It Could Be You

About

The film starts with a phone call that excites the protagonist, revealing he is about to receive the keys to a brand-new Chevrolet. This excitement is quickly contrasted by another character’s frustration at having to wait a long time for his own car. The narrative then transitions to a historical overview, explaining that before World War II, car production was swift, and obtaining a new car took only a few days. However, during the war, car production halted to focus on military vehicles, leading to a shortage of new cars post-war.

As the war ended, Chevrolet rapidly shifted back to producing civilian vehicles, but shortages of vital parts continued to hinder full-scale production. The company had to adapt, implementing new techniques and redesigning parts to utilize war-developed materials. Despite these challenges, Chevrolet managed to build more cars than any other manufacturer, though not enough to meet the heightened post-war demand.

The film emphasizes the complexities of resuming full production, highlighting the continuous effort to secure parts and materials. Chevrolet’s rigorous efforts included flying in essential components like carburetors to keep production lines moving. The ongoing shortage of materials means that even with increased production capacity, demand still outstrips supply, leaving many customers waiting.

The narrative also explains the increased demand from new markets, as more people could afford cars post-war, including new families and first-time car buyers. To address this, Chevrolet and General Motors planned an equitable distribution system based on 1941 delivery figures, ensuring community needs were prioritized.

In conclusion, while Chevrolet and its dealers strive to meet the overwhelming demand, the shortage of new cars is a residual effect of wartime production halts. The film reassures viewers that Chevrolet is working tirelessly to ensure that, eventually, everyone who wants a new Chevrolet will get one, embodying the hope that "it could be you" driving away in a new car soon.

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Archive

Internet Archive, in Prelinger Archives

Licence or status

The Internet Archive states none for this item.

Credit

Handy (Jam) Organization

Subtitles

Automatic captions

Who can watch

The archive gives no rating. Invisible Network shows it to Teens profiles and older, judged from its collection and subjects. How films are placed