Educational Auteur - New York Times

Of course, how much pupils really learned from these movies is a subject for experts in pedagogy to debate. It is probable that the benefits of classroom watching were oversold, much as the benefits of computer use are today.

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They also provide a fascinating record of changing educational and filmmaking styles; the matter-of-fact, scientific presentations of the 1950's give way to a more impressionistic, even kaleidoscopic approach in the 60's and 70's. The influence of kiddie pop culture seeps in around the edges. Some of the later movies, like the pro-fitness "Yucky Guts," feature wacky costumed characters and mischievous puppets, while others traffic in science-fiction-inspired moods and motifs: freaky close-ups, creepy music and an overall mood of portent and awe. But the prevailing sensibility, while sometimes corny, is patient and practical. Wexler's movies touching on sexuality and reproduction - "Families" was one of the first of its kind - are impressive for the way they mix candor and tact, humor and sobriety.

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