Many readers have contacted me about the disappearance of "One Man Caravan" from Google Video and Manion’s Collecting News. Here’s the deal . . . Several months ago, Robert Fulton’s son, Rawn Fulton of Searchlight Films, contacted me and asked I remove the video. Imagine my surprise when the phone rings and it is the guy who made one of my favorite documentaries of all time. He wasn’t upset about me posting it, but was planning on releasing the movie to DVD and figured accessing it for free on the Internet could effect sales.
I told him of how we received one of his father’s Skyhook extraction suits on consignment, and a bootleg "One Man Caravan" video came with. I was so blown away by the story presented within, and surprised by the lack of information about it online, that I ripped myself a copy and began the tedious process of uploading it to Google video. I tried to figure out how to contact someone associated with the movie, but had absolutely no luck.
He appreciated my admiration for his father and we had quite a long conversation about his work. I offered services in the promotion of the DVD – and anything else he needed in that area. I took the video down minutes after I hung up the phone.
About a week later, I received a package in the mail from the younger Fulton containing two DVDs: The One Man Caravan of Robert Fulton Jr., and Twice Upon a Caravan – the story of Fulton’s 1932 motorcycle trip across the world.
I thoroughly recommend watching both of these films. They provide amazing insight into the unique personality and astounding accomplishments of Robert Fulton, Jr.
One Man Caravan is presented with many different fades and overlapping images, giving it somewhat of an “art film” (for lack of better words at the moment) feel. It traces the life of Fulton and his many inventions, artistic creations, and views on life. The entire story is told as if he is speaking with his grandson, who is featured throughout the movie hand in hand with Fulton.
It contains footage of his inventions including the Airphibian, a flying car - as you know . . . (the most under recognized invention of the 20th century), and the Fulton Skyhook extraction suit (you’ll remember it being used in John Wayne’s “The Green Berets” and in the James Bond movie “Thunderball”). It mentions his 1932 motorcycle trip across the world, and his artwork and poetry endeavors later in life.
"One measure of a man is what he does when he has nothing to do."
The second movie, Twice Upon A Caravan, is more straightforward. Also narrated by Fulton himself, it tells in detail the story of his 1932 motorcycle adventure. Fulton used film to record the trip. In addition to capturing FANTASTIC footage from the Far and Middle East at the time, Fulton would set up the camera himself, capture a shot riding off into the sunset, then return to break down and pack up his equipment (Survivorman). And it was film . . .in 1932.
The views of the world he presents are breathtaking, the activities of different cultures he captured at the time are intriguing, and the entire concept of his trip is nearly unconceivable in today’s world.
Visit the sites below to learn more about Fulton and his extraordinary life:
Fulton’s obituary in the Washington Post
EXPLORATIONS - Robert Edison Fulton Jr.
2 comments:
I can'r believe this footage and films is not connercially available.
It must be a truly unique point in time record of people and places.
How can I view it or purchase a copy of it. Having just read the book I also can't understand why he is not better known.
This link has contact information for Rawn Fulton, Robert Fulton's son, and his company Searchlight Films:http://www.searchlightfilms.com/about/
I believe you can purchase a copy of the films from him directly.
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