Our Mr. Sun, as where all of the Bell telephone education films Are Pure nostalgia to me . I was always happy to see a movie projector set up in class, but when it was a Mr. Science film I was JAZZED ! these movies were heads above the standard audio visual fair of the 1960s ( remember film strips ? ) We saw these films once a year , and my father , who was a school teacher would bring these home to show again I never tired of them , But then Maybe I was a Right wing Christian nut and never even knew it ! ( see G Wells comment ) I am sure it's Dated now but Our Mr. Sun is pure nostalgia to me ! I think the fact that it has been released to DVD says something in it self , how many other educational films from our school days have made it to DVD ?
17 Reviews
Remember when this was made!
Bronco466 April 2003
You have to watch this film remembering it was made in 50's. Another reviewer has written about this film as if it was same level as the worst of the propaganda films every made. Which is pure rubbish. There are religious references in the film, but this will not harm anyone. Especially since no one should watch it as accurate source of science information. In fact the values are all thats left as a message in this film. That and the pure entertainment value of watching something that shows how much we misunderstood astronomy, and science at the time. See the film, enjoy the Mr Sun character, and lighten up.
Our Mr. Sun is a pretty entertaining live action/animated educational film from Frank Capra and the UPA studios
tavm27 August 2009
Just watched this live action/animated educational film directed by Frank Capra with UPA's Bill Hurtz handling the animation stuff on Google Video as linked on the Mark Evanier site. In it, we see Dr. Frank Baxter as Dr. Research talking to Fiction Writer Eddie Albert about ways in explaining the uses of the sun to the audience. Mr. Writer then opens the curtain as we see in animated form, Mr. Sun (Marvin Miller) and Father Time (Lionel Barrymore in his final performance) arguing about Sun's importance over the years. Both Writer and Research explain to them, and us, all the advances that the sun made possible. Many of the facts presented here can be pretty overwhelming and I admit I wasn't always paying attention. Still, it was fascinating to watch various animated visuals illustrating just how important the sun is to various technologies. And the cartoon segment featuring a character named Chloro Phyll (Sterling Holloway) was pretty amusing. I partly question having Father Time at the end praise the Lord since it didn't seem to have been relevant to what went before. Still, I recommend Our Mr. Sun both for its educational merits and for anyone interested in vintage animation and the work of Capra. P.S. Bill Hurtz' birthplace, like mine, was in Chicago, Ill.
WOW! This was great!
grahamsj328 April 2003
This was a part of a series of educational films from the Bell System. It was written, directed and produced by Frank Capra, the legendary film maker. The series was hosted by Dr. Frank Baxter and featured the distinctive voice work of Sterling Holloway. I saw it first while I was in elementary school (almost before electricity) and it has stuck in my mind all this time. I recall seeing this two or three times, but to remain in my memory that long means that these films were good! This was the first time I'd ever seen footage of any sort of solar activity. Before seeing this film, I thought the sun was just a round ball, but they showed me solar flares. I learned that the surface of the sun is a violent, ever-changing place. I must have believed that the sun was solid, but learned that it's made of gas. I learned a lot from this series of films and I still remember them more than 40 years later.
Sunny Science
Ron Oliver30 November 2005
A Frank Capra WONDERS OF LIFE film.
OUR MR. SUN endlessly makes life possible on Earth.
In the mid-1950's, AT&T and Bell Science teamed with famed Hollywood director Frank Capra to produce a series of CBS television science films to educate the public about the Universe around them. A far cry from the dreary black & white fodder so often foisted off on young scholars, the Capra films would both instruct and entertain with lively scripts and eye-catching visuals shown in Technicolor. The four films - OUR MR. SUN (1956), THE STRANGE CASE OF THE COSMIC RAYS (1957), HEMO THE MAGNIFICENT (1957), THE UNCHAINED GODDESS (1958) - quickly became schoolhouse favorites, where they were endlessly shown in 16mm format.
The star of the series was Dr. Frank C. Baxter (1896-1982), an affable English professor at the University of Southern California. This avuncular pedagogue proved to be the perfect film instructor, genially imparting to his audience the sometimes complex facts in a manner which never made them seem dull or boring. Dr. Baxter, who won a Peabody Award for his achievements, continued making instructional films after the Capra quartet were concluded.
