Decadence and Downfall: The World's Most Expensive Party

In 1971, the Shah of Iran, the self-proclaimed 'king of kings', celebrated 2,500 years of the Persian monarchy by throwing the greatest party in history.
Money was no object - a lavish tent city, using 37km of silk, was erected in a specially created oasis. The world's top restaurant at the time, Maxim's, closed its doors for two weeks to cater the event, a five-course banquet served to over sixty of the world's kings, queens and presidents, and washed down with some of the rarest wines known to man. Over a decadent five-day period, guests were treated to a pageant of thousands of soldiers dressed in ancient Persian costume, a 'son et lumiere' at the foot of Darius the Great's temple, and the opening of the Azadi Tower in Tehran, designed to honour the Shah himself.
Every party leaves a few hangovers. This one left a country reeling, never to recover. It crystallised the opposition, led by the Ayatollah Khomeini. More than any other event, this party marked the break between the king of kings and the people of Iran he reigned over.

[@psoup.42]

whoever wrote these subtitles is taking way too much creative liberty

[@stew01456]

We all wait for your version.

[@Happyhippy70]

​@@stew01456no we all don't

[@HrSamstag]

Yes, the subtitles are very creative, i approve this message.

[@gcdlush1591]

Ikr? 😂

[@OliveHay]

Oh I see it's the deaf who create rumors!

[@antonpressing]

We had quite a few iranian students in Germany. They thought the monarchy was obsolete and repressive. One day they had to go home 1973. 6 years later they lived under a religious dictatorship.

[@deborahdean8867]

6 years and the country was still adapting to kick out the corrupt western governments and their corrupt culture. Anyone from germany should know how corrupt the entire west really was back then. And it's worse now. They have honest elections in iran, a president and a parliament, and in the west you are controlled and punished for violating the political correctness imposed by their governments. the only real difference is that Iran upholds cultural and social values that protect the society instead of destroying it.

[@progressiveprofits9376]

The shah did arrest thousands and unalived thousands of people, so he was repressive. He forced lobotomies on any opposition that was an intellectual. Torturing anybody he suspected. Not including spending hundreds of million dollars on a party while people were starving. I’m just now learning Iranian history and the shah was not a saint nor did he have a democracy. He ran a brutal dictatorship

[@cherylreaves253]

Same in America.

[@leonorhernandez7079]

America? Lies

[@antonpressing]

@@leonorhernandez7079 Everybody lies -> Toni: "I didn't steal the chips !" Ras-Putin: "I did not kill Prigoschin, Nawalny, etc.! SEE the difference !

[@shidehhafezi6826]

I was born and raised in Iran and I was 9 years old back then. I remember watching the marching of the armies through the centuries and I was mesmerized. For me. It was a lesson in the history of my own country.

[@helmutschillinger3140]

As soon as someone claims that he is called by god, the downfall begins. The arrogance, the delusion, the violence, the psychopathy, the narcissism, the grifting.

[@livinglife4835]

But what have you learned?

[@shidehhafezi6826]

@@livinglife4835 I am not into politics. I liked reading history back then and I still do. It is amusing for me to imagine what life might have been like during certain historical periods. You realize that the Persian nation has written history that is as old as 2500 years ago. It is hard to find out what armies looked like back then, what music was being played when soldiers were getting ready for battle or marching, etc. So a lot of research went into exploring what the Persian armies looked like through centuries. Associating those images on TV with what I had read or would be reading in my school books was a visual learning experience--in my humble opinion. Things such as the arms that were used, the ships, the music that was being played, grooming fashion, clothing fashion, the army salute, the way arm were being held---everything just brought it together for me. The Achaemenid Dynasty was specially celebrated at that time. The whole parade and the celebrations take place in Persepolis and the surrounding area. Even watching the parade now--on KZbin--, makes me realize that a lot of research went into getting ready for this parade; down to the music that was being played during battles. You realize that during its history, Persian got invaded 3 times by different nations. Each invasion lasting centuries and many of the historical artifacts were destroyed during these invasions. FYI..... Greek invasion, Mongolian invasion and the Arab Invasion. Anyway, if you notice, the last group that marches in the parade is the Iranian women in the armed forces. Well....this is just my perspective--someone who likes reading Persian history. Have a good day!

[@arias8843]

i agree, but it wasnt the shah who thought this. it was europeans throughout history. @@helmutschillinger3140

[@jeffmullinix7916]

GOD is good but people are evil and vile . If one person believed in GOD would that person do what GOD does ! If a king believe in GOD ! Would that King will do what GOD would do ? Feel the poor , share his wealth . Cloth his people , make cover for his people . Say Truth to his people . The Kings people is his children . Not his slave . Cotraband

[@Contessa6363]

I knew a woman that had lived in Tehran a couple of years before the fall. Her husband worked from one of the international conglomerates and Katherine was a photo journalist. She said it was an absolutely fascinating city. Her pictures of herself at that time in Tehran were really cool. 😃👍👍

[@stefanschleps8758]

And today?

[@deborahdean8867]

@@stefanschleps8758 today shes an old lady or dead wherever she decided to live. It sounds like she was a foreigner snd if so likely was forced to leave once the revolution started to expel westerners

[@Betelgeusewaitforit]

Sir, we had ladies walking on streets in Kabul, Afghanistan in 70s.. in midis and mini skirts; they would have stopped if they were being preyed on. But know the society did not prey on them. but know they just want to kill because they can. See the state of governance there today.. Afghanistan actually managed to keep their culture alive all through this.. and understand, not religion, but culture. For an Afghani or Pathan, Culture and decency are pre-conditions to enter into any religious discussion.

[@maram6211]

@@deborahdean8867 Rubbish, everywhere on the internet you can find how life was before sharia for iranians. they lived peacefully, happily, women wore mini skirts, bikinis, showed off their gorgeous hair. it was sharia that spolied everything for iranians. stop spreading your uninformed drivel.

[@SD_Alias]

unfortunately the monarchy made politics only for the rich. They had ignored the poor majority of the population or . There were also many political prisoners. As soon as someone demanded social reforms, they were in danger of being imprisoned and tortured. The anger built up there and the islamists had an easy game because of such a divided society.

[@chloejasper6852]

I was in Iran in 1975. I was just a young 21. There was such political tension in the air..i was basically oblivious. The coup was brewing. I was told, "do not say anything about the shah...people go missing & weeks later show back up only a shadow of what they once were...literally the victim of frontal lobotomies. Parts of their brains removed... walking vegetables. My head & mind were too young to understand I was in the experience of a lifetime, consequently, my experience was almost wasted on me...except for the fragments of my memories I can now pull up & connect dots & relive with this perspective. I will tell you I literally KISSED THE GROUND when we arrived back in NY. It's a shame what this radical revolution had done to this country. The people are the most lovely, giving, generous, with such decorum...& They loved the freedom... women with educations, etc. Very sad. As a guest in this country, they literally treated me like ROYALTY...preferring to feed me while denying themselves food. THAT part of my experience I will NEVER forget...the graciousness of the people.

[@hensonlaura]

That is very interesting. Lobotomies had been a popular remedy in the US for decades for controling "unruly" people. I understand that even president JFK had a sister who was lobotomised.

[@chloejasper6852]

@@hensonlaura I know he had a sister institutionalized. I may remember something about that...now that you mention it. Iran was very dangerous back then...but I was immersed in the locals who protected me. My POV certainly wasn't that of a tourist. I had never seen such poverty...which I guess just confirms this video...people were so , so poor. It was a real culture shock.

[@mortenrl1946]

@@hensonlaura Lobotomies are actually still done to this day - Thankfully in almost all cases a modified and modern version to treat epileptic seizures, and ideally without causing lasting behavioral changes. However I will add, that the atypical antipsychotic class of drugs we use to this day, was originally marketed as a "chemical lobotomy" before lobotomies fell out of favor. We haven't gotten much further. Electroconvulsive therapy has a good prognosis for some cases, it's often the best we've got - Have a look at a video of such a therapy session and tell me we won't be calling it barbaric in a couple decades.

[@fritula6200]

Chloe.... extraordinary...

[@fritula6200]

​@@hensonlaura......correct

[@bizygirl1]

I was friends with the daughter of the Shah’s ambassador to the US in my late teens. They had recently fled Iran permanently at the time we met. She had lived a life a decadence up to that point.

[@petermccavington8232]

Yeah sure 😂that's funny

[@bizygirl1]

@@petermccavington8232 Actually it wasn’t all that funny. They fled for their lives and had prices on their heads due to her father’s position within the Shahs government. Many people wanted her father dead. Not a lot to laugh about from a teenagers point of view.

[@petermccavington8232]

I determine what's funny. Only myself. Nobody else!! ​@@bizygirl1

[@hudakarimi9642]

@@bizygirl1that’s something you don’t hear everyday. What an incredible experience, thank you for sharing. It leaves one pondering.

[@bizygirl1]

@WhiteBaronnShe was a kid who had no control over what she was born into. Whatever her life was before arriving to the US was what it was. Life in the US was very different for the young teenager.

[@melissarmt7330]

I was young but I remember this on the news and in the papers. To millennials, the Near and Middle East must look like one enormous war zone but it has changed so much in the last fifty years. This is a fantastic documentary. There is so much detail here and how on Earth did you get all the radio, video and photos? Sorcery!

[@stellviahohenheim]

This is not a KZbinr, it's probably from cable tv

[@fredjackson8408]

The modern conflicts of the middle east are direct consequences of the fallout of western intervention and colonization. There is no wonder Arab states refuse to recognize Israel. It's all connected.

[@keosh777]

A BBC Documentary 2016 "Decandence and Downfall: The World's Most Expensive Party" - Director Hassan Amini.

[@christinedowie2859]

So the women have Not yet again been emancipated and took out of skilled employment and the men are Not killing their very mothers realistically. Mothers. So its all a lie? Im being serious here when I ask you. From experience in life well there's no smoke without fire but you seem more informed. Help a sister out here and educate me with the truth. Peace be with you.

[@gussampson5029]

​@@christinedowie2859 "Emancipated" women destroy society. Look at the West. Getting worse and worse every single day. I'm no fan of Islam but they are completely right about women. Far fewer women in Iran are being raped and sexually degraded that's for sure. And they aren't addicted to wine, antidepressants and cats lol. Things are much better for women in Iran than the West aside from the poverty which is manageable. At least they still have a community that cares about each other.

[@Contessa6363]

Most of the rich educated Iranians came to settle in southern California before the fall. They are the largest group of Iranians outside of Iran.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

Traitors to their nation who sell their souls to America always flee to America afterwards. It's standard operating procedure.

[@Angelina6518]

Beverly Hills is full of Persians and many lovely Iranians. Remember BIJAN? He built a fashion empire catering to The Westside Iranians and he used to drive around in a gorgeous cream colored Rolls Royce. Good looking family and friendly. Love their food.

[@metaforcesaber]

I feel bad for them since California has so many problems.

[@TimothyYocky]

​@@metaforcesaber don't feel bad for them bahahah😂 they're doing just fine ❤

[@jonas0XP]

trust me theres not a single problem in california if and only if you have money 😂​@@metaforcesaber

[@nickfotopoulos5323]

"...Aaahhhctually, you have it in YOUR museum...you TOOK IT from usz" 👀🤣

[@GuestGuest-x6w]

The richness of the country is defined not how royalty and their close one and their surrounding live and where they escape with money to continue their lives but if they have real middle class and how regular people live and if these regular people have opportunities in life.

[@MuborakAbduvaliyeva-rs6rq]

Это так но история доказывает правоту слов из Библии-Екклезиаст 8:9 «Я видел всё это и размышлял обо всём, что делается под солнцем. Во все времена человек господствует над человеком ему во вред» Человечество нуждается в правлении своего Создателья. Только небесное правительство может утоновить мир,порядок,справедливость,международное братство,востанавление экологии ,устранение больезней а также дружбу между человечеством и животным миром. Читайте пожалуйста Библия -Даниил 2:44 «В дни тех царей Бог небес установит царство, которое никогда не будет уничтожено или передано другому народу. Это царство разрушит все те царства и положит им конец, и только оно будет существовать вечно» Также читайте в Библия-Исайя 11 главу а также Откровение 21:3-5.

[@endlessbubblebath]

This is a good perspective. I feel like the middle class in the US is becoming less and less.

[@tyrellanderson4722]

The middle class in the US has been shrinking for years....

[@safranpollen]

I was 12 years old and I remeber the photo journals have been full of this event. It was my first contact with Iran and after I started to read some books of history. And since that time, I was fascinated ot the culture, Isfahan, Shiraz, the tribes at north to the Moghan dessert. Tribal rugs Gasghai, Schahsawan, Belutschi, are till today my passion, a real deep passion. I still hang on my dream, to be once at Isfahan, Shiras, Zargos mountains for flying at Rokh and so on......get the spirit of my personal oriental dream and of course one time in life be inspired at Persepolis....

[@sidstovell2177]

I remember well the Shah's downfall but had never heard of the party. What an incredible story! What's the line..paraphrased... .... Ozymandias, king of kings Look on my works ye mighty, and despair.

[@ALITISA78]

And nothing for the people has changed, they are still oppressed

[@deborahdean8867]

No more than the US , Canada or Europe. Not for the little guy. The US and Europe have allowed tyrants to rule who have neither religion or cultural heritage

[@margaritaresta6390]

Leo la historia de las dinastías de Afghanistán, algo distinto pero muy parecido, al final están en mano a los talebanes estremista islámicos, igual que Irán a los ayatollah

[@margaritaresta6390]

As well as Afghanistan ending history from kingdom to talebans

[@UIN8]

@@margaritaresta6390 Taliban is different they're not shia

[@carinarilk89]

​Great Britannia killed over 165 Million people in India/ Apartheid til Ghandi came. The Great Britannia killed more people WORLDWIDE. What about the TURTLE ISLAND people? Today you called it America. Australia Afrika Iran Iraq The Great Britannia are Killer. The USA are your brother, the same Killer EMPIRE/ IMPERALIST

[@ny3683syr]

One of my good friends in Manhattan was a refugee from Tehran. My friend was an architect (and gay). His father had been an agent of the Shah's secret police, SAVAK. His mother was an antique dealer, who dealt with expensive original Persian carpets. When she fled Iran, she settled down in Washington, DC. My friend was quite a lovely educated and gentle person. He didn't have contact with his father, whom he despised. I hope the refugees of the Islamic Revolution have the opportunity to see their homeland again before they die. It's a nightmare all of the things that have happened to Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Libya over the course of my lifetime. My generation still recalls when Beirut was the Riviera of the Middle East.

[@blackvirgo09]

Would love to hear his story

[@DoraMueller-n7d]

t's a nightmare all of the things that have happened to Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Libya - and still happening to Russia right now. People are never learnig from the past...

[@sTraYa249]

Also, Lebanon had excellent universities ( obviously Christian ) & the mohamadians sent their kids to them because there was nothing in comparison in Mohamadian countries

[@johnmcgrath1929]

Its a damn shame that the CIA went in to topple the democratically elected president of Iran before they installed the Shah ...

