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Mr. Polaroid

Season 37 Episode 3 | 52m 20s

Long before the iPhone, another inventive device allowed everyone to instantly chronicle their lives — the Polaroid camera. The product, and the company’s unique culture, would launch not only instant photography mania but also become the model for today’s Silicon Valley tech culture. Mr. Polaroid tells the little-known story of the man behind the camera, Edwin Land.

Aired: 05/18/25 | Expires: 05/29/28
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Extras
The chimpanzees in Fongoli have adapted humanlike behaviors to survive their environment.
Appraisal: 1934 U.S. All-Star Team Baseball Signatures, in Sensational Finds.
Appraisal: Coro Duette Seahorse Brooch, ca. 1945
Appraisal: "Mystery of the Maine" Posters & Banner, from Sensational Finds.
Appraisal: Frederick William MacMonnies Bronze ca. 1896 in Sensational Finds.
Appraisal: 1914 Pastime Novelty Co. "Kaloma" Photo
Appraisal: 1929 Radclyffe Hall “The Well of Loneliness” Victory Edition
Appraisal: Clara Bow anklet, Cartier watch and note from Sensational Finds!
Appraisal: McChesney "Gal-Leg" Spurs, ca. 1900, in Sensational Finds.
Appraisal: Jehan Georges Vibert Oil, ca. 1875
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