
THE COUNTRY WOULD SURVIVE.

DECLARATION THAT THE CITY AND
THE COUNTRY WOULD SURVIVE.
100 YEARS BEFORE, DE WITT

THE COUNTRY WOULD SURVIVE.
100 YEARS BEFORE, DE WITT
CLINTON HAD FLUNG THE ERIE CANAL

100 YEARS BEFORE, DE WITT
CLINTON HAD FLUNG THE ERIE CANAL
ACROSS THE EMPIRE STATE,

CLINTON HAD FLUNG THE ERIE CANAL
ACROSS THE EMPIRE STATE,
COLONIZING THE HINTERLANDS OF

ACROSS THE EMPIRE STATE,
COLONIZING THE HINTERLANDS OF
AMERICA AND FILLING OUT THE GRID

COLONIZING THE HINTERLANDS OF
AMERICA AND FILLING OUT THE GRID
PLAN OF THE CITY.

AMERICA AND FILLING OUT THE GRID
PLAN OF THE CITY.
NOW ANOTHER GENERATION OF NEW

PLAN OF THE CITY.
NOW ANOTHER GENERATION OF NEW
YORKERS WAS COLONIZING SPACE

NOW ANOTHER GENERATION OF NEW
YORKERS WAS COLONIZING SPACE
ITSELF, TURNING THE GRID ON END

YORKERS WAS COLONIZING SPACE
ITSELF, TURNING THE GRID ON END
AND PROJECTING IT STRAIGHT UP

ITSELF, TURNING THE GRID ON END
AND PROJECTING IT STRAIGHT UP
INTO THE SKY, AS THE EMPIRE

AND PROJECTING IT STRAIGHT UP
INTO THE SKY, AS THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING.

INTO THE SKY, AS THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING.
Carol Willis: IT'S INCREDIBLE

STATE BUILDING.
Carol Willis: IT'S INCREDIBLE
TODAY, AND IT'S AN IRREPEATABLE

Carol Willis: IT'S INCREDIBLE
TODAY, AND IT'S AN IRREPEATABLE
ACHIEVEMENT, BUT THE WAY THAT IT

TODAY, AND IT'S AN IRREPEATABLE
ACHIEVEMENT, BUT THE WAY THAT IT
WAS ENGINEERED IN TERMS OF THE

ACHIEVEMENT, BUT THE WAY THAT IT
WAS ENGINEERED IN TERMS OF THE
ORGANIZATION OF THE WORK WAS THE

WAS ENGINEERED IN TERMS OF THE
ORGANIZATION OF THE WORK WAS THE
GENIUS, REALLY, OF THE PROJECT

ORGANIZATION OF THE WORK WAS THE
GENIUS, REALLY, OF THE PROJECT
OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING.

GENIUS, REALLY, OF THE PROJECT
OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING.
AND IT WAS THE GENERAL

OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING.
AND IT WAS THE GENERAL
CONTRACTORS, STARRETT BROTHERS

AND IT WAS THE GENERAL
CONTRACTORS, STARRETT BROTHERS
AND EKEN, WHO HAD LONG BEEN

CONTRACTORS, STARRETT BROTHERS
AND EKEN, WHO HAD LONG BEEN
KNOWN FOR THEIR LARGE-SCALE

AND EKEN, WHO HAD LONG BEEN
KNOWN FOR THEIR LARGE-SCALE
PROJECTS.

THESE PROJECTS WERE ALWAYS
ORGANIZED WITH THE GREATEST

ORGANIZED WITH THE GREATEST
EFFICIENCY AND WITH A KIND OF

EFFICIENCY AND WITH A KIND OF
MILITARY GENIUS.
AND IN FACT, WILLIAM STARRETT,

AND IN FACT, WILLIAM STARRETT,
ONE OF THE STARRETT BROTHERS,
WROTE THAT BUILDING SKYSCRAPERS

ONE OF THE STARRETT BROTHERS,
WROTE THAT BUILDING SKYSCRAPERS
IS THE NEAREST PEACETIME

WROTE THAT BUILDING SKYSCRAPERS
IS THE NEAREST PEACETIME
EQUIVALENT OF WAR.

IS THE NEAREST PEACETIME
EQUIVALENT OF WAR.
Narrator: HALF A CENTURY OF

EQUIVALENT OF WAR.
Narrator: HALF A CENTURY OF
EXPERTISE IN BUILDING

Narrator: HALF A CENTURY OF
EXPERTISE IN BUILDING
SKYSCRAPERS ON THE ISLAND OF

EXPERTISE IN BUILDING
SKYSCRAPERS ON THE ISLAND OF
MANHATTAN WOULD GO INTO THE

SKYSCRAPERS ON THE ISLAND OF
MANHATTAN WOULD GO INTO THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE EMPIRE STATE

MANHATTAN WOULD GO INTO THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING, AN HEROIC FEAT OF

CONSTRUCTION OF THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING, AN HEROIC FEAT OF
ENGINEERING AND WORKMANSHIP BY

BUILDING, AN HEROIC FEAT OF
ENGINEERING AND WORKMANSHIP BY
ANY MEASURE, AT ANY TIME, LET

ENGINEERING AND WORKMANSHIP BY
ANY MEASURE, AT ANY TIME, LET
ALONE IN THE DARK WINTER OF

ANY MEASURE, AT ANY TIME, LET
ALONE IN THE DARK WINTER OF
1930.

ALONE IN THE DARK WINTER OF
1930.
AT THE PEAK OF CONSTRUCTION, IN

1930.
AT THE PEAK OF CONSTRUCTION, IN
AUGUST 1930, 3,439 MEN WERE

AT THE PEAK OF CONSTRUCTION, IN
AUGUST 1930, 3,439 MEN WERE
EMPLOYED ON THE BUILDING, WHOSE

AUGUST 1930, 3,439 MEN WERE
EMPLOYED ON THE BUILDING, WHOSE
50,000 MASSIVE STEEL BEAMS AND

EMPLOYED ON THE BUILDING, WHOSE
50,000 MASSIVE STEEL BEAMS AND
COLUMNS, EACH WEIGHING MORE THAN

50,000 MASSIVE STEEL BEAMS AND
COLUMNS, EACH WEIGHING MORE THAN
A TON AND MILLED TO TOLERANCES

COLUMNS, EACH WEIGHING MORE THAN
A TON AND MILLED TO TOLERANCES
OF LESS THAN AN EIGHTH OF AN

A TON AND MILLED TO TOLERANCES
OF LESS THAN AN EIGHTH OF AN
INCH THICK, WERE BEING ASSEMBLED

OF LESS THAN AN EIGHTH OF AN
INCH THICK, WERE BEING ASSEMBLED
LIKE A GIANT, THREE-DIMENSIONAL

INCH THICK, WERE BEING ASSEMBLED
LIKE A GIANT, THREE-DIMENSIONAL
JIGSAW PUZZLE, ORDERED TO EXACT

LIKE A GIANT, THREE-DIMENSIONAL
JIGSAW PUZZLE, ORDERED TO EXACT
SPECIFICATION FROM STEEL MILLS

JIGSAW PUZZLE, ORDERED TO EXACT
SPECIFICATION FROM STEEL MILLS
IN PITTSBURGH, SHIPPED BY TRAIN

SPECIFICATION FROM STEEL MILLS
IN PITTSBURGH, SHIPPED BY TRAIN
TO NEW JERSEY, BARGED ACROSS THE

IN PITTSBURGH, SHIPPED BY TRAIN
TO NEW JERSEY, BARGED ACROSS THE
HUDSON, AND TRUCKED ALONG

TO NEW JERSEY, BARGED ACROSS THE
HUDSON, AND TRUCKED ALONG
PRECISELY CHOREOGRAPHED ROUTES

HUDSON, AND TRUCKED ALONG
PRECISELY CHOREOGRAPHED ROUTES
IN MANHATTAN TO THE BUILDING

PRECISELY CHOREOGRAPHED ROUTES
IN MANHATTAN TO THE BUILDING
SITE AT 34th AND FIFTH, WHERE,

IN MANHATTAN TO THE BUILDING
SITE AT 34th AND FIFTH, WHERE,
JUST 18 HOURS AFTER LEAVING THE

SITE AT 34th AND FIFTH, WHERE,
JUST 18 HOURS AFTER LEAVING THE
MILL IN PENNSYLVANIA, NINE

JUST 18 HOURS AFTER LEAVING THE
MILL IN PENNSYLVANIA, NINE
MASSIVE DERRICKS LIFTED THEM IN

MILL IN PENNSYLVANIA, NINE
MASSIVE DERRICKS LIFTED THEM IN
PLACE, AND WORKMEN FITTED THEM

MASSIVE DERRICKS LIFTED THEM IN
PLACE, AND WORKMEN FITTED THEM
TOGETHER.

PLACE, AND WORKMEN FITTED THEM
TOGETHER.
Silverman: SOME OF THE STEEL

TOGETHER.
Silverman: SOME OF THE STEEL
THAT WAS ERECTED WAS STILL WARM

Silverman: SOME OF THE STEEL
THAT WAS ERECTED WAS STILL WARM
FROM THE FABRICATION.

THAT WAS ERECTED WAS STILL WARM
FROM THE FABRICATION.
THE STEEL WAS REACHING THE JOB

FROM THE FABRICATION.
THE STEEL WAS REACHING THE JOB
SOME 15 OR 18 OR 20 HOURS AFTER

THE STEEL WAS REACHING THE JOB
SOME 15 OR 18 OR 20 HOURS AFTER
FABRICATION AND WAS STILL HOT TO

SOME 15 OR 18 OR 20 HOURS AFTER
FABRICATION AND WAS STILL HOT TO
THE TOUCH.

FABRICATION AND WAS STILL HOT TO
THE TOUCH.
THAT'S PRETTY UNIQUE.

THE TOUCH.
THAT'S PRETTY UNIQUE.
Narrator: IN AN AGE THAT HAD

THAT'S PRETTY UNIQUE.
Narrator: IN AN AGE THAT HAD
PERFECTED THE ASSEMBLY LINE FOR

Narrator: IN AN AGE THAT HAD
PERFECTED THE ASSEMBLY LINE FOR
MANUFACTURING CARS AND CONSUMER

PERFECTED THE ASSEMBLY LINE FOR
MANUFACTURING CARS AND CONSUMER
GOODS, THE STARRETT BROTHERS HAD

MANUFACTURING CARS AND CONSUMER
GOODS, THE STARRETT BROTHERS HAD
PERFECTED THE FIRST ASSEMBLY

GOODS, THE STARRETT BROTHERS HAD
PERFECTED THE FIRST ASSEMBLY
LINE FOR MANUFACTURING

PERFECTED THE FIRST ASSEMBLY
LINE FOR MANUFACTURING
SKYSCRAPERS.

