In this program the United States Naval Academy gymnastics team performs at the Johns Hopkins University gymnasium. Friedrich Jahn, the father of gymnastics, developed the sport in Germany in 1910. Head gymnastics coach Chet Phillips says that gymnastics requires coordination, form, and grace and that fluidity or elegance, without breaks, is critical. A Naval Academy team member demonstrates a routine on the side horse, the least hazardous of the apparatus. Assistant coach John Rammacher describes the swings, releases and catches, somersaults, and holds required in a routine on the parallel bars, the easiest piece of equipment to start. Members of the gymnastics team demonstrate swings, vaults, and somersaults on the high bar, the most dangerous event, and Mr. Phillips explains the importance of chalking hands to perform well. Tumbling team members demonstrate the variations of somersaults, including roundoffs, required for a routine in this event.

Dr. N. Bryllion Fagin recounts the life of Poe and the circumstances surrounding his death in Baltimore. Poe's obsession with death and the transmigration of souls led him to become a precursor to modern mystery writers. Dr. Fagin analyzes several of Poe's short stories, indicating pattern weaving. Three of Poe's lyrical poems are read in part and analyzed: "The Raven," "The Bells," and "Ulalume." Dr. Fagin also notes Poe's reputation as a literary critic.

With the assistance of sketches, photos, and a reenactment of John Brown's trial and indictment, Dr. C. Vann Woodward, history professor at Johns Hopkins University, describes the details of John Brown's failed slave insurrection of 1859 and sketches in the historical and biographical background. A copy of Brown's "Provisional Constitution and Ordinances" is shown and Brown's famous trial speech is recited. Dr. Woodward concludes with comments on whether the end justified the means.

This program, in the form of a quiz show, encourages viewers to use their mind to reason. Two Johns Hopkins University engineering freshmen, Karvel Rose and Robert Abernethy, and two arts and sciences freshmen, Michael Kelley and Pudge Ellwood, are the contestants. Walter Millis, Jr. is the scorekeeper, and Dr. Eliezer Naddor, Johns Hopkins professor of industrial engineering, asks the questions and explains the answers to eight puzzles.

This program details the history and activity of the American whale fishing industry. Edouard Stackpole, curator and marine historian at Mystic Seaport, CT, describes the size and characteristics of sperm whales and right whales and how they were hunted, killed, and processed. He shows examples of products made from whale oil, in lieu of petroleum, and whale bone, later replaced by light metals and plastics. Photos and films taken aboard the wooden whaleship "Charles W. Morgan" show her last whale hunt, in 1921, including a "Nantucket sleigh ride." The "Morgan," which made 37 voyages in 80 years, was built in 1841 and is now restored at Mystic Seaport. Mr. Stackpole notes that the last whaler to set sail out of New Bedford was the "Wanderer" in 1924, but she wrecked fifteen miles out of port.