[@AbdulKareemAbdulRahman]

it's this kind of blinkered thinking that caused the west to be surprised at what happened and has caused eestern missteps throughout the world until today. consider Iraq, consider Afghanistan. n still America n Americans hv a delusional idea of what things 'should be'. you should hv used the time since your youth to educate yourself about th American destruction of iranian and all manner of mid east n global democratic growth. do you think the iranian state since the revolution without the support of their people?

[@simonf8902]

They even chilled the outside air. A total ego dream. And then a complete disaster.

[@CaesarRenasci]

That is the language that common people in that part of the world understand: br either holy or rich. Otherwise peoole will percieve as week. It is a common mistake in the anticapitalist Weat ti think that rich people so whatever they want.

[@margiehelberg4594]

How sad for the Iranian people. I remember this history because I had family living there at the time. Women had rights and were encouraged to go to university. Pity the shah was blinded by his own vanity to do something for the poor. But then we have to ask, are the Iranians, especially women, better off now? God have mercy on them. Thank you for this excellent documentary!!

[@mtnvortex]

I suppose it's a matter of perspective. I'm guessing that some people don't view the complete breakdown of morals, modesty, the traditional family and gender roles as progress. I'm sure that many decent people over there look upon the west in absolute horror, or even with pity, as they watch our society degrade into some sort of horrific clown show, cheering for filthy parades of near naked perverts in the streets, forcing the "superior virtues" of unnatural carnal practices upon anyone we encounter...even our own children! Depending on one's perspective, a debate on where the greater societal illness resides would not be unfounded.

[@yiayiak8195]

Sadly in life nothing is perfect. I have met people who fled, to this day , 2023, they are still afraid, talk with people there, see property they lost. I see Iran today, I see a world of hate, women have no life. I am unsettled by this way of life in the USA. I know every female covered in black, would love an education, dressed as they wished, unfortunately I do not know any, thou, no choice of my own. It is theirs, I believe for all if you don’t want to an American, speak English , u must leave. If my grandfather so could u . My grandmother did not, but I hope I brought her so love.

[@yiayiak8195]

@@mtnvortexyou are speaking as a man. Good, bad, the USA is still the best place on earth, or u wouldn’t be here!

[@nonino1644]

What do you mean the Shah was blinded by his own vanity to help the poor? Why pity him for helping the poor?

[@mtnvortex]

@@ismailmatrix1 Unfortunately, there are many who are simply unaware of the true evil that the US has propagated around the planet. It was an uncomfortable truth for me to face also, as a lifelong "conservative" minded person. It was a bitter pill for me to swallow when I learned just who controls the actions of our elected leaders and countless agency minions. I love my country, and I know that some of the most well meaning and caring people reside in our borders. There are some who are just unprepared or unwilling to learn and accept some horribly uncomfortable truths about those who have, and continue to, represent us.

[@meisterwindu]

Now one of my favorite documentaries, it felt like an ARTE documentary.

[@rgarlinyc]

Astonishingly good documenting of the last days of the Shah's Iran - informative, chilling in parts, the 'scales drop from our eyes'. Who would've thought the arrogance, the dismissal of the powerless, the very decadence of the regime would herald the rise and still destructive history of the fundamentalists..!

[@anarcho-communist11]

Religion has got to go. Particularly the Abrahamic ones which support extreme hierarchical thinking, narcissism, loss of one's critical thinking skills, fear of others, and hate. Aren't those the biggest problems with humanity right now?

[@katiekane5247]

​@@anarcho-communist11the crusades killed too. Look at what the Zionists are doing right now! They appropriate religion but many are indeed atheist, opposed by the peaceful, Orthodox Jews.

[@shereef3823]

Not surprising at all....that's how the Khoumeini took advantage of the situation. Believe me, we've seen this over and over again, by the ....nefarious...jumping in to take over!!!

[@clemdane]

I think a lot of people would have seen this coming

[@rgarlinyc]

@@clemdane I was speaking rhetorically. 🙄 (Not everything you read is to be taken literally. )

[@andrewflowers6794]

Iran has an amazing history, full of brilliant and honestly beautiful people. It's a truly incredible country. I almost cry every time I hear whats going on there now.

[@reya720]

advanced people historically too sad how it is now

[@binky777]

Iran dude said they used the Marxists to take over and get public backing, afterwards the leaders got rid of the Marxists.

[@wawaweewa9159]

😂😂😂 don't know much about their hsitory then, they're humans like everyone else.

[@shadi6484]

As an Iranian myself, I can only confirm this and thank you. Our history is indeed amazing, and yet so sad. It's basically a tragedy. And what makes it more tragic is that the both time my country lost its glory were due to Islam. The first one when Arabs invaded our great empire and forced Islam to us, and the second time when the Islamic Revolution happened and ever since then we are living in darkness. The only good thing about this history probably is that we've finally learned from our mistakes: Never again will people of Iran trust Muslims and their sweet lies.

[@andrewflowers6794]

Iran invented Algebra to start with. A lot of fundamental stuff to the success of our entire species came out of there that we all take for granted today. It's 5,000 + years old. They call it the "Cradle of Civilization" for a reason; civilization was born in Iran. That's why when a single artifact from ancient Iran/Persia is destroyed, the whole human race is poorer and knows less about our past.

[@alexanderSydneyOz]

Only later in life have I come to understand the significance "king of kings" language. That is exactly how ancient Mesopotamians, Assyrians, Persians, and similar, frequently described themselves.

[@iuliua]

In the bible Jesus Christ is called the ONLY king of kings....the shah he is declaring himself to be God...in the bible is prophesied that the anti-christ will show himself to be God....

[@r.v.k.6932]

@@iuliua Why I am even bothering to write this comment is somewhat beyond me, but, chalk it up to frustration...do you not realise the Shah was a Muslim and this kind of reference to a religion (Christianity) that has never whatsoever been prevalant in his country or even his entire region would be absolutely meaningless to him, in the context from which he is speaking? He literally says in the documentary that God is above him. How so many people can be blind to the existence and validity of thousands of other unrelated cultures around the globe, and the billions of folks who do not operate in the same frame of reference as your own religion is a level of ignorance and navel gazing that still hard for me to fanthom. At least now a days those who desire to open their mind can travel, and experience the incredible rainbow and diversity of humanity.

[@r.v.k.6932]

I believe this term was used because these were some of the first empires of the region (during an era of city-states) who united, decimated, or otherwise controled the regions many tribal kings and lords. So the leader of the empire was literally a king of kings.

[@Trumpgrabbedmypussy]

The king of kings in a shithole land in a shithole part of the world with shithole countries as neighbors.

[@dereksuddreth8672]

I attended the US Navy's Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center, San Diego in the Summer of 1977. The Navy was sharing it's ASW A-School training with Iranian Navy Sailors during the time of the Shah. The Iranian students were young and had plenty of money, as witnessed by all there. Apparently, they were especially interested in American muscle cars, specifically the Pontiac Trans Am. They scooped them up like crazy, and there were always several parked in the base parking area. Before leaving for home, the Iranians shipped their Trans Ams home to Iran. I often wondered about these cars. Where are they now? Many of the Shah's military left after the fall of the Monarchy. The US Navy now had a different task of supporting an attempt to free hostages from the US Embassy in Iran. We were on station in a carrier task force at the Gulf of Oman, and many thought war was certain. When Ronald Reagan became President, the hostages were promptly released. General Oliver North was questioned later by US Lawmakers about his part in brokering a weapons deal with the Contras and the Islamic Republic of Iran. North was never convicted of any charges, and President Reagan came out clean. I wonder about this...