LINE FOR MANUFACTURING
SKYSCRAPERS.
THE WORK PROGRESSED SO RAPIDLY

SKYSCRAPERS.
THE WORK PROGRESSED SO RAPIDLY
THAT PEOPLE COULD SCARCELY

THE WORK PROGRESSED SO RAPIDLY
THAT PEOPLE COULD SCARCELY
BELIEVE THEIR EYES, THE BUILDING

THAT PEOPLE COULD SCARCELY
BELIEVE THEIR EYES, THE BUILDING
SEEMING TO LEAP INTO THE SKY AS

BELIEVE THEIR EYES, THE BUILDING
SEEMING TO LEAP INTO THE SKY AS
WORKMEN ADDED FOUR TO FIVE NEW

SEEMING TO LEAP INTO THE SKY AS
WORKMEN ADDED FOUR TO FIVE NEW
STORIES A WEEK, AND SOMETIMES AS

WORKMEN ADDED FOUR TO FIVE NEW
STORIES A WEEK, AND SOMETIMES AS
MUCH AS A FLOOR A DAY.

STORIES A WEEK, AND SOMETIMES AS
MUCH AS A FLOOR A DAY.
IN ONE EXTRAORDINARY 22-DAY

MUCH AS A FLOOR A DAY.
IN ONE EXTRAORDINARY 22-DAY
PERIOD, 22 NEW FLOORS WERE

IN ONE EXTRAORDINARY 22-DAY
PERIOD, 22 NEW FLOORS WERE
ERECTED.

PERIOD, 22 NEW FLOORS WERE
ERECTED.
Silverman: ALSO BECAUSE OF

ERECTED.
Silverman: ALSO BECAUSE OF
THE DEPRESSION, THERE WAS AN

Silverman: ALSO BECAUSE OF
THE DEPRESSION, THERE WAS AN
ALMOST INFINITE SUPPLY OF

THE DEPRESSION, THERE WAS AN
ALMOST INFINITE SUPPLY OF
WILLING MEN TO WORK, AND THERE

ALMOST INFINITE SUPPLY OF
WILLING MEN TO WORK, AND THERE
WAS A FEAR AMONG THOSE MEN THAT

WILLING MEN TO WORK, AND THERE
WAS A FEAR AMONG THOSE MEN THAT
IF THEY WOULD BE LAID OFF, THERE

WAS A FEAR AMONG THOSE MEN THAT
IF THEY WOULD BE LAID OFF, THERE
WOULD BE TEN OTHER GUYS WAITING

IF THEY WOULD BE LAID OFF, THERE
WOULD BE TEN OTHER GUYS WAITING
DOWN ON THE STREET TO TAKE THEIR

WOULD BE TEN OTHER GUYS WAITING
DOWN ON THE STREET TO TAKE THEIR
PLACE, SO THEREFORE INDIVIDUAL

DOWN ON THE STREET TO TAKE THEIR
PLACE, SO THEREFORE INDIVIDUAL
PRODUCTION RATES ACTUALLY

PLACE, SO THEREFORE INDIVIDUAL
PRODUCTION RATES ACTUALLY
CLIMBED WITH RESPECT TO

PRODUCTION RATES ACTUALLY
CLIMBED WITH RESPECT TO
BRICKLAYERS AND OTHER WORKMEN

CLIMBED WITH RESPECT TO
BRICKLAYERS AND OTHER WORKMEN
THAT WERE GAUGED BY THEIR

BRICKLAYERS AND OTHER WORKMEN
THAT WERE GAUGED BY THEIR
PIECEWORK, BY THE NUMBER OF

THAT WERE GAUGED BY THEIR
PIECEWORK, BY THE NUMBER OF
PIECES THEY DID A DAY, EVEN

PIECEWORK, BY THE NUMBER OF
PIECES THEY DID A DAY, EVEN
THOUGH THOSE MEN KNEW WITH

PIECES THEY DID A DAY, EVEN
THOUGH THOSE MEN KNEW WITH
DIRECT CERTAINTY THAT WHEN THEIR

THOUGH THOSE MEN KNEW WITH
DIRECT CERTAINTY THAT WHEN THEIR
JOB WAS OVER THEY WERE GOING TO

DIRECT CERTAINTY THAT WHEN THEIR
JOB WAS OVER THEY WERE GOING TO
EITHER THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINE OR

JOB WAS OVER THEY WERE GOING TO
EITHER THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINE OR
VERY LIKELY THE BREAD LINE.

EITHER THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINE OR
VERY LIKELY THE BREAD LINE.
Narrator: BY MID-SUMMER, ALL

VERY LIKELY THE BREAD LINE.
Narrator: BY MID-SUMMER, ALL
EYES WERE BENT UPON THE

Narrator: BY MID-SUMMER, ALL
EYES WERE BENT UPON THE
MAJESTICALLY RISING STRUCTURE,

EYES WERE BENT UPON THE
MAJESTICALLY RISING STRUCTURE,
NOW CLEARLY VISIBLE FROM EVERY

MAJESTICALLY RISING STRUCTURE,
NOW CLEARLY VISIBLE FROM EVERY
PART OF THE CITY.

NOW CLEARLY VISIBLE FROM EVERY
PART OF THE CITY.
FOR THE CROWDS OF ONLOOKERS THAT

PART OF THE CITY.
FOR THE CROWDS OF ONLOOKERS THAT
GATHERED EACH DAY ON THE STREETS

FOR THE CROWDS OF ONLOOKERS THAT
GATHERED EACH DAY ON THE STREETS
FAR BELOW, AND FOR THE TEAMS OF

GATHERED EACH DAY ON THE STREETS
FAR BELOW, AND FOR THE TEAMS OF
PHOTOGRAPHERS AND NEWSMEN THAT

FAR BELOW, AND FOR THE TEAMS OF
PHOTOGRAPHERS AND NEWSMEN THAT
EAGERLY FOLLOWED EVERY DETAIL OF

PHOTOGRAPHERS AND NEWSMEN THAT
EAGERLY FOLLOWED EVERY DETAIL OF
THE OPERATION, THE REAL HEROES

EAGERLY FOLLOWED EVERY DETAIL OF
THE OPERATION, THE REAL HEROES
WERE THE GANGS OF RIVETERS,

THE OPERATION, THE REAL HEROES
WERE THE GANGS OF RIVETERS,
HUNDREDS OF MEN WORKING IN TEAMS

WERE THE GANGS OF RIVETERS,
HUNDREDS OF MEN WORKING IN TEAMS
OF FOUR, LABORIOUSLY JOINING THE

HUNDREDS OF MEN WORKING IN TEAMS
OF FOUR, LABORIOUSLY JOINING THE
STEEL FRAMEWORK TOGETHER PIECE

OF FOUR, LABORIOUSLY JOINING THE
STEEL FRAMEWORK TOGETHER PIECE
BY PIECE.

STEEL FRAMEWORK TOGETHER PIECE
BY PIECE.
HANGING FROM BEAMS 1,000 FEET IN

BY PIECE.
HANGING FROM BEAMS 1,000 FEET IN
THE SKY, THE GANGS PERFORMED

HANGING FROM BEAMS 1,000 FEET IN
THE SKY, THE GANGS PERFORMED
THEIR DANGEROUS TASKS AT HIGH

THE SKY, THE GANGS PERFORMED
THEIR DANGEROUS TASKS AT HIGH
SPEED WITH CLOCKWORK PRECISION,

THEIR DANGEROUS TASKS AT HIGH
SPEED WITH CLOCKWORK PRECISION,
HEATING, TOSSING, CATCHING, AND

SPEED WITH CLOCKWORK PRECISION,
HEATING, TOSSING, CATCHING, AND
DRIVING HOME THE RED-HOT RIVETS

HEATING, TOSSING, CATCHING, AND
DRIVING HOME THE RED-HOT RIVETS
OF STEEL, 400 RIVETS FOR EACH

DRIVING HOME THE RED-HOT RIVETS
OF STEEL, 400 RIVETS FOR EACH
EIGHT-HOUR DAY, AT $1.92 AN HOUR

OF STEEL, 400 RIVETS FOR EACH
EIGHT-HOUR DAY, AT $1.92 AN HOUR
WITH A HALF HOUR OFF FOR LUNCH.

EIGHT-HOUR DAY, AT $1.92 AN HOUR
WITH A HALF HOUR OFF FOR LUNCH.
Silverman: THESE GUYS WORKED

WITH A HALF HOUR OFF FOR LUNCH.
Silverman: THESE GUYS WORKED
TOGETHER, PLAYED TOGETHER, ATE

Silverman: THESE GUYS WORKED
TOGETHER, PLAYED TOGETHER, ATE
TOGETHER.

TOGETHER, PLAYED TOGETHER, ATE
TOGETHER.
IF ANY ONE MEMBER OF THE

TOGETHER.
IF ANY ONE MEMBER OF THE
RIVETING GANG DIDN'T SHOW UP FOR

IF ANY ONE MEMBER OF THE
RIVETING GANG DIDN'T SHOW UP FOR
WORK BECAUSE OF ILLNESS OR FOR

RIVETING GANG DIDN'T SHOW UP FOR
WORK BECAUSE OF ILLNESS OR FOR
SOME OTHER REASON, THE WHOLE

WORK BECAUSE OF ILLNESS OR FOR
SOME OTHER REASON, THE WHOLE
GANG DIDN'T GO UP THAT DAY.

SOME OTHER REASON, THE WHOLE
GANG DIDN'T GO UP THAT DAY.
YOU SIMPLY JUST DIDN'T

GANG DIDN'T GO UP THAT DAY.
YOU SIMPLY JUST DIDN'T
SUBSTITUTE PEOPLE AROUND.

YOU SIMPLY JUST DIDN'T
SUBSTITUTE PEOPLE AROUND.
THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF TRUST

SUBSTITUTE PEOPLE AROUND.
THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF TRUST
INVOLVED WITH HANDLING 800-

THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF TRUST
INVOLVED WITH HANDLING 800-
DEGREE RIVETS FLYING THROUGH THE

INVOLVED WITH HANDLING 800-
DEGREE RIVETS FLYING THROUGH THE
AI

DEGREE RIVETS FLYING THROUGH THE
AI
THE RIVETS ARE HEATED TILL THEY

AI
THE RIVETS ARE HEATED TILL THEY
ARE RED HOT.

