Mussolini's flying PR stunt crashes a Brazilian dictatorship's brunch.
On an expedition through Latin America, Italian General Italo Balbo made the Atlantic crossing with his seaplane squadron, which left Boloma, entered Brazilian territory via Natal and now ended its journey in the capital Rio de Janeiro. Arrival of the fascist squadron at Enseada de Botafogo. People, many in boats, applaud the descent of the seaplanes. A group of officers searches the soldiers in profile. Italo Balbo, Ambassador Vittorio Cerrutti and Royal Consul Onorevole Mammalella watch the parade of troops. A group of officers with Col. Magdalena, "the intrepid hero of several aerial feats". At the Catete Palace, Balbo and Cerrutti are received by the President of the Provisional Government, Getúlio Vargas, and his ministers. The Italian delegation leaves the Catete Palace.
Cinematography
Gorgeous aerial shots of seaplanes landing in Rio's bay.
Production
Massive crowds on boats—1931 event coordination is wild.
Director
Ottorino Pietras
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Chicago named a street Balbo Drive after this 1933 Century of Progress flight—locals still debate renaming it.
This 1931 footage captures Vargas's provisional government still consolidating power before his 1937 coup established the Estado Novo dictatorship.
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