Fourth Kingdom, The

Tells the story of development of Bakelite materials and rapid expansion of uses for these man-made products since 1909 when discovery was first made. Film demonstrates the extent to which plastics have become an integral part of daily experience. Scientist explains to a curious reporter the inventions of Dr. Baekeland; VS of Bakelite plastic products and the process of their production. 23:26:56:21 1950s to 1960s train speeds past camera. 23:26:59:22 CU landing boat plane. 23:28:36:29 Scientist in white lab coat being interviewed by reporter walks reporter over to a reflux condenser mounted over a large spherical flask mounted over a Bunsen burner; reporter leaning on lab table asks scientist questions with look of confusion, good sound bites “just a moment please. What’s a reflux condenser for?” scientist nonchalantly answers reporters questions; scientist pours liquid (formaldehyde and water) from graduated cylinder into the flask, scientist lights burner; CU flask. 23:32:11:22 Scientist hands reporter a test tube filled with solid plastic which he describes as “an exact duplicate of the one first cast by Dr. Baekeland in his own laboratory in 1907” Reporter holding the test tub