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With These Hands

With These Hands (1950)

Jun 15, 1950 52m Drama Documentary

Produced by the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, the film used actors to recreate the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and compare working conditions of the early 20th century to that of the 1950s.

Directed by Jack Arnold

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Jack Arnold
Writer
  • Morton Wishengrad
Producer
  • Jack Arnold
  • Lee Goodman

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, With These Hands examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Jack Arnold brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1950, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of With These Hands took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 52 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 92 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 65 unique compositions.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1950, when this film was released:
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While With These Hands shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Salvador (Puig Antich), which focuses more on action than character development, With These Hands subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Being Maria and 7 Days in Entebbe explore similar territory, With These Hands stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: June 15, 1950
  • Runtime: 52m