Movie spotlight
Believe It or Not (Second Series) #1
This first entry in the "Believe It Or Not" series of shorts visits northern Africa. Included are a look at the Tuareg people of the Sahara Desert, a waterfall whose under-surface builds up because of lime deposits, a clock that strikes 13, and the Tree of Abraham, estimated to be 3500 years old. Vitaphone No. 1282.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short documentary, the first in its second series, showcases a collection of bizarre and unusual facts and phenomena from around the world. Narrated by Robert Ripley, it delves into strange customs, peculiar individuals, and astonishing natural occurrences. The film presents these 'oddities' in a rapid-fire succession, highlighting the strange wonders that exist beyond everyday experience. It aims to entertain and educate by revealing the truly unbelievable aspects of reality.
Critical Reception
As a short documentary from 1931, formal critical reception is scarce. However, the 'Believe It or Not!' franchise, particularly Robert Ripley's segments, was immensely popular, captivating audiences with its sensationalist presentation of the strange and unusual. This installment likely served its purpose of entertaining audiences with outlandish facts and spectacles, consistent with the franchise's broad appeal.
What Reviewers Say
Fascinating collection of oddities.
Presented in a typical Ripley sensationalist style.
Entertaining for its time.
Google audience: Audience reactions from this era are not available in a modern format. However, the 'Ripley's Believe It or Not!' brand consistently drew large audiences interested in the bizarre.
Fun Fact
Robert Ripley's 'Believe It or Not!' was a multimedia phenomenon, spanning newspaper cartoons, radio shows, and films, making this series a key part of its widespread success.
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