See America First: Oakland 1931

This 1931 silent promotional film, See America First, stars actress Kay Gordon arriving at Oakland’s airport, greeted by locals, before touring the city’s thriving businesses in black-and-white 16mm. She visits the Oakland Tribune, Cutter Bear, Paramount Beauty Salon, Bulwinkle’s Furs (fur coat modeling), American Trust Company bank, Dr. Bullis’ chiropractic office, Clarence Saunders Stores, Heald’s Business College, Oakland Zoo, Remar Baking Company, Jackson’s Furniture, Clean Cleaners, Carol Will’s Shoe Shop, and McGurrin Motors, where a woman test-drives a 1931 Reo Royale. Lake Merritt shines, while a wealthy woman enters a limousine, capping this pre-war ode to Oakland’s commerce and charm.