SS United States: Lady in Waiting 2008
Distributed by Choices, Inc., 3740 Overland Ave., Ste. F, Los Angeles CA 90034; (310) 839-1500
Produced by Big Ship Films
Directed by Robert Radler
DVD, color, 57 min.
Jr. High - Adult
History, Travel and Tourism
Date Entered: 12/05/2008
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Associate University Librarian for Technical Services and Scholarly Communication, University of California, Santa BarbaraThis 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.