OUR MR. SUN, which won an Emmy for its editing, presents the information known about our solar neighbor at mid-century, using spectacular photography, animation and gentle humor. Film star Eddie Albert appears as the Fiction Writer, looking to get an angle on how to present the sun's story. Marvin Miller provides the voice for the animated Mr. Sun.
Strangely uncredited is Lionel Barrymore, one of America's best loved character actors, who gives the voice for Father Time. Barrymore had died back in 1954, making this his very final performance. Movie mavens will also recognize Sterling Holloway as the voice of Chloro Phyll.
The devotional sentiments spoken by Barrymore at the end of the film are completely in tune with the tenor & tone of the production.
OUR MR. SUN endlessly makes life possible on Earth.
In the mid-1950's, AT&T and Bell Science teamed with famed Hollywood director Frank Capra to produce a series of CBS television science films to educate the public about the Universe around them. A far cry from the dreary black & white fodder so often foisted off on young scholars, the Capra films would both instruct and entertain with lively scripts and eye-catching visuals shown in Technicolor. The four films - OUR MR. SUN (1956), THE STRANGE CASE OF THE COSMIC RAYS (1957), HEMO THE MAGNIFICENT (1957), THE UNCHAINED GODDESS (1958) - quickly became schoolhouse favorites, where they were endlessly shown in 16mm format.
The star of the series was Dr. Frank C. Baxter (1896-1982), an affable English professor at the University of Southern California. This avuncular pedagogue proved to be the perfect film instructor, genially imparting to his audience the sometimes complex facts in a manner which never made them seem dull or boring. Dr. Baxter, who won a Peabody Award for his achievements, continued making instructional films after the Capra quartet were concluded.
OUR MR. SUN, which won an Emmy for its editing, presents the information known about our solar neighbor at mid-century, using spectacular photography, animation and gentle humor. Film star Eddie Albert appears as the Fiction Writer, looking to get an angle on how to present the sun's story. Marvin Miller provides the voice for the animated Mr. Sun.
Strangely uncredited is Lionel Barrymore, one of America's best loved character actors, who gives the voice for Father Time. Barrymore had died back in 1954, making this his very final performance. Movie mavens will also recognize Sterling Holloway as the voice of Chloro Phyll.
The devotional sentiments spoken by Barrymore at the end of the film are completely in tune with the tenor & tone of the production.
A great instrument for critiquing changing science and sociology over the past 50 years!
coverscape3 June 2005
Our Mr. Sun was my first AV experience in Elementary School back in 1961 (Grade 5), and I am certain that having seen it helped to kindle my interest in Science Education......I became a science teacher, and have taught Grade 7 science for the past 33 years. Some of the scenes in this film stuck with me, particularly the animated scenes with Mr. Chlorophyll and with the recipe for the photo-electric silicon wafer. I rate this film highly for classroom use still today. For one thing, there is precious little available in instructive video on the subject of Solar Science. For another thing, I believe that watching this film intent on filling in some of the science that was little understood or misunderstood at the time is a useful exercise. As a part time social studies teacher I also find that examining the sociological content of the film, in consideration of its 50 year old values and assumptions is quite instructive. As to any criticism of moralistic bias in this film, of course one must always remember its vintage foremost, before criticizing the screenwriters, since times, they sure have changed!!!
What A Great Way to Introduce Kids To Science!!!
LAV25USMC14 April 2004
I remember seeing this as a kid in elementary school. I was absolutely fascinated and captivated by it. It and "Mr. Hemo" were what got me interested in science. Keeping in mind when it came out, the ideas and possibilities for the future were back then astounding. Many like solar power became reality. Our Mr. Sun was at a level I could understand at age 9 and years later as an adult I found it was still interesting. It made such a great impression that when I was older and saw it on a list of films available for my class I had jumped at the chance to show it. The kids loved it. As an adult it was great realizing that it was a younger Eddie Albert as the "host". It is hard to find but it is definitely worth the time if you find it. Most Highly recommended.
