This 1950’s short black and white film features Emily Post, explaining to viewers the proper etiquette when traveling out of the United States. Much more so in the earlier decades than in today, there was a concern over social etiquette; how one should behave in social settings; domestic and abroad. Today much of the formalities seem to have all but faded. Emily Post, who wrote a column on good taste that was syndicated in over 200 American newspapers, narrates this brief guide on manners (:13). It opens with images of her sitting in her home in front of linen curtains. Post notes Americans are ambassadors for goodwill when they travel to other countries (:38). A US passport is presented stamped September 11th, 1951 (:48). The film then takes viewers to Le Bourget in northeastern France (:52) as a hotel guest berates the front desk over ice cubes (:57). Emily then notes that ice cubes were in fact an American staple not popularly used in European countries (1:19). While traveling abroad, one must expect to encounter different customs (1:21). A tourist and bellhop stand outside a hotel (1:36). The tourist and his female companion go over foreign phrases together (1:45). The trip goes to Italy (1:54). Restaurant etiquette is depicted as a man goes over the menu for Ristorante Mercurio Rome (2:01). It is important to be aware of gratuity norms (2:20). Often 15% gratuity is included in the bill though an additional five percent cash tip is customary. Emily notes it is forbidden to tip while flying (2:39). On a luxury liner cruise ship, guests enjoy refreshments delivered by wait staff (2:40). In her hotel room, a young woman’s attire is compared to that of the common European’s as they generally dress more conservatively than Americans do (3:03). In social settings, European’s tend towards more formal greetings and may refrain from using a person’s first name until the second time meeting them (3:22). In a wine cellar a couple is approached by their waiter as the film dictates a good attitude is the most valuable carry-on to take as one travels (3:55).

We encourage viewers to add comments and, especially, to provide additional information about our videos by adding a comment! See something interesting? Tell people what it is and what they can see by writing something for example: “01:00:12:00 — President Roosevelt is seen meeting with Winston Churchill at the Quebec Conference.”

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