Cities: How They Grow (film #320 on Prelinger Archive) [Category: Public Service].

This Encyclopedia Brittanica film gives a dry overview of the growth of cities in America, city planning, and urban problems. Since it’s EB, it’s all pretty standard and conventional. It ends optimistically, expressing the hope that proper planning can prevent urban problems in the future. Lots of scene of 50s urban life are shown, giving this some historical value, but mostly it’s dull viewing.

Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: *. Weirdness: *. Historical Interest: ****. Overall Rating: ***.