SS United States: Lady in Waiting - reviews

Booklist
Issue: January 1, 2009
SS United States: Lady in Waiting.

From 1952 to 1969, premier cruise ship SS United States set transatlantic speed records and provided elegant accommodations for wealthy passengers. After jet travel made transatlantic crossing too costly and slow, the ocean liner was decommissioned, stripped of its finery, and abandoned in a Philadelphia port. In
this fond tribute, former passengers (including journalist Walter Cronkite and artist LeRoy Neiman), employees, ship enthusiasts, and others recall the heyday of ocean travel. Footage of well-dressed celebrities and others sipping cocktails, lounging on deck chairs, and dancing to live bands intercuts with
pans of the ship’s peeling hull, deserted staterooms, and ghostly engine rooms. Historians recount the origins of the vessel (designed during the cold war to transport troops, if needed, under the guise of a luxurious passenger ship), and conservationists talk of plans to preserve and resurrect her glory. Fascinating for ship and history buffs and anyone who enjoys glimpsing the glamorous past.
— Candace Smith

 

Video Librarian

January/February 2009  (Volume 24, Issue 1)

SS United States: Lady in Waiting
(2008) 57 min. DVD: $19.95. Choices, Inc. PPR. ISBN: 978-1-933724-24-9.
Although it looks like a derelict 12-story-high hulk tied to a dock near Camden, DE, the SS United States was the pride of the nation and envy of the world during the 1950s after the vessel set the transatlantic speed record for ocean liners (even faster than the Queen Mary), a distinction it still holds for its class today. Over its nearly two decades of service, the ship boasted a perfect safety record (with a five-compartment hull that is still in near-perfect condition). The SS United States was also set up for secret Cold War duty; although designed to carry 1,500 paying passengers, the ship could be quickly retrofitted to hold as many as 50,000 troops. Director Robert Radler’s engaging documentary features interviews with celebrity passengers (including Walter Cronkite), naval historians, and enthusiasts, who recall the rich history of the SS United States, while also discussing current efforts to save it. Although the advent of commercial transatlantic jets precipitated the ship’s early retirement, its current owner—Norwegian Cruise Lines—is considering refurbishing the ship and returning it to commercial duty as an ocean cruiser. Beautifully shot in high-def and boasting a 5.1 surround audio mix, DVD extras include expanded interviews, celebrity anecdotes, rare footage of the maiden voyage, and a photo gallery. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)

Educational Media Reviews Online

Recommended

Reviewed by Brad Eden, Associate University Librarian for Technical Services and Scholarly Communication, University of California, Santa Barbara

Date Entered: 12/5/2008

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This video tells the story of the SS United States, considered by many to be the greatest American ocean liner of all time. During the ship's service from 1952 to 1969, the SS United States was designed to be a secret weapon in the Cold War, but spent most of her time as a luxurious passenger liner. This ocean liner still holds the east and west bound passenger ship speed record, but has been moored since 1969and left to rot at a pier in Philadelphia.

This video interviews a number of designers, architects, maritime historians, and crew members in order to tell the story of this wonderful ship that has been forgotten by everyone. Special features include a short film shot in the engine room, 16mm color home movies from the maiden voyage, and a lesson plan/guidebook. Recommended for anyone studying post-World War II ships, technology, and history. 

 

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