A Word for the Greeks

Word for the Greeks, A (1951)

** (out of 4)

Later entry in MGM's TravelTalks series with James A. FitzPatrick. We visit Greece where we take short stops in Athens, Acropolis, Parthenon and the Island of Rhodes. This is a pretty bland entry in the series because there really isn't too much for us to see here. FitzPatrick's narration is as you'd expect but none of the things we see are overly interesting. We see the various fruit markets downtown as well as the architectural styles that helped make the cities some of the most popular tourist spots. The Technicolor print that was shown on Turner Classic Movies was pretty faded and worn out.

James Fitzpatrick sends the Technicolor cameras to Greece, to shoot ruined buildings on the Acropolis, men smoking water pipes, and fruit stands, because when you travel halfway across the world, your access to fresh fruit is uppermost on your mind.

He then gives us his usual lugubrious blather, sounding like he used a thesaurus to make sure he never used a short, familiar word when he could find an obscure one at least five syllables long. To emphasis these things, Leslie Kirk doodles endlessly on the pipe organ.

If you want to look at this one for the pictures -- which is, so far as I am concerned, the only reason to do so -- be advised that the copy of this Traveltalk that plays occasionally on TCM is in poor condition.

Is that title a reference to the film "The Greeks had a word for Them", which was a 1932 film with Joan Blondell ? Quick looks at the Acropolis, and the buildings of Athens rebuilt in the style of 500 BC architecture and temples. A walking tour in the markets and a quick discussion of the recent civil war. Then over to Rhodes, which returned to Greece at the end of WW II. Castles, ruins fishing boats. Apparently Mussolini planned to retire here. It IS beautiful, peaceful and calm. was there years ago. cruise ship stop these days. Only 500 square miles, acc to wikipedia. Earthquakes now and then, including the one in 226 BC that knocked down the Colossus statue. Pretty interesting bit. Short and sweet. and this one is in color. a Fitzpatrick production.

In those troubled times, TravelTalks goes to Athens, the mother of democracy. They visit the ancient ruins and the modern city. There are orphans. They go to Rhodes where Mussolini often stayed. They end with some traditional dancers.

This is post-war Europe and one can spot a few military vehicles on the streets. It does look a bit drab except for the traditional dolls and costumes. There are some fine regular street views. It's a good representation of this time. They are definitely trying to play up the recent fight against tyranny although the narration could be more demonstrative against Mussolini.