Old So What

  In the 1950s and early 1960s (in that time zone), CBS Television centered in New York City, had an extensive library of black-and-white films.  Probably the best library in the world.  I know because I’m sure that I viewed most of those movies myself. Then in the 60s, I think, the library was divided up, with parts of it sold off to other markets (meaning other television regions where the population can receive the same television/radio station offerings).   Something that I always found unfortunate because it dispersed a treasure trove of some of the greats in black-and-white.   These films played a role in the morals of my time, at least for me. Because between the opening and closing credits, we got to view film as a microcosm of civilized behavior as it should be.  In other words: good triumphed and was rewarded, and evil got its well-deserved punishment. That’s it, that was the consistent, enduring lesson. It was born in the studios of Hollywood...

I admit that films in color ARE more enjoyable, but those old black-and-white movies were like life lessons taught within the boundaries of a few hours. We learned the meaning of right and wrong, and the consequences of each. Good was rewarded and bad was punished.   And life was simplified.   It all boiled down to a few minutes of justice.   Nothing to worry about:   It made sense; it was logical.   It was manageable. Life could be contained if you just did the right thing.   No problem.