THE RIVETS ARE HEATED TILL THEY
ARE RED HOT.
THEY ARE THEN TAKEN BY TONGS,

ARE RED HOT.
THEY ARE THEN TAKEN BY TONGS,
AND THEY ARE LITERALLY THROWN

THEY ARE THEN TAKEN BY TONGS,
AND THEY ARE LITERALLY THROWN
SOME DISTANCE, SOMETIMES AS MUCH

AND THEY ARE LITERALLY THROWN
SOME DISTANCE, SOMETIMES AS MUCH
AS 50 OR 60 FEET.

SOME DISTANCE, SOMETIMES AS MUCH
AS 50 OR 60 FEET.
THEY ARE THEN CAUGHT BY SOMEONE

AS 50 OR 60 FEET.
THEY ARE THEN CAUGHT BY SOMEONE
WHO HAS A BUCKET WITH A CONICAL

THEY ARE THEN CAUGHT BY SOMEONE
WHO HAS A BUCKET WITH A CONICAL
HEAD, ALMOST LIKE A FUNNEL AT

WHO HAS A BUCKET WITH A CONICAL
HEAD, ALMOST LIKE A FUNNEL AT
THE TOP, SO THAT IT GAVE THE

HEAD, ALMOST LIKE A FUNNEL AT
THE TOP, SO THAT IT GAVE THE
CATCHERS, THEY USED TO BE

THE TOP, SO THAT IT GAVE THE
CATCHERS, THEY USED TO BE
CALLED, A LITTLE BIT MORE LEEWAY

CATCHERS, THEY USED TO BE
CALLED, A LITTLE BIT MORE LEEWAY
TO GET THESE THINGS BEFORE THEY

CALLED, A LITTLE BIT MORE LEEWAY
TO GET THESE THINGS BEFORE THEY
WOULD DROP DOWN TO THE DECK AND

TO GET THESE THINGS BEFORE THEY
WOULD DROP DOWN TO THE DECK AND
ACTUALLY BURN THROUGH SOMETHING.

WOULD DROP DOWN TO THE DECK AND
ACTUALLY BURN THROUGH SOMETHING.
Reader: "A SPLATTERING OF

ACTUALLY BURN THROUGH SOMETHING.
Reader: "A SPLATTERING OF
FIERY PARTICLES CASCADES DOWN

Reader: "A SPLATTERING OF
FIERY PARTICLES CASCADES DOWN
FROM THE TORCHES THAT THE STEEL

FIERY PARTICLES CASCADES DOWN
FROM THE TORCHES THAT THE STEEL
WORKERS USE FOR CUTTING TEN-TON

FROM THE TORCHES THAT THE STEEL
WORKERS USE FOR CUTTING TEN-TON
GIRDERS IN HALF AND FOR LIGHTING

WORKERS USE FOR CUTTING TEN-TON
GIRDERS IN HALF AND FOR LIGHTING
THEIR CIGARETTES.

GIRDERS IN HALF AND FOR LIGHTING
THEIR CIGARETTES.
THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF

THEIR CIGARETTES.
THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF
STROLLING ON THE THIN EDGE OF

THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF
STROLLING ON THE THIN EDGE OF
NOTHINGNESS."

STROLLING ON THE THIN EDGE OF
NOTHINGNESS."
THE NEW YORK TIMES.

NOTHINGNESS."
THE NEW YORK TIMES.
Narrator: WEEK AFTER WEEK,

THE NEW YORK TIMES.
Narrator: WEEK AFTER WEEK,
THE PHOTOGRAPHER LEWIS HINE

Narrator: WEEK AFTER WEEK,
THE PHOTOGRAPHER LEWIS HINE
CAPTURED THE HEART-STOPPING

THE PHOTOGRAPHER LEWIS HINE
CAPTURED THE HEART-STOPPING
WORK-IN-PROGRESS IN SOME OF THE

CAPTURED THE HEART-STOPPING
WORK-IN-PROGRESS IN SOME OF THE
GREATEST IMAGES EVER TAKEN OF

WORK-IN-PROGRESS IN SOME OF THE
GREATEST IMAGES EVER TAKEN OF
NEW YORK.

GREATEST IMAGES EVER TAKEN OF
NEW YORK.
Reader: "THESE ARE CLASSICAL

NEW YORK.
Reader: "THESE ARE CLASSICAL
HEROES IN THE FLESH, OUTWARDLY

Reader: "THESE ARE CLASSICAL
HEROES IN THE FLESH, OUTWARDLY
PROSAIC, INCREDIBLY NONCHALANT,

HEROES IN THE FLESH, OUTWARDLY
PROSAIC, INCREDIBLY NONCHALANT,
CRAWLING, CLIMBING, WALKING,

PROSAIC, INCREDIBLY NONCHALANT,
CRAWLING, CLIMBING, WALKING,
SWINGING, SWOOPING ON GIGANTIC

CRAWLING, CLIMBING, WALKING,
SWINGING, SWOOPING ON GIGANTIC
STEEL FRAMES; HAIRY-CHESTED

SWINGING, SWOOPING ON GIGANTIC
STEEL FRAMES; HAIRY-CHESTED
HUSKIES, STRAPPING YOUTHS,

STEEL FRAMES; HAIRY-CHESTED
HUSKIES, STRAPPING YOUTHS,
CLEAN-LIMBED AND CLEAR-EYED,

HUSKIES, STRAPPING YOUTHS,
CLEAN-LIMBED AND CLEAR-EYED,
FUSING THE IRON OF THEIR NERVES

CLEAN-LIMBED AND CLEAR-EYED,
FUSING THE IRON OF THEIR NERVES
WITH THE STEEL OF THE GIRDERS

FUSING THE IRON OF THEIR NERVES
WITH THE STEEL OF THE GIRDERS
THEY BUILD INTO MODERN CITIES."

WITH THE STEEL OF THE GIRDERS
THEY BUILD INTO MODERN CITIES."
THE LONDON DAILY HERALD.

Joshua Freeman: THEY ARE
REALLY WONDERFUL KIND OF

REALLY WONDERFUL KIND OF
DOCUMENTATIONS OF WHAT SEEMS TO

DOCUMENTATIONS OF WHAT SEEMS TO
ME ALMOST A PROMETHEAN CONQUEST

ME ALMOST A PROMETHEAN CONQUEST
OF NATURE, OF GRAVITY ITSELF, IN

OF NATURE, OF GRAVITY ITSELF, IN
THE WAY, SUSPENDED IN THE SKY,

THE WAY, SUSPENDED IN THE SKY,
YOU KNOW, VERY MUCH LIKE ICARUS,

YOU KNOW, VERY MUCH LIKE ICARUS,
CHALLENGING THE GODS REALLY, ARE

CHALLENGING THE GODS REALLY, ARE
THESE WORKERS, THESE

THESE WORKERS, THESE
IRONWORKERS, ORDINARY

IRONWORKERS, ORDINARY
IRONWORKERS, SITTING ON THESE

IRONWORKERS, SITTING ON THESE
BEAMS HAVING THEIR LUNCH, YOU

BEAMS HAVING THEIR LUNCH, YOU
KNOW, 80 STORIES ABOVE NEW YORK.
I GREW UP LOOKING AT ONE

I GREW UP LOOKING AT ONE
PARTICULAR ONE OF A YOUNG BARE-
CHESTED WORKER HANGING FROM A

PARTICULAR ONE OF A YOUNG BARE-
CHESTED WORKER HANGING FROM A
GUY WIRE HIGH UP ON THE EMPIRE

CHESTED WORKER HANGING FROM A
GUY WIRE HIGH UP ON THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING WHICH LEWIS HINE

GUY WIRE HIGH UP ON THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING WHICH LEWIS HINE
HAD GIVEN TO MY MOTHER, AND IT

STATE BUILDING WHICH LEWIS HINE
HAD GIVEN TO MY MOTHER, AND IT
ALWAYS SEEMED TO CAPTURE THE

HAD GIVEN TO MY MOTHER, AND IT
ALWAYS SEEMED TO CAPTURE THE
MAGIC OF NEW YORK TO ME.

ALWAYS SEEMED TO CAPTURE THE
MAGIC OF NEW YORK TO ME.
Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE

MAGIC OF NEW YORK TO ME.
Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE
SUMMER AND FALL OF 1930, THE

Narrator: ALL THROUGH THE
SUMMER AND FALL OF 1930, THE
WORK WENT ON.

SUMMER AND FALL OF 1930, THE
WORK WENT ON.
BY OCTOBER, THE STEEL FRAME OF

WORK WENT ON.
BY OCTOBER, THE STEEL FRAME OF
THE BUILDING'S 85-STORY MAIN

BY OCTOBER, THE STEEL FRAME OF
THE BUILDING'S 85-STORY MAIN
SHAFT WAS COMPLETE, AND WORK HAD

THE BUILDING'S 85-STORY MAIN
SHAFT WAS COMPLETE, AND WORK HAD
BEGUN ON THE MOORING MAST.

SHAFT WAS COMPLETE, AND WORK HAD
BEGUN ON THE MOORING MAST.
IN JANUARY 1931, THE SOARING

BEGUN ON THE MOORING MAST.
IN JANUARY 1931, THE SOARING
TOWER'S UPPERMOST BEAMS WERE

IN JANUARY 1931, THE SOARING
TOWER'S UPPERMOST BEAMS WERE
RIVETED INTO PLACE A QUARTER OF

TOWER'S UPPERMOST BEAMS WERE
RIVETED INTO PLACE A QUARTER OF
A MILE IN THE SKY, DESPITE

RIVETED INTO PLACE A QUARTER OF
A MILE IN THE SKY, DESPITE
HOWLING NORTH WINDS, FREEZING

A MILE IN THE SKY, DESPITE
HOWLING NORTH WINDS, FREEZING
RAIN, AND BLINDING FOG.

HOWLING NORTH WINDS, FREEZING
RAIN, AND BLINDING FOG.
AT EXACTLY 5:42 P.M. ON THE

RAIN, AND BLINDING FOG.
AT EXACTLY 5:42 P.M. ON THE
AFTERNOON OF MARCH 18, 1931, THE

AT EXACTLY 5:42 P.M. ON THE
AFTERNOON OF MARCH 18, 1931, THE
COMPLETED MOORING MAST WAS

AFTERNOON OF MARCH 18, 1931, THE
COMPLETED MOORING MAST WAS
TOPPED OFF.

COMPLETED MOORING MAST WAS
TOPPED OFF.
A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE LAST OF

TOPPED OFF.
A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE LAST OF
THE INTERIOR FINISHING WORK WAS

A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE LAST OF
THE INTERIOR FINISHING WORK WAS
COMPLETE.

