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James A. FitzPatrick’s TravelTalks were a staple of movie theatre programming, particularly in dedicated newsreel theatrettes, from 1931 to 1959.

These short films, produced by New York filmmaker James A. FitzPatrick and distributed by MGM, were often shown before main features to offer glimpses of foreign countries.

Newsreel Theatrettes: These venues, such as the Trans-Lux Theatre in NYC in 1931, specialized in showing shorts like newsreels, cartoons, and travelogue. They were frequently used as “filler” content in cinema programs to provide a comprehensive entertainment experience before the main feature.

The films often focused on “tropical paradises,” featuring scenery, local customs, and, at times, stereotypical depictions of native life. Known for the “voice of the globe” narration by FitzPatrick, the films transitioned to Technicolor starting in 1934 with Holland in Tulip Time.

James A. FitzPatrick received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 for his contributions.

The films are remembered as a nostalgic, “cheesy” staple of 1930s-1950s cinema, often ending with iconic footage of sunsets.

Contributed by Greg Lynch -