1966 UNIVERSAL NEWSREEL PRESIDENT JOHNSON IN MEXICO CITY SS MICHELANGELO MET OPERA GG57505a
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Year Published: 1966
Description: Help us preserve, scan and post more rare and endangered films on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PeriscopeFilm Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCddem5RlB3bQe99wyY49g0g/join Website: https://PeriscopeFilm.com This Universal Newsreel reel contains three stories. The first shows the April 14–15, 1966 trip of President Lyndon Johnson to Mexico City to meet with President Gustavo Díaz Ordaz and dedicate a statue of Abraham Lincoln. The second story recounts events of April 12, 1966, when the ocean liner Michelangelo was hit by an unusually large wave during a storm in the mid-Atlantic, which caused the forward part of her superstructure to collapse, killing three people and injuring fifty. (When repairs were carried out after the accident, the aluminum plating in the superstructure was replaced by steel plates.) The final story, “Opera Era Ends,” shows the final performance by the Metropolitan Opera company at the original Metropolitan Opera House on Broadway and 39th Street in New York City. Following the company's departure, the Bolshoi Ballet gave the actual final performance at the venue on May 8, 1966. The building was subsequently demolished in January 1967. 0:08 - President Lyndon Johnson visits Mexico City, escorted by secret service security and police, while people press close to the curb to see the guests. 0:24 - The scene shifts to night, showing illuminated historic buildings and a huge crowd 0:57 - A daytime ceremony begins with President Gustavo Díaz Ordaz for the statue of Abraham Lincoln 1:12 - The statue is revealed, showing a standing male figure on a pedestal; the event appears to be a formal monument dedication. 1:16 - Officials gather at the base of the monument as photographers and spectators look on. 1:32 “SEA KILLS THREE — Huge Wave Damages Liner In Atlantic.” 1:45 - The SS Michelangelo's damaged superstructure is shown 1:52 - People inspect damaged sections of the ship while standing near jagged openings and bent metal. 2:06 - Damaged rooms or corridors, where furniture, railings, and wall sections appear broken or displaced. 2:12 - A cabin or lounge area is shown with bedding or cushions pushed aside and structural damage nearby. 2:20 - The most severe damage is shown in close-up: heavy metal supports and ceiling sections are bent, collapsed, and torn open. 2:28 - A broken window. 2:35 - Emotional reuniting of passengers with loved ones after the damaged liner arrives in New York. 2:55 - “OPERA ERA ENDS — Metropolitan To Give Way For Offices.” 3:02 - Evening footage shows the Metropolitan Opera House exterior lit up, with crowds gathered outside for a major final-era event. 3:10 - Inside, formally dressed attendees arrive in evening wear; photographers and press cameras capture the crowd. 3:18 - A grand staircase and lobby are packed with opera patrons in tuxedos, gowns, and evening coats. 3:25 - Close-ups show well-dressed guests socializing, with men in tuxedos and women in formal dresses. 3:34 - More patrons mingle in the lobby; the event has the feeling of a farewell gala or final performance. 3:42 - The camera shows the opera house balconies filled with seated audience members under glowing theater lights. 3:50 - Additional views of the ornate auditorium reveal multiple tiers of balconies, emphasizing the old Metropolitan Opera House’s grand interior. 3:58 - Onstage, a large ensemble performs in costume, with a chorus arranged behind principal performers. 4:06 - A wider stage view shows the full production under theatrical lighting, with singers grouped across the set. 4:14 - A lone performer appears beside tall columns or set pieces, standing dramatically in a spotlight. 4:22 - The production returns to the full ensemble, with the chorus and principal performers gathered for a large final stage tableau. 4:30 - The reel ends with a “THE END — Universal Newsreel” title card.
Transcription
or to the presidential palace is cheered by such great throngs the police gave up trying to count them. His visit outside the United States since he took office and his welcome dispels any doubt about his country's popularity in Latin America. Night falls as the parade reaches the center of the city, but darkness only sets off the dazzling brilliance of the lights. >> [cheering] >> The delirium of confetti expresses the people's elation. The following morning sees the real mission of the visit, [music] the unveiling of a statue of Abraham Lincoln, a gift to the people of Mexico from the United States. It is a replica of the one that stands in Chicago's Lincoln Park. After laying the wreath, Mr. Johnson takes the occasion to urge Western Hemisphere nations to renew their efforts to achieve economic progress and such. He proposes a summit meeting to discuss common problems and add momentum to the Alliance for Progress. >> [music] >> Battered, but finally safe in a New York slip is the superliner Michelangelo. A killer wave caught up with her while she was fleeing an Atlantic storm. Three persons were killed and 12 injured. Heavy steel plating torn like so much paper is observed by curious people who have been attracted to the dock side for closer views. Lifeboats were ripped apart [music] by the great wave. A gap in the ship under the bridge allowed seawater [music] to pour down the companionways. Some of the staterooms were a shambles, and two persons lost their lives here when the great wave [music] struck. >> [bell] [music] [bell] >> As passengers left the ship, emotional relatives and friends kissed and hugged them, thankful that their ordeal was over. >> [music] [music] [music] >> The Manhattan home of great voices and big diamonds is staging its last show. From crowds thronging the street and brilliantly dressed women entering the lobby, it's difficult to realize that wrecking crews follow in a few days, and the Metropolitan Opera House will be no more. Constructed 82 years ago, there's little change in the five semicircular balconies or tiers from the golden horseshoe up through the family circle. Backstage are many of the famous singers >> [music] >> who have sung in well-known operas. A gross of $292,000 was realized by the Met on its last night, much [music] of it from patrons in the golden horseshoe. On stage, 57 opera singers are in the spotlight. They command outstanding [music] applause from fellow stars and an appreciative packed house in which there are 100 standees. >> [music] >> The great height [music] above the stage is revealed by a view from the rafters, the same rafters that Caruso made vibrate. The good side of the news is that the Metropolitan Opera Company has already found a new home in Lincoln Center.
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Record added: 2026-06-11 17:43:10