https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/97ae5cdf-4eb3-4e05-abef-aacb0a7edaf5 Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCddem5RlB3bQe99wyY49g0g/join Help us preserve, scan and post more rare and endangered films! Join us on Patreon. Visit https://www.patreon.com/PeriscopeFilm Visit our website www.PeriscopeFilm.com Aimed at members of the union, this film explains the development and struggles of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and celebrates its achievements. It probably dates to the late 1940s. The film chronicles the formation of the National Alliance, later the International Alliance. It dramatizes the first strike in 1888, the introduction of electricity in theaters and the evolution of the cinema. It also discusses adding sound technicians, film exchange inspectors, and television broadcasting studio employees. The film was written by Albert H. Martin and directed by W. Donn Hayes. 0:13 Introduction to the IA bug, representing a half-century of struggle, sacrifice, and service. 0:41 Phone conversation between union president Richard Francis Walsh and Dan Tracy about a problem that needs addressing in Washington. 1:18 Introduction of John G. Williams, the (deceased) first president of the alliance, elected in 1893. Played by actor Herbert Rawlinson. 1:24 Williams explains his historical significance and mentions his passing. 1:52 Williams humorously recounts his journey to the afterlife and his conversation with St. Peter. 2:11 Williams talks about organizing a benefit show for fallen angels and reassures Mr. Walsh about facing problems. 2:30 Williams describes the early days of stagehands, their low wages, and the introduction of electricity in theaters. 3:01 Discussion of the transition from gas lighting to electric lighting and the financial struggles of stagehands. 3:30 First strike by stagehands in 1888 and the involvement of famous tragedian Lewis James. 4:01 The strike led to better wages for stagehands, but only in one locality. 4:45 The Chicago World’s Fair played a significant role in forming the National Alliance. 5:14 The first convention of the alliance was held in New York City in 1893 with 16 delegates. 6:01 Various motions and discussions during the first convention, highlighting the financial struggles and efforts to organize. 6:58 Recognition of Li M. Hart’s contributions to the alliance and the ongoing struggle for recognition and new members. 7:57 The alliance was chartered by the American Federation of Labor in 1894, with Hart becoming president. 8:45 The alliance grew into a powerful nationwide union under Hart’s leadership. 9:02 Early days of projectionists and the evolution of technical jobs in the theatrical field. 9:30 Slow improvement of conditions and salaries for stagehands, with credit given to road men for spreading trade unionism. 10:13 Amusement parks provided employment for stagehands, and the National Alliance added “International” to its title. 10:26 The peep show evolved, improving over time. 10:34 The IBEW wanted projectionists to join their union, but in 1898, the decision was made to bring them into the IIA. 10:45 The road to success was challenging, with many controversies and an unfair press, but the alliance persevered. 11:07 At the 19th annual convention in Niagara Falls, Charles C. Shay was elected president. 11:14 Shay was dedicated to the alliance’s ideals and ensured the inclusion of projectionists. 11:35 Shay handled strikes with dignity, such as the one in New Orleans where strikebreakers had to use a manhole. 11:56 Shay’s efforts led to Sunday shows being permitted in New York. 12:14 The Peoria Convention in 1912 introduced the white contract for roadmen, later known as the pink contract, which provided better terms for workers. 12:45 Louie Krauss hitchhiked to the Seattle convention in 1913 to get a charter for his local. 13:02 The Seattle Sonvention introduced the biannual meeting and the yellow card system. 13:29Establishment of a per diem fund ensured all locals could be represented at conventions. 14:12 Hollywood began making motion pictures. 14:36 The 1919 actor’s strike. 15:23 William F. Canovan’s leadership. 16:01 Studio mechanics joined the IIA in 1925, followed by cameramen in 1927. 16:25 Sound era in movies with "The Jazz Singer" 17:23 Growth of the IIA, with laboratory technicians, sound technicians, film exchange inspectors, and others joining. 20:43 Expansion to include television broadcasting studio employees and other roles. George Olstead the only remaining member from the first local in New York. 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 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_a38jpTm3A Mirrored from Periscope Film (https://www.youtube.com/@PeriscopeFilm) Sat, 13 Jun 2026 13:14:02 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://peertube.dngr.us https://peertube.dngr.us/lazy-static/avatars/41a6fee9-7f57-42d0-a5fc-5db4f1af2e31.png https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/97ae5cdf-4eb3-4e05-abef-aacb0a7edaf5 All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://peertube.dngr.us/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.