Dewenter’s Odyssey: Europe 1929

This 1929 silent film, Dewenter Home Movies: Europe 1929, chronicles Henry and Elizabeth Dewenter’s transatlantic journey from their oil-rich La Verne, California ranch. Filmed by Henry (b. 1884, Germany) or son Henry Adolf (14), it begins with A Trip to Europe in 1929, stopping at Washington D.C.—Mount Vernon, Arlington Cemetery, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial. Aboard the S.S. Rotterdam, deck scenes unfold, followed by Boulogne, France, unloading autos. Holland spans The Hague and Amsterdam streets, plus Marken and Volendam’s Dutch garb. Belgium covers Brussels, Waterloo, Ypres, the Manneken-Pis, and cathedrals, a 16mm immigrant saga.