Nostalgic and Charming
shandy814 November 2005
Having enjoyed this film and other science-oriented films made by Capra in Elementary school, I was delighted to see how well "Mr. Sun" holds up. Other than a brief clip featured in the movie "Gremlins", I hadn't seen or thought of these films in thirty-five years.
Apart from the obvious nostalgic emotions one associates with fond memories of childhood, this film also present scientific information about the sun in an entertaining and comprehensive way with Eddie Albert and the voice of Sterling Holloway to add charm to an already charming documentary. I would rank this film of Frank Capra with the best of Walt Disney's True Life Adventures of the same period.
Apart from the obvious nostalgic emotions one associates with fond memories of childhood, this film also present scientific information about the sun in an entertaining and comprehensive way with Eddie Albert and the voice of Sterling Holloway to add charm to an already charming documentary. I would rank this film of Frank Capra with the best of Walt Disney's True Life Adventures of the same period.
Fun
Michael_Elliott25 March 2008
Our Mr. Sun (1956)
*** (out of 4)
The first of four films Frank Capra made for television as part of an educational series from the Bell Science and AT&T. This documentary was made to teach children the history of the sun as well as why we need it and how it works. The film mixes two real scientists with animated versions of the sun and Father Time (voiced by Lionel Barrymore in his final role). I think it's important to remember when this film was made when watching it today because some of the information given here has been proved incorrect but that really doesn't take away from any of the film's charm. The movie runs 54-minutes and goes by pretty fast and I was really surprised at how well it stood up. The animation sequences are pretty good and Marvin Miller does great work as the voice of the sun. The IMDb says that Barrymore's part is unconfirmed but it really sounded like him.
*** (out of 4)
The first of four films Frank Capra made for television as part of an educational series from the Bell Science and AT&T. This documentary was made to teach children the history of the sun as well as why we need it and how it works. The film mixes two real scientists with animated versions of the sun and Father Time (voiced by Lionel Barrymore in his final role). I think it's important to remember when this film was made when watching it today because some of the information given here has been proved incorrect but that really doesn't take away from any of the film's charm. The movie runs 54-minutes and goes by pretty fast and I was really surprised at how well it stood up. The animation sequences are pretty good and Marvin Miller does great work as the voice of the sun. The IMDb says that Barrymore's part is unconfirmed but it really sounded like him.
One hopes the only thing learned form this is to never make anything like it again
Sci-Fi Junkie Lord5 November 2001
'Our Mr. Sun' is the worst type of religious right propaganda I've ever seen in my life. Perhaps the matter is made worse consideration the circumstances under which I viewed, that is, during a class in school. This terrible "educational" film begins with a quote from the Christian Bible. That should have tipped me off from the beginning, but I gave it a chance, one can't judge a movie by the religion of its makers. However, it simply got worse. The sketchy science, and far too convenient summations of incorrect data are bound to confuse and confound anyone who is meant to learn from this video. Five minutes spent with a modern astronomy book and one will see that most of the information in "Our Mr. Sun" is rather inaccurate and overly simplified. Of course, that was before the "comically" grumpy cartoon rendition of Father Time instructed me, and the rest of the impressionable kiddies watching, to pray to god. Perhaps this passed as appropriate in schools during 1955, but to show it now, in a high school class, no less, in hopes to genuinely learn astronomy is simply disgusting. Saint Francis was quoted, of course. Gospel music served as the soundtrack, as did Christian hymns. And cocky old Mr. Sun got his when Father Time knocked him a down a peg by reminded him that though he may provide energy for the Earth and all living things, God created them, and that people should pray to god and thank him for the great gift of the sun. Where does that leave any non-Christians? Evidently there weren't any during the 50's. There are plenty of other details to encourage good Nazi's, as well, not just Christian fundamentalists. "Dr. Research" extols the virtues of solar power and the bright shining future it can provide, given the right education and creative thinkers of tomorrow. Sounds nice, doesn't it? Sure it does, until you realized that the montage of close-ups of graduates tossing their caps into the air are all blond haired, blue-eyed Johnny Americans. It is subtle considerations such as these, and blatant Christian-right influences that further mar an initially flawed piece of worthless, potentially dangerous crap. I feel bad for any children who had to see this video when they were young. I only hope not TOO many of them were brainwashed by this terrible offensive, disturbing tripe. I'm going to go bathe once again, and hopefully wash the last of the residual scum gathered on my skin from this film off of my body. Furthermore, if you are ever forced to view this film during school at any time, and it offends you too, raise your voice, be heard, and demand that this film, others like it, and the terrible influences they contain spread be stopped.
