“CITY OF THE BIG SURPRISE” 1960s SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA TRAVEL TV SHOW OLD TOWN XD51874

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This episode of Jack Douglas’ mid-1960s television show “America!” covers the city of San Diego, including various historical and contemporary tourist attractions. The episode’s title is “City of the Big Surprise.”
Title sequence: “America!” (0:09). Jack Douglas introduces “colorful armchair vacation” (0:42). Aerial views San Diego (downtown, beaches, harbor, highways) (0:50). Title: “City of the Big Surprise” (1:29). Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park-Much Ado About Nothing rehearsal, Craig Noel directing (1:33). Illustrations: San Diego Globe theater, original Globe Theater; Craig Noel speaking (2:50). Sign-Globe Theater summer theatrical productions in San Diego-Professional Repertory Company, Merry Wives of Windsor, Henry VIII, Coriolanus (3:20). Sign on highway, 1960s cars passing-“Balboa Park Zoo,” San Diego Zoo entrance (3:35). Flamingo pool at San Diego Zoo, Dr. Charles Schoeder presenting (3:45). Family at Zoo sits near single primate (baby gorilla or chimpanzee?) (4:02). Flamingo exhibit, San Diego Zoo (4:15). Hummingbird exhibit (Brazilian), San Diego Zoo-interactive (4:30). African animal zoo exhibit-zebra, ostrich, gazelle, rhinoceros (4:40). Pachyderm exhibit, San Diego Zoo, visitors feed elephant by hand (4:55). Okapi at zoo (5:11). Adult proboscis monkeys pair at zoo (5:25). Rainforest cage, birds, zoo entrance (5:40). San Diego Harbor from air (5:58). Visitors board M.V. Marietta at San Diego Harbor, Harbor Excursions (5:58). Navy boats at San Diego-subs, sub-tenders, cruisers, destroyers, aircraft carriers, warning radar patrol plane (6:13). Tourists on excursion boat (6:28). Star of India ship-iron-hulled vessel, tourists explore ship, young men climb ropes (6:30). Illustration of Star of India, Jack Douglas narrates history (7:00). Point Loma Lighthouse, Juan Cabrillo statue (7:15). Painting of Junípero Serra (7:33). Mission San Diego de Alcala Historical Landmark-sign, mission buildings, woman observes, bells ring (7:40). San Diego old town district-park, “Ramona’s Marriage Place” (Casa de Estudillo); paintings-Ramona and Alessandro; visitors at interior gardens / courtyard (8:10). Whaley House, San Diego, 1960s (8:35). Framed sketches of Thomas and Anna Whaley (8:45). Guest reception area, Whaley House, furnishings, early Californian history (8:50). Casa de Lopez Candle Shop 1960s: colorful wares: flame candles, seahorse candles, floral arrangement with candles, art candle with mosaic design (9:05). Casa de Pedrorena, Manuel’s restaurant, waiter serves women, California outdoor Mexican restaurant, 1960s (10:03). Hydrofoil boat (10:45). Aerial view of Sea World (10:50). 1960s SeaWorld sign (10:55). Japanese cultural features at Sea World-female pearl divers (11:00). Close-up: opening oyster with knife to retrieve pearl (11:35). Pearl necklaces on red display background (11:45). “Theatre of the Sea,” trained dolphins performance, “Sea Maid” Sea World employee interview, Bottlenose, “underwater ballet” (11:50). Sea World “Tuxedo junction” penguin show-penguins on tracks, slides (13:50). 1960s Hotel del Coronado-sign, exterior, elevator, hotel manager Carlton shares hotel history, Crown Room dining, Victorian Lounge, Casino Bar, Ocean Terrace dancing, saltwater swimming pool, 1960s divers (14:08). Del Webb’s Ocean House-women in 1960s swimwear tanning poolside in a line, diving board and pool behind (16:09). San Diego golf course (16:25). Vacation village, West Mission Bay-bridges, walking paths, lagoons, marina, guest boats, skips (16:35). Vacation Village sign at sunset (16:50). Vietnamese Singer Bach Yen performs at Vacation Village Barefoot Bar, California (17:00). Downtown San Diego at night, 1960s (19:24). Neon signs 1960s-Valley Ho Restaurant, Anthony’s Fish Grotto, El Cortez Hotel, Sky Room, Lubach’s Restaurant, Cotton Patch Restaurant (cocktails), Miyako Sukiyaki, Mickie Finns (19:29). Female hostess in costume (“Ms. Mickey Finn”) plays Nickelodeon at Mickie Finns; Nickelodeon piano in operation (19:50). Band plays in Mickie Finn’s speakeasy salon, San Diego - Fred Finn, banjo, trombone, trumpet, house band (20:15). San Diego highways, harbors, Sea World, beach resorts viewed from propeller plane; various rapid shots from episode (21:27).
This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit www.PeriscopeFilm.com

