WLIW21 PBS

March 2nd, 2009
Watch the Preview

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IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MARCO POLO, premiering on public television beginning November 2008 (check local listings), chronicles the journey of two ordinary guys – Denis Belliveau, at the time a wedding photographer, and Francis O’Donnell, an artist and former Marine – as they set out to follow Polo’s historic route. Equal parts travelogue, adventure story, history trek and buddy movie, the 90-minute film weaves footage from the duo’s often perilous voyage with Marco Polo’s descriptions and experiences. Richly enhanced with Belliveau’s award-winning photographs, the program details their highs and lows as they retrace Polo’s path, trying to see what he saw and feel what he must have felt.

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3 Responses to “Watch the Preview”

  1. James McKay says:

    As a person with a great interest in all things Asian , I have followed , studied and read everything I could get my hands on over the years about the great Venetian Explorer . So having just finished reading the magnificent companion book to your brilliant film I need to ask just one question – Why did you leave out so many of the boys amazing stories ? I guess it’s as the old saying goes ” the book is always better “

  2. Bobbie Marsman says:

    After having seen this amazing film I googled our Hero’s to see what other kind of interest there has been about their Historic achievement . All thought all of their publicity has been positive, I ‘ve found a very disturbing trend & that is that Denis & Francis are somehow portrayed as ” regular Guys ” ” Joe six packs ” . I suppose this point of view is quant and endearing but it does them a Terrible Injustice ! These two gentlemen are anything but ” Ordinary ” ! Let’s all learn a little from their Example about life and how to live it !

  3. Shiren R. says:

    I loved the footage and am more inspired to travel then ever before. I think that traveling takes strength and endurance. This film showed that traveling isn’t just good food, but that there is so much to learn about ones self and the world in the adventure. I loved the presentation and am recommending it to friends.

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    • ATTENTION: Confirmed from reliable source, NO DVD of program currently available of PBS show, "In the Footsteps of Marco Polo." ...
      Robert | 25Aug10 | More
    • I visited the Temple of the Tooth with my then 9 year old son in 1997. He was chosen as ...
      Nicola | 21Aug10 | More
    • I just Loved , Loved this program , When will it be shown again in the NY area ? ...
      M.Grant | 13Aug10 | More
    • this is spectacular
      emma cocktail | 3Aug10 | More
    • Dear Friends, of " In the footsteps of Marco Polo " I can no longer be reached at ...
      Francis O’Donnell | 2Aug10 | More
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"It was the best-documented journey of its time, inspiring the imaginations and ambitions of countless adventurers, including Christopher Columbus. Now we, too, can follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo, with guides as vividly exciting and engaging as Marco himself. With both their film and this book Denis and Francis have recreated what Joseph Campbell would have applauded as 'The Hero's Journey.' Come take it yourself and you'll never turn back."
- Bill Moyers
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