The 1949 short film, “Rough House,” was one of a collection of 16mm films on Chevrolets produced by Jam Handy. The film promotes the benefits of Chevrolet cars by revealing the numerous tests performed on the cars. In this film, the tests are simulated using what appears to be a 1949 Chevrolet Fleetline or Styleline Deluxe Sedan (00:24). The tests behind the comfortable ride of the Chevrolet are conducted at the General Motors Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan (01:08). The vehicles are put through a variety of tests, including the comfort test (01:22), where the vehicle is driven relentlessly on a paved circuit as well as on a Belgian block road (01:33), to test the car’s suspension. The cars are tested for noise and drafts using a large suction pump and chemical smoke (02:32). Body design, flow, and colors are tested as part of the “Appearance and Design” process (02:44). Safety tests are conducted (03:27), assessing the steering and braking of the vehicle. A decelerometer (03:49) is used to test how fast the car can stop. Vision is tested in the lab to identify and reduce obstructed viewpoints (04:31). Chevrolet also puts its cars through durability tests (05:38), monitoring the consequences of putting heavy strain on tires, engine, and body. Economy of operations is the next set of testing, where gasoline consumption, using a burette, is tested (07:10). Performance testing (07:57) is the final phase the film covers, as the car is tested for acceleration, power, braking, and driving through water in what the narrator dubs “Operation Bathtub,” Chevrolet’s longstanding water test (08:50). After all the testing is completed, the vehicles are disassembled and every component is examined (09:42) as part of the effort to provide the Chevrolet owner and driver with the best vehicle possible.
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