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This black & white U.S. Navy film is about the Navy uniform and its evolution over the decades. Made in the post-WWII era, the film features a segment on the “new“ Navy uniform designs. Because it shows mostly historical events, much of the film consists of paintings, drawings and artist renderings, followed by photographs and finally, in the 20th Century segment, film footage. Copyright 1958. Directed by George C. Stoney, edited by Sylvia Cummins Betts, narrated by Del Sharbutt, A Potomac Production. Opening title: Navy Uniform (:06-:16). A Navy man combs his hair. (Incidentally, he's wearing the WWII era undress blue service uniform.) A woman flirtatiously says hello to him. Different Navy styles over the years are depicted. Title: Jack Tars to White Hats - The story of the U.S. Navy Uniform (:17-1:17). Paintings of a navy battle during the days of the tall ships. 1776 - fighting in the streets, dead and wounded lay on the street. Revolt against King George causes trouble in the streets. U.S. Navy was born. Tall ships clash at sea. 'Don't Tread on Me' sign. John Paul Jones depicted a few different ways as seen from the U.S. or Britain. George Washington in triumph (1:18-3:57). Pirates behead people and cause havoc on the seas. In 1812 - Officers in the U.S. Navy has uniforms but not regular sailors. A booklet about attire. Marine Rules regulation booklet. Winter - dark trousers, a short blue jacket, hat ribbons. Summer - white outfit, a neckerchief. By 1841 - regulations had hair be cut short. Couples depicted in paintings (3:58-6:51). U.S. Navy. On boat, on horses, Navy men fight. Victory in California. South of Rio Grande, war still raged on. Navy men in formation. Texas and California are won (6:52-8:35). U.S. Navy men visit Japan. Not all were allowed to attend all functions due to their attire. Navy men take pictures in 1856 in Japan. The Civil War 1861-1865. Pictures taken in 1861 of Navy men. Boys of 12 were on Navy ships by war's end (8:36-10:48). Navy men look tired and worn during the Civil War. Artist depiction of women loving Navy men. After the war, newer uniforms for the Navy. 1880 Navy men. Whites were approved for summer wear. Winter allowed whatever was warm (10:49-12:20). Clean shaven and clean looking men. Barbers were popular. Drum playing. Navy men are hosed down with soap and water. American Seaman. A Navy man waves at a woman. World War I propaganda poster. New men join the Navy. World War II. A sailor washes clothes and puts them through the wringer. After enlistment, as part of induction, men are shown getting haircuts and receiving uniforms (12:21-14:16). Men sleep in tight quarters during WW2 on a ship. Arctic convoy. Men jump up from sleep into action. WW2 sea battle. 'War is Over' newspaper headlines on V-J Day. New look for sailormen. New outfit possibilities for Navy men (14:17-16:04) including getting rid of bell bottom jean pants. Sailors, including an African American sailor, discuss the proposed new outfits. New uniform concept is rejected by sailors, who prefer bell bottoms to normal pants. Some changes are made, including adding side pockets to trousers, which represents a break with tradition. Buttoned flies remain, and zippered crotches are rejected. Seamstress works on Navy outfit. A Navy man talks with a woman. Dinner is ready (16:05-18:16). End credits (18:17-19:02). We encourage viewers to add comments and, especially, to provide additional information about our videos by adding a comment! See something interesting? Tell people what it is and what they can see by writing something for example like: “01:00:12:00 -- President Roosevelt is seen meeting with Winston Churchill at the Quebec Conference.“ 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 and 2k. For more information visit