Our Mr Sun
bubbarx999929 November 2006
I attended Elementary school in the early-mid sixties, and I have to say, they must have shown this movie every year, and maybe even once or twice after elementary school. It became somewhat of a ritual, and I did enjoy watching it.
I recently purchased a copy on Ebay (VHS) and showed it to my 9 year old son. Yes, it is probably so outdated, but I still found it interesting and informative, and it was truly a (enjoyable) blast from the past.
If you are boomer, you must have scene this movie more than once, as I think we were all spoon fed the same stuff. Yes, it was a great time.
Enjoy.
I recently purchased a copy on Ebay (VHS) and showed it to my 9 year old son. Yes, it is probably so outdated, but I still found it interesting and informative, and it was truly a (enjoyable) blast from the past.
If you are boomer, you must have scene this movie more than once, as I think we were all spoon fed the same stuff. Yes, it was a great time.
Enjoy.
We can still learn from Our Mr. Sun's innovation and call for solar energy.
cyclist-45 February 2006
Wonderful film. It does have some religious overtones, but these are not too restrictive in dictating one interpretation of belief, or lack there of. Comments like "we to (scientists), in a way are reaching for the great light beyond" provide room for many different beliefs.
One has to remember, this was made in 1956. Still, it seems more open minded than the fundamentalist religious stuff that continues to come out today.
I first saw it in grade school, back in the early 1960s when the science fascinated me. Today, I ordered the DVD and see it in a different light. As an adult, I see that the script writing and drama are superb.
It is really interesting to watch how this film discusses overpopulation, depletion of fossil fuels and solar energy. It really promotes solar energy.
In some ways, it makes one notice how little progress we have made toward resolving these problems and developing solar energy.
One hopes modern civilization can take a lesson from the innovative spirit and sense of optimism that was evident in this film. It is 50 years since Our Mr. Sun was made, but I still hope we can enter what the film describes as the "Sun Age."
One has to remember, this was made in 1956. Still, it seems more open minded than the fundamentalist religious stuff that continues to come out today.
I first saw it in grade school, back in the early 1960s when the science fascinated me. Today, I ordered the DVD and see it in a different light. As an adult, I see that the script writing and drama are superb.
It is really interesting to watch how this film discusses overpopulation, depletion of fossil fuels and solar energy. It really promotes solar energy.
In some ways, it makes one notice how little progress we have made toward resolving these problems and developing solar energy.
One hopes modern civilization can take a lesson from the innovative spirit and sense of optimism that was evident in this film. It is 50 years since Our Mr. Sun was made, but I still hope we can enter what the film describes as the "Sun Age."
Great films!
cjk-174 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Loved the Dr. Research films when I saw them in science class in elementary school in the 1970s, and still enjoy them now. I just watched "Our Mr. Sun" again, and while much of the science is outdated, most of it is still relevant today. The preachiness at the end is a little heavy-handed, but not out of line for its time. The music is not, as a previous poster indicated, Christian hymns, but Beethoven's Symphony #9, which was appropriate for the subject matter. The complaint about only showing white male students was also invalid, as, of the 5 students in cap and gown shown, 1 was black, 2 were female, and 1 looked to be Hispanic or possibly Indian. The research of scientists from all over the globe were discussed and shown. All in all, for a 1950s-era film, it was pretty progressive. And most importantly, the film depicts science as important and interesting for kids. My 5 year old was fascinated.
Our Mr. Sun
jcolyer12298 June 2013
This one hour documentary about the sun was written and produced by Frank Capra. It starred Eddie Albert. I was 10 when it was on TV but never heard of it until youtube. It pits romanticism against scientific facts. It became relevant to me during what I call "the era of solar eclipses." I am preparing myself for total solar eclipses seen in Indonesia in 2016 and western Kentucky USA in 2017. Even though this film uses animated cartoons for comic relief, the information imparted is as relevant today as it was in 1956. The sun is 93 million miles away. Its light takes 8 minutes to reach us. The temperature on its surface is 11 thousand degrees. The temperature at its core is 30 million degrees. We can trace all the energy on Earth back to Mr. Sun.