[@OfftoShambala]

I always wonder about that Iran contra affair situation too… then, on top of that, during the Reagan admin, we got the 1986 childhood vaccine injury act, that was clearly the last puzzle piece that enabled the pharmas to commit endless Nuremberg violations and indoctrinate the worlds population into cooperating with the lies of the current tyranny we are facing… we’ve got a lot of undoing that must be done.

[@MaximGhost]

Smokey and the Bandit was released in 1977. Being how Burt Reynolds with his mustache appeared Persian, it's no coincidence those Iranian students wanted their own Bandit exuding loud American V8 bravado. Also, Oliver North wasn't a General. He was a Lietenant Colonel (O-5). He was middle management tasked to do a job on a need-to-know basis. He was set up as the fall guy with plenty of plausible deniability between him and Reagan. You working in the US Navy with Top Secret information about the adversary and allied submarine capabilities know how that goes. North WAS convicted of three felonies (after being indicted on 16 felony counts). The following were copied and pasted from Wikipedia ... His three felony convictions were accepting an illegal gratuity, aiding and abetting in the obstruction of a congressional inquiry, and ordering the destruction of documents through his secretary, Fawn Hall. He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gerhard Gesell on July 5, 1989, to a three-year suspended prison term, two years probation, $150,000 in fines, and 1,200 hours of community service. North performed some of his community service within Potomac Gardens, a public housing project in southeast Washington, DC. However, with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, North appealed his conviction to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. On July 20, 1990, the D.C. Circuit vacated North's convictions on the ground that witnesses in his trial might have been impermissibly affected by his immunized congressional testimony. The individual members of the prosecution team had isolated themselves from news reports and discussion of North's testimony, and while the defense could show no specific instance in which North's congressional testimony was used in his trial, the Court of Appeals ruled that the trial judge had made an insufficient examination of the issue. Consequently, North's convictions were reversed. After further hearings on the immunity issue, Judge Gesell dismissed all charges against North on September 16, 1991.

[@ceriasophis405]

No you are not wondering..and those cars were the scales on the eyes of Iran..and our lure of what we told them democracy was.

[@JohnS-er7jh]

interesting. that is the same now, when Anthony Bourdain visited Iran for one of his Food Travel Shows, there were young men showing off their classic American muscle cars. RIP Anthony. I am sure you can find the Episode with Anthony Bourdain, you might even see one of those Trans Ams in it.

[@madarab37]

In '77 I wanted a Trans Am too, because I saw Smokey and the Bandit and wanted a badass car that could jump over bridges that were destroyed.

[@MrIsomer]

Brilliant documentary. Should be required viewing in all 8th grade classrooms. I was 17 when this party occurred. Never heard about it. When the Shah fled the country in 1979, I had no understanding why. Now 50 years later - I do. Not only was this the ultimate party, but it was the ultimate Faux Pas. The title of this piece described it perfectly. I saw a $650 million price tag for this event. In 2023 dollars that is close to $5 billion dollars!!! That's an inconscionable amount of money. No wonder there was such religious backlash - which the western world ended up paying so dearly for!

[@johnjingleheimersmith9259]

It's insane for a party yeah. Remember though that billions today are worth a lot less. For additional context, the party was about the entire GDP of the US Virgin Islands today, and the 2020 Olympics cost roughly 3 times as much. When I hear that it doesn't seem quite as ludicrous. I think we compare any dollar value with an "-illion" at the end of it with our own incomes which isn't quite rational as everything at that level sounds non-sensically priced. And Iran being 5x the size of Great Britain! Wow imagine how different things might have been if the extremist theocrats hadn't taken power. Who knows what Iran might be like today - maybe the London of the Middle East.

[@maxwellblackwell5045]

​@@johnjingleheimersmith9259that's why the CIA installed them.

[@johnjingleheimersmith9259]

@@maxwellblackwell5045 What is why? To create a London of the Middle East? I was pretty sure it was all American interests. The usefulness of the Shah as a shield against communism, the the threat of Iran-Soviet alliance. and threat of USSR control over oil.

[@FloydRunner2049]

Ya’ll remember the role Canada had in ‘79 with the hostages??

[@lensman5762]

Where the hell did you get that ridiculous figure from? My father was high up in the government and the minister of finance was a close friend of his. $23 million was what they spent on the event. In 1974 Iran paid Grumman just short of $1.00 billion for the F14 deal, which included 80 F14 A, over 250 AIM 54 missiles, spares, training of technicians, over 200 Iranian pilots and weapons officers, shelters to house the F14s, etc etc. And you, write that they spent $650 million to host a celebration ? All these contrived lies were propagated by the Islamists, and the Communists whose terrorists were assassinating US and Iranian personnel on the direct orders from the KGB. Learn about the country and its politics before making ill informed comments.

[@Zoup009]

It is a shame that those who showed up, consumed the food, enjoyed the entertainment and drank to their hearts' content, and fawned on and complimented the Shah for his generosity and hospitality; hardly anyone on that guest list gave a hoot when he was overthrown, homeless and facing destitution. Almost all of them kept a distance from him, refused him hospitality and never took his calls. We see human nature at its worst. When the Shah was begging for countries to take him in, I wonder if this thought ever crossed his mind. I am sure it did!

[@truthhearit1471]

Khomanni was in exile in france before the islamic reveloution. Khomanni made a promise not to make things religious to other oppoisition groups, therefore gaining thier support. He immediatly reniged.

[@jasonph2522]

Of course he did- holding the reign of Iran's religious fanatics gave and allowed Khomenei's party to take and hold power indefinitely. He was a canny Politician above all things.

[@NyaNyaJP]

@@jasonph2522 He is a snake.

[@michelemiletich7540]

thats how they get ya promise and manipulation , in USA that would be seen by republicans very quickly , we are having this here now . Fascism

[@nobrainsnoheadache2434]

Taliban something something

[@TheGreatWhitePhantom]

The Shah's granddaughter lives in the city where I live and I used to do the pest control at her, what can only be called, a palace. That was 20 yrs ago. She was/prob still a tough, affluential woman but, she and I connected pretty good and we got a lot of business from her. The hand-painted portraits of the shah and her and the family are exquisite and it's pretty cool that I'm one of very few outsiders, who have actually seen them... Edit: so one of the portraits in the home, I was talking about is, the Shah wearing that crown and that lavish robe, that is shown, in the very beginning of this film

[@optimusprinceps3526]

That's so cool 👍

[@TheGreatWhitePhantom]

@@optimusprinceps3526 I've never seen wealth like that, in this country.... when the Shah and a very small Entourage of family, fled the Persian kingdom, when the Ayatollah Komini (sp) took power, they brought a lot of money with them. The Shah was treated here at a military Hospital in the city where I live, for cancer, where he, subsequently died later on... She(granddaughter) was and probably still is, a portrait of Elegance, in real-time...

[@sevimekmekci915]

Portleri merak ettim ,siz görmüşsünüz şanslısınız ..

[@wfat]

Did you get a sense for the size/quality of the staff (or "help")?

[@maestroclassico5801]

The Shah's son (former crown prince) and his family live in CONNECTICUT! I think he's an American Citizen now! We should put him back on the throne!

[@tuckerjones5899]

It’s just like WEF in Davos why save starving children when you can spend that money partying and telling us how bad we are for not feeding starving children

[@mariescarth1756]

There's still starving g children always will be

[@dth3252]

I've read the amount of grain it takes to feed livestock, worldwide, for 1 day is enough to end world hunger🤷‍♀️

[@Addwater4444]

@@dth3252 World hunger is on purpose, the politicians put it all in their pockets!

