Exotic Mexico (1942) User Reviews

costumes and transport links

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 10 July 2021]

In the southern part of Mexico, there is a railroad across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Prior to the Panama canal, it was an important route. The people have colorful costumes and customs. Then we arrive at the state capital Oaxaca and the ruins of Monte Albán. There is artist Diego Rivera with his collection of relics.

This is a TravelTalks episode. The color film is well used for the colorful costumes. The wartime episodes tend to stay within the US and North America at most. It's probably why it stresses a couple of travel links to emphasize the robustness of the transport system. Even if the Panama canal is lost, there is a railroad to take its place. This is a bit of propaganda even in a travelogue like this.

The Old Isthmus Route

[boblipton · 5/10 · 5 May 2020]

James A. Fitzpatrick sends the Technicolor cameras under cinematographer Wilfred Cline to southern Mexico to talk about the local railroad, the refurbished railroad to supplement the Panama Canal's traffic, and Diego Rivera and his collection of local archeological artifacts.

This MGM Traveltalk was shot during the Second World War, when most of the usually far-ranging series stayed in the United States. One or two got as far as the Canadian border, but half a dozen were shot in Mexico. Fitzpatrick's narration is restrained for him. Although he lards his almanac points with his usual long-winded verbiage, he does not shout, as he did before the war. Visually this is average for the series, and the copy that plays on Turner Classic Movies is in pretty good shape.

Once again, the narrator of EXOTIC MEXICO turns up . . .

[pixrox1 · 6/10 · 16 July 2021]

. . . at the wrong place at the wrong time. Ostensibly intended for the American traveling audience, this series seems to go out of its way to shun anything of real interest to its alleged target demographic. Naturally, given America's pastime in the 1940's, any trekking commentator would be expected to throw in a little baseball action whenever possible (particularly if it's of a dramatic nature). A mere year and a half before EXOTIC MEXICO slighted audiences eager to catch glimpses of the latest Sultans of Swat, Mexico City hosted some big bat action featuring Leon Trotsky. Was Mr. F. Johnny-on-the-Spot for this bit of history? Of course not. Instead, he shows up as a Johnny-Come-Lately months later to photograph a Mexico City Knick Knack collector. How sad.

TravelTalks

[Michael_Elliott · 17 January 2017]

Exotic Mexico (1942)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

If you're a fan of James A. FitzPatrick's TravelTalks series then you'll obviously know that it was a very popular series back in the day that allowed most people in America a chance to see other parts of the world. This one here starts off in southern Mexico where we learn about the various customs. One location we visit is a railroad that was once used to transport items from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. From here we learn about the women of Tijuana, their background as well as the head gear they wear. Indian art is also discussed as well as a special dance that is done. For the most part this here is another entertaining episode that has some nice images as well as some historic interest as well. This is especially true when they discuss the Pan Am road that was to run from Alaska to South America.

Costumes and fiestas for the tourist

[barryrd · 6/10 · 14 July 2021]

This James Fitzpatrick film is like browsing through an old issue of National Geographic. In the 1940's and 50's, when American tourists began to venture outside their country, they discovered traditions and entertainment that went beyond Christmas and the Fourth of July. What better holiday photos to bring back than native women in colourful costumes celebrating centuries old festivities. The wonders of the ancient people of Tijuana has Mr. Fitzpatrick gushing with his usual enthusiasm. This historic people become another spectacle for the travelling public as Mr. Fitzpatrick describes the varied background and traditions of people in the region.

a couple spots in mexico

[ksf-2 · 8/10 · 12 July 2021]

From 1942, this TravelTalk from James FitzPatrck talks about a couple specific locations in mexico. At Tehuantepec, native dancers in costume, throwing fruit in the town square, to celebrate a good harvest. In glorious color! At Oaxaca, pyramids from earlier times, the giant cypress tree, and a tour from artist Diego Rivera. Ceremonial dance of costumes made from feathers, celebrating Montezuma. You'll note that Fitz visited many US cities and mexico during this time, since we had just joined world war two. Fun stuff, especially when people couldn't go traveling, and most people couldn't afford to anyway. Good stuff.