Another timeless Bell Science program!
reddragonhero1726 November 2021
I watched many of the Bell Science programs and this plus two more I reviewed have held up the most in terms of timelessness and effectiveness in educating the masses. Because of this program, I've become fascinated with the power of solar energy. Being directed by Frank Capra of "It's a Wonderful Life" fame, plus having Lionel Barrymore playing Father Time adds to the effectiveness of the timeless appeal. I learned a lot how the sun affects the lives of humans and the world itself, and how we can harness its power for even greater benefit. I even loved the fact how it mentioned that the sun was part of many cultures. This has held up quite well over the decades.
A very enjoyable, yet now very flawed
oscar-3518 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
*Spoiler/plot-1956. Our Mr. Sun, Cartoon documentary of the time often showed to science classes. Covers the study of heliography or studies of the Sun in a pleasant and fun way with a talking Sun (Lionel Barymnore's voice over) and Chrolorophyl (Sterling Holoway's voice over) for children's grade school's sensibilities. Most disturbing fact shown is the Sun will burnt out of nuclear fuel in 600 billion years and leave the Earth frozen and dead. But who's worrying?
*Special Stars- Eddie Albert plays the inquisitive man and Dr Frank Baxter those times commonly accepted as "Mr Science". Produced, written and directed by Frank Capra.
*Theme- Mr Sun is your friends until the end.
*Based on- High School science films
*Trivia/location/goofs- One film of five produced on other science subjects like blood, time, cosmic rays and others. Produced by the mysterious and super intelligent 'Bell Labs' that produced many innovative inventions during the 50's & 60's including NASA's space vehicles.
*Emotion- A very enjoyable, yet now very flawed look at all things scientific connected with our Sun effecting the Earth. The cartoon aspect and writing is fun and a piece of 50's life that should NOT be missed.
*Special Stars- Eddie Albert plays the inquisitive man and Dr Frank Baxter those times commonly accepted as "Mr Science". Produced, written and directed by Frank Capra.
*Theme- Mr Sun is your friends until the end.
*Based on- High School science films
*Trivia/location/goofs- One film of five produced on other science subjects like blood, time, cosmic rays and others. Produced by the mysterious and super intelligent 'Bell Labs' that produced many innovative inventions during the 50's & 60's including NASA's space vehicles.
*Emotion- A very enjoyable, yet now very flawed look at all things scientific connected with our Sun effecting the Earth. The cartoon aspect and writing is fun and a piece of 50's life that should NOT be missed.
"Our Mr. Sun" (1956) is an educational film that combines animation and live action to explore the science behind our sun.
alexpeychev21 March 2024
"Our Mr. Sun" (1956) is an educational film that combines animation and live action to explore the science behind our sun. Directed by Frank Capra, this film is part of the Bell System Science series.
Plot Summary: The film introduces us to the sun, emphasizing its central role in our solar system. It explains how the sun's energy powers life on Earth, drives weather patterns, and sustains all living organisms. Through a mix of engaging visuals and scientific explanations, "Our Mr. Sun" educates viewers about the sun's significance.
Review: "Our Mr. Sun" is a captivating blend of entertainment and education. Frank Capra's direction ensures that the material remains accessible to audiences of all ages. The film successfully conveys complex scientific concepts while maintaining an engaging narrative. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about the natural world, this film provides an enlightening experience.
Plot Summary: The film introduces us to the sun, emphasizing its central role in our solar system. It explains how the sun's energy powers life on Earth, drives weather patterns, and sustains all living organisms. Through a mix of engaging visuals and scientific explanations, "Our Mr. Sun" educates viewers about the sun's significance.
Review: "Our Mr. Sun" is a captivating blend of entertainment and education. Frank Capra's direction ensures that the material remains accessible to audiences of all ages. The film successfully conveys complex scientific concepts while maintaining an engaging narrative. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about the natural world, this film provides an enlightening experience.
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