[@NarvikBand-t9i]

The poorest people are often the most reproducing ones, so giving them food intensifies the problem; only teaching how to obtain food independently is a long term solution. Most of the starving people are descendants of people who were given food for free and who don't know how to produce value themselves to change it for food or simply produce food themselves. It may be harsh to say these words, but I ask you to reflect on it.

[@HeheheHahahathefirst]

@@NarvikBand-t9i You are ignorant. You have been fed myths about world hunger that massage your ego and your conscience. The people who starve are usually farmers who come from countries that often produce food in surplus. As an example Indians starved while Britain held on to millions of tons of grain THEY farmed, as they could add it to the existing reserves for the British army. The most parasitic societies are those that have created a system that allows them to loot the third world of valuable resources (coal, cobalt, iron, lithium, uranium, diamonds, gold) to subsidize their wasteful lifestyle...but of course you wouldn't know about that.

[@DihelsonMendonca]

I lived at that time, and I saw all that on TV. I remember the arrival of Khomeini to Iran. The world never was the same peaceful place again.

[@rexguy7823]

And never has been since, it's so sad. Such a wonderful country held in the grip of the religious police. It can't last forever though

[@larrym2434]

@@rexguy7823 It is also sad that the democratically elected government of Iran was overthrown in 1951 in a coup organized by the CIA.

[@awood817]

@@rexguy7823 at least they are fighting against our zionist overlords

[@server1ok]

Iran ( under a socialist revolution ) was and is nothing but a satellite of Russia. Once the left hand of the SOVIET UNION and today, a weapon supplier for Vladimir Putin.@@awood817

[@who-gives-a-toss_Bear]

@@awood817 And here is a bigot for you.

[@WorldPeace-AdamNeira]

A very interesting documentary that we just watched in full. Thank you for publishing it.

[@ninibepis]

I thought i knew things but apparently this was a total blank area in my knowledge of recent history. Just incredible.

[@deborahgibson7814]

When the Shah fled into exile, my education in world history was so inadequate that I was mystified.

[@Ozymandias1]

The 70s were a great time for extravagant parties, there was also the coronation of "Emperor" Bokassa which costed 20 million dollars (about 100 million in todays money). He too was deposed and exiled.

[@mailman63155]

Imagine if it would have been celebrated as a national celebration for all, instead of a excessive personal event. A celebration of the people, not the shah.

[@celiaferreira2121]

Verdade!

[@Peaceatanycost]

I think that's why the interference had to happen. That level of collective memory and decolonising, breaking religious bonds, would be unacceptable

[@fartamplifer]

A lot of the blame for the Iranian Revolution rests on us in the west too. If we hadn't forced out the elected Prime Minster of Iran, Mosaddegh, and installed the Shah as repressive dictator, then we wouldn't have the mess that we currently do. The worst part is we did it based on the lies that the British made up about Mosaddegh being communist because he wanted to nationalize the Anglo-Persian Oil Company since they were taking all the money out of Iran. Imagine if the Shah had spent that money over to build infrastructure projects to improve the quality of life of every day Iranians, his family would probably still be running the show. His arrogance and massive ego were his undoing.

[@anabltc]

Yes. That was my impression of this movie, in a nutshell. Yes - western meddling, oil money, everything. Although can't say that Mosaddegh would have lasted longer - we don't know, clergy would have opposed him too I guess 🤔 But that part in the movie, when they search for the right place to throw a party and the cities are completely derelict and there's practically no road between them... A fckin disgrace 😱 I'm surprised he wasn't thrown down sooner

[@fereyal]

This is not the first time the US has made a mess for other countries and itself; the ISIS, the Al Qaeda, current Libya, current Iraq, the list goes on.

[@anabltc]

@@fereyal yup, if you have oil (or some other hot resource), you're on the radar. Idk if it's a blessing or a curse

[@royale7620]

He was communist however lol just look at his allies in the government. Also wdym the Shah didnt build infastructure? What a blind bot you are holy cow

[@justhere3794]

Always blaming the West. The Shah needed to take care of his people. Enough with blaming the West. He seemed like a powerful man who could have done better for his country. Look at the small arab states such as the United Arab Emirates and others. They treat their people well and have barely any poverty. The Shah was a greedy fool who basically turned a blind eye and thought he was a god.

[@danacross3427]

Barbara didn't have it right back then either, must be a flaw in her education. Her description of a constitutional monarchy could not be more wrong. What she described was an absolute monarchy. The View carries on in that established tradition faithfully.

[@hensonlaura]

Those freedom hating women are vicious, spiteful bullies!

[@joannaloha]

Thanks, I caught that and wondered, "What the hay?"

[@joannaloha]

Thanks, I caught that and wondered, "What the hay?"

[@naalsocomment9449]

This is explained in the video at 14:33 Officially it was a constitutional monarchy (as written in Iran's constitution) but was executed as absolute monarchy. In 1952, 1953 the PM at the time wanted to implement the constitution and the Shah had to leave the country. The PM was then overthrown in a coup (with involvement of UK and US) and the Shah kept his absolute power. Barbara was very likely referring to the written constitution and not to the actual type of government. Absolute monarchies normal don't have parlament and elections. This is similar to all current countries that have defacto dictatorship but are officially democracies, like China, Russia, Turkey, ...

[@rogiervdheide]

Barbara does not give a definition of a constitutional monarchy. She describes how Shah Mohammed Reza rules. Shah Reza was the last king of Iran. Barbara is right: by law, Iran was a constitutional monarchy, in reality however the shah exercised his powers as if he was an absolute monarch. The revolution in Iran in 1979 put the monarchy to an end, and what happened after that we all know.

[@LIT70]

My Iranian Dentist was sitting in one of her college classes when Islamic revolutionaries came in, told them to leave and never return. I'm glad her family got outta there.

[@kianasani8704]

This documentary shows that the city of Shiraz was a pour city that was just desert which is not true at all. Due to its major historical importance it has always been a prosperous city with wealth in it. Also, the documentary does not show the prosper the party brought to iran afterwards. Although the part costed immensely, it resulted beneficial for the country. Due to the party’s publicity many people from around the world wanted to go to visit iran in the following year, which it then brought a lot more money to the country that not only it cancelled the cost of the part but also a lot more. Another fact that needs to be taken with consideration is the fact that, women had a lot more freedom within the country then a lot of other western countries at the time.

[@isis4174]

Абсолютно з вамі згідна. Коли ще таке було, зібрати таку кількість перших осіб у дружній атмосфері? І чи зможе Іран зробити це ще колись?

[@CaesarRenasci]

Thank you for bringing kbowlege to this thread.

[@Ann65.]

@@jinusrafezadeh2494. As it is in the UK. There is no need for poverty and suffering if wealth were distributed more evenly. That will never be the case though!

[@nima5074]

The documentary is nothing but lies and propaganda, there was poverty all over the developing world back then, including South Korea, Iran was one of the more richer nations back then. And the party was something to attract investors and improve our image.

[@ndjubilant8391]

​@@Ann65.🙏🏻

[@patty4349]

Go to city and find it to be a crumbling ruin. Choice A: spend untold millions on repairing city and roads, Choice B: Spend untold millions on a tent party in some uninhabited ruins. They went for B. Looks like they didn't even stimulate the local economy since they bought everything from Europe.

[@samsungtab9897]

жесть, ...какая вопиющая глупость и оторванность от народа! вот что значит - бездумно копировать запад.