THE INTERIOR FINISHING WORK WAS
COMPLETE.
IN THE END, JOHN JACOB RASKOB

COMPLETE.
IN THE END, JOHN JACOB RASKOB
AND AL SMITH HAD TRIUMPHED,

IN THE END, JOHN JACOB RASKOB
AND AL SMITH HAD TRIUMPHED,
CONJURING FROM THE DWINDLING

AND AL SMITH HAD TRIUMPHED,
CONJURING FROM THE DWINDLING
OXYGEN OF THE EXTRAORDINARY

CONJURING FROM THE DWINDLING
OXYGEN OF THE EXTRAORDINARY
DECADE THE TALLEST BUILDING IN

OXYGEN OF THE EXTRAORDINARY
DECADE THE TALLEST BUILDING IN
THE WORLD, A DISTINCTION IT

DECADE THE TALLEST BUILDING IN
THE WORLD, A DISTINCTION IT
WOULD PROUDLY HOLD FOR MORE THAN

THE WORLD, A DISTINCTION IT
WOULD PROUDLY HOLD FOR MORE THAN
40 YEARS, AND DESPITE OTHER,

WOULD PROUDLY HOLD FOR MORE THAN
40 YEARS, AND DESPITE OTHER,
TALLER STRUCTURES TO COME, NEVER

40 YEARS, AND DESPITE OTHER,
TALLER STRUCTURES TO COME, NEVER
SEEM TO LOSE.

TALLER STRUCTURES TO COME, NEVER
SEEM TO LOSE.
IN ALL, SIX MEN HAD DIED DURING

SEEM TO LOSE.
IN ALL, SIX MEN HAD DIED DURING
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EMPIRE

IN ALL, SIX MEN HAD DIED DURING
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING... TWO LABORERS,

THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING... TWO LABORERS,
AN IRONWORKER, AND THREE

STATE BUILDING... TWO LABORERS,
AN IRONWORKER, AND THREE
CARPENTERS.

AN IRONWORKER, AND THREE
CARPENTERS.
57,000 TONS OF STRUCTURAL STEEL,

CARPENTERS.
57,000 TONS OF STRUCTURAL STEEL,
ALMOST THREE TIMES THE TOTAL

57,000 TONS OF STRUCTURAL STEEL,
ALMOST THREE TIMES THE TOTAL
USED IN THE CHRYSLER BUILDING,

ALMOST THREE TIMES THE TOTAL
USED IN THE CHRYSLER BUILDING,
HAD BEEN HOISTED INTO PLACE, NOT

USED IN THE CHRYSLER BUILDING,
HAD BEEN HOISTED INTO PLACE, NOT
ONLY HIGHER BUT FASTER THAN

HAD BEEN HOISTED INTO PLACE, NOT
ONLY HIGHER BUT FASTER THAN
ANYONE HAD EVER DREAMED

ONLY HIGHER BUT FASTER THAN
ANYONE HAD EVER DREAMED
POSSIBLE.

ANYONE HAD EVER DREAMED
POSSIBLE.
FROM START TO FINISH, FROM THE

POSSIBLE.
FROM START TO FINISH, FROM THE
COMMENCEMENT OF WORK ON THE

FROM START TO FINISH, FROM THE
COMMENCEMENT OF WORK ON THE
FOUNDATIONS TO THE LAST PIECE OF

COMMENCEMENT OF WORK ON THE
FOUNDATIONS TO THE LAST PIECE OF
INTERIOR WORK ON THE GLEAMING

FOUNDATIONS TO THE LAST PIECE OF
INTERIOR WORK ON THE GLEAMING
MARBLE LOBBY, IT HAD TAKEN THE

INTERIOR WORK ON THE GLEAMING
MARBLE LOBBY, IT HAD TAKEN THE
HEROIC TEAM OF ENGINEERS AND

MARBLE LOBBY, IT HAD TAKEN THE
HEROIC TEAM OF ENGINEERS AND
WORKMEN JUST 13 MONTHS TO ERECT

HEROIC TEAM OF ENGINEERS AND
WORKMEN JUST 13 MONTHS TO ERECT
THE TALLEST BUILDING IN THE

WORKMEN JUST 13 MONTHS TO ERECT
THE TALLEST BUILDING IN THE
WORLD, ONE OF THE GREATEST FEATS

THE TALLEST BUILDING IN THE
WORLD, ONE OF THE GREATEST FEATS
OF CONSTRUCTION SINCE BUILDINGS

WORLD, ONE OF THE GREATEST FEATS
OF CONSTRUCTION SINCE BUILDINGS
BEGAN.

OF CONSTRUCTION SINCE BUILDINGS
BEGAN.
Silverman: YOU'RE TALKING

BEGAN.
Silverman: YOU'RE TALKING
ABOUT FROM THE TIME THAT THE

Silverman: YOU'RE TALKING
ABOUT FROM THE TIME THAT THE
STEEL STARTED, WHICH IS

ABOUT FROM THE TIME THAT THE
STEEL STARTED, WHICH IS
GENERALLY THE BENCHMARK THAT WE

STEEL STARTED, WHICH IS
GENERALLY THE BENCHMARK THAT WE
GIVE THESE BUILDINGS IN TERMS OF

GENERALLY THE BENCHMARK THAT WE
GIVE THESE BUILDINGS IN TERMS OF
ITS ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION.

GIVE THESE BUILDINGS IN TERMS OF
ITS ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION.
YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT 13 OR 14

ITS ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION.
YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT 13 OR 14
MONTHS, WORKING THROUGH THE

YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT 13 OR 14
MONTHS, WORKING THROUGH THE
WINTER, AND THAT WINTER WAS

MONTHS, WORKING THROUGH THE
WINTER, AND THAT WINTER WAS
PRETTY SEVERE; THE WINTER OF '30

WINTER, AND THAT WINTER WAS
PRETTY SEVERE; THE WINTER OF '30
INTO '31 WAS PRETTY SEVERE.

PRETTY SEVERE; THE WINTER OF '30
INTO '31 WAS PRETTY SEVERE.
IT WAS AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING

INTO '31 WAS PRETTY SEVERE.
IT WAS AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING
CONSTRUCTION TIMETABLE.

IT WAS AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING
CONSTRUCTION TIMETABLE.
BUT THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE COME

CONSTRUCTION TIMETABLE.
BUT THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE COME
AFTER THEM, ME AND OTHERS, WHO

BUT THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE COME
AFTER THEM, ME AND OTHERS, WHO
PRACTICE THE ART OF BUILDING,

AFTER THEM, ME AND OTHERS, WHO
PRACTICE THE ART OF BUILDING,
USE THAT BUILDING AS AN EXAMPLE

PRACTICE THE ART OF BUILDING,
USE THAT BUILDING AS AN EXAMPLE
OF WHETHER THE BUILDING WAS A

USE THAT BUILDING AS AN EXAMPLE
OF WHETHER THE BUILDING WAS A
FINANCIAL SUCCESS OR NOT,

OF WHETHER THE BUILDING WAS A
FINANCIAL SUCCESS OR NOT,
WHETHER THE BUILDING IS HANDSOME

FINANCIAL SUCCESS OR NOT,
WHETHER THE BUILDING IS HANDSOME
OR NOT.

WHETHER THE BUILDING IS HANDSOME
OR NOT.
THAT BUILDING WAS CERTAINLY FROM

OR NOT.
THAT BUILDING WAS CERTAINLY FROM
A BUILDING ART A TRIUMPH IN

THAT BUILDING WAS CERTAINLY FROM
A BUILDING ART A TRIUMPH IN
EVERY WAY, IN EVERY POSSIBLE

A BUILDING ART A TRIUMPH IN
EVERY WAY, IN EVERY POSSIBLE
WAY, SOMETHING TO STUDY,

EVERY WAY, IN EVERY POSSIBLE
WAY, SOMETHING TO STUDY,
SOMETHING TO LOOK AT, SOMETHING

WAY, SOMETHING TO STUDY,
SOMETHING TO LOOK AT, SOMETHING
TO TEACH NOT TO BE AFRAID OF

SOMETHING TO LOOK AT, SOMETHING
TO TEACH NOT TO BE AFRAID OF
INNOVATION.

TO TEACH NOT TO BE AFRAID OF
INNOVATION.
Narrator: OPENING DAY, MAY 1,

INNOVATION.
Narrator: OPENING DAY, MAY 1,
1931, DAWNED BRIGHT AND CLEAR.

Narrator: OPENING DAY, MAY 1,
1931, DAWNED BRIGHT AND CLEAR.
Smith: WE ARE ABOUT TO

1931, DAWNED BRIGHT AND CLEAR.
Smith: WE ARE ABOUT TO
OFFICIALLY OPEN THE EMPIRE STATE

Smith: WE ARE ABOUT TO
OFFICIALLY OPEN THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING, THE LARGEST AND MOST

OFFICIALLY OPEN THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING, THE LARGEST AND MOST
BEAUTIFUL OFFICE BUILDING IN THE

BUILDING, THE LARGEST AND MOST
BEAUTIFUL OFFICE BUILDING IN THE
WORLD.

BEAUTIFUL OFFICE BUILDING IN THE
WORLD.
Narrator: AL SMITH, THE

WORLD.
Narrator: AL SMITH, THE
BUILDING'S OFFICIAL GREETER,

Narrator: AL SMITH, THE
BUILDING'S OFFICIAL GREETER,
PRESIDED OVER THE GALA EVENT

BUILDING'S OFFICIAL GREETER,
PRESIDED OVER THE GALA EVENT
HELD ON THE BRAND-NEW

PRESIDED OVER THE GALA EVENT
HELD ON THE BRAND-NEW
OBSERVATION DECK ON THE 86th

HELD ON THE BRAND-NEW
OBSERVATION DECK ON THE 86th
FLOOR, ATTENDED BY JOHN JACOB

OBSERVATION DECK ON THE 86th
FLOOR, ATTENDED BY JOHN JACOB
RASKOB, MAYOR JIMMY WALKER, AND

FLOOR, ATTENDED BY JOHN JACOB
RASKOB, MAYOR JIMMY WALKER, AND
GOVERNOR FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT.

RASKOB, MAYOR JIMMY WALKER, AND
GOVERNOR FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT.
Smith: IN THE WORLD TODAY

GOVERNOR FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT.
Smith: IN THE WORLD TODAY
THAT CAN BE REACHED FROM A

Smith: IN THE WORLD TODAY
THAT CAN BE REACHED FROM A
BUILDING DESIGNED, FASHIONED,

THAT CAN BE REACHED FROM A
BUILDING DESIGNED, FASHIONED,
BUILT BY THE BRAINS, THE BRAWNS,

BUILDING DESIGNED, FASHIONED,
BUILT BY THE BRAINS, THE BRAWNS,
THE INGENUITY, AND THE MUSCLE OF

BUILT BY THE BRAINS, THE BRAWNS,
THE INGENUITY, AND THE MUSCLE OF
MANKIND.

