shaggylocks's video: The Best Made Plans 1956

This delightfully outdated and corny film introduces us to Ann, a 50s suburban housewife who solves all her problems with Saran Wrap. Of course her problems are the kinds we all want to have, such as freezer burn, last-minute party favors, and an unexpected trip to visit her sister, who has just given birth. Ann's obsession with wrapping everything in plastic wrap in this film is certainly over the top, but this film conveys the innocent pleasure that people then took in such innovations. The film also shows how exciting the idea of owning a deep freezer was and how the family saved up their pennies for it. I have a special affection for 50s home economics films like these: they inhabit an unreal, spotless suburban utopia where all problems are quickly and easily solved by using the correct products. My favorite moment in this one is when the friendly neighbor lady solves the party favor problem by showing the little girl how to make "flowers" from hard candies wrapped in Saran Wrap. When the husband asks if he can help, she sends him into the kitchen to boil water, as if a home birth were imminent. Producer: Dallas Jones Productions Sponser: Dow Chemical Company