[@philzerkel3486]

It looked like the ashtrays were local

[@hensonlaura]

If they had sourced from Iran, it would have been primitive indeed, by the standards of the global elite.

[@NVRBENSHOT]

@@philzerkel3486look at 27:00 there was clearly people

[@CaesarRenasci]

You judge a rather different culture from the standpoint of your own. One has the right to do that, of course, but only after you learn SOMERGING about that culture. This video gave you no such knowledge . It is a hit peace against the Shah and produced for voyerlurs, people who like to take a peak at thr life of the "rich and famous" without bothering to learn anything about those lives. What do such people conclude? That which they always belived: rich people have no responsibilities and do no good for society. The fact that this is false does not matter. Oh, how low have English - speaking people have fallen: 800 years ago they have wrestled Magna Carta from the Kung, and today they spew socialist propaganda ofvthe most stupid kind without even realizing it.

[@TrueWalker88]

The fact that so much royalty showed up shows the greed at the foundation of all monarchy. They don't care about a country misappropriating money which makes their people suffer, they just want to be at any and every extravagant event where they get to wear their crown.

[@desire4liberation]

its a big club and we aint in it

[@TrueWalker88]

@@desire4liberation Thank goodness for that. Bunch of inbred weirdos.

[@circleinforthecube5170]

@@desire4liberation ever wonder why urban golf courses are historically preserved while 100 yearold neighborhoods get knocked down for some new stadium nobody needs, sacrifice everything so some rich old white dude can be older and richer

[@johncollins211]

It had nothing to do with partying. It's called making connections. Politically and financially this party was huge

[@TrueWalker88]

@@johncollins211 Parting is also a big part of the lifestyle for many of them.

[@alanwatts8239]

"We have the scroll... Well, YOU have the real scroll, in your museum. You took it from us." LOL

[@tibchy144]

I mean, two and a half MILLENIA of having a kingdom and an empire requires a decent party.

[@marcosmota1094]

I can never finish this. As a non-Iranian, but still a human being, it breaks my heart. When watching a modern disaster movie, things like this make me root for the comet, not earth or humans.

[@paulferranti8536]

Iranians are remarkable people….may they be free from theological tyranny

[@End0fst0ry]

Oh, wait a minute... I don't think anyone here trully realizes that the whole world lives exactly the same way.

[@jajajaja2606]

​@@End0fst0ryIt depends what you mean. Not everyone are forced to align to a religious philosophy, but apart from that we're all pheasants of criminals who make the law for themselves

[@markwilliams3994]

Islamic tyranny! Without lies Islam dies.

[@jordans962]

The vanity of it. How fascinating! Cake anybody?

[@doublehappiness9889]

Great documentary; so much to take in visually, and very nicely paced.

[@marilynmesange1610]

Fascinating! Thank you for this excellent historical documentary

[@CrakenFlux]

Thank you for this excellent documentary.

[@PamelaGlasgow-ll5ur]

It is not excellent,the words are written over and you cannot follow 😡👎👎👎👎👎

[@POVShotgun]

It’s biased and dog shit

[@MECX3490]

I am 59 years old and have never even heard or read about this…now it makes sense!!

[@FollowTheJohn]

Incredible historical footage.

[@tcf70tyrannosapiensbonsai]

I'm impressed of the journalists of the 70ies, asking quite delicate questions. Unlike today when an ex US-president isn't faced with his lies!

[@hensonlaura]

That was back when we still had freedom of speech, not a media manipulating the people to protect the powerful with spin, cover-ups & outright lies.

[@LilyGazou]

You sound vaccinated.

[@margaritaresta6390]

Yes the journalist put a direct question, asking to Reza people who might believe? The answer was :On me 😅😅

[@tcf70tyrannosapiensbonsai]

@@LilyGazou Of Course I Am!

[@beablooming]

As a history buff I thank you for making this available for free 🙏

[@tommym321]

It’s so weird to realize that this is only about 10 years before “Not Without My Daughter.” Iran became unrecognizable under theocratic rule.

[@steveweinstein3222]

Instead of suffering from monarchical repression, people suffer under theocratic oppression. Same tortures, different rationale.

[@deborahdean8867]

If the US had kept ots greedy hands off of the nation of iran and them jsd not imposed planetary sanctions things could have been much better. Iran isnt a theocracy by the way. They have a parliament, a president. Educate yourself instead of believing everything is controlled media propagandized you with.

[@krystofcisar469]

Lessons learned - its never good to throw down any monarchy..

[@madjames1134]

@@krystofcisar469 French people disagree with you.

[@jazzingpanda3190]

Amazing quality, available for free. Very lucky, thank you

[@bobjackson4720]

I passed through Iran in 73 while the Shah was still in control. It was a fairly normal happy country but after the Shah left and the ayatollahs took over the whole place turned to rubbish.

[@surgeryjenny9533]

I met a few families of Jewish people who had to leave Iran when the Ayatollahs took over Iran. When the Shah was there he was good for al religions.The Shah lived in opulence and forgot the poor people. That was his big mistake. That's what led people to go back to basics and Religious Fundamentalism. Since the Ayatollahs took over, women lost rights and their politics are nuts.

[@mariescarth1756]

I can imagine

[@MrGlastar1]

ABSOLUTELY TRUE!!! The socialist..WHO WASN'T A COMMUNIST...would have had different results as opposed to the DEATH CULT!​@@surgeryjenny9533

[@vajidali530]

You seem to ignorethe fact that the west overthrew Democratically elected mossadeq because he wanted to nationalise oil. Then they put in the shah to be a puppet. He was a tyrant.... People were forced to turn to the only remaining power to combat western imperialism.... So dont blame the ayatollahs clerics etc, blame your own damn leaders.

[@POVShotgun]

@@surgeryjenny9533he was targeted

[@Acr6gAttt-mq2hr]

It's so sad seeing the women walking around freely, having no idea that soon they'll be forced to cover themselves and forbidden from leaving their house unless accompanied by a male.

[@Calzaghe83]

Yah, talk about oppression the Ayatollahs are super fucked up. They're also supporting Terrorists like Hamas and stealing from the people. At least there was some freedom under the Shah.

[@melissarmt7330]

It better suits their purpose to tell women to stay inside and cover themselves, than to tell men to not rape or abuse women and treat them with respect.

[@primovid]

@@melissarmt7330 Fortunately, it's not an either or situation.

[@Acr6gAttt-mq2hr]

@@melissarmt7330 Their leaders don't even care if men stop raping and abusing. The men there see it as their right. Their mindset is beyond disgusting.

[@daveseemerollin6357]

You need to up your meds 😂

[@bluemoonpanther6337]

Exactly what happened in Qatar a year ago... Organizing and preparing for the world football cup took almost 4 years and costed Qatar more than 220 billion dollars while all the revenue was about 20 billion

[@Resilientlyblessed]

I believe Qatar is run very well, so why would the people revolt

[@tiefensucht]

Qatar has rich citizens and slaves, so there won't a revolt in the near future.

[@deborahdean8867]

@@tiefensucht Qatar's money is only used for the Qatar citizen. And they have just about free everything.

[@margaritaresta6390]

Qatar guest the Hamas leaders of Palestinian terrorism

[@djamilateibi7447]

​@@tiefensuchtLes qataris ne sont pas des esclaves au contraire. Ce sont plutôt les travailleurs migrants ,notamment ceux provenant d'Asie du Sud qui ont des conditions de vie très difficiles.

[@marsidqiriazi]

Such an amazing documentary

[@laminjatta1659]

Magnificent, pity for all Iranians who had to flee their country since the following regime.

