The Evolution of the Automobile: Evaluating the Latest Technology and Design

"The Development of the Railroad": A masterpiece of an educational film that combines animation and live action

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

1932

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Production

Yokohama Cinema Company

■ Story

The title of the film states, "This film is based on Volume 9 of the Primary School Reader, 'The Development of Steam Engines,'" and uses animation to explain the development of steam engines by Branca, Newcomen, Cugnot, Trevithick, and Stephenson. Live action footage includes the British Railway Centenary Festival and scenes from steam engine manufacturing in Japan, and more animation shows the structure of bogie cars and the railway lines that stretch across the country. Finally, a C51 makes a majestic run.
Source: History of Japanese Animation Films, p.206

■Explanation

This is a book that explains the history of trains through live action and animation. It uses both educational materials and live action. The animation portion accounts for about two-thirds of the book.

■ Main staff

・Illustration by Yasuji Murata ・Instruction by Nikkatsu Educational Research Association ・Editing by Chuzo Aoike ・Photography by Mitsuharu Iida

■Detailed review

The Development of Steam Locomotives, released in 1932, was produced as an educational film, but its content and expression were so advanced that it still has value today. The film was produced based on the elementary school textbook "The Development of Steam Locomotives," and it comprehensively depicts everything from the development of steam engines to the history of Japanese railways. Below, we will explain in detail the appeal and significance of this film.

■ Fusion of animation and live action

"The Development of the Steam Locomotive" is a work that skillfully combines animation and live action. The animation section takes up about two-thirds of the entire film, and visually explains the development of the steam engine by Branca, Newcomen, Cugnot, Trevithick, and Stephenson. These animations are created using the technology of the time and are designed to be easy for the viewer to understand. Meanwhile, the live action sections introduce the British railway centenary festival and the manufacturing of steam locomotives in Japan, making a visual impact. This combination of animation and live action is a very effective means of conveying visual information, and serves the role of an educational film.

■Educational value

This film has great educational value as it was made based on an elementary school textbook. It comprehensively depicts everything from the development of steam engines to the history of Japanese railways, and is designed to be easy for children to understand. In particular, the animated portion visually explains the structure and principles of steam engines, ensuring that children are interested in learning. Additionally, the live-action portion introduces actual railway scenery and the manufacturing process, allowing children to relate it to the real world and understand it. This educational value should still be appreciated today, and the film has great significance as an educational film.

■ Technical evaluation

"The Development of the Steam Locomotive" demonstrates extremely high technical ability considering the technological standards of 1932. The animated portion depicts the structure and operation of a steam engine in great detail, and was produced using the technology of the time. The live-action portion also makes full use of camerawork and editing techniques to create a strong visual impact. These technical assessments demonstrate the high level of filmmaking technology at the time, and their value is felt even today.

■ Historical Significance

"The Development of Steam Locomotives" occupies an important place in the history of educational films in Japan. This film is based on an elementary school textbook, so it has great significance as an educational film. In addition, the method of expression that combines animation and live action shows the advanced filmmaking technology of the time, and its value can still be felt today. This historical significance is one of the reasons why this film should be highly evaluated, and it can be said to be an important work in the history of Japanese cinema.

■ Staff Introduction

Many staff members were involved in the production of "Development of Steam Locomotives." Below, we will introduce the main staff members.

■Illustration by Yasuji Murata

Yasuji Murata was responsible for the animation of the film. His drawings are detailed depictions of the structure and movement of the steam engine, and are designed to be visually easy to understand. His skill is a testament to the high level of filmmaking technology at the time, and should still be appreciated today.

■Guidance/Nikkatsu Education Research Group

The Nikkatsu Educational Research Association was in charge of supervising this film. They placed great importance on its significance as an educational film, and provided content that was easy for children to understand. Their guidance enhanced the film's educational value, and it should be appreciated even today.

■Editor: Chuzo Aochi

Chuzo Aoike edited the film. His editing skills, which skillfully combine animation and live action to create a visual impact that is still to be appreciated today, are a testament to the high level of filmmaking technology at the time and add to the film's appeal.

■Photography: Mitsuharu Iida

Koji Iida was in charge of cinematography for the film. His cinematography gives the live-action portions a visual impact that is still to be appreciated today. His skill is indicative of the high level of filmmaking technology at the time and adds to the film's appeal.

■Reasons for recommendation

"The Development of Steam Locomotives" is a highly valuable educational film, and its relevance is felt even today. Its method of expression, which skillfully combines animation and live action, is extremely effective as a means of conveying visual information, and is designed to interest children and encourage them to learn. Furthermore, considering the technological level of the time, it demonstrates extremely high technical ability, and its value is felt even today. For these reasons, "The Development of Steam Locomotives" is worthy of recommendation both as an educational film and as an important work in Japanese film history.

Related information

Related information on "The Development of Railways" is summarized below.

References

・History of Japanese Animation Films P206

■ Related works

Other educational films produced around the same time as "The Development of the Steam Locomotive" Other animations related to the theme of "The Development of the Steam Locomotive"

■How to watch

"The Development of the Steam Locomotive" is now available on DVD and online. You can watch it from the following link.
・DVD purchase link ・Internet distribution link

■ Related events

Events and exhibitions related to "Development of the Steam Locomotive" are sometimes held. You can check the details from the following link.
・Event information link ・Exhibition information link

■ Summary

Although "The Development of Steam Locomotives" is an educational film released in 1932, its content and methods of expression are so advanced that it still has value today. The method of expression, which skillfully combines animation and live action, is extremely effective as a means of effectively conveying visual information, and is designed to interest children and encourage them to learn. Furthermore, considering the technological level of the time, it shows extremely high technical ability, and its value remains today. For these reasons, "The Development of Steam Locomotives" is worthy of recommendation both as an educational film and as an important work in Japanese film history. Please watch this film and experience its charm and significance.