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← All Cavalcade of America episodes

DuPont, makers of better things for better living through chemistry, presents the Cavalcade of America, starring Robert Taylor. This is Robert Taylor. Tonight's Cavalcade is called the Interchangeable Mr. Whitney. I have a question. Why should you remember the name of Eli Whitney? The cotton gin? Perhaps. But there's something else, something much more important than the cotton gin and we're going to tell you about it. Listen. I shall be Eli Whitney. It's 1798, twilight of a…

Transcript

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Synopsis

In The Interchangeable Mr. Whitney, we are introduced to Eli Whitney, a man burdened by financial woes in the year 1798. As he approaches his workshop in Hamden, Connecticut, he is met by creditors demanding payment for debts he cannot afford. Despite his groundbreaking invention of the cotton gin, Whitney finds himself at a crossroads, struggling to maintain his business and reputation. His friend Joel expresses frustration with Whitney's lack of business acumen, emphasizing that while he may be a brilliant inventor, he is not a businessman.

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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_500124_640_The_Interchangeable_Mr_Whitney.mp3

Cavalcade of America, Episode 640

The Interchangeable Mr Whitney

Tuesday, January 24, 1950 · 28:23

Cavalcade of America, Episode 640

The Interchangeable Mr Whitney

Tuesday, January 24, 1950 · 28:23

Summary

Eli Whitney faces financial struggles as he navigates the challenges of being an inventor in 1798 Connecticut. When approached to manufacture muskets for the government, he must prove his worth as a businessman and innovator.

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That night in history

On the air that night›

  1. Cavalcade of AmericaThe Interchangeable Mr WhitneyCurrently listeningEpisode 640
  2. EscapeTreasure IncorporatedEpisode 95
  3. Fibber McGee and MollySelling Fibber a SuitEpisode 609
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  5. The Green HornetCatspawEpisode 983