Here’s a clip from the early 1950s on New York City, focused mostly on office life and the fashion industry around the Garment District. 

The clip begins with a wide shot of a building’s entrance. In the foreground, a street sign says “W 50 ST,” i.e. West 50th Street. 

Well-dressed people exit an elevator and then pass through clear-glass doors, moving toward the camera. Two guys stop at a help desk; a woman sitting behind the desk answers a telephone. Nearby, two women are working as PBX or phone operators; we see them plugging wires into an electronic machine or switchboard. Both women are wearing headsets. 

In an office, a woman answers a telephone, listens, then hands the receiver to the man standing before her. In the foreground, a woman is writing at her desk. In the background is a wall that has a map of the world. 

In a different office, there are rows and rows of desks. People look busy, either typing, or reading, or handling paperwork. One man visits the desk of another man, sharing information with him that’s on a piece of paper. 

Then there’s a high-angled shot of a busy street, stretching far into the distance. 

Next, we see shots of Manhattan’s Midtown garment center or garment district. A wide shot shows lots of dressed-up people standing around, talking, walking; looks like a conference is happening, or at least will be. Many of the men are wearing hats like Fedoras. In the background, a large semi moves screen right; the side of the semi reads, “DANA TRUCKING CO.” 

A sign outside a building lists all the businesses within the building. Many of the businesses are fabric, textile, and clothing companies. 

Windows of one business read, “DRESS MFRS. INC.” 

In the next two shots, garments and clothing are being pressed by men with ironing boards and irons. Two men are seated next to sewing machines and appear to be busy with pieces of fabric. 

A male tailor styles a hood that’s worn by a woman. The woman then faces away from the tailor who then inspects the back of her blouse and how it hangs. 

Outside, we see a wide shot of a busy street. Delivery trucks are parked or move toward the camera. Names on the trucks include “GLADDY DRESS,” “RAINBOW,” and “BARNEY’S EXPRESS.” A number of people are pushing carts filled with clothing through the street traffic. Some of these hand carts are covered while other reveal bundles of clothing on hangers. 

From inside a clothing store, we see the store’s window display, which features assorted women’s hats and dressed-up mannequins. The street’s activity can be seen from within the store, beyond the display. 

The clip’s final two shots are street signs that say, “5th AVE.” and “E. 51 ST,” and a wide shot of a busy upper 5th Avenue during the day.