User Reviews

TravelTalks goes to Canada to visit the Maritimes. It's not the sexiest or the most exotic location. There aren't any magnificent structures and only one sizable town, Sidney. I am surprised that they didn't go fishing. At least, that would have added some action adventure. If they're lucky, they could run into some dolphins or a whale. Without that, this isn't much more than a weekend drive in the countryside and then returning to an industrial town. It's not much of a trip and not much of an episode.

Cape Breton Island (1948)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

With a title like this you know you've gotta be watching a TravelTalks entry from James A. Fitzpatrick. This time out we visit Nova Scotia, Cananda where we learn the history of this small community, which was settled by the French but it's mostly Scotish folks who formed the place. We take a look at Bras d'Or lake as well as a quick visit to Baddeck, which is best known for being a favorite place of Alexander Graham Bell and his wife. We also see the grave site of these two as well as the grave of Angus MacAskill who lived from 1825-1863. He was seven-foot-nine when he died and was a popular touring act back in his day. We also take a look at the town of Sydney, which is best known for its steel plants. If you're already familiar with the FitzPatrick series then you know they're best remembered for that wonderful use of Technicolor and that is again the real highlight. The series visited Canada quite a few times over the years and this here is another pleasant look. The one negative thing is that there's not as much information given out in regards to the history of these cities. As you'd expect, FitzPatrick's narration is good throughout and he certainly makes learning fun.

Did John and Sebastian Cabot really land on this island in 1497? That's one of the things that James A. Fitzpatrick says in this Traveltalk, but he keeps yammering on with random facts in every one of the series. I think it's an early example of what we view today, with all the experts on TV and the other media in these days of a 24-hour news cycle. They have to keep talking, or some one else will, and they'll never work again. I think the impulse has a different origin. I think Fitzpatrick wants you to think that there's so much about this place that's interesting -- whichever place it is -- that there isn't enough time to say everything interesting about this place.

Me, I'll watch, even if Fitzpatrick shuts up, which I often wish he would. This is one of the most beautiful of the Traveltalks, and the copy that plays on Turner Classic Movies is one of the best preserved.