In the Valley of the Rhine (1953)

James A. FitzPatrick: Self - Narrator

Quotes 

• Narrator : The gray atmosphere which now hangs over Cologne, acts as an appropriate shroud for a city that has not yet rid itself of the scars of war. Almost two-thirds of this historic metropolis was pulverized by bombs.

• Narrator : But all is not merriment in this realm of Bacchus, where there is much work to be done and most of it is naturally devoted to the cultivation of the grapes.

• [first lines] 

  Narrator : This is the ancient valley of the Rhine. One of the world's most vital centers of civilization - where European history has evolved through centuries of warfare and strife - and where art, literature, and viticulture have been nurtured and developed for more than 2,000 years.

• Narrator : Koblenz has always been a natural military target, and it was also heavily bombed during World War II. The spirit of the people, however, has been indestructible, and its present rival now manifests itself most pleasantly at the local wine garden.

• Narrator : [last lines] 

  Narrator : The Rhine has also been a source of inspiration to men of genius, who have glorified it with poetry and song. Foremost among them was Richard Wagner, who based many of his operas on legends of the Rhineland. And so it is today, along the beautiful valley of the Rhine, where the records of human endeavor have been picturesquely established in the vineyards, the castles, and the villages. May peace stay with them now and forever. And it is with this thought that we say "Farewell" to the people who live in the ancient valley of the Rhine.

• Narrator : The Romans first planted grapes along the Rhine in the second century A.D., and today, every available foot of land from the water to the skyline has been utilized by the vineyards. Our historic reverie is suddenly interrupted by the appearance of a boat which we are told was used by

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  Narrator : for his personal sightseeing tours, and it still serves the same purpose, except the sightseers in this case are American soldiers on holiday, and Uncle Sam is the host. Verily, times have changed in this venerable valley of the Rhine.