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

This had to be around 1966 or so since Sea World opened in 1965. I was 10 and the lines were so long. This was the city as I remember growing up. We used to ride our bikes from La Mesa all the way to Balboa Park and spend the day walking through the zoo or a museum (zoo was free for under 16 kids). Back then, parents didn't worry so much and we had a great time riding bikes all the way on University Avenue and dodging busses and people parked along the street. It is a shame what the city has become in many ways, and the fact that they gave up their NFL team that we fought so hard to get back in 1960 still hurts. I will never cheer the Chargers again.

[@SydneyCarton2085]

NFL a bunch of juiced up overpaid entitled low IQ clowns who look down on you but keep supporting them with your viewership.

[@james-he7xv]

I watched the charger /chiefs game last night, first time I watched them since they moved, and I rooted against them….born and raised in San Diego 1960’s I remember the city you described, we got out 4 years ago to the mountains above Asheville North Carolina, best thing I’ve done!

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

@@james-he7xv The Chargers used to scrimmage at Helix high school and some friends and I would go down there and shag balls for the players. I was on the field with Lance Alworth (got a picture with him at the time), and John Hadl and Keith Lincoln, Ernie Faison, Ron Mix (I can still name most of the starters). We had a great time doing that. Later they moved over to Patrick Henry high and we did that there one time. I still have the program from the 1963 championship game from Balboa Stadium if this gives you some idea of how much I hate the Chargers owner moving to LA. And he has no fans.

[@nathanknecht8024]

Best thing I’ve ever done is move here and stay as all the whiners move east to the humidity, no beach and lack of culture. I know when I’ve got a good thing!

[@james-he7xv]

@@nathanknecht8024 you sound much to ignorant to know a good thing if it came up and kicked you in the nuts, but that’s ok we’re all in San Diego or from San Diego and no amount of your nonsensical gaslighting makes the homeless, garbage, crime etc go away. You might be able to bullshit your friends and family from where you’re from but we all know the sad truth.

[@quesoblanco444]

The Sea World pearl divers and Mickie Finns, that's some heavy 60s SD nostalgia right there. I also loved seeing the adorkable uncharismatic zoo director.

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

Remember when Mickey Finns used to fire off a cannon when the Chargers scored at games? Too bad the divorce kind of ended that place.

[@liannebedard5521]

I was a young Navy wife in San Diego during this era. We visited the zoo at least once a month. The botanical life in the zoo held my attention because the plants were labeled…I would copy the names of things Ibrecignized..from our yard. Turns out I had a pretty good collection..,

[@russellmusictv4403]

Grew up in Pacific Beach since 1980. It was a paradise until the late 90s. I'd watch the Sea World fireworks from my bedroom as a kid. Finally escaped it in 2017.

[@falloutfan-cm2ts]

Loved growing up there from 1957 to 1979. You can't imagine how easy it was to get around on all those new freeways, so much to do. Dad moved from Murray Ridge out to Spring Valley until 2014 hated how it became crowded and hard to get through rush hour now. Still I'm lucky to have lived there still love the people and how friendly they are.

[@sunflower8035]

I grew up on Murray Ridge Road & went to St. Columba!

[@Paramount531]

This is the San Diego I knew and loved as a kid. Unfortunately, all of their big city dreams came true, a great example of being careful what you wish for.

[@ginoperretta373]

I agree with you 100%, it was paradise here before

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

I remember when Pete Wilson became mayor and ushered in the idea of light industries to supplement the reliance on the Navy. His idea was to get "intellectual" businesses like publishers to open offices in San Diego. And they did. This was before computers so he could not forsee the growth of that business, but the idea was to build for the future.

[@chrisdegurse7278]

Its still a nice place

[@sunflower8035]

@@chrisdegurse7278😂. Ot like the 60’s thru the 80’s

[@craftergin]

Yikes. I had a great time growing up in San Diego. I was born there and remember every place in the video. The creators of the video made a lot of errors like calling Mission Bay the harbor. When I visit San Diego now, I barely recognize the place. Too many skyscrapers downtown. And way too many people. But if I could afford it, I'd move back in a heartbeat, I miss it that much.

