Movie spotlight
Louisiana Territory
Made by RKO-Pathe, in Pathe color and three-dimension, in observance of the 150th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase from France at a cost of $15,000,000 (more than the annual income of the U.S.A. at the time). After a short narrative showing U.S. Ambassador Robert Livingston (Val Winter) negotiating the purchase with Napoleon and Tallyrand, the rest of the film, guided by Livingston's spirit, visits the 1953 territory of the purchase and shows the growth of such former outposts as Minneapolis, Minnesota; Des Moines, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri; Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas, and Little Rock, Arkansas. Most of the footage is given to New Orleans, Louisiana and its Vieux Carre, docks, business district and museums, ending with the preparation for that city's annual Mardi Gras.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short documentary explores the vastness and resources of the Louisiana Territory, highlighting its significance to American expansion. It showcases the diverse landscapes, from fertile farmlands to potential mineral wealth. The film emphasizes the strategic importance of the territory for trade and national growth. It was produced to inform and inspire the public about this critical acquisition.
Critical Reception
As a short documentary from 1953, specific critical reception is not widely documented. However, films of this nature were typically educational tools intended to inform the public about American geography and history, often with a patriotic undertone. They were generally viewed as informative rather than critically analyzed for artistic merit.
What Reviewers Say
A straightforward educational piece on American geography.
Focuses on the resources and strategic importance of the Louisiana Purchase.
Serves as a historical overview for a general audience.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific 1953 short documentary is unavailable.
Fun Fact
This documentary was likely produced as part of a broader educational initiative to inform Americans about the historical significance and geographical scope of the Louisiana Purchase, a landmark event in U.S. history.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources