2304 Most American's today are so fatalistic and self centered that the notion of an activist consumer organization is likely difficult to fathom. Government and corporate mind control efforts of the 1990s have successfully convinced most of us that the idea of working together for a better life is passeÃÂ, and that we should simply buy what we are told to buy. Here we have a fascinating reminder that American activism was once as constructive and productive as American Industry. A thorough discussion of the structure and goals of an institution most Americans have forgotten about. It is terribly sad to be shown what we have become, especially when we are reminded of who we used to be, by such a wonderful film. Likely incomprehensible to anyone under 40. "Au pays des aveugles les borgnes sont rois!" New Deal Activisim at it's best 2muchtv 2003-05-19 08:00:41 2003-05-19 08:00:41 5 6571 CU is still going strong, and pretty much everything said about CU in this film is still true today. The film highlights CU's independent testing activities in 1960. The objectivity for which CU is famous comes through loud and clear in this film. Lots of self-serious cliches here, like the team of old white guys marching into the FTC building, women contributing to the effort by testing lipstick, and the constant presence of bespectacled men wearing white lab coats and carrying clipboards. Footage of CU testing the Chevy Corvair and the underplayed reference to CU's crusade for automobile seat belts add ironic and poignant touches. By the end of part II the stirring music will have you grabbing your checkbook to re-up for another year of Consumer Reports. Consumers Union Reports on itself cjxn 2003-10-29 17:12:02 2003-10-03 20:48:22 5 Calling Capatin Consumer (hey, remember that?) In this highly interesting overview of what Consumer Reports does.. or did.. (are they still around? I havent seen any in quite a while...) the many different aspects are explained. Although one wonders if they REALLY have that equipment at their labaratory ready for use at their disposal (C'mon, a sound-proof room?). Interesting to see their insistance that they're just a simple organization with pure wholesome values (aka no corperate greed). Calling Captain Consumer (hey, remember that?) 4 Bill T. 2005-05-12 15:26:32 2005-05-12 15:26:32 This early 60s film gives a detailed and complete profile of Consumers Union, the non-profit organization that publishes Consumer Reports. The profile is very straightforward, reflecting the dedication to facts of the organization, an organization that does very good work. Unfortunately, this means it gets rather dull after awhile, because it goes into such detail. Still, the scenes of the various laboratory tests are pretty interestingI want the cigarette smoking machine for the Film Ephemera Museum of Quirky Devices (Smoking Section). Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: **. Weirdness: **. Historical Interest: ****. CU Rating: Recommended with Reservations. Overall Rating: ***. A Report on Consumer Reports 3 Christine Hennig 2005-09-17 20:56:35 2005-09-17 20:56:35 4 4.25