The March of Time: The Teachers’ Crisis

About This Movie

The March of Time: The Teachers’ Crisis is a gritty look into the pressing issues surrounding education in post-war America. It combines narration and dramatized segments that feel both urgent and somber, highlighting the growing disparity between school enrollment and teacher availability. The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing the viewer to absorb the weight of its themes, especially the societal implications of an underfunded education system. It’s fascinating how this documentary uses charts and reenactments to make its point, giving it a unique texture that sets it apart from other educational films of its time.

This film has been released in various formats over the years, but original copies on 16mm are quite hard to come by, and collectors tend to prize them for their historical value. Interest has grown due to the ongoing discussions about education in current times, making it a relevant piece in any serious film collection. The scarcity of well-preserved prints adds to its appeal, as does its unique blend of narrative and documentation, which isn't commonly found in other films from the March of Time series.