Highlights in 1931’s News (Universal Newsreel, Dec 1931)

Description

The original release sheet reads: 1. FRIGHTENED NATIVES FLEE IN PANIC BEFORE JAPANESE ADVANCE: TIENTSIN, CHINA - Military occupation of this salient point in Japan’s offensive against China is marked in the frantic community by scenes of disorder as invading soldiers compel refugees to submit to search and seizure within the Japanese concession. Ignorant natives jam all roads leaving the city in an effort to escape the invading troops but watchful sentries break up the mobs and search everyone for arms. Meanwhile remnants of the Chinese army mobilize nearby to defend the nation against an offensive on the Mukden-Peiping railroad which links this section with Manchuria, the scene of the greatest fighting. 2. PRES. RUBIO SPONSORS GIFT DISTRIBUTION TO CAPITAL’S ORPHANS: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - With Mrs. Rubio supervising the work, the Protection Association contributes hundreds of toys and “dolces” to the poor children of the city. Impoverished Aztec youngsters gather in an impressive array and salute the Chief Executive of the nation with a colorful entertainment and pageant as he lays aside his official duties to aid in the relief of the community’s poor. 3. LEGAL HORSE RACING DRAWS THOUSANDS TO NEW “TROPICAL PARK”: CORAL GABLES, FL - Seven weeks after laws permitting meetings within the state are passed over the governor’s veto, this new course is constructed in record time and opened to the public. Under the protection of the law, gamblers flock to the track and reap a harvest at the Pari-Mutuel machines, installed as an added attraction in the betting rings. A thrilling 6-furlong canter opens the first meeting, and Brown Supinet with jockey Stout up romps home to the initial victory on the course in a stirring claiming race. 4. HIGHLIGHTS IN 1931’s NEWS: HANKOW, CHINA - The parade of events during the past year dealt disastrous blows throughout the world. The major catastrophe of the period was the floods at Hankow, China where upwards of 500,000 persons died in one of the most terrible tragedies that ever visited the Orient. MANAGUA, NICARAGUA - The most terrifying earthquake disaster the Western Hemisphere has known nearly wiped Managua, Nicaragua, off the face of the globe. MADRID, SPAIN - The Bourbon dynasty, successors to the throne of Spain, fell before revolutionary forces, and a monarchical government that had endured since 3000 B.C. retired from existence as Alfonso XIII abdicated and the nation became a Republic. LONG ISLAND, NY - Aviation history continued to be made in 1931, with Harold Gatty and Wiley Post setting their plane Betty Mae down on Long Island after circling the globe in a little over 8 days. DETROIT, MI - Daredevil flying contributed the greatest thrill in the thrilling history of the newsreel screen, with the crash of Lowell Bayles. Screaming through the air at 300 miles an hour, Bayles’ plane, twisting and turning, plunged to earth and catapulted the intrepid pilot to his death. This symposium of the great events of the year would be incomplete without 1931’s best laughs — and a couple of ’em are included that have shaken rafters throughout the civilized world — and uncivilized, too. (LOCAL – CANADA) CANADIAN SCULPTOR - HAHN.

Collection

MCA/Universal Pictures Collection

Series

Motion Picture Releases of the Universal Newsreel Library