U-Matic

X-Mas Carn #3
12-8-83

U-Matic S tape containing footage shot at the 1983 Christmas Carnival in Cobo Hall recorded over the first portion of a tape containing segments from WXYZ-TV and WDIV new broadcasts on a variety of subjects from 1981.

The tape begins with shots of children playing a ball throwing at the Christmas Carnival. The targets are in the shape of various characters including a clown and the Tin Man. This is followed by several shots of a large mechanical diorama consisting of a rotating flying saucer atop a snow-covered hill, with a group of green aliens with oval-shaped heads along a cliff below. The camera gets close-ups of a waving alien figure, and one who motions with a camera. Afterward, several shots follow of a large Santa Claus sculpture. The Christmas Carnival footage ends after a brief shot of a playscape with a slide.

An earlier recording follows of a 1981 WXYZ-TV Action News story about the employment conditions of the city's sanitation workers. The story is presented by reporter Steve Handelsman, features comments from garbage truck drivers Ralph Hicks, Jr. and MacArthur Perkins, as well as Department of Public Works Director James Watts. Anchor Doris Biscoe then introduces a special report on fire safety from reporter Phyllis Eliasberg. She reports from a 911 call center, a dispatching center, and a school classroom. The story features a comment from Dr. Irving Feller. Anchor Diana Lewis then reports on Mayor Coleman A. Young's address to the Conference of Mayors in Chicago, where he criticizes President Ronald Reagan's urban polices.

Following a WDIV logo, a recording begins from WDIV's Eyewitness News with anchor Carmen Halan. First, Peter Lewine reports on difficulties facing African American-owned car dealerships, especially in regard to redlining by loan agencies. The segment begins with a clip from a Mel Farr commercial, and Farr, along with Nathan Conyers, and James Woodruff are interviewed throughout the piece. Harlan then introduces an interview with Mayor Young by Bob Pisor about state campaign finance laws which favor candidates which can raise money faster. Young also expresses support for ideas expressed by William Milliken during the campaign, despite party differences. Pisor finishes his segment from in front of the Money Tree restaurant as a visual pun.

Over a DPI Video Production logo a voice over then announces that the following segments aired on Sunday November 15, 1981. First WXYZ-TV's Rich Fisher introduces a report from Erik Smith about planned renovations for Belle Isle's White House. Smith speaks to a member of the Friends of Belle Isle about the project. Smith also mentions rumored plans for a "Victorian Promenade" along the riverfront behind the Casino, and for an expansion to the marshes on the island's eastern end.

The video is on an 18-minute U-Matic S tape with a handwritten City of Detroit Department of Public Information Video Production label. The tape is housed in a black plastic latching case with a 3M label on in its spine.