Created by the Bell Telephone Company (the only phone company we had back then) in the 1950s, this series of science films was shown to vast numbers of students in the 50s, 60s and 70s. The films saw additional life after being transfered to video and released on VHS in the 90s. The style doesn't always hold up. Some of the jokes seem stale, and some  information is out of date, but with the talents of director Frank Capra ("It's A Wonderful Life", "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington", etc.), Dr. Frank Baxter, top actors, voice talent and animators of the day, and a genuine passion about the subject matter, the films still have the ability to turn people on to science, almost fifty years later.

Synopsis:
Dr. Frank Baxter and Eddie Albert explore the mysteries of the most important star in the universe. With the help of a boastful old Sol and a crank Father Time (voice of Mr. Barrymore), the sun's history, power and potential are investigated.

Amazon Customer Review:
Still Outstanding After All Of These Years, November 5, 1999
Reviewer: FRED C. DORN from GAITHERSBURG, MD
I remember this movie in Jr.High in the late 50's and early 60's. When I came back as a teacher in the 70's, it was still being shown. It really held the attention of students with its Frank Capra format and its host, Dr. Frank Baxter. Many schools still use this movie, 43 years later.it has good animation, a good soundtrack and Mr. Sun is Marvin Miller (the voice of Robby the Robot). It covers the basic aspects of the sun in a interesting and antimated way.

Synopsis:
Professor Frank Baxter and some animated friends answer questions about blood. what makes it red? Why do little animals' hearts beat so quickly? And so much more.

Amazon Customer Reviews
An Ingenious Blend of Art and Science, January 27, 2000
Reviewer: A viewer from Aiea, Hawaii
The first lightening-like chords of Beethoven's Eroica Symphony are the beginning of a wonderful film about the heart and circulatory system. "Hemo the Magnificent" is a story of a scientist trying to convince a skeptical Greek god and his forest friends about the reality and wonder of how the heart works. And in so doing we are convinced; we find ourselves awestruck over the ingenuity and beauty of nature. One of the great things about "Hemo" is that it takes a fairly complex subject matter and makes it understandable and entertaining. I can imagine even a pre-schooler getting something out of it. I first saw this film in grade school in the late 60's, and lastly in college while getting my health science degree. It never seemed dated even though it was made in the 50's. Educational films today seem dry and unemotional in comparison, as if producers were ashamed to show more than an academic view of their subject. It is unfortunate that no one makes films today the way Frank Capra and the Bell Science series did. Even today when I hear Eroica, my first thought is of that great film. I would recommend this to anyone, especially to parents and teachers.

Definitely NOT Politically Correct, June 4, 1999
Reviewer: A viewer
As a child, I thoroughly enjoyed these films. I had no idea that such brilliant men such as Frank Capra were behind them. What I love about this film, and the others, is the pre-feminist references to educated people as "men" and filling in the gaps of what Dr. Research says we didn't know at the time. It is also interesting to see the references to Christianity and the attempt to couch Science in such a was as to not offend the God Squad. Oh yeah, these movies were made back in the days when we could pray in school.

This video got me interested in science!, May 8, 1999
Reviewer: A viewer from Youngstown, Ohio
I love this video. I remember watching it in junior high, then again in high school. Now I teach science, and I wondered how I could obtain these films for use in my own classes. I was thrilled to see them for sale through the internet, because I could not find them in stores. Too bad they can't make videos this good today.

Synopsis:
The mysteries of the universe are revealed in this fun and fact-filled galactic thriller. Elements of the atom, powerful particles and radiation research are presented in a simple and easily understood format.

Amazon Customer Review:
Betty Boop+cosmic rays?, March 1, 1999
Reviewer: Michael DuVernois from Central Pennsylvania
As a cosmic-ray physicist, this videotape is amusing not only for its well-presented (though rather outdated) science but also for the shear novelty of its existence. After all, what we have here is the animation of the creator of Betty Boop, a Frank Capra production, an E. A. Poe commenting on the literary merits of cosmic rays, and a pair of very 1950s stereotypical scientists. All in one film. Less than $10. If you're a science geek, this is a must-have.

Synopsis:
Professor Frank Baxter shares a lesson about the weather and how she makes hurricanes and clouds and more.

Amazon Customer Reviews:
A great teaching tool!, February 5, 2000
Reviewer: Tamara Kempton from Franklin, Vermont
I used this video to entertain my 9th grade science students about weather. The video is especially great at modeling the coriollus effect and high and low pressure systems. It also is great to see the "old" technology and compare with the new.

A real Giggle and check out Mr. Douglas pre Green Acres, June 4, 1999
Reviewer: A viewer
I love these videos. I saw them as a kid in grade school. Seeing this one again, I am particularly struck by the suggestion of creating oil slicks and even burning oil slicks in an attempt to steer hurricanes away.

Synopsis:
Professor Frank Baxter is back again explaining things such as the fact that ships can't find their way around without an accurate timepiece, and that our clocks are set to the Earth's rotation, and much, much more.

Amazon Customer Review:
Memories are accurate, May 30, 2000
Reviewer: Jane Horn from Ohio, United States
I have always remembered seeing this film in grade school in the mid-70's. I just watched it again and it was just as much fun as I remembered. I also think that even though it was made in the 50's it really isn't dated too much. It was also great because as an adult I now know about the experiments and scientest that they were discussing.

Synopsis:
An excursion through the senses - touch, smell, taste, sight and sound with Dr. Frank Baxter. Discover that grasshoppers can hear with their stomachs, fish can taste with their bodies, and sometimes things we see aren't what they appear to be.

Synopsis:
Aided by the Mad Hatter and Jabberwock, Dr. Frank Baxter takes a young girl, Judy, on an exploration into the intriguing world of language. There, Judy learns that language is more than just talking.

Synopsis:
Professor Frank Baxter talks about hereditary traits and why you ended up with your father's tendency to go bald and your Aunt Edith's nose and all those other funny things.