[@GrumpyCat24]

It's a dump now. Dirty expensive and crowded. Too much crime and too many homeless. It's #wrecked.

[@stevenbaker436]

He's right. Falling apart.

[@sunflower8035]

Agreed! We moved away 2 years ago. I grew up in SD and resided there for 58 years. It’s an expensive mess! It used to be to be a nice military town now it’s flooded with homes & homeless. And Sea World makes me gag, money making animal slavery! I do miss the best weather ever tho!

[@TheRedDevil_NC]

My dad was in the Navy in the 60s stationed in San Diego. I cannot tell you how lucky I was to be born there and grow up there during that time. Americas Finest City until about 1985. Its been downhill since. Its like a foreign country now

[@brianarbenz1329]

A foreign country? You suppose it was founded in a foreign country, maybe?

[@sunflower8035]

Same! We were transferred from VA to San Diego in 1963, I was 11 days old and grew up in Serra Mesa. Just a nice little military town, now it’s a dump! Left 2 years ago.

[@kandacepatterson7965]

Same grew up there born and raises.

[@jumpingship3001]

Funny the indigenous said the same thing.

[@lilchopstixz2161]

The Whaley house was advertised as a great museum to visit. Now it’s all about it being haunted and stuff…

[@andyinsdca]

Sweet! Thanks for sharing, I live in San Diego, cool to see how much the city has changed.

[@quesoblanco444]

I assume you mean that you can no longer hang out at Old Town restaurants from lunch until dinner.

[@quesoblanco444]

@Jayden k all video Hey Jayden, next time try breaking the pill and only taking half.

[@quesoblanco444]

@Jayden k all video Exactly!

[@brianchisnell1548]

@Jayden k all video English as your second language. Haha

[@freedomforever6718]

San Diego, home of the Pacific Fleet.

[@voodootrucker1896]

Coronado Island NAS too

[@kennethjohnson9370]

San Diego was very nice in the sixies showing the Star of India old historical building sea world ect Ihey got a big surprise San Diego change for the worse

[@quesoblanco444]

Yeah dude! What happened to the Star of India, Sea World and the old historical buildings? "Everything was better in the past" That's what stupid people say.

[@Paramount531]

@@quesoblanco444 LOL, apparently you weren't there during San Diego's golden age from 1960-1975. That period has passed and San Diego has entered the liberal cesspool phase, trying to make up for lost time and catch up with LA and San Francisco.

[@kq2799]

@@Paramount531 Why did you let this happen, boomer?

[@SydneyCarton2085]

@@kq2799 They have facts and you have insults, people like you ruin any place.

[@Paramount531]

@@kq2799 Like most Californians that think like I do, we were outvoted by the takers and watched our beloved state turn into a socialist paradise.

[@SharonP64]

I can’t believe the whiners in this comment section. Always San Diego sucks today. I call bulls$&t! I have lived in SD for 20 plus years. SD is STILL a great city! Period

[@arkyump]

San Diego was awesome in the 60’s. Not so much now.

[@northsa7498]

The body surfing will always be awesome.

[@voodootrucker1896]

San Diego full of Non Local Transplants, Homeless and Illegals nowadays...

[@user-pb5kg7ji5p]

Super 🔥👍

[@diggersdentysonu.k.m.d8813]

Hope your well all most the weekend again time seems to be going fast keeo up the good work and see you at the next have a good weekend 😀 👍

[@brianchisnell1548]

*you're

[@mypl510]

Somehow, and oddly enough, there is a bass drum from Mickey Finns in our surplus at the community college! How we got it, I just don't know, but the case is marked with Mickey Finns and it has a name on the inside of it, most likely the drummer and sadly I am unable to remember the name right now. A piece of old San Diego history sitting in surplus.

[@michaelfinnmedia9974]

That was my folks place, if it is just collecting dust I'd like to follow up to discuss acquiring it. LMK. Thanks

[@GrumpyCat24]

​@@michaelfinnmedia9974any luck??

[@kandacepatterson7965]

Oh my God my parents loves Mickey Finms! Went ther all the time.🥰🥰

[@voodootrucker1896]

We live in Ocean Beach 🇺🇲🏄🏖️🚛

[@marewanmahmod1190]

very Biutifull 🌹 reportag and perfekt Medya profs Rumancy turist palats 🏅 kram From Irak ( 💚 kurdstan 💚

[@ChrisLarsen760]

San Diego isn't what it used to be. I was fortunate enough to have experienced it from 1996 through 2019, and I witnessed a decline like I never imagined..

