Film opens with glimpse of an American 1950 Buick sedan and two cars behind it, parked on a flight line near a line of Italian de Havilland Vampire jet fighter planes. Scene changes to General Lauris Norstad, commander in chief, of USAFE (United states Air force in Europe) making a brief inspection of a tent camp of the Italian Air Force fliers who are participating in Exercise Cirrus, an air exercise for the Allied air forces in Central Europe. He and Italian Air Force officers walk back to his 1950 Buick sedan staff car, parked on the flight line. The officers and General Norstad exchange salutes and hand shakes, and Norstad enters the back seat of his car. The Italian officers enter another 1950 Buick sedan, that displays 4 stars on its bumper. Change of scene shows General Norstad and others near some large olive drab tents where American fliers in flight gear are standing about conversing. General Norstad enters one of the tents followed by a photographer. He is followed by an unidentified U.S. Air Force Major General Who exits soon after and walks away. As Norstad emerges from the tent, the U.S. fliers move out of his way and exchange salutes with him as he passes. Shift in scene shows Norstad exiting another tent and then being surrounded by American and Italian officers. A field ambulance is seen in the background. General Norstad moves to the head of the group, accompanied by a U.S. Air Force colonel. Others in the group follow.
A DC-6 aircraft, carrying Queen Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon of the United Kingdom (Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother), taxis after landing at Uplands Airport (Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, 1000 Airport Parkway Private, Ottawa, ON K1V 9B4, Canada) in Ottawa, Canada. The Queen Mother descends steps from the aircraft. Quick view of parliamentary luncheon for 300 persons given in her honor. The Queen Mother receives a bouquet of flowers at the airport and reviews an honor guard of The 1st Black Watch (RHR) of Canada, in an airport hangar. Canadian officials in a line, being greeted by the Queen Mother. Afterwards, she enters an automobile with a clear plastic roof.
Highlights covering General Douglas MacArthur, from 1945 through 1950. The Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan. Several Japanese bowing towards the Palace. General Douglas MacArthur exits a car in Tokyo and walks up steps to enter his headquarters in Japan. Emperor Hirohito walks between two U.S. sentries, as he leaves a building and enters his limousine. Japanese citizens form lines on streets to cast ballots in election.Several Japanese women voting. Exterior of the Japanese National Diet building. Interior with representatives seated. A farmer behind a cultivator, pulled by an ox, in a rice paddy. Japanese school children waving American and Japanese flags together, as MacArthur leaves his Tokyo headquarters, walks down steps, and enters car. MacArthur saluting at a military ceremony, where his wife, Jean MacArthur, and son Arthur are spectators. Explosions in hills, from American Patton tank shelling North Korean positions in Korean War. American soldiers firing a mortar; infantry advancing along sides of road; and American tank commander rendering first aid to wounded comrade. United States Air Force (USAF) C-47 transport aircraft ferrying American troops into Korea, from Japan. American infantry marching across a bridge; firing mortars and rifles; and advancing on foot across fields. American troops on trucks followed by a Patton medium tank. MacArthur meeting troops on river boat; riding in a jeep; being briefed by U.S. officer in the field; examining a knocked out tank; and decorating U.S. troops in winter. Closeup of MacArthur in winter gear with his circle of five stars pined into a fur cap. Views of U.S. amphibious landing at Inchon (or Incheon) in Korean War. MacArthur watching from a ship offshore. Syngman Rhee, President of South Korea, reading message of appreciation to General MacArthur and shaking hands with him at the podium. U.S. President Harry S. Truman, pinning a medal on General MacArthur,on Wake Island in October, 1950.
1950 newsreel clip on growth of the television industry in the United States. Announcer notes the popularity of athletic events on TV (especially baseball) . Shots of game between Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants at the Giants' stadium, the Polo Grounds. Vintage TV cameras marked 'WPIX' capture the action. #36 Don Newcombe of the Dodgers pitches to #12 Eddie Stanky of the Giants. Cameras transmit game to TV control center, which sends signal to home antennas. Woman and three boys seen watching television broadcast of the game at home on a small 1950s-era TV in a family living room. Scene shifts to horse racing, with camera marked NBC WNBT capturing an unknown horse race. Men at bar seen watching the race.
Centennial Celebrations in Canada. A Centennial memorial flame is lit on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, by Prime Minister of Canada Lester B. Pearson on New Year's Day 1967. View of the Peace Tower of Parliament Hill (Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9, Canada) with fireworks. Canadian provinces celebrate the Centennial year with pomp and show. Fireworks, balloons, birthday cakes and parades are part of the celebrations.
John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir, British Governor General of Canada, broadcasts New Year's message to citizens of Canada. He speaks about the death of King George V, of England, and of his successor, King Edward VIII, who of his own will resigned from his high office. He gives New year wishes and talks about his travels and what he has seen that has made him optimistic about Canada and its future.