THE INGENUITY, AND THE MUSCLE OF
MANKIND.
Franklin Roosevelt: I AM VERY

MANKIND.
Franklin Roosevelt: I AM VERY
HAPPY TO TAKE PART IN THIS VERY

Franklin Roosevelt: I AM VERY
HAPPY TO TAKE PART IN THIS VERY
AUSPICIOUS OCCASION WITH MY OLD

HAPPY TO TAKE PART IN THIS VERY
AUSPICIOUS OCCASION WITH MY OLD
FRIEND, GOVERNOR SMITH.

AUSPICIOUS OCCASION WITH MY OLD
FRIEND, GOVERNOR SMITH.
WHEN I CAME UP IN THE ELEVATOR,

FRIEND, GOVERNOR SMITH.
WHEN I CAME UP IN THE ELEVATOR,
I WENT SO HIGH THAT I EXPECTED

WHEN I CAME UP IN THE ELEVATOR,
I WENT SO HIGH THAT I EXPECTED
TO GET ABOVE SNOW LEVEL.

I WENT SO HIGH THAT I EXPECTED
TO GET ABOVE SNOW LEVEL.
Narrator: THAT EVENING, AS A

TO GET ABOVE SNOW LEVEL.
Narrator: THAT EVENING, AS A
BRILLIANTLY CLEAR TWILIGHT

Narrator: THAT EVENING, AS A
BRILLIANTLY CLEAR TWILIGHT
DESCENDED ON NEW YORK, PRESIDENT

BRILLIANTLY CLEAR TWILIGHT
DESCENDED ON NEW YORK, PRESIDENT
HERBERT HOOVER TURNED A KEY IN

DESCENDED ON NEW YORK, PRESIDENT
HERBERT HOOVER TURNED A KEY IN
THE WHITE HOUSE, AND THE GREAT

HERBERT HOOVER TURNED A KEY IN
THE WHITE HOUSE, AND THE GREAT
BUILDING WAS ILLUMINATED FOR THE

THE WHITE HOUSE, AND THE GREAT
BUILDING WAS ILLUMINATED FOR THE
FIRST TIME.

BUILDING WAS ILLUMINATED FOR THE
FIRST TIME.
Reader: "EMPIRE STATE SEEMED

FIRST TIME.
Reader: "EMPIRE STATE SEEMED
ALMOST TO FLOAT, LIKE AN

Reader: "EMPIRE STATE SEEMED
ALMOST TO FLOAT, LIKE AN
ENCHANTED FAIRY TOWER, OVER NEW

ALMOST TO FLOAT, LIKE AN
ENCHANTED FAIRY TOWER, OVER NEW
YORK.

ENCHANTED FAIRY TOWER, OVER NEW
YORK.
AN EDIFICE SO LOFTY, SO SERENE,

YORK.
AN EDIFICE SO LOFTY, SO SERENE,
SO MARVELOUSLY SIMPLE, SO

AN EDIFICE SO LOFTY, SO SERENE,
SO MARVELOUSLY SIMPLE, SO
LUMINOUSLY BEAUTIFUL, HAD NEVER

SO MARVELOUSLY SIMPLE, SO
LUMINOUSLY BEAUTIFUL, HAD NEVER
BEFORE BEEN IMAGINED.

LUMINOUSLY BEAUTIFUL, HAD NEVER
BEFORE BEEN IMAGINED.
ONE COULD LOOK BACK ON A DREAM

BEFORE BEEN IMAGINED.
ONE COULD LOOK BACK ON A DREAM
WELL PLANNED."

ONE COULD LOOK BACK ON A DREAM
WELL PLANNED."
Smith: WELL, WHAT DO YOU

WELL PLANNED."
Smith: WELL, WHAT DO YOU
THINK OF THE SIGHT OF GREATER

Smith: WELL, WHAT DO YOU
THINK OF THE SIGHT OF GREATER
NEW YORK FROM THE 86th FLOOR OF

THINK OF THE SIGHT OF GREATER
NEW YORK FROM THE 86th FLOOR OF
THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING?

NEW YORK FROM THE 86th FLOOR OF
THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING?
Winston Churchill: I THINK

THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING?
Winston Churchill: I THINK
IT'S A MARVELOUS SIGHT.

Winston Churchill: I THINK
IT'S A MARVELOUS SIGHT.
Smith: ON A CLEAR DAY, YOU

IT'S A MARVELOUS SIGHT.
Smith: ON A CLEAR DAY, YOU
CAN SEE ALL THE WAY DOWN TO

Smith: ON A CLEAR DAY, YOU
CAN SEE ALL THE WAY DOWN TO
SANDY HOOK IN THE SOUTH, THE

CAN SEE ALL THE WAY DOWN TO
SANDY HOOK IN THE SOUTH, THE
LONGEST VISION FROM ANY

SANDY HOOK IN THE SOUTH, THE
LONGEST VISION FROM ANY
BUILDING, I PROBABLY THINK, IN

LONGEST VISION FROM ANY
BUILDING, I PROBABLY THINK, IN
THE WORLD.

BUILDING, I PROBABLY THINK, IN
THE WORLD.
Churchill: WELL, IT'S MUCH

THE WORLD.
Churchill: WELL, IT'S MUCH
THE HIGHEST I'VE EVER BEEN UP.

Churchill: WELL, IT'S MUCH
THE HIGHEST I'VE EVER BEEN UP.
Smith: HIGHEST FOR ME, TOO.

THE HIGHEST I'VE EVER BEEN UP.
Smith: HIGHEST FOR ME, TOO.
PROBABLY AS HIGH AS I'LL EVER

Smith: HIGHEST FOR ME, TOO.
PROBABLY AS HIGH AS I'LL EVER
BE.

PROBABLY AS HIGH AS I'LL EVER
BE.
Narrator: AND SO THE ROARING

BE.
Narrator: AND SO THE ROARING
'20s... THE HAUNTING, POETIC

Narrator: AND SO THE ROARING
'20s... THE HAUNTING, POETIC
DECADE OF VAULTING AMBITION AND

'20s... THE HAUNTING, POETIC
DECADE OF VAULTING AMBITION AND
FURIOUS DREAMS... CAME TO AN END.

DECADE OF VAULTING AMBITION AND
FURIOUS DREAMS... CAME TO AN END.
Interviewer: MR. GOVERNOR?

FURIOUS DREAMS... CAME TO AN END.
Interviewer: MR. GOVERNOR?
Smith and Roosevelt: YES?

Interviewer: MR. GOVERNOR?
Smith and Roosevelt: YES?
Smith: WHICH ONE?

- Smith and Roosevelt: YES?
- Smith: WHICH ONE?

- Smith: WHICH ONE?
- Interviewer: THE GOVERNOR OF

Interviewer: THE GOVERNOR OF
THE EMPIRE OR GOVERNOR OF THE

Interviewer: THE GOVERNOR OF
THE EMPIRE OR GOVERNOR OF THE
EMPIRE STATE?

THE EMPIRE OR GOVERNOR OF THE
EMPIRE STATE?
Narrator: AL SMITH NEVER GOT

EMPIRE STATE?
Narrator: AL SMITH NEVER GOT
OVER HIS BITTER DEFEAT IN THE

Narrator: AL SMITH NEVER GOT
OVER HIS BITTER DEFEAT IN THE
CAMPAIGN OF 1928.

OVER HIS BITTER DEFEAT IN THE
CAMPAIGN OF 1928.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, CONVINCED

CAMPAIGN OF 1928.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, CONVINCED
FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT HAD STOLEN

IN THE YEARS TO COME, CONVINCED
FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT HAD STOLEN
HIS THUNDER, THE ONCE-HAPPY

FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT HAD STOLEN
HIS THUNDER, THE ONCE-HAPPY
WARRIOR WOULD REPUDIATE THE NEW

HIS THUNDER, THE ONCE-HAPPY
WARRIOR WOULD REPUDIATE THE NEW
DEAL, FOR WHICH HIS OWN STATE

WARRIOR WOULD REPUDIATE THE NEW
DEAL, FOR WHICH HIS OWN STATE
PROGRAMS HAD BEEN THE MODEL, AND

DEAL, FOR WHICH HIS OWN STATE
PROGRAMS HAD BEEN THE MODEL, AND
DRIFT AWAY FROM THE DEMOCRATIC

PROGRAMS HAD BEEN THE MODEL, AND
DRIFT AWAY FROM THE DEMOCRATIC
PARTY ENTIRELY.

DRIFT AWAY FROM THE DEMOCRATIC
PARTY ENTIRELY.
THOUGH JOHN JACOB RASKOB, TOO,

PARTY ENTIRELY.
THOUGH JOHN JACOB RASKOB, TOO,
HAD TOUCHED THE SKY, HIS BELOVED

THOUGH JOHN JACOB RASKOB, TOO,
HAD TOUCHED THE SKY, HIS BELOVED
TOWER NEVER LIVED UP TO HIS

HAD TOUCHED THE SKY, HIS BELOVED
TOWER NEVER LIVED UP TO HIS
GREAT EXPECTATIONS.

TOWER NEVER LIVED UP TO HIS
GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
ALL THE HIGH SPIRITS OF OPENING

GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
ALL THE HIGH SPIRITS OF OPENING
DAY COULD NOT DISGUISE THE FACT

ALL THE HIGH SPIRITS OF OPENING
DAY COULD NOT DISGUISE THE FACT
THAT FROM THE VERY START, THE

DAY COULD NOT DISGUISE THE FACT
THAT FROM THE VERY START, THE
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING WAS A

THAT FROM THE VERY START, THE
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING WAS A
COMMERCIAL FAILURE, AND AN

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING WAS A
COMMERCIAL FAILURE, AND AN
INCREASING EMBARRASSMENT TO ITS

COMMERCIAL FAILURE, AND AN
INCREASING EMBARRASSMENT TO ITS
PRINCIPAL OWNER.

INCREASING EMBARRASSMENT TO ITS
PRINCIPAL OWNER.
THE SKEPTICS WHO HAD ISSUED DIRE

PRINCIPAL OWNER.
THE SKEPTICS WHO HAD ISSUED DIRE
WARNINGS ABOUT THE BUILDING'S

THE SKEPTICS WHO HAD ISSUED DIRE
WARNINGS ABOUT THE BUILDING'S
RISKY LOCATION WERE PROVED

WARNINGS ABOUT THE BUILDING'S
RISKY LOCATION WERE PROVED
RIGHT.

