Around the World with Douglas Fairbanks

Back around 1930, Douglas Fairbanks and director Victor Fleming went on a trip around the world together. Perhaps for tax reasons or because they wanted to kill two birds with one stone, they filmed much of their trip and presented it as a full-length travelogue for fans back home. And, considering how popular Fairbanks was at home, it isn't surprising he hosted and narrated the film.

As far as the narration goes, mmorrow59 explained it very well...so well I suggest you see their review. Fairbanks' narration is mostly annoying--seldom that informative, often trying to be funny (and failing) as well as being patronizing at times. It is in many ways like being stuck at a family member's house when they insist on not only showing you film from their trip but insist on making 'clever' commentary throughout for you amusement (abusement??).

Overall, there really isn't much to recommend this film. It does give you a rare chance to hear Fairbanks (as most of his films were silents) and you'll probably be surprised how ordinary and non-Hollywood his voice is. But this novelty wears off almost immediately and you're forced to endure 80 minutes of his blathering. Occasionally interesting footage isn't enough reason to recommend you see this one!