Playlands of Michigan (1949) User Reviews

TravelTalks

[Michael_Elliott · 28 September 2010]

Playgrounds of Michigan (1949)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Another entry in the long running MGM's series from James A. FitzPatrick. This time we take a look at a few places to rest and relax in Michigan with our trip starting in Saginaw. We head down the Kalamazoo River where we learn that Indians originally named it for "where water boils in pot." In Saugatuck we see that people of all ages come there to learn painting and we even meet magician Percy Evans who typically works in a city of eight-hundred people but that number doubles one week in September when a festival takes place. All in all this is pretty much what you'd expect from the series as we get the typical nice narration, plenty of good stories and of course it's all in beautiful Technicolor. The print shown on TCM wasn't in the greatest shape but there was still enough detail to see how beautiful the waters were. Fans of the series will certainly want to check this one out and especially if they're like me and must see each one that was made.

Outstanding, truly enjoyed

[kpople · 9/10 · 27 September 2010]

To everyone who enjoys travel related documentaries. The travel pictures created in the late forties and fifties were outstanding.

I really enjoyed the "Playlands of Michigan". It took me back to just before I was born but the facts remain very similar today. Thanks to Turner Classic Movies for showing these shorts. Also enjoyed the old cars (new at the time though....).

I would think these should be used as history lessons in the worlds schools today. Especially because most of the traditions are still being kept. Only fashions and vehicles have really changed.

Please keep them coming.

thanks

Can Someone Make James A. Fitzpatrick Disappear?

[boblipton · 5/10 · 22 January 2022]

Apparently not, since he sends Virgil Miller and the Technicolor cameras out to Michigan, and the places people go for vacations. There's also Percy Abbott. At the time he ran a magician's supply house, including, no doubt, women pre-sawed in half, and top hats with rabbits already placed in them. Plus people prancing around in wooden shoes. Meanwhile Fitzpatrick, safe in Los Angeles, opens his almanac and recites facts.

The copy of the movie that plays occasionally on Turner Classic Movies is in pretty good shape, although there is some blurring.

old time cottage life

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 22 January 2022]

That is a bad magic trick. This is a TravelTalks episode. They do show the old levitating trick and that probably fooled most of the audience back then. Mostly, it's disappointing to still be stuck in regular America. The war is over. It's time to go back out into the world but instead, this seems to be taking a holiday.