[@sandorfule6946]

Köszönöm a feltöltést! Hatalmas történelmet osztottál meg velem!..👍

[@Deniz-l5d]

Maria szepes

[@dafae.]

I really appreciate this documentary for showing both sides of the story. They interviewed people who were connected to the Shah and those who weren't, which really gives you a better picture of what was going on.

[@markaruski]

Pride goeth before the fall...

[@corneliusbulik4856]

A documentary I much appreciate. At the time of the events described here, I was living in Paris, and I clearly remember events not mentioned in this video, which show that the downfall of the shah was orchestrated in and by the western powers. Khomeini was guested by the Western powers in France, at Colombey-les-deux-eglises, in the suburb of Paris, and given all the strings to organise and start the overthrow of the shah. Today, we get the impression that Iran and the western powers are enemies - in fact, they collaborate and draw humanity towards sinister times of totalitarianism and enslavement.

[@nycboogie]

I'm afraid this is very true

[@ronaldregan6749]

True words

[@atatterson6992]

Get the impression that they are enemies? Iran's entire "congress" chanting "Death to America" is just a ruse? I agree with much of what you wrote... however to suggest that they are NOT enemies is a bit much...

[@lukasdoms7483]

The English queen had middle eastern genes

[@atatterson6992]

@@lukasdoms7483 no, those were Levis from San Francisco...

[@psycharol]

Well, that was an eye-opener, I am 76 years old and didn't realise I didn't know what I knew. Thank you

[@Raymond-rr5iv]

This reminds me somewhat of The burning Man festival done in Black Rock Nevada... In some ways more extravagant in some ways less... but altogether inconsequential.

[@OilHutJones]

I had assumed that this vid was going to be about Burning Man

[@goofballbiscuits3647]

This *_is_* Burning Man, you guys... Zedd is on after the Shah's speech.

[@phdtobe]

A fragile ego humored by a great power and given unlimited power within his own realm is a very dangerous thing.

[@mrkeopele]

this is a great share, thank you, i feel this gathering helped to unify our world today..

[@kickinghorse2405]

Complex issues. Thanks for posting.

[@nelqui7685]

This self-proclaimed King lost power because he distanced himself too much from the People, another problem was that he was soft, he grew up with a spoonful of gold, WHILE the people were starving. 😮

[@hensonlaura]

Funny how people almost always believe what they were taught to when they were growing up, lol. You & I included.

[@margaritaresta6390]

Every king have to be rich, to be accepted by people as a king. It's logical.

[@margaritaresta6390]

​@@hensonlaurahumans beings are like babies, expecting Santa Klauss every year 😅

[@hoklo6571]

😢😢

[@mariescarth1756]

This the second dynasty the now government no better!

[@billydiaz7280]

My dad played with the shahs son around 1958 in Tehran. My grandpa was a bigwig army guy. That's my claim to fame, but I never understood the history around it. Thanks!!

[@ORDEROFTHEKNIGHTSTEMPLAR13]

I remember two IRANIAN guys who used to pop in our ENGLISH RESTAURANT for a bite to eat and they became regular guests and one was named KHAN the other was SHAN brilliant guys as well.I was only 10 yo at the time and they'd go to IRAN for 2 weeks and then back to ENGLAND for 2 weeks and they used to bring me back some awesome stuff from IRAN and one they just disappeared.And I'd love to know where they are now or what happened to them because they we're only young guys around 22-25 yo.And when my mother asked them what they done for a living because theyll clam up and change the subject so my mother always called them spies for a joke and they'd laugh and one thing they had was plenty of money as well.But i do hope there alive and well with a nice family they'd be in there mid 70's now probably grandparents i hope so anyway..

[@maram6211]

"Khan" is not an iranian name.

[@margaritaresta6390]

​@@maram6211 is Vahe an Iranian or Armenian name?

[@kornet5949]

Could be Central Asian ethnicity living in Iran ​@@maram6211

[@YuckFoutube-e1z]

Sound like drug dealers.

[@RadianIndustries]

This was a really informative documentary. It did a really good job at subtly pointing to the fact of Barbawa Wawa's reporting which as always consisted of insipid commentary that reports literally nothing.

[@MondoBeno]

Walters' "commentary" is being re-evaluated, and it looks like her "reporting" was trash and sensationalism from day #1.

[@TH-eb5ro]

At the time that was what was expected.. Reports are often of content that is relevant at that point in time, not the entire picture. Looking back it is much easier to see a larger picture of things. Her interview of the Shah in 1977 was not that way.

[@TH-eb5ro]

@@MondoBeno I'd like to learn more, links please.

[@cw4608]

We need more reporting like that of Walter Cronkite and less of the babbling morning show hosts we have today.

[@cw4608]

Watching the monarch’s enter the tent was like watching a narcissist parade.

[@JamesFAFOCreel]

Love how the subtitles do not match what the people are saying

[@irenedhakde4692]

Being European and living now in India, surrounded by some very poor people who cannot afford a pair of shoes, I can't imagine how poor people must have felt back then.

[@existentialbaby]

I live in India, an Indian. Are you here for poverty tourism? Don't mind me, i don't want to sound rude, just curious.

[@irenedhakde4692]

@@existentialbaby not at all. "Poverty tourism"! What sort of weird concept is that! I live in Mumbai surrounded by very poor, as well as by one of the richest people on the planet, extremely affluent people, who might very well be practising "poverty tourism" as you call it, when they come out of their town palaces, (they have no clue about what's happening outside their super duper rich people's life btw). But one cannot deny that there are in India extremely rich people, as well as a very large amount of extremely poor people, a level of poverty I had never been exposed to before back in my country. When I hear stories of my maids coming from say UP or Bihar villages, you really get to understand how they feel. I am very close to my maid and she has been sharing with me a lot of fun and much less fun aspects of her life as well. Life is tough in Indian remote villages, everyone knows it. And when these people seek a better life in Indian metrocities, they have to go through a lot too.

[@existentialbaby]

@irenedhakde4692 Thank you for sharing your experiences. Like i told you, I'm indian and i come from UP. I am surrounded by poverty from every direction. I know what you're talking about. The economic development in india has been very extremely disproportionate. Mumbai is a glaring specimen of flagrant inequality. It's shameful.

[@irenedhakde4692]

@@existentialbaby I totally agree with you.

[@Fido-vm9zi]

Great way to really enrage people.

[@daniellewieners7179]

History repeats itself, these thing's are important for people to watch, especially in the US with this Election coming up!! Won't say more for fear of having my comment pulled down, that's a shame in itself!! 😢

[@primatajenius28]

EPIC DOCUMENTARY!

[@DecebalDac]

Mulțumim canalului Best documentari from România ❤❤❤ mult succes in tot ce faceți vă iubesc enorm pentru toate videourile și în special pentru traducere, milioane de aprecierii pentru creația dumnevoastră Nr.1 pe tot mapamondul informational❤❤❤❤

[@zolyhaly894]

cesasescu

[@SaridahSawitrianka]

​@@zolyhaly894dog

[@jennysaranac4454]

The Shah and Ceausescu were *such* little fellas...

[@cozmamihai8665]

thats why they got sacked! you cant rule a country that show the rest of the world that you are not even in huge national debt, but you are thriving. this is not allowed by the powers that were. but of course you can tell what story you want and have the power to twist truth for your own gain. @@jennysaranac4454

[@fenflaps2805]

@@jennysaranac4454so was Napoleon 😊

[@olafshomkirtimukh9935]

Had France not given asylum to Khomeini, today there'd be no Hamas or Hezbollah; it was like literally following Voltaire's _I agree with nothing that you say, but _*_shall defend to my death_*_ your right to say it._ Iranians are some of the most artistic & refined people I've ever met around the world; the Islamists have been as nice a replacement of the Shah as the Communists were of the Tzar! Commies are fallen, the Immies are gnawing us all away.

