Life in the Andes

It's the Peru and Bolivia section of the Andes. Traveltalks visits another culture and I like this better than looking at a bunch of buildings. It serves as a time capsule of a way of life before the modern world. There may be no great structures but there is something more grander. It's also great to see it in color. I didn't know their derby hats came from Italy. Then, this goes down to Chile where the locals are European settlers. It's not quite as exotic but the landscape is still compelling.

Life in the Andes (1952)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Another nice entry in James A. Fitzpatrick's TravelTalks series from MGM. This time out he takes us to Peru, South America where we get a closer look at the Andes Mountains and the Indians who live there. Taking a look at the Indians we learn that very little has changed over the past several generations as the people still eat sheep and pigs, grow potatoes, mix and dry beans and still use the same method for washing clothing. We learn that the children are given chores to do as soon as they're able to walk and we get to look at a line of Italian derby hats that some wear yet it's a mystery how they came to be in the tribe. If you're unfamiliar with this series then you've certainly got a lot of catching up to do as MGM took viewers all over the world showing off various places in their glamorous Technicolor. As usual, the real highlight is being able to see these places in color and that certainly helps these mountains because of how crystal blue the skies are. This is another good entry as once again we're treated to some wonderful information and it's always interesting to see these people who have probably never seen a camera in their lives.

James A. Fitzpatrick sends the Technicolor cameras to the high reaches of South America under cinematographer Keith Covey. After a breathtaking opening shot showing the immense mountains, he spends most of the time on the Indians who live in the mountains, their potatoes and llamas, before turning to the tourist spots, the hotels, and the boats on the water.

The copy of this travelogue that plays on Turner Classic Movies is a bit fuzzy, looking like it's from a 16mm television print.

In this episode of MGM's documentary short subject series "Traveltalks", producer-narrator James A. FitzPatrick takes us to the mountains of South America where we witness "Life in the Andes". Although the altitude is great, people live in this area. The natives live a primitive lifestyle. They grow a lot of potatoes, which are revealed to have originated here; then, they were grown in Ireland and the world. Several animals help, most notably the llama. Natives favor wearing a brown derby, which they import from Italy. The mountains are beautiful and people enjoy sports. We're told the Andes natives are very happy because they live in a democracy. The picturesque Technicolor photography is by Keith Covey.

**** Life in the Andes (2/23/52) James A. FitzPatrick ~ James A. FitzPatrick