RISKY LOCATION WERE PROVED
RIGHT.
BY OPENING DAY, RASKOB AND HIS

RIGHT.
BY OPENING DAY, RASKOB AND HIS
PARTNERS HAD MANAGED TO RENT

BY OPENING DAY, RASKOB AND HIS
PARTNERS HAD MANAGED TO RENT
LESS THAN 30% OF THE BUILDING'S

PARTNERS HAD MANAGED TO RENT
LESS THAN 30% OF THE BUILDING'S
OFFICE SPACE, AND 56 FLOORS

LESS THAN 30% OF THE BUILDING'S
OFFICE SPACE, AND 56 FLOORS
REMAINED COMPLETELY VACANT.

OFFICE SPACE, AND 56 FLOORS
REMAINED COMPLETELY VACANT.
PEOPLE SOON TOOK TO CALLING IT

REMAINED COMPLETELY VACANT.
PEOPLE SOON TOOK TO CALLING IT
THE EMPTY STATE BUILDING.

PEOPLE SOON TOOK TO CALLING IT
THE EMPTY STATE BUILDING.
Willis: WHEN IT WAS FINISHED

THE EMPTY STATE BUILDING.
Willis: WHEN IT WAS FINISHED
IN 1931, THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS

Willis: WHEN IT WAS FINISHED
IN 1931, THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS
SUPPLY OF OFFICE SPACE COMING

IN 1931, THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS
SUPPLY OF OFFICE SPACE COMING
ONTO THE MARKET AT THE SAME

SUPPLY OF OFFICE SPACE COMING
ONTO THE MARKET AT THE SAME
TIME, AND THE EMPIRE STATE

ONTO THE MARKET AT THE SAME
TIME, AND THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING WAS LOCATED IN AN AREA

TIME, AND THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING WAS LOCATED IN AN AREA
WHICH WAS NOT PARTICULARLY

BUILDING WAS LOCATED IN AN AREA
WHICH WAS NOT PARTICULARLY
COMPETITIVE.

WHICH WAS NOT PARTICULARLY
COMPETITIVE.
IT WASN'T AROUND THE

COMPETITIVE.
IT WASN'T AROUND THE
TRANSPORTATION NEXUS OF GRAND

IT WASN'T AROUND THE
TRANSPORTATION NEXUS OF GRAND
CENTRAL; IT WASN'T IN THE CENTER

TRANSPORTATION NEXUS OF GRAND
CENTRAL; IT WASN'T IN THE CENTER
OF THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT.

CENTRAL; IT WASN'T IN THE CENTER
OF THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT.
IT STOOD ALONE, AND SO IT DIDN'T

OF THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT.
IT STOOD ALONE, AND SO IT DIDN'T
HAVE THE MAGNETIC CAPACITY TO

IT STOOD ALONE, AND SO IT DIDN'T
HAVE THE MAGNETIC CAPACITY TO
DRAW IN NEW TENANTS.

HAVE THE MAGNETIC CAPACITY TO
DRAW IN NEW TENANTS.
AND THE BUILDING DIDN'T BECOME

DRAW IN NEW TENANTS.
AND THE BUILDING DIDN'T BECOME
PROFITABLE UNTIL 1950, 20 YEARS

AND THE BUILDING DIDN'T BECOME
PROFITABLE UNTIL 1950, 20 YEARS
AFTER ITS COMPLETION.

PROFITABLE UNTIL 1950, 20 YEARS
AFTER ITS COMPLETION.
Narrator: WITHIN A YEAR OF

AFTER ITS COMPLETION.
Narrator: WITHIN A YEAR OF
OPENING, WHAT WAS TO HAVE BEEN A

Narrator: WITHIN A YEAR OF
OPENING, WHAT WAS TO HAVE BEEN A
SYMBOL OF THE MIGHT OF AMERICAN

OPENING, WHAT WAS TO HAVE BEEN A
SYMBOL OF THE MIGHT OF AMERICAN
FINANCE SEEMED TO MANY TO HAVE

SYMBOL OF THE MIGHT OF AMERICAN
FINANCE SEEMED TO MANY TO HAVE
BECOME A MONUMENT TO THE

FINANCE SEEMED TO MANY TO HAVE
BECOME A MONUMENT TO THE
EXCESSES OF THE 1920s.

BECOME A MONUMENT TO THE
EXCESSES OF THE 1920s.
AFTER TWO UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS

EXCESSES OF THE 1920s.
AFTER TWO UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS
TO DOCK DIRIGIBLES FROM THE TOP

AFTER TWO UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS
TO DOCK DIRIGIBLES FROM THE TOP
OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING,

TO DOCK DIRIGIBLES FROM THE TOP
OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING,
THE MOORING MAST WAS ABANDONED.

OF THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING,
THE MOORING MAST WAS ABANDONED.
Reader: "THE EMPIRE STATE, A

THE MOORING MAST WAS ABANDONED.
Reader: "THE EMPIRE STATE, A
LONELY DINOSAUR, ROSE SADLY AT

Reader: "THE EMPIRE STATE, A
LONELY DINOSAUR, ROSE SADLY AT
MIDTOWN, HIGHEST TOWER, TALLEST

LONELY DINOSAUR, ROSE SADLY AT
MIDTOWN, HIGHEST TOWER, TALLEST
MOUNTAIN, LONGEST ROAD, KING

MIDTOWN, HIGHEST TOWER, TALLEST
MOUNTAIN, LONGEST ROAD, KING
KONG'S AERIE, MEANT TO MOOR

MOUNTAIN, LONGEST ROAD, KING
KONG'S AERIE, MEANT TO MOOR
AIRSHIPS.

KONG'S AERIE, MEANT TO MOOR
AIRSHIPS.
ALAS!"

AIRSHIPS.
ALAS!"
VINCENT SCULLY.

ALAS!"
VINCENT SCULLY.
Narrator: AND YET, DESPITE

VINCENT SCULLY.
Narrator: AND YET, DESPITE
ALL THE DISAPPOINTMENTS, NEW

Narrator: AND YET, DESPITE
ALL THE DISAPPOINTMENTS, NEW
YORKERS FELL IN LOVE WITH THE

ALL THE DISAPPOINTMENTS, NEW
YORKERS FELL IN LOVE WITH THE
SOARING STRUCTURE AT ONCE, AND

YORKERS FELL IN LOVE WITH THE
SOARING STRUCTURE AT ONCE, AND
ALMOST OVERNIGHT, THE EMPIRE

SOARING STRUCTURE AT ONCE, AND
ALMOST OVERNIGHT, THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING BECAME THE MOST

ALMOST OVERNIGHT, THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING BECAME THE MOST
ROMANTIC AND WIDELY RECOGNIZABLE

STATE BUILDING BECAME THE MOST
ROMANTIC AND WIDELY RECOGNIZABLE
SYMBOL OF THE CITY.

ROMANTIC AND WIDELY RECOGNIZABLE
SYMBOL OF THE CITY.
VISITORS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

SYMBOL OF THE CITY.
VISITORS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
AND AROUND THE WORLD WERE SOON

VISITORS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
AND AROUND THE WORLD WERE SOON
THRONGING TO ITS THRILLING

AND AROUND THE WORLD WERE SOON
THRONGING TO ITS THRILLING
OBSERVATION DECK, WHICH IN ITS

THRONGING TO ITS THRILLING
OBSERVATION DECK, WHICH IN ITS
FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION TOOK IN

OBSERVATION DECK, WHICH IN ITS
FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION TOOK IN
OVER A MILLION DOLLARS, AS MUCH

FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION TOOK IN
OVER A MILLION DOLLARS, AS MUCH
AS ITS OWNERS MADE IN RENT THAT

OVER A MILLION DOLLARS, AS MUCH
AS ITS OWNERS MADE IN RENT THAT
YEAR.

AS ITS OWNERS MADE IN RENT THAT
YEAR.
THE MOORING MAST, UNSUITABLE FOR

YEAR.
THE MOORING MAST, UNSUITABLE FOR
AIRSHIPS, SOON FOUND ITS REAL

THE MOORING MAST, UNSUITABLE FOR
AIRSHIPS, SOON FOUND ITS REAL
VOCATION, AS A MIGHTY WAND FOR

AIRSHIPS, SOON FOUND ITS REAL
VOCATION, AS A MIGHTY WAND FOR
CASTING RADIO, AND THEN

VOCATION, AS A MIGHTY WAND FOR
CASTING RADIO, AND THEN
TELEVISION, SIGNALS, OUT OVER

CASTING RADIO, AND THEN
TELEVISION, SIGNALS, OUT OVER
THE AIRWAVES.

TELEVISION, SIGNALS, OUT OVER
THE AIRWAVES.
THOUGH THE BUILDING NEVER MADE

THE AIRWAVES.
THOUGH THE BUILDING NEVER MADE
34th STREET THE CENTER OF

THOUGH THE BUILDING NEVER MADE
34th STREET THE CENTER OF
GRAVITY IN MANHATTAN, EVEN THAT

34th STREET THE CENTER OF
GRAVITY IN MANHATTAN, EVEN THAT
FAILURE WOULD EVENTUALLY COME TO

GRAVITY IN MANHATTAN, EVEN THAT
FAILURE WOULD EVENTUALLY COME TO
SEEM A KIND OF TRIUMPH, THE

FAILURE WOULD EVENTUALLY COME TO
SEEM A KIND OF TRIUMPH, THE
SIMPLE, SOARING TOWER FOREVER

SEEM A KIND OF TRIUMPH, THE
SIMPLE, SOARING TOWER FOREVER
STANDING IN ITS SPLENDID

SIMPLE, SOARING TOWER FOREVER
STANDING IN ITS SPLENDID
ISOLATION... MAGNIFICENT, PROUD,

STANDING IN ITS SPLENDID
ISOLATION... MAGNIFICENT, PROUD,
VISIBLE FROM AFAR, AND

ISOLATION... MAGNIFICENT, PROUD,
VISIBLE FROM AFAR, AND
INCOMPARABLE.

VISIBLE FROM AFAR, AND
INCOMPARABLE.
Willis: WELL, THE EMPIRE

INCOMPARABLE.
Willis: WELL, THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING IS MY FAVORITE

Willis: WELL, THE EMPIRE
STATE BUILDING IS MY FAVORITE
BUILDING IN THE WORLD, AND I

STATE BUILDING IS MY FAVORITE
BUILDING IN THE WORLD, AND I
THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE HOLD IT

BUILDING IN THE WORLD, AND I
THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE HOLD IT
CLOSE LIKE THAT.

THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE HOLD IT
CLOSE LIKE THAT.
IT PRESENTS ITS IMAGE FROM ANY

CLOSE LIKE THAT.
IT PRESENTS ITS IMAGE FROM ANY
DIRECTION AS THIS BEACON THAT

IT PRESENTS ITS IMAGE FROM ANY
DIRECTION AS THIS BEACON THAT
YOU SEE.

DIRECTION AS THIS BEACON THAT
YOU SEE.
IT MARKS THE CENTER OF THE

YOU SEE.
IT MARKS THE CENTER OF THE
ISLAND.

IT MARKS THE CENTER OF THE
ISLAND.
YOU SEE IT FROM THE AIRPORT WHEN

ISLAND.
YOU SEE IT FROM THE AIRPORT WHEN
YOU COME IN.

YOU SEE IT FROM THE AIRPORT WHEN
YOU COME IN.
YOU FIX IT FROM NEW JERSEY.

YOU COME IN.
YOU FIX IT FROM NEW JERSEY.
IT LIGHTS UP AT NIGHT TO SHOW

YOU FIX IT FROM NEW JERSEY.
IT LIGHTS UP AT NIGHT TO SHOW
YOU THE WAY.

IT LIGHTS UP AT NIGHT TO SHOW
YOU THE WAY.
EVERYTHING ABOUT IT, I THINK,

YOU THE WAY.
EVERYTHING ABOUT IT, I THINK,
EVOKES AN EMOTIONAL REACTION

EVERYTHING ABOUT IT, I THINK,
EVOKES AN EMOTIONAL REACTION
FROM PEOPLE.

EVOKES AN EMOTIONAL REACTION
FROM PEOPLE.
Stern: THE EMPIRE STATE

FROM PEOPLE.
Stern: THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING IS THE GREATEST

Stern: THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING IS THE GREATEST
SKYSCRAPER OF THE PURE TYPE

BUILDING IS THE GREATEST
SKYSCRAPER OF THE PURE TYPE
EVER.

SKYSCRAPER OF THE PURE TYPE
EVER.
IT'S UNSUNG IN MANY QUARTERS.

EVER.
IT'S UNSUNG IN MANY QUARTERS.
IT HAS GOING FOR IT A NUMBER OF

IT'S UNSUNG IN MANY QUARTERS.
IT HAS GOING FOR IT A NUMBER OF
THINGS THAT ARE FANTASTIC, ONE

IT HAS GOING FOR IT A NUMBER OF
THINGS THAT ARE FANTASTIC, ONE
OF WHICH IS ITS SITE, BECAUSE

THINGS THAT ARE FANTASTIC, ONE
OF WHICH IS ITS SITE, BECAUSE
EVEN TODAY, IT RISES VIRTUALLY

OF WHICH IS ITS SITE, BECAUSE
EVEN TODAY, IT RISES VIRTUALLY
UNSURROUNDED BY ANYTHING HIGH,

EVEN TODAY, IT RISES VIRTUALLY
UNSURROUNDED BY ANYTHING HIGH,
SO THE SHEER HEIGHT OF IT; AND

UNSURROUNDED BY ANYTHING HIGH,
SO THE SHEER HEIGHT OF IT; AND
THEN THE BEAUTIFUL MASSING OF

SO THE SHEER HEIGHT OF IT; AND
THEN THE BEAUTIFUL MASSING OF
THE BUILDING, SYMMETRICAL ON

THEN THE BEAUTIFUL MASSING OF
THE BUILDING, SYMMETRICAL ON
EVERY ELEVATION, BUT STEPPING

THE BUILDING, SYMMETRICAL ON
EVERY ELEVATION, BUT STEPPING
BACK AT GREAT SCALE TO THE TOP,

EVERY ELEVATION, BUT STEPPING
BACK AT GREAT SCALE TO THE TOP,
AND THEN IT HAS THIS MAGIC

BACK AT GREAT SCALE TO THE TOP,
AND THEN IT HAS THIS MAGIC
TERRACE, WHERE YOU CAN LOOK OUT

AND THEN IT HAS THIS MAGIC
TERRACE, WHERE YOU CAN LOOK OUT
ON THE CITY AS THOUGH YOU'RE

TERRACE, WHERE YOU CAN LOOK OUT
ON THE CITY AS THOUGH YOU'RE
ALMOST ON THE DECK OF A

ON THE CITY AS THOUGH YOU'RE
ALMOST ON THE DECK OF A
DIRIGIBLE, AND THEN BEYOND IT,

ALMOST ON THE DECK OF A
DIRIGIBLE, AND THEN BEYOND IT,
IT HAS THIS ILLUMINATED LANTERN

DIRIGIBLE, AND THEN BEYOND IT,
IT HAS THIS ILLUMINATED LANTERN
OF A VERTICAL PROPORTIONED,

IT HAS THIS ILLUMINATED LANTERN
OF A VERTICAL PROPORTIONED,
PHALLIC-LIKE IF YOU WILL, WHICH

OF A VERTICAL PROPORTIONED,
PHALLIC-LIKE IF YOU WILL, WHICH
WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A LANDING

PHALLIC-LIKE IF YOU WILL, WHICH
WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A LANDING
MAST FOR DIRIGIBLES.

WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A LANDING
MAST FOR DIRIGIBLES.
WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY REALLY HAD

MAST FOR DIRIGIBLES.
WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY REALLY HAD
IN MIND?

WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY REALLY HAD
IN MIND?
BUT WHAT A GREAT CULMINATION, A

IN MIND?
BUT WHAT A GREAT CULMINATION, A
LANTERN.

BUT WHAT A GREAT CULMINATION, A
LANTERN.
IT'S THE GREAT LIGHTHOUSE FOR

LANTERN.
IT'S THE GREAT LIGHTHOUSE FOR
THE CITY.

IT'S THE GREAT LIGHTHOUSE FOR
THE CITY.
I MEAN, THE ANCIENT WORLD OF

THE CITY.
I MEAN, THE ANCIENT WORLD OF
EGYPT OR GREECE, YOU HAD THESE

I MEAN, THE ANCIENT WORLD OF
EGYPT OR GREECE, YOU HAD THESE
GREAT LANTERNS IN THE HARBOR.

EGYPT OR GREECE, YOU HAD THESE
GREAT LANTERNS IN THE HARBOR.
THE STATUE OF LIBERTY WAS A

GREAT LANTERNS IN THE HARBOR.
THE STATUE OF LIBERTY WAS A
GREAT LANTERN, OR LIGHTHOUSE...

THE STATUE OF LIBERTY WAS A
GREAT LANTERN, OR LIGHTHOUSE...
"I LIFT MY LIGHT BESIDE THE

GREAT LANTERN, OR LIGHTHOUSE...
"I LIFT MY LIGHT BESIDE THE
GOLDEN DOOR."

"I LIFT MY LIGHT BESIDE THE
GOLDEN DOOR."
HERE WAS THE LIGHTHOUSE OF

GOLDEN DOOR."
HERE WAS THE LIGHTHOUSE OF
COMMERCE IN THE MIDDLE OF

HERE WAS THE LIGHTHOUSE OF
COMMERCE IN THE MIDDLE OF
MIDTOWN, WHERE ALL THE BUILDINGS

COMMERCE IN THE MIDDLE OF
MIDTOWN, WHERE ALL THE BUILDINGS
WERE LOW.

MIDTOWN, WHERE ALL THE BUILDINGS
WERE LOW.
Narrator: NEVER AGAIN WOULD

WERE LOW.
Narrator: NEVER AGAIN WOULD
ANYTHING BE BUILT QUITE LIKE IT.

Narrator: NEVER AGAIN WOULD
ANYTHING BE BUILT QUITE LIKE IT.
SUMMONED FROM THE EARTH AT THE

ANYTHING BE BUILT QUITE LIKE IT.
SUMMONED FROM THE EARTH AT THE
END OF THE 1920s BY COMMERCIAL

SUMMONED FROM THE EARTH AT THE
END OF THE 1920s BY COMMERCIAL
AND CULTURAL FORCES THAT HAD

END OF THE 1920s BY COMMERCIAL
AND CULTURAL FORCES THAT HAD
BEEN BUILDING SINCE THE ERIE

AND CULTURAL FORCES THAT HAD
BEEN BUILDING SINCE THE ERIE
CANAL, THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

BEEN BUILDING SINCE THE ERIE
CANAL, THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
WAS PERHAPS THE SUPREME

CANAL, THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
WAS PERHAPS THE SUPREME
EXPRESSION OF THE CITY'S

WAS PERHAPS THE SUPREME
EXPRESSION OF THE CITY'S
UNPARALLELED POWER TO SHAPE ITS

EXPRESSION OF THE CITY'S
UNPARALLELED POWER TO SHAPE ITS
OWN DESTINY.

UNPARALLELED POWER TO SHAPE ITS
OWN DESTINY.
RISING AS THE CITY AND COUNTRY

OWN DESTINY.
RISING AS THE CITY AND COUNTRY
SANK INTO THE WORST DEPRESSION

RISING AS THE CITY AND COUNTRY
SANK INTO THE WORST DEPRESSION
OF THEIR HISTORY, IT MARKED A

SANK INTO THE WORST DEPRESSION
OF THEIR HISTORY, IT MARKED A
MIGHTY CULMINATION AND CRUCIAL

OF THEIR HISTORY, IT MARKED A
MIGHTY CULMINATION AND CRUCIAL
TURNING POINT IN THE LIFE OF NEW

MIGHTY CULMINATION AND CRUCIAL
TURNING POINT IN THE LIFE OF NEW
YORK CITY.

TURNING POINT IN THE LIFE OF NEW
YORK CITY.
NEVER AGAIN WOULD THERE BE SUCH

YORK CITY.
NEVER AGAIN WOULD THERE BE SUCH
BOUNDLESS FAITH IN THE FUTURE,

NEVER AGAIN WOULD THERE BE SUCH
BOUNDLESS FAITH IN THE FUTURE,
OR IN THE UNBRIDLED FORCES OF

BOUNDLESS FAITH IN THE FUTURE,
OR IN THE UNBRIDLED FORCES OF
COMMERCE AND CAPITALISM.

