Ep 31. Rube Goldberg
- August 3, 2006
Modern Marvels season 13 episode 31, titled "Rube Goldberg," explores the life and work of the renowned American cartoonist and inventor, Rube Goldberg. Known for his quirky, convoluted contraptions and satirical cartoons, Goldberg's legacy lives on in popular culture today.
The episode begins by introducing Goldberg and his early career in cartooning. Born in San Francisco in 1883, he was a gifted artist from a young age and began drawing professionally as a teenager. After attending college in California and New York, Goldberg moved to San Francisco and began working for the San Francisco Chronicle, where he became known for his satirical cartoons.
As Goldberg's career in cartooning blossomed, he became interested in inventing and engineering, often sketching out elaborate machines that performed simple tasks. These machines became known as "Rube Goldberg machines," and were inspired by his cartoon work.
The episode then explores some of Goldberg's most famous inventions, including the Self-Operating Napkin, which used a complicated set of pulleys and levers to wipe a diner's mouth, and the Simplex Sofa, which would eject a person out of their seat at the end of a movie to make room for the next audience member.
Goldberg's unique approach to inventing and engineering made him a household name, and his legacy can be seen in popular culture today. The episode looks at some of the modern-day iterations of his contraptions, including the popular board game Mouse Trap and various viral videos featuring intricate Rube Goldberg machines.
In addition to his work in cartooning and inventing, Goldberg was also a philanthropist and advocate for social justice. The episode explores his involvement in causes such as civil rights and the Jewish National Fund.
The episode concludes by examining Goldberg's lasting impact on society and his continued influence in popular culture. From his satirical cartoons to his convoluted contraptions, Rube Goldberg continues to captivate and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds.
