This Is Cinerama (1952) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A documentary celebrating Cinerama's widescreen technology through world travel, performances, and patriotic Americana.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

From History to Cinerama

The film opens in black-and-white with a lecture on visual entertainment evolution. At the end of the lecture, the screen expands into full-color Cinerama, marking the key transformation.

Key Events

• Opening Titles — Film begins in black-and-white Academy ratio Location: Theater
• Lecture on Film History — Presenter discusses evolution of visual entertainment Location: Theater
• Cinerama Screen Expansion — Screen widens to 2.65:1 full color Location: Theater

Global Pageantry and Performance

A rapid succession of scenes from around the world—including roller coasters, opera, choirs, canals, and cultural events—showcases the immersive scope of Cinerama.

Key Events

• Atom Smasher Roller Coaster — Point-of-view ride on thriller coaster Location: Rockaways' Playland
• Aïda Temple Dance — Temple dance from opera Aïda Location: La Scala Opera
• Niagara Falls Views — Scenic shots of massive waterfalls Location: Niagara Falls
• Church Choir in Sepia — Sepia-toned church choir performance Location: Church
• Vienna Boys' Choir — Youth choir sings in concert Location: Vienna
• Venice Canals — Scenes of Venetian waterways Location: Venice
• Edinburgh Military Tattoo — Military parade and musical pageant Location: Edinburgh
• Spanish Bullfight — Traditional bullfighting spectacle Location: Spain
• Aïda Triumphal Scene — Grand triumphal scene from Aïda Location: La Scala Opera

Sensory Showcase

The film continues with a stereo sound demonstration and a spectacular water-skiing show, emphasizing the technical and sensory innovations of the format.

Key Events

• Aïda Triumphal Scene — Grand triumphal scene from Aïda Location: La Scala Opera
• Stereo Sound Demonstration — Live demonstration of stereophonic sound Location: Studio
• Cypress Gardens Waterskiing — Elaborate waterskiing show at amusement park Location: Cypress Gardens

American Grandeur

Aerial views of Western landmarks and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's patriotic hymns provide a triumphant finale, celebrating American natural beauty and heritage.

Key Events

• Western Aerial Landmarks — Low-flying views of natural landmarks Location: American West
• America the Beautiful Hymn — Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings first patriotic hymn Location: Aerial View
• Come, Come Ye Saints — Choir performs second hymn Location: Aerial View
• Battle Hymn of the Republic — Final patriotic hymn by choir Location: Aerial View
• Finale Fade Out — Film concludes with soaring images Location: Theater

Story Breakdown

• Historical Foundation — Introduces the development of visual entertainment from cave paintings to modern cinema.
  • Cave Paintings to Color — Traces the evolution of visual media
  • Sound and Cinema — Discusses the introduction of sound in films
• Cinerama Unveiled — The film transitions from black-and-white to full Cinerama widescreen.
  • Widescreen Revelation — Screen expands to 2.65:1 aspect ratio
  • Immersive Promise — Visual immersion that sets the stage for the tour
• Thrill Rides — Point-of-view sequences that simulate exhilarating motion.
  • Atom Smasher Ride — First-person roller coaster at Rockaways
  • Audience Immersion — Sensation of being on the ride
• Classical Performances — Opera and choral performances from Europe.
  • Aïda Temple Dance — La Scala production of the dance
  • Vienna Boys' Choir — Youth choir in concert
  • Triumphal Scene — Spectacular finale from Aïda
• Natural Wonders — Scenic shots of waterfalls and canals.
  • Niagara Falls — American natural landmark
  • Venice Canals — Italian waterways
• Cultural Spectacles — Military and traditional cultural events.
  • Edinburgh Tattoo — Military parade and music
  • Spanish Bullfight — Traditional bullfighting event
• American Celebration — Aerial views and patriotic hymns close the film.
  • Western Aerial Views — Landmarks filmed from B-25
  • Mormon Tabernacle Choir — Patriotic hymns including America the Beautiful

Directed by

Merian C. Cooper, Gunther von Fritsch

Key Cast

• Lowell Thomas — Host / Narrator