Entertaining Engineers

NEW YORK - Whether it's computer-generated effects or the film itself, movies as we know them would be impossible without the work of engineers. (Noted director Frank Capra was a chemical engineer). In fact, engineers are largely responsible for advancements in virtually every aspect of the entertainment industry.

However, engineers are seldom celebrated in the arts-tv, film, song, and the like. In 1995, for National Engineers Week, we developed a list of technology- oriented songs, which appeared in the February 1995 issue of AIChExtra. And, in the March 1991 issue, we ran an extensive list of movies featuring engineers or engineering themes. This year, we present some of the other mentions of engineers in entertainment.

Comics

In addition to Mike Judge, the creator and voice of Beavis and Butt-Head, John McPherson (writer of the comic strip Close to Home) is also a degreed engineer. And, two other comics focus on the exploits of "engineers"-Dilbert (the title character) and Blondie (Dagwood Bumstead), although it's unclear whether Dagwood is an architect or engineer.

Television

There may not be the equivalent of LA Engineer on tv, but several shows have featured engineering, particularly the Star Trek franchise. The title character in MacGyver used engineering knowledge nearly every week to wriggle free of danger. Family Affair starred Brian Keith as Bill Davis, an engineering consultant. Before Scott Bakula was a regular on Murphy Brown, he used his scientific knowledge in Quantum Leap. Similarly, The Wild, Wild West featured advanced technology in unique situations. In My Three Sons, Fred MacMurray played Steve Douglas, an aerospace engineer. Even The A-Team, featuring Mr. T, used engineering skills to beat the bad guys. And, long before he was known for his "You might be a redneck if..." humor, sitcom star Jeff Foxworthy was an engineering student at Georgia Tech. Finally, we understand that romance novel coverboy Fabio, a noted technophile, has an engineering background.

Still, the portrayal of engineers (and engineering) in the arts remains relatively limited, particularly when compared to doctors, lawyers, and police officers. But, the tide may be turning. And, who knows? Now that CBS is owned by Westinghouse (headed by CEO Michael Jordan, a National Engineers Week All-Star), we may yet see shows like NY P.E.

If you would like a copy of the high-tech tunes list or high-tech movies list, contact AIChE.

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