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The Duck Diaries: A Cold War Quest for Friendship Across the Americas

Matt Twomey
United States, 2014, 89 min.

In English.

In 1961, seven young Americans took to the open road in a surplus Army "Duck" to promote friendship with their Latin American neighbors at a time of tremendous global tensions. Their bold cross-continental expedition drew headlines and a sendoff on NBC's "Today" show. They faced sometimes hostile students, formidable terrain and roadside bandits. But a water crossing to Colombia was their biggest test. After three harrowing days being bucked by huge waves, they found themselves marooned. Could their never-say-die spirit and the help of a murderer and a U.S. president  get these freewheeling goodwill ambassadors back on the road?

Director's Statement

'The Duck Diaries' is a historical document of true adventure with a purpose. Thematically, it is about the importance of reaching out across cultures, and the surprising power of unbending commitment to a shared goal. The director knew the story all his life ' his father was one of the seven on 'El Pato Valiente,' or 'The Valiant Duck,' the name given the vehicle. In his thirties, he began collecting and assembling the tattered old 16mm film, yellowing news clippings and telegrams, and scarred slides, as well as filming the interviews to tell the tale ' a little-known episode under the JFK administration.


Themes: Historical, Latin America, Road Trip, Friendship.