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Photo/Video: 1980s New York As Imagined In 1930
By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 8, 2012
Modified Feb 8, 2012
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 8, 2012
Modified Feb 8, 2012
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via the NYPL
In the 1930s, people had a much different vision for what the 1980s would look like for New York City. This image is from the New York Public Library archives, and is captioned: "New York in 1980 as imagined in a new talking picture" (from 1930). Just look at how clean everything is! Nothing like the real '80s, which looked a bit more... apocalyptic.
So what do we have going on here? It looks like the sub-streets, which we've seen before, have been worked into the rendering. Even with some skyscrapers in the background, it doesn't really look like New York City, however. In fact, it looks like a lot of the elements of castle architecture have been included here, sort of like this vision of the city in 1999, drawn up by a man in 1900.
We've contacted the NYPL for more information on this image, and will update when we hear back.
Update: This is from a 1930s film called Just Imagine, which is "best known for its art direction and special effects in its portrayal of New York City in an imagined 1980." It's never officially been released on DVD or VHS, but here's a look:
Tagged
1930
1980s
flashback
just imagine
the future
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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