The film explores the early history of educational films after World War II, focusing on traffic safety films produced by the Highway Safety Foundation under Richard Wayman's direction. These films, designed to promote safe driving among teenagers, gained notoriety for their graphic depictions of accidents aimed at shocking their audiences. The movie also delves into the impact of these safety films on North American teenage culture, the tension between idealism and sensationalism, and how they mirrored the societal concerns of the time that adults projected onto youth.
Hell's Highway: The True Story of Highway Safety Films
A fascinating exploration of the often-shocking and sometimes campy world of traffic safety educational films, a journey through the evolution of a crucial public service medium.