Ep 1. The 1920s

America in Color is a documentary series that reopens the photo archives of the 20th century, painting a vibrant picture in hues that were once lost to the past. Season one is set to take viewers on a journey through America's history, from the roaring '20s to the tumultuous '60s. In episode one, titled The 1920s, audiences are treated to a look at the decade that embodied the shift from old-world customs to modernity.

The episode begins by creating a visual of how America's landscape changed during the decade through the colorization of black and white photos. Footage of bustling city streets with skyscrapers not yet dwarfed by the rows of others are on display, alongside stunning images of brand new automobiles and mass-produced goods. The show's signature technique of adding color to imagery that was previously only seen in black and white brings a vibrancy and even an intimacy to the viewing experience.

The 1920s was a period of rapid social and cultural change, and America in Color dives headfirst into the story of this transformation. Jazz music and dance were on the rise, revolutionizing the entertainment scene. The episode explores how the flapper culture was a defining element of the decade, as young women began to dress more provocatively and behave more freely than their predecessors. Through the colorized footage, the audience gets a feel for the vibrancy of this movement that was created in reaction to the puritanical standards of the past.

The 1920s also brought significant technological advances, and the advent of the radio was one of them. America in Color showcases how the invention of the radio revolutionized popular culture, from sports broadcasting to the first presidential broadcasts. The show offers an exciting peek into what the radio era looked and sounded like in its early days.

Aside from these changes in popular culture, The 1920s episode of America in Color also dives into the decade's social and political changes, such as the passing of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. The episode also takes a look into the crackdown on alcohol consumption and production, known as Prohibition, by depicting the scenes and controversies surrounding the outlawing of booze.

This era is known for the impact it had on the economy, and America in Color's first episode does not shy away from showing that. The decade saw rapid industrialization, with images of Ford's Model T assembly lines and the birth of Detroit's "Motor City" on full display. The show also provides a glimpse into America's thriving agricultural industry, which was a significant part of the country's identity.

Lastly, The 1920s episode of America in Color touches on the devastating impact of the Great Depression, which would hit just a few years after the decade closed out. The show compiles rare footage of unemployment lines, Hoovervilles, and soup kitchens to depict the stark reality of the struggling economy. The use of color in these images makes them all the more jarring and heart-wrenching.

In conclusion, America in Color's The 1920s episode offers a survey of the entire decade, providing a comprehensive picture of the era's cultural and social developments. Through the use of colorized archival footage and expert commentary, the show brings the sights and sounds of the 1920s to life like never before.