OR IN THE UNBRIDLED FORCES OF
COMMERCE AND CAPITALISM.
NEVER AGAIN WOULD THE CITY HOLD

COMMERCE AND CAPITALISM.
NEVER AGAIN WOULD THE CITY HOLD
SUCH UNRIVALED SWAY OVER THE

NEVER AGAIN WOULD THE CITY HOLD
SUCH UNRIVALED SWAY OVER THE
CULTURE AND COMMERCE OF THE

SUCH UNRIVALED SWAY OVER THE
CULTURE AND COMMERCE OF THE
UNITED STATES, NOR WOULD THE

CULTURE AND COMMERCE OF THE
UNITED STATES, NOR WOULD THE
GLEAMING METROPOLIS EVER FEEL

UNITED STATES, NOR WOULD THE
GLEAMING METROPOLIS EVER FEEL
QUITE SO INDISPUTABLY LIKE THE

GLEAMING METROPOLIS EVER FEEL
QUITE SO INDISPUTABLY LIKE THE
CENTER OF THE WORLD.

QUITE SO INDISPUTABLY LIKE THE
CENTER OF THE WORLD.
NEW FORCES WERE ABROAD IN THE

CENTER OF THE WORLD.
NEW FORCES WERE ABROAD IN THE
LAND, UNLEASHED IN PART BY THE

NEW FORCES WERE ABROAD IN THE
LAND, UNLEASHED IN PART BY THE
CITY'S VERY POWER, AND IN PART

LAND, UNLEASHED IN PART BY THE
CITY'S VERY POWER, AND IN PART
BY ITS BREATHTAKING PROFLIGACY,

CITY'S VERY POWER, AND IN PART
BY ITS BREATHTAKING PROFLIGACY,
AND IN THE DECADES TO COME,

BY ITS BREATHTAKING PROFLIGACY,
AND IN THE DECADES TO COME,
THOSE FORCES WOULD DRAMATICALLY

AND IN THE DECADES TO COME,
THOSE FORCES WOULD DRAMATICALLY
TRANSFORM THE RELATION OF THE

THOSE FORCES WOULD DRAMATICALLY
TRANSFORM THE RELATION OF THE
CITY AND THE COUNTRY.

TRANSFORM THE RELATION OF THE
CITY AND THE COUNTRY.
NO ONE SENSED THOSE CHANGES MORE

CITY AND THE COUNTRY.
NO ONE SENSED THOSE CHANGES MORE
POIGNANTLY, OR EXPRESSED THEM

NO ONE SENSED THOSE CHANGES MORE
POIGNANTLY, OR EXPRESSED THEM
MORE LYRICALLY, THAN THE CITY'S

POIGNANTLY, OR EXPRESSED THEM
MORE LYRICALLY, THAN THE CITY'S
BRILLIANT FALLEN ANGEL, F. SCOTT

MORE LYRICALLY, THAN THE CITY'S
BRILLIANT FALLEN ANGEL, F. SCOTT
FITZGERALD, WHOSE OWN CAREER WAS

BRILLIANT FALLEN ANGEL, F. SCOTT
FITZGERALD, WHOSE OWN CAREER WAS
ALREADY DESCENDING INTO

FITZGERALD, WHOSE OWN CAREER WAS
ALREADY DESCENDING INTO
DARKNESS.

ALREADY DESCENDING INTO
DARKNESS.
TWO YEARS AFTER THE CRASH, IN

DARKNESS.
TWO YEARS AFTER THE CRASH, IN
WHAT HE CALLED THE "DARK AUTUMN"

TWO YEARS AFTER THE CRASH, IN
WHAT HE CALLED THE "DARK AUTUMN"
OF 1931, HE RETURNED TO NEW YORK

WHAT HE CALLED THE "DARK AUTUMN"
OF 1931, HE RETURNED TO NEW YORK
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NEARLY

OF 1931, HE RETURNED TO NEW YORK
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NEARLY
THREE YEARS.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NEARLY
THREE YEARS.
A LIFETIME BEFORE, HE HAD COME

THREE YEARS.
A LIFETIME BEFORE, HE HAD COME
TO A PLACE WHERE EVERYTHING

A LIFETIME BEFORE, HE HAD COME
TO A PLACE WHERE EVERYTHING
SEEMED POSSIBLE.

TO A PLACE WHERE EVERYTHING
SEEMED POSSIBLE.
NOW EVERYTHING HAD CHANGED, AND

SEEMED POSSIBLE.
NOW EVERYTHING HAD CHANGED, AND
IN A PIERCING, CLEAR-EYED,

NOW EVERYTHING HAD CHANGED, AND
IN A PIERCING, CLEAR-EYED,
MELANCHOLY ESSAY CALLED "MY LOST

IN A PIERCING, CLEAR-EYED,
MELANCHOLY ESSAY CALLED "MY LOST
CITY," HE STRUGGLED TO PUT INTO

MELANCHOLY ESSAY CALLED "MY LOST
CITY," HE STRUGGLED TO PUT INTO
WORDS EXACTLY WHAT THAT WAS.

CITY," HE STRUGGLED TO PUT INTO
WORDS EXACTLY WHAT THAT WAS.
Reader: "FROM THE RUINS,

WORDS EXACTLY WHAT THAT WAS.
Reader: "FROM THE RUINS,
LONELY AND INEXPLICABLE AS THE

Reader: "FROM THE RUINS,
LONELY AND INEXPLICABLE AS THE
SPHINX, ROSE THE EMPIRE STATE

LONELY AND INEXPLICABLE AS THE
SPHINX, ROSE THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING.

SPHINX, ROSE THE EMPIRE STATE
BUILDING.
AND JUST AS IT HAD BEEN A

BUILDING.
AND JUST AS IT HAD BEEN A
TRADITION OF MINE TO CLIMB TO

AND JUST AS IT HAD BEEN A
TRADITION OF MINE TO CLIMB TO
THE PLAZA ROOF TO TAKE LEAVE OF

TRADITION OF MINE TO CLIMB TO
THE PLAZA ROOF TO TAKE LEAVE OF
THE BEAUTIFUL CITY EXTENDING AS

THE PLAZA ROOF TO TAKE LEAVE OF
THE BEAUTIFUL CITY EXTENDING AS
FAR AS THE EYES COULD REACH, SO

THE BEAUTIFUL CITY EXTENDING AS
FAR AS THE EYES COULD REACH, SO
NOW I WENT TO THE ROOF OF THE

FAR AS THE EYES COULD REACH, SO
NOW I WENT TO THE ROOF OF THE
LAST AND MOST MAGNIFICENT OF

NOW I WENT TO THE ROOF OF THE
LAST AND MOST MAGNIFICENT OF
TOWERS.

LAST AND MOST MAGNIFICENT OF
TOWERS.
THEN I UNDERSTOOD.

TOWERS.
THEN I UNDERSTOOD.
EVERYTHING WAS EXPLAINED.

THEN I UNDERSTOOD.
EVERYTHING WAS EXPLAINED.
I HAD DISCOVERED THE CROWNING

EVERYTHING WAS EXPLAINED.
I HAD DISCOVERED THE CROWNING
ERROR OF THE CITY, ITS PANDORA'S

I HAD DISCOVERED THE CROWNING
ERROR OF THE CITY, ITS PANDORA'S
BOX.

ERROR OF THE CITY, ITS PANDORA'S
BOX.
FULL OF VAUNTING PRIDE, THE NEW

BOX.
FULL OF VAUNTING PRIDE, THE NEW
YORKER HAD CLIMBED HERE AND SEEN

FULL OF VAUNTING PRIDE, THE NEW
YORKER HAD CLIMBED HERE AND SEEN
WITH DISMAY WHAT HE HAD NEVER

YORKER HAD CLIMBED HERE AND SEEN
WITH DISMAY WHAT HE HAD NEVER
THAT THE CITY WAS NOT

WITH DISMAY WHAT HE HAD NEVER
THAT THE CITY WAS NOT
THE ENDLESS SUCCESSION OF

THAT THE CITY WAS NOT
THE ENDLESS SUCCESSION OF
CANYONS THAT HE HAD SUPPOSED,

THE ENDLESS SUCCESSION OF
CANYONS THAT HE HAD SUPPOSED,
BUT THAT IT HAD LIMITS, FADING

CANYONS THAT HE HAD SUPPOSED,
BUT THAT IT HAD LIMITS, FADING
OUT INTO THE COUNTRY ON ALL

BUT THAT IT HAD LIMITS, FADING
OUT INTO THE COUNTRY ON ALL
SIDES, INTO AN EXPANSE OF GREEN

OUT INTO THE COUNTRY ON ALL
SIDES, INTO AN EXPANSE OF GREEN
AND BLUE THAT ALONE WAS

SIDES, INTO AN EXPANSE OF GREEN
AND BLUE THAT ALONE WAS
LIMITLESS.

AND BLUE THAT ALONE WAS
LIMITLESS.
AND WITH THE AWFUL REALIZATION

LIMITLESS.
AND WITH THE AWFUL REALIZATION
THAT NEW YORK WAS A CITY AFTER

AND WITH THE AWFUL REALIZATION
THAT NEW YORK WAS A CITY AFTER
ALL AND NOT A UNIVERSE, THE

THAT NEW YORK WAS A CITY AFTER
ALL AND NOT A UNIVERSE, THE
WHOLE SHINING EDIFICE THAT HE

ALL AND NOT A UNIVERSE, THE
WHOLE SHINING EDIFICE THAT HE
HAD REARED IN HIS IMAGINATION

WHOLE SHINING EDIFICE THAT HE
HAD REARED IN HIS IMAGINATION
CAME CRASHING TO THE GROUND.

HAD REARED IN HIS IMAGINATION
CAME CRASHING TO THE GROUND.
THAT WAS THE GIFT OF ALFRED

CAME CRASHING TO THE GROUND.
THAT WAS THE GIFT OF ALFRED
SMITH TO THE CITIZENS OF NEW

THAT WAS THE GIFT OF ALFRED
SMITH TO THE CITIZENS OF NEW
YORK."

SMITH TO THE CITIZENS OF NEW
YORK."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.

YORK."
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
VISIT NEW YORK ONLINE.

F. SCOTT FITZGERALD.
VISIT NEW YORK ONLINE.
JUMP INTO A TAXI AND PLAY

VISIT NEW YORK ONLINE.
JUMP INTO A TAXI AND PLAY
A QUIZ GAME.

JUMP INTO A TAXI AND PLAY
A QUIZ GAME.
VISIT A VIRTUAL NEW YORK.

A QUIZ GAME.
VISIT A VIRTUAL NEW YORK.
AND FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS,

VISIT A VIRTUAL NEW YORK.
AND FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS,
TAKE YOUR KIDS ON A LEARNING

AND FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS,
TAKE YOUR KIDS ON A LEARNING
ADVENTURE THROUGH YOUR TOWN.