In this issue of “Travel Talks”, famed travel journalist E. M. Newman sends viewers on a day trip to Paris in July of 1932. Newman’s shorts were released by Warner Brothers and edited at the Vitaphone Studios in New York. Much of his travelogue work was released during the Depression era for viewers trapped at home eager for far away adventures. Here, Newman runs through whimsy open air cafes, greens of the Bois de Boulogne, the races at Longchamp racecourse all the while showcasing French fashion and culture of the early 1930’s. It features a number of pavilions and installations of the Paris Colonial Exposition of 1931. Expositions such as this were designed to showcase the country’s diverse culture and resources. General Pershing also makes an appearance.

Newman introduces the episode over credits and the Vitaphone logo (:20). The Eiffel tower (:27) opens the travelogue. 1930’s automobiles and French cyclists run through the city (:30). Pedestrians wander down rainy side streets (:37); long rain jackets and bucket hats. French locals and tourist make for the de la Paix (:41). The famed French cafe stands on the Grands Boulevard erected in Napoleon III decor in 1862. French pedestrians jam up small cafe tables; crystal ware and straw hats clutter the view (:47). French locals head for sidewalk shops (:54). Birds flitter about their cages (:57) in an open air market. White mice (1:07) and hard shell turtles (1:09) are sold here too. Book stalls line the river Seine (1:18). Pedestrians flip through newspapers (1:21). A couple smokes through the park Bois de Boulogne. Another wades out on a small row boat (1:29) onto the Seine. Oars splash on a row boat ride (1:30). Local’s hideaway under trees on the green in wicker chairs (1:36). Elegantly dressed attend the French raceway (1:53); the Longchamp race course opened in 1857. Models of the fashion industry hang cross legged (2:04) in the front row. Dress makers shipped out models in order to advertise new products; shoes hats and scarves (2:21). The open air market follows (2:34); silver shots of crops fresh fruits and veggies (2:44). Curvy beans sit in straw baskets (2:48). A Cheese stall boasts a wide variety (2:55). The Boulevard Montparnasse is highlighted (3:02). Locals travel from the Gran Montparnasse to the Latin Quarter. Cafes line rainy sidewalks (3:15); students and artists sip refreshments (3:17). Close shots move over faces of Russian travelers (3:34). Many Russian immigrants travelled to France following the revolution (3:41). Peasants meet from Britain (3:40). An artist wanders with a suitcase (3:48). Locals mingle at the Luxembourg garden (3:56). The camera view runs over base of the Eiffel tower (4:00) and water jets of a new fountain installation (4:07). Window awnings bend over the Trocadero (4:22). The French Colonial Exposition follows (4:40). Palm leaves blow and tourists flitter about the grounds (4:44). The French flag waves (4:58) atop a monument dedicated to the French Crusades. Tiny trains cart guests (5:05). Patrons bus around (5:11), the camera passes over the pillars of the Colonial Museum (5:16). Algeria Bazaar (5:26). A young boy rides a camel (5:31) through market streets. French and Dutch tourists visit the Netherlands Colonial Exposition building (5:35). A trained elephant plays with its trunk (6:08). A replica of the famed Angkor Wat structure (in Cambodia) is displayed in the French Pavilion (6:14). Tourists move up the layered stone steps for the main entrance (6:28). Stone faces spit water from a fountain (6:38). Women perform a native dance for tourists (6:44). Costumed male performers put on a more savage dance (7:09). A mechanical robot bobs its head for viewers (7:34). Another reproduced structure (7:47); Mount Vernon, was reproduced by the US government (7:53). French elite smoke pipes (8:05) as they await the arrival of General Pershing (8:09). A decorated Pershing (8:12) arrives. Native Americans parade in feathered headdress (8:21). Luminous night shots of the towers of the replicated Angkor Wat follow (9:09). Arbors formed by water streams collide and climax the water show (9:39). End (10:00).

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