This film is both fascinating and depressing. It is fascinating because of the wonderful architecture shown and history discussed. It is a snapshot of what Czechoslovakia and Pague was like right up to the greatest disaster to befall Europe, the Second World War. AND that is why it is also it is so very depressing. Released in 1938, one cannot help but to think that within the next year the United Kingdom and France will sell out Czechoslovakia to Hitler. One cannot help but to wonder how many of these people on the screen will be in concentration camps or even dead within the next year or two, or five to seven years. Striking and sobering is the segment of soldiers in traditional folk costumes marching and carrying NOT weapons but musical instruments. Hell is on the way to this then democratic country, and no hint of that impending doom is divulged by FitzPatrick. Of course, that is not the purpose of a travel log, to warn. A travel log is designed to motivate people to visit the subject country, and one must also wonder how many people followed up on this enticement only to be caught up in the approaching maelstrom. Yes, fascinating for what Czechoslovakia was in early 1938, but still so very sobering and depressing when seen with the hindsight of a 21st Century viewer.
Review of Czechoslovakia on Parade