[@ilkeadrall710]

Very right: money and status destroy a weak man or a weak woman too.

[@sakabatanuki9744]

They might have been great people back 4000 years ago, but now they are not much today.

[@jackmidst8304]

The sight of so many monarchs is shockingly indecent!

[@Nadia..J]

I agree.

[@Eternal_Reds]

Yeah

[@hotchihuahua1546]

In general I can’t think of any government in history who has done a good job for its people and kept a budget ! Can anyone think of one ?

[@amarshmuseconcepta6197]

No In contrast they're all singing from the same hymn sheat in this *war* against *us* Never forgive & Never forget *They* *hate* *us* 💥💉💥💉💥💉💥💉💥💉💥💉💥💉💥💉💥💉+ 🙄🔥🏁🤺🤬ts the *lot/Lotte.*

[@margaritaresta6390]

Simply, does not exist any good power government. Only idiots believe that might exist

[@pacer2310]

I think they're more the exception than the rule.

[@TimothyYocky]

Trump🎉

[@pacer2310]

@@TimothyYocky uh, no.

[@tomquinn607]

With the dust storms God showed the elite in their pomp and arrogance their destiny.

[@amarsan3280]

with no financial discipline, any individual and country has no future.

[@cmataira]

That was an amazing documentary! Thank you for your work! 🙏❤

[@hensonlaura]

I don't think they make these, just posting other people's work.

[@elbajio65]

Thank you very much for posting this documentary. I enjoyed watching it , and I also learned something important from it. That is, I think, high praise.

[@jubb1984]

What a fantastic record of the great gathering of "royal" bloodsuckers

[@Engelhafen]

I’d say things got worse after the Shah

[@tommyquid]

Turn off cc, it has built in translation subs

[@tony9146]

What a truly outstanding documentary. Thank you for posting.

[@remi1339]

Where is Iran now, what can you say about the decadence of current leaders, compare the regular people from documentary with people on the streets today...especially women, compare their lifestyle, income, freedom ....

[@ganiniii]

Probably you would never understand or maybe you will but Persia is a secular society and culture. Globalization will never succeed in some regions of the world. The Shah's attempt was furious and didn't take into consideration the fact that society can't be changed so dramatically so fast without violent backlash. He was a foul regarding how he handled with Ayatollah Komenei from the start.

[@bellamijaymes2153]

Mossadegh was best. He would have modernized without cruelty like the current mess. But not been decadent & entitled like this Shah

[@K1lostream]

Wherever in the world you find a muslim theocracy in power, you find grinding poverty, brutal oppression, especially of women, and corruption. This cost the Iranian people much more than that party did.

[@sheek3222]

Iran went backwards because of the coup which was staged by the CIA. Google it. It's all public knowledge.

[@sheek3222]

​@@K1lostreamThe Muslim theocracy only took power after the CIA staged a coup against Iran. Google "1953 coup iran" and spend some time reading.

[@dixjam2258]

Funny how this was allegedly about celebrating 2.500 of history, tradition and culture of one of the greatest empires the world had ever seen, and they chose French cuisine to celebrate it...and not only that, but French haute-cuisine that doesn't even represent the overall French culture. This choice alone proves that this enormity was about showing off wealth, not national pride. Champagne and Provencal herbs to celebrate Persian culture, what a joke. Even Cyrus the Great was probably whatthefucking in his grave.

[@MiladJP]

can you please provide me a list of Ancient Persian cuisine from 2500 years ago?

[@dixjam2258]

If by that you are mocking my Cyrus the Great grave-tossing image, it is generally assumed in such metaphors that the tormented deceased has knowledge of everything that happened since his demise, including the obvious present. So it can include everything that happened in 2.500 years, not necessarily how it was when he died.@@MiladJP

[@hensonlaura]

It's only normal for those who can afford the best to get the best; they wouldn't serve asses milk & honeyed locusts, haha.

[@dixjam2258]

By best you mean - expensive, there is no BEST here. And great job insulting Persians with those examples. @@hensonlaura

[@MiladJP]

I prefer Locust ass and honeyed milk. @@hensonlaura

[@Contessa6363]

I went to an all girls highschool. We had rich ex pat Iranian Girls attending the school. I always felt sorry for them They didn't want to go back to Iran and marry their first cousins when they were through with their studies. 😮😮😮

[@deborahdean8867]

Stop implying their brain dead and inbred . The intelligent young people of today, a product of their current government, are in Iran, not the US or Europe

[@SandyCampbellHemet]

My neighbors, my friends are from Iran and you could not ask for two nicer people to know. I can tell you if your visit their home, your treated like royalty! Hot tea, some cake, fruit, dates and if you smoke your cigarette it is lit for you! The West has much to learn I can say that, including myself. If you happen to say no thank you, I have already eaten..your cake slice is even bigger!! Lol!! They are a lovely, lovely couple. I am sending my friend a link to this program for she and her husband to enjoy. I just loved it. The Shah was handsome, his wife very beautiful and gracious. Thank you so much for sharing this and the party and show was simply magnificent ❤

[@texasray5237]

I knew members of the Iranian Students Association from several universities in the US in those days. They were already hoping for a revolution. They (the students) were not religious but they knew already they would have to work with the Shiite Clerics in order to overthrow the Shah, the students didn't have any support from the Iranian people, only the clerics had the support and the infrastructure to organize a revolution.

[@hensonlaura]

​@@julinaonYT True.

[@wa13601]

insightful. worth watching.

[@Video-Misc-ix6ew]

This is what I called documentary, all relevant perspectives in it unlike many documentaries (included netflix) that one-sided perspective and one perspective only LOL

[@paulparadoxia]

Fascinating stuff !! I Love trying to understand the crossroads of History, Politics and Religion and we don't hear much on Iran and it's historical geopolitical relationships.

[@katiekane5247]

Find forensic historian Richard Grove at Grand Theft World. He's got the receipts.

[@garycooper9207]

Watch for free online documentary The Greatest Story Never Told

[@krashlyboo]

People-Hey the Persians are Back!! Spartans- Well, here we go again

[@mattskustomkreations]

1:36. Wow, even Reese’s sent a delegation to the party!

[@mongtkb]

modern monarchies depends on the love of the people if the monarch isn't love or scare the people too much then the dynasty's days are numbered

[@zibam982]

99 percent of bad things about the Shah was the west propaganda until today. The Shah is the most loved person in 21 century. It was a plan by the west and they don't want the seculars in power.

[@budawang77]

Seemed to be more a celebration of French culture than Persian.

[@bizygirl1]

French is the common language in Switzerland. The Shah was educated in Switzerland and probably France as well. So French influence is strong in the culture at that time.

[@MrFlutsh]

The thing is, for most people at that time, french product and culture was (in the imaginary) the highest of the highest.....so the rich want to have this "made in france" mark.

[@MrFlutsh]

@bizygirl1 well not exactly. We have 4 official languages ​​in Switzerland. French, German, Italian and Romanche. The main language is German, then French, then Italian and very few people speak Romanche. The Shah was educated in Rolle, between Lausanne and Geneva, so in the French part of Switzerland (on the shores of Lake Geneva)

[@seguefischlin]

Looks like this happened the year I was born. Very interesting; thank you! I really appreciated the way they tied the event into the historical context so can learn more about the history of this region and how it impacted where we are today.

[@nancywages7029]

That we and France helped and now seeing the consequences!