This colored Pan American film travelogue, called Wings to Mexico and Guatemala, was produced by Hartlet Productions, probably in the late 1940’s. The Pan American airplane shown at the end of the film is the DC-4 Clipper Radiant, acquired by the company March 9, 1947.

The beginning of this film is missing. It starts with two men speaking with a young woman in an airplane. They are discussing whether a person needs to speak Spanish to get along in Mexico so they teach her some words (0:05-0:50). The men tell some history of the country while showing some beautiful pictures of the countryside. Men using one bladed plough, people walking barefoot down dirt roads, sheep herders herding sheep (0:51-1:50). He tells the legend of Mexico’s twin volcanoes, the Popocatepetl and the Iztaccihuatl (1:51-2:22). You go on a tour of Oaxaca with views of the streets and churches. The Plaza is shown with Serapes being hung on walls (2:23-2:55). Visit an archaeological dig of Alfonso Caso called Monte Alban, the Tomb Seven. He shows a vessel found there and discusses how digs are done revealing Petroglyphs (2:56-4:02). The early city builders were taken over by the Aztecs, then conquered by the Spanish. They still dance the dances of Tlaxcala (4:03-4:45). Views of fiesta (4:46-5:12). Pictures of traditional headdresses and colorful costumes (5:13-5:50). A clip of a man attempting to get his donkey moving – manana? (5:51-6:43). Views of Mexico City, including the Angel of Independence, and busy downtown streets (6:50-7:34). Zocalo at the heart of the city with the Metropolitan Cathedral and its art (7:35-7:58). National Museum of History, Mexico City, shown with pieces of art such as the Ancient Plate, Statue of Aztec goddess, and others (7:59-8:33). Street and flower scenes (8:34-9:09). A trip to Xochimilco festival (9:10-10:15). A matador challenging a bull in a bullfighting arena (10:16-10:58). A Charro parade and a Charreada is seen (11:00-12:40). A Jarabe Tapatio dance, Mexican Hat Dance, is performed (12:41-13:31). The men exit the plane and the Pan Am Clipper moves on to Guatemala. Views of mountain terrain is seen, then it lands at La Aurora International Airport (13:32-15:35). Views of Guatemala City including Union Church of Guatemala, and contrasting cultures are shown; along with some of the arts and crafts of the people (15:36-17:03). The young lady visits Antigua, or Waladli, which means ancient, the old capital city. You see the cathedral, Our Lady of Mercy with the roof gone and other ruins found in Antigua (17:04-18:24). Activities that you can see at a hotel are shown with a marimba (18:25-19:28). Views of the countryside (19:29-19:43). Lake Atitlan and three of its surrounding villages; San Antonio Palopo markets (19:44-21:19), Santiago fashions (21:20-21:33), and Chichicastenango scenes, including weaving demonstration and native dancers doing the Conquest Dance (21:34-23:46). Chichicastenango Market scenes and religious parade to Church of Santo Tomas. Scenes of the religious ceremony (23:48-27:47). The lady fly’s away on a Pan American Clipper (27:48-28:00)

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com