Dating to 1946 and produced by Wilding, “The Shortest Way Home” is a promotional film for Greyhound bus lines starring Richard Fraser, Beatrice Gray, Emmett Hogan, Bruce Kellog, Joel Allen, Bill Murphy and Lee Slater. The film’s story focuses on Wylie, a WWII veteran who embarks on a journey from Minnesota across the post-war United States. Wy is struggling with readjusting to civilian life, feeling out of place and missing his wartime comrades. He decides to travel to visit his old crew members from the war. Throughout his journey, Wy explores various regions of the U.S., each with its unique cultural, historical, and natural landmarks: There is also a romantic subplot involving Wy’s search for Connie, his fast-talking wartime nurse. The film combines elements of a travel narrative with personal growth, set against the backdrop of post-war America, where bus travel became a way to explore both the country and one’s identity after significant life changes. (Richard Fraser was a Scottish film, television, and stage actor. He is perhaps best known for his role in the 1945 film The Picture of Dorian Gray. Beatrice Gray was an American actress and dancer best known for her appearances in a series of western films during the 1940s and 1950s. )
00:00 The film begins with images of a B-24 Liberator in Army Air Forces paint scheme landing at a runway, and an injured man named Wylie being moved onto a hospital bed. 1:38 – Conversation about Wy’s injury, downplaying its severity. 2:34 – Wy discusses post-war adjustment with his father. 3:03 – Wy feels restless, misses his war buddies, mentions nurse Connie. 3:21 – Father suggests a trip to reconnect with friends. 4:20 – Trip suggested as healing, despite financial concerns. 4:41 – Wy begins his journey by Greyhound bus, visiting different cities, starting with Chicago 5:40 – Wy says goodbye to his father, starts his journey. 6:08 – Discussion between Wy and an old woman of sights seen during bus travel, like Mackinac Island. Indians are shown gathering wild rice. 7:25 – Wy plans to visit crew members, starting in Detroit. 8:02 – Wy visits Greenfield Village, exploring historical landmarks. 9:01 – Wy bids farewell, plans to visit friends. 9:19 – Cincinnati’s history with the Ohio River discussed. 10:18 – Explanation of Kentucky’s bluegrass region. 11:06 – Wy reflects on his journey, thinks of Connie. 11:54 – Wy decides to visit Red Corpus in Boston. 12:08 – Praise for the efficiency of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. 14:06 – Wy meets Red, now mayor of River Mills, humorously. 15:02 – Discussion on New England’s historical significance. 16:05 – Wy learns about Connie’s involvement in Williamsburg. 17:27 – Wy plans a trip through the Smoky Mountains. 19:12 – Educational commentary on the Great Smoky Mountains. 21:45 – Wy tries to locate Connie, leads to Memphis. 22:34 – Introduction to Seminole culture in Florida. 23:30 – Transition to Memphis, discussing the “Memphis Blues.” 24:38 – Description of New Orleans’ historical charm. 26:21 – Texas ranch life, learning from cattle’s behavior. 27:56 – Arrival in Los Angeles, focusing on Hollywood. 29:08 – San Francisco transition, meeting an old acquaintance. 30:51 – Explanation of geysers in Yellowstone. 32:56 – Connie announces her departure from Yellowstone. 33:58 – Bus schedule announcement, Wy decides for Minnesota. 35:28 – Humorous reunion with Connie, explaining his journey.
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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
