Down Liberty Road

In contrast to the previous summary, I thought this was a good, clean story and review of American history for the Kindergarten to 12th grade audience, for which this film was intended back in the mid 1950s. This was an era when more people traveled by bus and train than by airplane. And for a young Boy Scout on a cross country bus trip, learning a little history along the way from his fellow passengers was entertaining and informative. Not withstanding the previous summary by an obviously small-minded poster, we need to realize that this film is over 50 years old. And while certain perspectives and technologies have changed over that time span, this is still a worthwhile video to watch.

Greyhound Bus sponsored and produced this motion picture about a young Boy Scout traveling from his home of Seattle, south to San Francisco, thence east to Washington, D.C., to attend a Boy Scout Jamboree.

Along the way, he meets a grumpy man making the same trip to receive a medal for his Korean War-victim son, Tex Ritter, playing himself, singing the title song, and singing and talking about the Alamo, a Philadelphia Eagles pro football player, and, the focal point, a "mysterious stranger."

There is a side trip, though without Jimmy, and at Gettysburg we see what I think is the worst portrayal of Abraham Lincoln on film. Whoever is playing the role, and it's archive footage and no credits are given, is probably glad no one could learn his name.

There is also archival footage of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with John Litel playing Tom Jefferson, a much better done segment. (I've seen the short plus recognized Mr. Litel, one of Hollywood's greats.)

It's a nice way to spend about an hour, except for the Lincoln bit, and probably a good show to share with young people.