Gizmo!

Gizmo! is a unique and engaging documentary film that made its debut in 1977. Directed by Howard Smith, the film documents an era gone by, encapsulating a wide array of unorthodox inventions and innovative prototypes that were designed in the last century. The whimsical and sometimes bewildering nature of these creations serves as a testament to human ingenuity and creative tenacity.

Gizmo! explores the domain of technological advancements and contraptions, mainly from the early 19th to the mid-20th centuries. The film is composed of archival footage, the majority of which comprises black-and-white clips, with the occasional interleaving of technicolor shots, all methodically curated from international newsreels of yesteryears. This celluloid mosaic effortlessly bridges the gap between the ambitious imaginations of our past innovators and the contrasting realities of their often bizarre inventions.

Milt Moss, the celebrated comic actor, lends his distinctive voice to the narration, providing a rich and witty commentary throughout the film. His sometimes sarcastic, sometimes wowed, but always entertained observations add an unmistakably humorous overtone that simultaneously complements and contrasts with the seriousness inventors demonstrated towards their fanciful mechanisms.

On-screen, Gizmo! parades a cavalcade of bizarre and unforgettable attempts at inventions - from self-cracking eggs to flying bicycles, automated barber chairs to heel-powered washing machines. Some appear ludicrously convoluted, others are pioneering in their own right, but they all share a common ground of encapsulating the spirit of an era when the obsession with 'the future' dominated the inventing world.

This documentary truly puts into perspective the fine line between failure and success in the realm of invention. For every creation that may seem outlandishly impractical or far-fetched in hindsight, there are also glimpses of genuine innovation and possibility indicating pathways that ultimately led to useful, epochal advances in various sectors, including communications, transportation, domestic appliances, and more.

Beyond the inventions themselves, Gizmo! subtly conveys human fascinations, aspirations, and follies. It gives insight into the zeitgeist of past generations, their perceptions of progress and their boundless optimism towards technology, and at the very least serves as a snapshot into the cultural attitudes and societal norms of the time.

The film gleefully revels in the extraordinary nature of the devices and quirky contrivances on display, making for a captivating viewing experience. The interspersed scenes of demonstrating inventors, often shown with failures and minor disasters, only up the comedic ante of the film, making it a fascinating watch from start to finish.

Gizmo! is categorized as a documentary. Still, it has an unusual narrative approach that distinguishes it from educational or factual documentaries. In place of a linear storyline or in-depth exploration of specific technology or development, it employs a light-hearted and somewhat nonlinear narrative that emphasizes humor and whimsy over dry facts or technical details. As such, the documentary is delightful and engaging to a broad audience, not just those with a particular interest in historical technology or inventions.

Overall, Gizmo! offers an amusing journey down the memory lane of inventions. Milt Moss’ entertaining narration, coupled with the authentically historical footage, ensures that viewers get more than just a straightforward documentary—they experience a nostalgic, humorous, and downright enjoyable film.

Despite being a 1977 production, Gizmo! continues to resonate with the audience of the modern era. For those with an interest in history, inventions, or vintage footage, it provides a deep dive into how our ancestors perceived the future. For others looking for a captivating and lighthearted film, it presents hilarious follies of inventors and their wild dreams. Gizmo! is a testament to the undying spirit of human ambition and our ceaseless quest for progress, no matter how improbable our efforts may seem.