Ep 2. Ripley: Believe It or Not

For over three decades, cartoonist and adventurer Robert Ripley traveled the globe collecting oddities and artifacts that became the foundation of his "Believe It or Not!" franchise, which included newspapers, radio shows, and later, television programs. The episode "Ripley: Believe It or Not" from season 27 of American Experience gives an in-depth look into the life of Ripley, who was one of the most famous and controversial personalities of the early 20th century.

The episode begins with Ripley's early years in Santa Rosa, California, where he was born in 1890. He was the eldest of five children and grew up as a self-described "odd child," due in part to his mother's belief in Spiritualism, which often involved seances and other mystical practices. Ripley's documented fascination with the unusual and unusual dates back to his youth, and he reportedly had an early interest in collecting stamps, coins, and other odd objects.

After a brief stint as a sports cartoonist, Ripley began his career as a "Believe It or Not!" cartoonist in 1918 with the New York Globe, where his unusual drawings and odd stories quickly became a national sensation. His unique approach to sharing strange facts and stories inspired copycats in the media industry, and he soon built an empire of newspaper syndicates, books, radio shows, and worldwide exhibitions.

One of the most interesting aspects of "Ripley: Believe It or Not" is the way it examines Ripley's impact on popular culture during the first half of the 20th century. His "Believe It or Not!" cartoons and radio shows played a significant role in shaping the public's view of the world, and he helped make oddity-hunting a national pastime. The documentary features interviews with Ripley's granddaughter, reporters, and experts in the history of American popular culture, who discuss his lasting influence.

The program also delves into Ripley's personal life, examining his complicated relationships with women and his lack of political correctness, which made him a controversial figure in his time. Ripley was notorious for his penchant for exotic women, and his often-exploitative romantic relationships drew intense scrutiny by the press and public opinion.

Despite these character flaws, however, Ripley's "Believe It or Not!" continues to influence popular culture to this day. The episode examines the modern-day legacy of this franchise, including its incorporation into the Ripley's Believe It or Not! museums, which attract millions of visitors annually.

The documentary also features archival footage and photographs, including Ripley's extensive travel diaries, which he kept throughout his life, marking the places he visited and the oddities he collected. Viewers will be captivated by the array of oddities he compiled, including a human hairball, a two-headed snake, and a totem pole made entirely of chewing gum.

Overall, "Ripley: Believe It or Not" is a captivating examination of one of the most eccentric personalities of the early 20th century. The episode is informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking, offering a unique window into the past and the modern-day fascination with oddity and wonder.