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This 1963 color sponsored film produced by Detroit Michigan Jam Handy Pictures serves as a promotional tool for Bell & Howell brand Specialist Filmosound Autoload 550 16mm motion picture projectors, offering a series of visual demonstrations. The 550, an early self-threading model that still used vacuum tube amplification, was produced from 1963-1969 before being modified with a transistor-based amplifier. Filmosounds were widely used in educational, business, and residential settings. The projector is often remembered for its turquoise fiberglass casing and well-intentioned, but often imperfect attempts at simplifying the film loading process (TRT: 7:47).

A view inside a working Bell & Howell motion picture film projector reveals motors, wires, a fan belt, and other moving components in action. Closeup on the projection lens of a 16mm projector. Narration mentions the new standard 2” F/14 lens (0:07). In an illuminated set with empty chairs and a United States flag, the projector is displayed projecting an image of a windmill onto a portable tripod screen. Closeup on the windmill, with a boost in brightness (0:20). A closeup on the built-in, front-mounted speaker on the face of the projector. Another shot with the grating removed and the speaker cone visible (0:39). Exposed tubes and resistors inside the projector’s amplifier casing (0:46). An overhead view and a pan across a “large meeting room, seating up to 250 people,” illustrating the projector’s intended setup (on a project-o-stand) and range of throw (0:56). A rewind feature is demonstrated using a 400’ reel of 16mm film (1:18). A knob is turned, and automatic threading is demonstrated. The auto-load process is demonstrated, showing smooth threading of opaque white leader. Once threaded, the threading mechanism releases itself (1:41). “The lens mount swings out for easy access.” This process reveals silicon carbide guide rails, running alongside either edge of the 16mm film strip (2:07). A closeup on the projector’s gear-driven whirring motor. Narration mentions this in contrast to a belt and pulley system (2:22). A woman in a dress activates the projector in the demonstration set, now set up to resemble a school classroom. An image of an industrial factory appears. Sheet metal workers at an assembly line are paused and the light steps down to protect the film (2:38). A football coach in a “locker room” directs a player in a “Detroit” sweatshirt to run an instant replay. The projector handles the request for reverse, pause, and forward motion with ease (3:18). Government and business applications are represented by men at a desk with multiple ashtrays. A film about manufacturing is paused, then re-started (3:45). A lamp bulb is replaced (4:00). The Autoload lever, focus dial, and lens in closeup (4:17). A slow pull back reveals the projector in ¾ profile (4:44). Charles H. Percy, President of Bell & Howell speaks (5:02). Stress testing and quality control checks in a Bell & Howell laboratory. A projector is shaken, frozen, and probed by men in laboratory coats (5:29). Consolidated Electrodynamics Corporation of Pasadena. Narration references a recent 1960 merger (6:21). Spectrometers are utilized for further lab analysis (6:30). Percy sums up his case (7:12).

The Bell & Howell “Filmo” silent projector debuted in the 1920s, and the Filmosound followed in 1934. It was refined many times over the ensuing decades, with variations remaining in production through 2003. 

The Jam Handy Organization, headed by Henry Jamison Handy, was a prolific midwestern producer of sponsored films and filmstrips for the automotive industry, Coca-Cola, and other major corporations from the 1930s through the 1970s. Such films were generally exhibited for industrial expos, trade shows, company gatherings, and as multimedia training or sales aids, as is the case with this film for Bell & Howell. 


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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com