Gilbert Altschul
Director
About Gilbert Altschul
Gilbert Altschul was an American filmmaker who worked primarily in the educational and social guidance film genre during the late 1940s. His most notable work was the 1949 educational short film 'Dating: Do's and Don'ts,' which was part of the post-war wave of social guidance films produced for American high schools. These films were designed to teach teenagers proper social etiquette and behavior, particularly in dating situations. Altschul's directorial style was straightforward and instructional, focusing on clear moral lessons and behavioral examples. His work reflected the conservative social values of post-World War II America, emphasizing traditional gender roles and courtship rituals. While his career appears to have been brief, his contribution to the social guidance film genre represents an important aspect of American educational cinema history. Very little is documented about his broader career or other potential works, suggesting he may have been a specialist in educational filmmaking rather than a mainstream Hollywood director.
The Craft
Behind the Camera
Instructional and straightforward, focusing on clear moral lessons and behavioral examples for educational purposes
Milestones
- Directed 'Dating: Do's and Don'ts' (1949)
- Contributed to post-war educational film movement
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Gilbert Altschul's work, particularly 'Dating: Do's and Don'ts,' represents an important aspect of American cultural history during the post-war period. These social guidance films were widely shown in high schools across America and helped shape the social norms and dating etiquette of an entire generation of teenagers. The films reflected and reinforced the conservative values of 1940s and 1950s America, emphasizing traditional courtship rituals and gender roles. While often viewed today as dated or even comical in their earnestness, these films provide valuable insight into the social mores and educational approaches of mid-20th century America. Altschul's contribution, though small in scope, is part of a significant movement in educational cinema that influenced millions of American youths during a formative period in the nation's social development.
Lasting Legacy
Gilbert Altschul's legacy is preserved through his contribution to the social guidance film genre, which has become a subject of academic study and cultural retrospection. His film 'Dating: Do's and Don'ts' is now considered a classic example of post-war educational cinema and is often referenced in studies of American cultural history and media education. These films have gained renewed interest from historians, sociologists, and film scholars who examine them as artifacts of mid-20th century American values and educational practices. While Altschul himself remains an obscure figure, his work continues to be preserved in film archives and educational collections, serving as a window into the social attitudes and educational methods of his era.
Who They Inspired
As an educational filmmaker, Gilbert Altschul's direct influence on other filmmakers appears to have been limited due to the specialized nature of his work. However, his contribution to the social guidance film genre helped establish conventions and approaches that would be emulated by other educational filmmakers throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. The instructional style and moral clarity evident in his work became hallmarks of the genre, influencing countless other educational films produced during this period. His films, along with others in the genre, have influenced contemporary filmmakers and documentarians who reference or parody the style of mid-century educational cinema in their work.
Off Screen
Very little information is available about Gilbert Altschul's personal life, as he appears to have been a relatively obscure figure in film history who worked primarily in educational filmmaking rather than mainstream cinema.
Did You Know?
- Dating: Do's and Don'ts (1949) was one of many social guidance films produced for American high schools after World War II
- These educational shorts were typically 10-20 minutes long and shown during health or social studies classes
- The film genre Altschul worked in has become a subject of academic study and cultural retrospection
- Social guidance films like his were often produced by specialized companies rather than major Hollywood studios
- These films are now valued by historians as artifacts of mid-20th century American culture and education
- Many social guidance films have been preserved by the Prelinger Archives and other educational film collections
- The genre has been parodied in contemporary media, most notably in the television show 'The Simpsons'
- Educational filmmakers like Altschul often worked anonymously, with their films distributed through educational film companies
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Gilbert Altschul?
Gilbert Altschul was an American filmmaker who specialized in educational and social guidance films during the late 1940s. He is best known for directing the 1949 educational short 'Dating: Do's and Don'ts,' which was part of a genre of films shown in American high schools to teach teenagers proper social behavior and dating etiquette.
What films is Gilbert Altschul best known for?
Gilbert Altschul is primarily known for directing 'Dating: Do's and Don'ts' (1949), an educational social guidance film that taught teenagers proper dating etiquette. This appears to be his only documented directorial credit, suggesting he specialized in educational filmmaking rather than mainstream cinema.
When was Gilbert Altschul born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Gilbert Altschul are not documented in available historical records. His active period in filmmaking appears to have been limited to 1949, based on his known directorial work.
What awards did Gilbert Altschul win?
There are no documented awards or honors received by Gilbert Altschul. As an educational filmmaker working in a specialized genre, his work was not typically recognized by mainstream film industry awards or ceremonies.
What was Gilbert Altschul's directing style?
Altschul's directing style was instructional and straightforward, designed specifically for educational purposes. His approach focused on clear moral lessons and behavioral examples, using a didactic method that was typical of social guidance films of the era. The style emphasized clarity and direct communication of social norms rather than artistic expression.
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Films
1 film
