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← All Cavalcade of America episodes

The Cavalcade of America, presented by DuPont. The story of John Fitch, starring the distinguished American actor, Thomas Mitchell. The DuPont Company, makers of better things for better living through chemistry, presents the Cavalcade of America, dedicated to those men and women in every walk of life who have shaped the destiny of America in the past, and to the youth of today who will shape the destiny of America in the future. Tonight we salute an American whose name is J…

Transcript

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Synopsis

In The Story of John Fitch, we are transported to 1786 Philadelphia, where John Fitch, an eager inventor, is on the brink of a groundbreaking achievement. He has developed a model for a steamboat, a revolutionary concept that could change the way goods and people travel on rivers. However, Fitch faces skepticism from those around him, including tavern keeper Nancy Craft, who doubts the practicality of his invention and urges him to abandon his dreams for a more conventional life.

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Thomas Mitchell

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Credits

  • Audio from Internet Archive (OTRR_Cavalcade_of_America_Singles). Curated by OTRR. Goldie does not claim ownership of this broadcast.

CALV_400326_180_The_Story_of_John_Fitch.mp3

Cavalcade of America, Episode 180

The Story of John Fitch

Tuesday, March 26, 1940 · 29:50

Cavalcade of America, Episode 180

The Story of John Fitch

Tuesday, March 26, 1940 · 29:50

Summary

John Fitch, an ambitious inventor, seeks support for his revolutionary steamboat design in 1786 Philadelphia, facing skepticism from influential figures and his own community.

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That night in history

On the air that night›

  1. Cavalcade of AmericaThe Story of John FitchCurrently listeningEpisode 180
  2. Fibber McGee and MollyPlanting a HedgeEpisode 241