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

I witnessed it from 1955 to 1973 and it was a lot more fun then.

[@voodootrucker1896]

We still live on Sunset Cliffs 🏄🏖️🚛🇺🇲

[@bconn2003]

I moved here in 1987 and San Diego has gotten better since.

[@GrumpyCat24]

​@@bconn2003stop lying 🤥 😂

[@firehehe2]

I still live here. It’s expensive, yes. But if you live a reasonable life, it’s still America’s finest city. Sucks for you who have left.

[@jumpingship3001]

Old Juan wasnt the first to discover what we call San Diego.

[@brianarbenz7206]

This film ooozes all the myopic assumptions of the early '60s.

[@voodootrucker1896]

Jealous 🤣

[@icecreamforcrowhurst]

Lol this film IS from the 60’s so why would it reflect assumptions from any other era? Frankly, your comment oozes quite a few assumptions as well.

[@GrumpyCat24]

Great isn't it??? 😂

[@gregoryagogo]

Can we 'buy' a version without the time stamp?

[@chippewapartners]

One thing hasn't changed. The United States government still holds the keys to the best real estate in the county. Miramar should be a world-class airport.

[@GrumpyCat24]

Did Manuels restaurant become Casa de Pico??

[@sunflower8035]

Exactly what I was thinking. Looks like Casa de Pico

[@showaltermicro]

WAS not today

[@stevenbaker436]

Adam Sandler!

[@johnjaco5544]

It is very sad to see it now with all the crime drugs prostitutes home invasion robberies expensive real estate And rogue police.

[@CLaFong]

Wow a lot of OLD MAN SYNDROME. Everything was better in the past. Your living is the land of nostalgic delusion! The city is better today than ever today!

[@svjim1]

We didn't have tents along the sidewalks back then. And kids walked to school and played in the streets. And nobody ever heard of a school being in lock down. You had real radio stations and better local TV. A house cost less than 20,000.

[@CLaFong]

@@svjim1 Still delusional dude. You can still walk to school, the crime rate in the 70's & 80's was higher. Just more paranoid today. School lock downs are not a uniquely San Diego thing and houses were cheaper everywhere. People make more money today so houses cost more. Nothing unique to San Diego.

[@voodootrucker1896]

We still live in OB, San Diego 🏄🏖️🚛🇺🇲

[@voodootrucker1896]

No worthless BLM and ANTIFA terrorists back then, just useless Hippies that later on destroyed the USA under Installed Biden

[@tristanwwsd]

There are video after video of proof you are wrong and yet you are unable to see it. Amazing.

[@michaelmckeel3992]

Tons better now that diversity has enriched us.

[@svjim1]

LOL... That is a joke isn't it?

[@voodootrucker1896]

Diversity=Division.... Unity=United.... choose wisely 🚛🇺🇲

[@voodootrucker1896]

@@svjim1 funny joke at that 👍😆

[@michaelmckeel3992]

@@svjim1 Little bit of irony, Jim. We know what it has done to us.

[@michaelmckeel3992]

@@voodootrucker1896 Funny, but lethal...for many of our people. What will be very, very funny is the retribution that will, hopefully, come swiftly and without mercy...in Minecraft, of course.

[@GrumpyCat24]

Sea world is like Disneyland now and being sued by the city of San diego for $12 million in backrent 😂😂😂 🐳 🦈 🐧 🐠 🐬 🦭🐠🐡🐟🐙🦀🦞🦐🦑 🎢

[@sunflower8035]

😂 haha, Sea World sucks!

[@stphinkle]

Part of this was due to the COVID-19 pandemic closure.

[@sunflower8035]

@@stphinkleWell there’s something positive that came out of Covid

[@RIXRADvidz]

hesh teq BTDT Been There Done That don't have to go back .

[@quesoblanco444]

Yeah, dont bother, nothing has changed much anyhow. Sea World literally has not changed their signage since opening day! Only thing different is the killer whale show now uses an animatronic whale operated by remote control.

[@voodootrucker1896]

@@quesoblanco444 More nonsense huh ? I live across the San Diego river from Sea World, you're clueless

[@quesoblanco444]

@@voodootrucker1896 So what have you done to help the homeless besides demonizing them to feel better about yourself? You calling people living on the streets trash proves my point that nothing has changed.

[@robinshushan9379]

The Star of India brought "immigrants"...and by that, we mean slaves, folks.

[@deeexxx8138]

This series are the worst travelouges, a bunch of awkward talking heads, bring on the goils!