It was wartime, so Fitz couldn't travel too far! One can drive or fly to mexico without using too many resources needed for the war effort. A shortie from MGM, at ten minutes. He talks about the games the mayans used to play, on a court between two stone walls, not too different from soccer. Amazing architecture, statues, and pictographs. A nearby well, where girls were sacrificed to ask the gods for rain. The the plain, simple lodge for modern visitors, basic by today's standards. The mayan house of the nuns, similar to today's nunnaries. The priests, predicting the next eclipse, for power.
4 Reviews
before
SnoopyStyle20 November 2021
TravelTalks visits Chichén Itzá, a ruins of the ancient Mayans, on the Yucatán Peninsula. FitzPatrick's narration reflects an older understanding of the Maya handed down from previous generations. One has to take him with a healthy dose of salt. Their classical written language was probably still undeciphered at the time. The pictures are fascinating although one could simply visit the ruins today. There's probably some additional restoration since then but it's pretty much the same. So the pictures are interesting but not that special and the narrations are more interesting for what it says about the 40's.
The Glorious Past
boblipton20 November 2021
James A. Fitzpatrick sends the Technicolor cameras down to the Yucatan to film Mayan ruins, as well the occasional descendant. He speaks respectfully of the culture and their knowledge in what for him, is a restrained manner.
The copy of this film that plays occasionally on Turner Classic Movies is in poor condition, with the colors tending to a muddy brown, and the print full of chips and dirt.
The copy of this film that plays occasionally on Turner Classic Movies is in poor condition, with the colors tending to a muddy brown, and the print full of chips and dirt.
TravelTalks
Michael_Elliott1 December 2013
Shrines of Yucatan (1945)
*** (out of 4)
One of the better and more interesting entries from MGM's TravelTalks series with James A. Fitzpatrick. This episode takes us to the Yucatan Peninsula where we learn about the Mayans. The Mayans, of course, became quite popular in recent years especially as the "end of times" was supposed to have been predicted by them. That's what makes this short so interesting to watch because when it was made there really wasn't too much known about their people as scientists were just starting to discover some of their beliefs. Needless to say, there's no mention here about any end of times. What we do learn is that they were considered mathematical geniuses while also being looked at as a progressive race. We also learn about a certain sport that they would play as a religious ceremony and there's also a couple grisly stories about what they did to people to see if they were faithful or a goddess. Fans of the series will no question enjoy the Technicolor look at their ruins but I think its history buffs or Mayan buffs who are going to get the most entertainment out of this. There are several stories told but the most interesting thing is just seeing how much wasn't known not too long ago.
*** (out of 4)
One of the better and more interesting entries from MGM's TravelTalks series with James A. Fitzpatrick. This episode takes us to the Yucatan Peninsula where we learn about the Mayans. The Mayans, of course, became quite popular in recent years especially as the "end of times" was supposed to have been predicted by them. That's what makes this short so interesting to watch because when it was made there really wasn't too much known about their people as scientists were just starting to discover some of their beliefs. Needless to say, there's no mention here about any end of times. What we do learn is that they were considered mathematical geniuses while also being looked at as a progressive race. We also learn about a certain sport that they would play as a religious ceremony and there's also a couple grisly stories about what they did to people to see if they were faithful or a goddess. Fans of the series will no question enjoy the Technicolor look at their ruins but I think its history buffs or Mayan buffs who are going to get the most entertainment out of this. There are several stories told but the most interesting thing is just seeing how much wasn't known not too long ago.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
