“Assignment Venezuela” (1956) was created by the Creole Oil Company, part of Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, to promote working in the oil industry in Venezuela. It was directed by John H. “Jack” Tobin and made during the military dictatorship of Marcos Pérez Jiménez. The film follows the arrival of an American oilman named Jim, and the initial challenges he faces in Venezuela. Jim recounts his tour of Maracaibo, highlighting the mix of modern and old Spanish-style homes and familiar American stores. The narrative includes Jim’s stay at a luxury hotel before heading to the oil fields in Lagunas, and meeting with Venezuelan and USA engineering staff. The film also presents information about housing, social aspects of life for ex-pats, details medical care, bilingual education, etc. The film also shows Jim’s journey to Caracas. The film ends with Jim eagerly anticipating his family’s arrival and their new life in Venezuela.

00:00 Jim expresses frustration about the difficulties of communicating in Spanish at the Maracaibo airport.

1:33 Jim, working for an American Oil Company, describes the initial challenges in Venezuela and meeting another American engineer sent by Creole.

2:10 A tour of Maracaibo includes descriptions of tropical climate, modern and old Spanish-style homes, and familiar American stores like Sears.

3:48 The city’s blend of modernity and historical elements is emphasized, including a reference to Morgan’s pirate raiders.

4:15 Jim enjoys luxury at a hotel before heading to the oil fields, writing a letter to his family. 5:58 Jim travels to Lagunas in the oil fields via a ferry and describes the lake and the road built by oil companies.

6:12 Details about offshore wells and the impressive sight of the oil fields are provided.7:09 Checking in at the administration office and meeting the engineering staff, who are both Venezuelan and North American.

7:57 Jim describes a day spent on the lake, likening the experience to his time in the Navy.

8:59 Jim explains the collaboration between Creole and the Venezuelan government for efficient oil extraction, and the importance of maintaining gas pressure.

11:01 Employees in Venezuela receive similar benefits and work under similar labor laws as those in the USA 11:04 Jim feels at home at his job despite the challenges of the new language and being a foreigner.

11:23 Jim updates Anne and the boys about their housing situation.

12:15 Jim talks about housing arrangements falling through and settling temporarily in a Quonset hut, mentioning the need to pack everything from home.

13:07 Details about social life and activities, including bridge parties, sports at the club, and the pool.

14:10 Jim explains medical care provided by the Creole dispensary.

14:32 Describes the local school maintained by the company, aiming to make children bilingual, with Jeff starting to learn Spanish in the first grade.

15:14 Jim discusses Creole’s policy of integrating employees into local communities rather than isolated company camps, referencing a visit to a residential area built by private contractors.

15:58 Community integration project, aiming to make employees independent, not reliant on the company. Jim’s upcoming Spanish study in Caracas.

16:34 Jim’s journey to Caracas by air and impressions of the highway to Caracas.

17:16 Caracas, its layout, and the central Simón Bolívar Building Development.

17:55 A tour of Caracas, highlighting new sections with colorful buildings and futuristic residential areas. 19:15 Impressions of the tranquil residential areas and the focus on studying Spanish.

19:18 Description of University City in Caracas, its modern facilities, and its role in providing services to the city.

20:05 Jim visits historic spots in Caracas, including Plaza Bolívar and Casa Natal, with a focus on the history of Simón Bolívar.

21:05 Jim’s life centering on studying Spanish intensively at the language school.

21:58 Jim anticipates the arrival of the family in Maracaibo, mentioning his progress in learning Spanish.

24:30 Arrival of the family from Miami, Jim’s reflections on his excitement for their life in Venezuela.

Motion picture films don’t last forever; many have already been lost or destroyed. If you have endangered films you’d like to have scanned, or wish to donate celluloid to Periscope Film so that we can share them with the world, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us via the weblink below.

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