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“Jungle Blood Hunters” Christian Missionaries in Cambodia / Vietnam Film Bao Dai 66994 (1952)

1952 · Short film · 35 min

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Synopsis

This documentary film takes a look at the missionary work of Gordon and Laura Smith in Cambodia and Vietnam. Rev. Gordon and Laura Smith arrived in Vietnam in 1929 and stayed there until 1973, when they had to leave due to health problems. Their church remained active, albeit underground, until 1975. This film, one of several the couple was involved in, gives a rare look at the Smith's missionary work and the lives of the hill tribespeople. At the time the film was made, the Southeast Asian nations were still French colonies. This film was created by the Christian & Missionary Alliance (:15). The title screen appears at (:29). It was distributed by C. O. Baptista Films (1:06). The missionary alliance took a trip in 1929 to Cambodia (1:34). In 1934 they sought to transcribe the Bible into their two most popular languages (2:26) though they had to leave during the Japanese invasion of 1941. They were able to return to the jungles after the war in 1947. The troupe is shown arriving at Saigon (4:10) for their third term of service. The 23-foot crate containing their plane is lifted from its transport (4:37). It is then seen being set up for use (5:14). They arrive at their destination, the village of Banmethuot (5:53) where some of the indigenous people here are captured on film (5:59). Traditional homes are shown to be raised high above the ground on stilts (6:14). Aerial footage follows taken from the missionaries’ plane (6:27). Rubber, tea and coffee plantations exists…

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Details

Running time
35 minutes
Collection
Ephemeral Films

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