Glimpses of Morocco and Algiers

Glimpses of Morocco and Algiers (1951)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

James A. FitzPatrick's TravelTalks series continues with this nice entry that visits Morocco and Algiers. It also visits Casablanca and a few other cities so I'm not sure why the title wasn't longer or a tad bit broader. This is another interesting entry in the series as we get to look at the three cities I already mentioned as well as other sites like the LaMona Hotel in Antwerpen. FitzPatrick, through his narration, also talks about how poor some of these cities are and it really struck me, after seeing dozens of these shorts, at how open, honest and respect he is. Not once do I recall FitzPatrick making fun of the people who live in these cities instead he just tells stories and tries to give viewers some nice information no matter the religion or political views a said city or country has. There's one scene in the movie where I believe it's FitzPatrick who talks a man into talking to him as it's clear the man has never seen a movie camera before. Another interesting aspect, especially in today's times, is all the talk about pirates and how the U.S. government use to pay them to leave us alone.

Algiers, Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakesh: four cities which lovers of old films know, whether it be a Bogart movie filmed on Warner's back lot, or an MGM spectacular, with Marlene Dietrich covered in gold. Here's what they looked like half decade after the end of the Second World War, with faces and marketplaces -- yes, and the Casbah! -- fit to thrill an elderly cinephile.

In other words, handsome pictures of interesting faces -- and Mr. Fitzgerald on hand to shake hands. He refers to them all as 'Arabs', whether they be Moors, Tuaregs, Berbers or others.

At the start, James A. FitzPatrick concentrates on Algerian pirates in the past who even attacked Americans. It's pre-revolt Algiers. It visits Casablanca and then a more traditional Arab family. Next, they travel to Rabat with the Sultan's palace and marketplace. Finally, they go to Marrakech.

FitzPatrick's dismissive narrations can be very grating. I am willing to give him some leeway in trying to put this exotic place within American history. It doesn't make it less dismissive. Aside from the narrator, the locations look beautiful and exotic with plenty of street life.

As with the prewar shows of this series, there is a part that hopes for peace and understanding among peoples. And once again what the people will get, and soon, is war.

As always, this is remarkable history and should be returned to its former pristine state. All these shorts give us insight into their radically changing world. In this particular short we not only see a world that will face bloody upheaval from 1954 to 1962 with the end of the colonial era but also technological upheaval as represented by horse drawn vehicles, bicycles, and a few cars. Under the French rule, Muslims lacked the rights of other people, especially after the revolt of 1871. They could only apply for French citizenship if they abandoned their religion and, one supposes, their way of life. This short hints at their pain.

It is always interesting to see what these countries were like almost 70 years ago. Keep showing these great travel talks!