UNDER THE BLUE CROSS

The original catalog description provided by the Ford Motor Company reads as follows: “Typical Scenes from any days work of the Michigan Humane Society.” “‘S-O-S --- S-O-S --- S-O-S.’ All day long the calls come in - cats, dogs, horses, birds, sick, injured or abused. And every call is answered.” Secretary at desk typing, answering phone, writing on paper. “A trained director assigns the calls to the ‘field staff’ - all skilled in their trade and having full police authority.” Men standing around desk receiving assignments from man - trucks leaving garage of Humane Society - truck and car parking in alley - men walking into barn. “Horses for Rent. $1 a Day Up. Every livery is rigidly inspected. In one year 189 suffering horses have been removed from the streets.” “Birds, too, can suffer. Every market is visited daily and heedless cruelty to poultry and animals is prevented.” Men inspecting cages of chickens. “‘Horse no eat. Me no eat.’ Skilled service to a casual caller -- earning capacity restored.” Horse-drawn wagon stopping in front of Humane Society - view of Michigan Humane Society with sign over door - man entering building - other men looking in mouth of horse. “When a feller needs a friend.” Children carrying puppy entering Humane Society - leaving with attendant, one boy holding puppy. “What is home without a puppy? Take your choice.” Puppies in kennel - children looking at pups - attendant handing puppy to little girl - close-ups. “The old ambulance for ‘down’ horses.” Men opening back of horse ambulance - leading horse out. “Dedication of the new horse ambulance.” Men talking beside horse ambulance truck - one man showing ambulance to others - man handing keys to another - view of open rear of ambulance - men closing rear - ambulance moving on street. “Where someone cares. Each day 185 strays and waifs of the animal world find haven here.” Humane Society trucks stopping in front of Humane Society - man unloading dogs from rear of truck - views of trucks. “Even at midnight emergency calls are answered.” Man at desk talking on phone. “Produced and Distributed by Ford Motion Picture Laboratories.” “The End.” [1939]