[1948 American Sunbathing Association Convention]
Identifier
F.2012-03-0477
Date Of Production
August 1948
Abstract
Untitled silent 35mm film depicting the 1948 American Sunbathing Association Convention. Scenes of nudists playing volleyball, swimming, talking to the police, and performing skits. The convention was held from August 4-8, 1948 at Sunshine Park in Mays Landing, NJ. The filmmaker is unknown.
This film has been held from streaming due to sensitive content and to protect the privacy of individuals depicted in the film. Researchers interested in viewing the film are encouraged to contact CFA directly at info@chicagofilmarchives.org.
This film has been held from streaming due to sensitive content and to protect the privacy of individuals depicted in the film. Researchers interested in viewing the film are encouraged to contact CFA directly at info@chicagofilmarchives.org.
Description
Black-and-white footage of Edith Church addressing a large group of men and women — all nude — who are sitting theater-style outdoors facing a cabin-like structure. A man and a woman work under the hood of a car. A group of nude middle-aged men, including American Sunbathing Association founder Ilsley Boone, talk with a policeman and a young man wearing a "Eighth Division U.S. Army" t-shirt. Boone is holding a pile of papers.
Nude men and women gather around an outdoor bar. Men and women holding still photography cameras photograph a seated woman. Two women explore what appears to be a construction site on the camp. The women then play volleyball. Women and children swim in a lake.
A large group of men, women, and children, many holding still cameras, watch as Dr. Alois Knapp puts paper crowns on the heads of the convention's king and queen. The crowd applauds. A group of men continue to talk to a police officer. Clothed men in a motorboat pass by on the lake. A woman swings on a rope swing while a man sunbathes. Shot of a sign reading "PHOTOGRAPHERS do not take pictures unless ALL subjects are willing. If you wish to stay here — OBEY THIS LAW." Shots of a small child playing with a ball.
The convention's king and queen are now wearing sheer capes, and the queen addresses the crowd. The two women who had been playing volleyball adjust the score wheel. Men and women in sheets styled like togas perform a skit. One of the women cleans a man's feet. A man dressed as a police officer pretends to arrest a woman wearing a decorated paper bag adorned with cupcake holders. A woman adjusts the tie on a scarecrow. A bearded man wears a sign that has "UNFAIR TO BARBERS UNION" written on it. He shakes hands with a man wearing a bikini top and sunglasses.
Men and women gather at a lunch counter where packaged sandwiches have been piled. Shots of a dog wagging its tail and barking. Shot of several long tables which have been set for a feast. Shot inside the kitchen followed by a shot of a woman on a swing.
Nude men and women gather around an outdoor bar. Men and women holding still photography cameras photograph a seated woman. Two women explore what appears to be a construction site on the camp. The women then play volleyball. Women and children swim in a lake.
A large group of men, women, and children, many holding still cameras, watch as Dr. Alois Knapp puts paper crowns on the heads of the convention's king and queen. The crowd applauds. A group of men continue to talk to a police officer. Clothed men in a motorboat pass by on the lake. A woman swings on a rope swing while a man sunbathes. Shot of a sign reading "PHOTOGRAPHERS do not take pictures unless ALL subjects are willing. If you wish to stay here — OBEY THIS LAW." Shots of a small child playing with a ball.
The convention's king and queen are now wearing sheer capes, and the queen addresses the crowd. The two women who had been playing volleyball adjust the score wheel. Men and women in sheets styled like togas perform a skit. One of the women cleans a man's feet. A man dressed as a police officer pretends to arrest a woman wearing a decorated paper bag adorned with cupcake holders. A woman adjusts the tie on a scarecrow. A bearded man wears a sign that has "UNFAIR TO BARBERS UNION" written on it. He shakes hands with a man wearing a bikini top and sunglasses.
Men and women gather at a lunch counter where packaged sandwiches have been piled. Shots of a dog wagging its tail and barking. Shot of several long tables which have been set for a feast. Shot inside the kitchen followed by a shot of a woman on a swing.
Run Time
0:04:28
Format
35mm
Extent
402 feet
Color
B&W
Sound
Silent
Reel/Tape Number
1/1
Has Been Digitized?
Yes
Language Of Materials
English
Element
Intermediates
Genre
Form
Subject
Related Collections
Related Places
Participants And Performers
Boone, Ilsley (is participant)
Knapp, Alois (is participant)
Church, Edith (is participant)
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