The Kleins

Walter Klein began his career in advertising as a staff member at The Charlotte Observer in 1946, following his service in World War II. Soon thereafter, Klein founded Walter J. Klein Company, Ltd., a family-run organization which eventually employed his children Robert, Betsy, and Richard. They soon became one of the state's largest full-service advertising agencies with $1 million in annual billings. They eventually switched entirely to film and TV production and distribution. Under Klein's direction, the company excelled at commercial production for some of America's most prominent The Klein agency signing the 1st TV contract in Carolinas. industries and organizations during a pivotal time for broadcast media. They offered companies millions of dollars in free television time and just a one-time production fee to produce sponsored educational films. This was an unusual approach, doubted by many of their competitors. But the Walter J. Klein Company, Ltd. became extremely successful. They completed over 1000 films for large national corporations and won numerous awards. The company produced the first commercial that was shown in Charlotte, broadcast on WBTV the night before the station officially signed on. The Walter J. Klein Company, Ltd. remained influential in the worlds of advertising, public relations and filmmaking for 50 years.

W alter J. Klein Company, Ltd.

The Organizers
Hosted by the students in English 585, a Seminar in the History of Educational Film, taught by professors Dr. Marsha Orgeron and Dr. Devin Orgeron at North Carolina State University. Sponsored by the Interdisciplinary Studies Program and Film Studies at NCSU.

Special thanks to David Spencer at University of North Carolina School of the Arts and Skip Elsheimer from A/V Geeks for lending the films; to Kim Cumber and the NC State Archives for providing space for the event; and to the Klein Family, without whose support this event would not have been possible.

Sidney Blackmer (Rosemarys Baby) narrating a Klein film.

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Please visit our website http://kleinfilm.blogspot.com for more information and photos.

1:00 - 3:00pm, May 5th, 2012 North Carolina State Archives

Schedule of Films
W alter J. Klein Company
A fascinating look into the inner-workings of the Walter J. Klein Company, Ltd., during the 1950s, this film demonstrates how the agency pitches and creates multimedia materials for their clients. The film was shot at their original studio, located at 1214 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, NC. Narration done by Charles Kuralt in his first on-camera role. Kuralt later became the nationally-known host of On the Road on CBS News. Released: Running Time: Introduction: 1951 16 min Melanie Cregger

In His Fathers Footsteps

Made in conjunction with the National Conference of Christians and Jews, this film focuses on parents who visit their son, stationed in West Germany, and are appalled by his prejudices. The story gets even more complex when the boys father is forced to acknowledge his own veiled bigotry. Released: Running Time: Introduction: 1982 Excerpt Dr. Devin Orgeron

Preventive Dentistry in B Sharp

A famous composer, played by comedian Avery Schreiber, creates a piece dedicated to preventive dentistry as he answers questions about dental care. Preventive Dentistry in B Sharp is a humorous film filled with musical puns about proper brushing, flossing and dental hygiene. Released: Running Time: Introduction: 1975 Excerpt Beth Robbins

Accent on You

Accent on You cleverly uses a young boy and girl to discuss and explain puberty. Full of useful information, this film provides an unintimidating exploration of the human body in transition from youth to adulthood, with a special emphasis in the second half on its female audience. Released: Running Time: Introduction: 1981 Excerpt Dr. Marsha Orgeron

Silver Safari

1977 winner of CINE Golden Eagle and a Gold Medal at the International Film & TV Festival, The Silver Safari follows the 25th Anniversary Safari Rally, a 4,000 mile stock car race beginning in Nairobi, Kenya. Shot on location with a crew of only four, the film documents the 5-day event, featuring driver interviews and extensive footage of the race. Released: Running Time: Introduction: 1977 Excerpt Lauren Pilcher

The Big Yellow Fellow

The Big Yellow Fellow was a collaborative effort with the North Carolina school system. A young boy adopts the Big Yellow Fellow after the anthropomorphized school bus follows him home one afternoon. Primary school children are carefully and entertainingly instructed in school bus conduct and safety. Released: Running Time: Introduction: 1978 14 min Kevin Flinn

The Standard of Perfection

In a world obsessed with increasing speeds of commerce, communication, and life, a handful of companies still produce goods imbued with care and craftsmanship. The Standard of Perfection features Noritake Chinas creative, manufacturing, and quality control processes in a film resplendent with the same care and beauty as the fine china it depicts. Released: Running Time: Introduction: 1985 16 min Heather Szafran

Question and Answer with the Kleins

The Walter J. Klein Agency was an award winning advertising agency from Charlotte, NC. They created over 1000 sponsored films and advertisements for over 50 years, for various branches of federal and state governments, a large number of professional and trade associations, and such industry giants as AT&T, Chevron, GE, Cargill, IBM, Sony, P&G, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Aetna, Pepsico, Ford Motor, Merck, Johnson Controls, Delta Airlines, Caterpillar and DuPont. Walter J., Elizabeth, Robert, and Betsy Klein will participate in a Q&A after the screenings.