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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1932 Vision of Alfred J. Goulding
The 1932 release of Believe It or Not (Second Series) #10 marked a significant moment for the enduring legacy of Alfred J. Goulding's artistic contribution to the genre. By challenging the status quo of 1932 cinema, it has cemented its place in the global cult cinema archive.
In Believe It or Not (Second Series) #10, Alfred J. Goulding pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
While deeply rooted in United States, Believe It or Not (Second Series) #10 has achieved a global reach, influencing directors from various backgrounds. Its ability to translate Documentary tropes into a universal cinematic language is why it remains a cult staple decades after its 1932 release.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Alfred J. Goulding's style and the core Documentary narrative.
The second entry of the second series in which Robert Ripley does not present drawings and film clips personally: he just introduces Leo Donnelly the narrator at the beginning. This omnibus of film clips include a Savannah golf course made from Civil War trenches, wooden Indians used with cigar stores, a Sioux artist from South Dakota who paints upside down, the smallest residence house, a Bronx statue with mysterious origins, the Ocean Grove community in New Jersey that closes down on Sundays due to blue laws, a futuristic 18-story motorized parking garage, a violin made from matchsticks, a mansion on an Atlantic City pier, a paralyzed dog fitted with wheels, and a cemetery for dogs.
Decades after its release, Believe It or Not (Second Series) #10 remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Alfred J. Goulding's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.