Going Places #9 Review: Antelopes, Mountains, and a Random Wedding

So, Going Places with Lowell Thomas, #9. Is it worth your time today?

Only if you have ten minutes to kill and like looking at how weird things were in the 1930s. If you want a real story or deep meaning, you're probably gonna hate this.

It's just a bunch of random clips glued together by a guy who sounds like he's trying to sell you a very expensive car. It doesn't have the spooky vibes of The Magician, it's just plain old reality.

The first bit is about this chap catching antelopes on the western plains. He's doing it for zoos, which feels a bit icky by today's standards, but the way he moves across the dirt is actually impressive.

He’s just out there in the dust, chasing things down. It’s raw footage that feels like someone just pointed a camera and hoped for the best.

Then, suddenly, we are climbing Mt. Rainier. The climbers look like they are wearing heavy wool suits and regular coats to go up a literal mountain.

I can't imagine how itchy and sweaty they must have been. The film quality gets a bit grainy here, but you get a real sense of how big the mountain is compared to their tiny leather boots.

It reminds me a bit of the cold atmosphere in The South Pole Flight, but way less intense. It's just some folks out for a very difficult, very cold walk in the clouds.

Then the movie just... switches. Why are we in Austria now? I have no idea, and the movie doesn't really explain the jump.

There is a folk wedding happening. The outfits are incredible, honestly.

Everyone looks so stiff and happy at the same time. It’s a 'reel' of film that doesn't really care about how it flows from one topic to the next.

Lowell Thomas has that classic old-timey voice that never stops. He talks over every single second like he's afraid you'll get bored if there's even a moment of silence.

The camera lingers on the Austrian dancers for maybe twenty seconds too long. It starts to feel like you're stuck watching someone's home movies from a vacation you weren't actually invited to.

Still, there's something comfy about the whole thing. It’s a little time capsule of what people thought was 'exotic' or 'exciting' back before everyone had the internet in their pockets.

I noticed one of the hikers almost slips near the top of Rainier. The camera just keeps rolling like it's no big deal, which is kind of funny to see.

Also, the antelope guy has a very cool hat. I kind of want that hat for my own collection.

If you liked the simple, direct feel of Serves You Right, you might dig this. Or you might just fall asleep halfway through the wedding dance sequence.

It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a neat little window into 1930. Just don't expect it to change your life or have a point.

Things I Noticed:

• The antelope guy's horse looks like it's having more fun than he is.
• The mountain climbing gear looks incredibly dangerous and heavy.
• The Austrian wedding has a lot of aggressive accordion playing.
• Lowell Thomas says the word 'chap' at least once, which is very era-appropriate.