Americanism wins, Coolidge elected

Views of Calvin Coolidge in the months surrounding his re-election as Massachusetts Governor, autumn 1919. Close shot of Coolidge, his wife Grace, and their sons John and Calvin, Jr., on porch of their home at 21 Massasoit St., Northampton, Mass.; Coolidge casts his vote in the gubernatorial election on Nov. 3, 1919, possibly in Northampton in the presence of election officials; Coolidge receives from man identified by interior title as Major Beckmann the American Legion medal, while Legion members on steps cheer; quotation from Seattle post-intelligencer praising Coolidge for his law and order approach in the Boston police strike; close shot of Coolidge outdoors.

Directed by —, Americanism wins, Coolidge elected leans on a strong ensemble — Calvin Coolidge, Grace Goodhue Coolidge, John Coolidge — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1919.