Available online
Description
This is the first in a series of four films which look at the nature and operation of political power in society. The programmes take as a case study, the creation of the San Francisco Bay Area Rap...id Transit System (BART) and by showing how this came into being, attempt to concretise the abstract concepts of political power contained in a set book for this course "The Study of Politics" by Maurice Duverger. The first programme begins by illustrating with location film the physical and cultural diversity of the San Francisco Bay Area, and the fragmentation of its political institutions. Interviews are filmed with the proponents of the scheme who describe why they worked towards the creation of BART, what organisation and methods were required, firstly to build support in San Franciscos business community and in the local press and then how the plan gained the approval of the California State Legislature. Supporters of BART describe the opposition they met in these processes and the film ends by abstracting more general points about the operation of political power in complex metropolitan areas.
This is the first in a series of four films which look at the nature and operation of political power in society. The programmes take as a case study, the creation of the San Francisco Bay Area Rap...id Transit System (BART) and by showing how this came into being, attempt to concretise the abstract concepts of political power contained in a set book for this course "The Study of Politics" by Maurice Duverger. The first programme begins by illustrating with location film the physical and cultural diversity of the San Francisco Bay Area, and the fragmentation of its political institutions. Interviews are filmed with the proponents of the scheme who describe why they worked towards the creation of BART, what organisation and methods were required, firstly to build support in San Franciscos business community and in the local press and then how the plan gained the approval of the California State Legislature. Supporters of BART describe the opposition they met in these processes and the film ends by abstracting more general points about the operation of political power in complex metropolitan areas.
| Module code and title: | D101, Making sense of society |
|---|---|
| Item code: | D101; 25 |
| First transmission date: | 21-08-1975 |
| Published: | 1975 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:29 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Graham Turner |
| Contributors: | Cyril Magnin; David Potter |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Assembling the Power structure; BART; San Francisco |
| Footage description: | Potter introduces the group of programmes. Over shots of the San Francisco Bay area he briefly outlines the physical and social make up of the area and the plans for BART. Magnin and Lewis look at the very early days of the transit idea. Lewis tells of the efforts he put in, talking to various interests. A variety of contributors discuss various individuals, councils and business interests who gradually became more involved. Browne describes the next stage of the process which involved the political and governmental institutions and state legislature. The final process involved selling BART to the public. Beckett and Gray examine why and how this was accomplished. Potter sums up. Credits. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/71839 |
| Production number: | 00525_2177 |
| Videofinder number: | 1683 |
| Available to public: | no |
