William Francis Gibbs
Architect of a Maritime Nation
Project Director: Tim Phillips
Director of Photography: Steve Agnew
Associate Producers: Rachell Shapiro
Graphic Designer / Editor: Craig Hirshberg
Website: ssunitedstates-film.com
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William Francis Gibbs and his preeminent ship, the SS United States
photo: Steamship Historical Society of America
William Francis Gibbs: Architect of a Maritime Nation is an historical documentary film project examining the story and substance to two significant American icons that have been largely forgotten: The ocean liner, SS United States, and her self-taught designer, William Francis Gibbs.
The SS United States, the fastest merchant ship in the world, was a marvel of her time, a symbol of American technological and political superiority over the post-WWII era. On her maiden voyage in 1952, she broke the records for fastest east- and west-bound transatlantic crossings, records she still holds today for a ship of her size. And she represented the power, glamour, celebrity, and style of her namesake country.
Her designer, William Francis Gibbs, was arguably the most ingenious and prolific naval architect and engineer of the 20th century, singularly focused and driven to achieve his goals. But the ship sailed at the twilight of the golden era of ocean-going passenger travel. The advent of jet aircraft, government subsidies, and labor and fuel costs, led to her unceremonious decommissioning in 1969 after a truncated sailing career of only 17 years.
To learn more about this film project, visit ssunitedstates-film.com.