Historic Mexico City (1935) User Reviews

Viva Mexico

[utgard14 · 6/10 · 23 April 2014]

Entertaining entry in the TravelTalks series of travelogue shorts narrated by James A. Fitzpatrick. We get some info on the history of Mexico City from its Aztec origins to the present day (1935). There are some terms used here that are sure to ruffle feathers today, as Fitzpatrick tries to pay the Aztecs a compliment by saying they were "well-organized and wisely-ruled red men" unlike the rest of the Indians of North America, whom he refers to as savages. I'm not slamming the man. I know his intent wasn't negative and I understand what he was saying but I'm sure there will be many modern viewers who will take offense. There always are. He also shows some footage of bullfighting and discusses how more enlightened modern Mexicans oppose the sport. As usual with this great series, the lovely color footage of the local people and landmarks is the best part. For most Americans viewing these shorts in the 1930s this would be their only opportunity to ever see the beautiful scenery of Mexico City. It's fun and interesting, as the TravelTalks series usually was.

Let's Look At Bullfighting And Disapprove

[boblipton · 5/10 · 11 December 2021]

James A. Fitzpatrick sends the Technicolor cameras down to Mexico City under the supervision of Wilfrid Cline. Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick stays stuck in the studio, shouting vaguely phrased facts at the audience. We get a look at architecture, at men on horseback, at a bullfight, and listen to 'Cielito Lindo' played on the glockenspiel.

The copy of this film that plays occasionally on Turner Classic Movies is well preserved and quite lovely.

TravelTalks

[Michael_Elliott · 28 September 2010]

Historic Mexico City (1935)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

TravelTalks entry takes us to Mexico City where we learn a little about its history including the fact that it's the Capital (duh!) and that it was a former empire to the Aztec Indians. We also learn that at one time one-third of it was owned by the Catholic Church and we also get a brief clip of the popular bullfighting. We learn a little about Montezuma before closing things down with the Mexico City Police Band doing a nice number. Mexico would be a very popular spot for this series as James A. FitzPatrick went there at least five times from what I've seen. This early entry isn't the best in the series but it delivers just what you'd expect and that's a nice bit of history with some good visuals in Technicolor. From what I've seen the other trips to Mexico were a tad bit more entertaining but fans will still want to check this one out.