Seeing Spain (1953)

James A. FitzPatrick: Self - Narrator

Quotes 

• Narrator : The Moorish sovereigns were ardent patrons of literature, science and architecture. And perhaps the greatest tribute to their memory is the world famous Alhambra, situated on a hill overlooking the city of Granada. It was in this romantic setting that Washington Irving, while serving as American Ambassador to Spain, wrote his thrilling, "Tales of the Alhambra." And it was here too that Queen Isabella pledged her jewels to help finance Christopher Columbus' first voyage to America.

• Narrator : About 300 miles north of Seville, on the banks of the Tagus River, lies the picturesque old town of Toledo, which was subjected to much bombardment during the recent Spanish rebellion.

• Narrator : Todelo is an artist paradise, particularly famous for its ancient gateways, which towered over mortal traffic long before Columbus discovered America.

• Narrator : Toledo is said to be the oldest town in Europe and its history is replete with the indisputable records of Roman, Moorish and Visigoth civilizations which once flourished here and went there destined ways.

• Narrator : The period from 1936 to 1939 was one of great crisis for old Spain, divided against itself by a bitter civil war and Madrid, being the capital, was the focal point for much destruction. But, at least the material scars of warfare have now been obliterated and the city appears to have successfully adjusted itself to the new order of things.

• [first lines] 

  Narrator : About 700 years ago, the Moors - a warlike and aggressive people from Africa - invaded Spain and held dominion over the entire country, until they were eventually driven back to this so-called 'Veil of Heaven' where they founded their last stronghold of Spain and called it the 'Kingdom of Granada'.

• [last lines] 

  Narrator : Foremost among the other monuments of Madrid are that of Queen Isabella and her obedient servant, Christopher Columbus, who first carried the torch of Spanish civilization to the New World. And it is here that we conclude our sightseeing in Spain.