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Wheels Across the Andes (1947)

1947 · Short film · 29 min

Synopsis

Presented by Dodge, “Wheels Across the Andes” is covers expedition by Armand Denis in Dodge trucks across the Andes in 1947. The documentary follows an adventurous journey across the Andes, beginning on Ecuador’s Pacific coast and traveling through rugged mountains, dense jungles, and high-altitude plateaus in Peru and Bolivia. Along the way, the explorers visit the isolated Colorado tribe in the rainforest, marvel at their unique customs, and experience the challenges of navigating jungle terrain. As they ascend the Andes, they encounter snow-capped peaks, ancient Inca sites, and dramatic landscapes, pushing their vehicle to a world-record altitude of 18,000 feet. The team also investigates how native populations adapt physically to extreme elevations through medical research and personal observations. Their journey culminates in rich cultural encounters, from traditional fiestas in Cuzco to the colorful and symbolic “Dance of the Devils” in Bolivia, blending history, science, and human spirit into a vivid chronicle of life across the Andes. 0:00 – The journey begins from the Pacific coast of Ecuador across the Andes to Bolivia and Peru, highlighting the region’s dramatic landscapes and cultures. 1:26 – Roads vary from well-engineered to nearly impassable, especially after rains; sometimes, riverbeds are better paths. 1:51 – The team heads into jungle territory to visit the Colorado Indians, an isolated tribe living deep in the rainforest. 2:15 – David insists on driving…

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Details

Running time
29 minutes
Language
English
Collection
Ephemeral Films

Subjects on the Internet Archive