Grandpa Called It Art (1944)
Americans as a collective were known as being artistically challenged. During Grandpa's time, art in America was looked at a bit differently than it is today. Typical of the American ideal of art of the time, Grandpa filled his parlor with as many knick-knacks as he could fit in the room. Grandpa wanted things that had some flair to them, and if it was imported, it must be art worthy. But if he could make the art functional, so much the better. Thirty years since Grandpa has passed on, Americans view art a little differently. Simplicity, cleanliness and honesty typify what is considered art. The changes are a result of education available for all, and a more balanced life between work and leisure, which allows the population to appreciate beauty around them that they may not have previously noticed. Thomas Hart Benton and Reginald Marsh are among the new generation of American artists who are bringing art to the common man and who are featured in this movie.