Route 66, the Main Street of America was revisted by acclaimed documentary film producer John Paget. It was a Route 66 centennial project. And it was a unique opportunity for a man with a passion for the American story that traveled and documented this iconic highway in 1994 for his film Route 66: An American Odyssey.

Michael Wallis, author of Route 66: The Mother Road and voice of the Sheriff in the animated film Cars, was quoted as saying: “For 30 years, I’ve said that John Paget’s documentary, Route 66: An American Odyssey, is the best documentary ever made on the Mother Road. I can’t wait to see his new film for the Route 66 Centennial!”

Paget did not disappoint with his new film, Route 66: The Main Street of America. Paget, and his wife Robin, masterfully captured the infectious magic that is a Route 66 road trip. More importantly he documented why Route 66 has been known as the Main Street of America for a century, and America’s longest small town n the era of renaissance.

The Route 66 Centennial

I had the opportunity to see the films screening at the historic Beale Street Theater in Kingman, Arizona. Based on reviews and accolades for the film, and Paget’s attention to detail as well as talents, I knew it would be something special. But I was wholly unprepared for such a sensory experience.

Route 66 is no mere road trip. It is the quintesential American road trip. But there are two things that separate it from any other open road adventure.

First, it is the American story made manifest. Tangible links to most every chapter in the American story are found along this legendary highway.

Second, and most importantly, the very essence of what makes America unique is found in every traveler and business owner met along the way. Put these two things together and you have a road trip without equal. Paget was able to capture this magic with his camera, and to take the viewer with him on an emotional stirring journey.

The Legacy

Paget’s first film is a time capsule. For a new generation of Route 66 enthusiast, that film provides a glimpse into the Route 66 community at the dawning of the renaissance era.

His new film will serve as a time capsule that captures the highway’s centennial for future generations. Together the films document the modern history of Route 66.

And after viewing the film I have no doubt that it will inspire people to set forth on their own adventure for decades to come. But I suspect that Route 66: The Main Street of America will serve an even bigger purpose. This film will have a legacy.

The American Story

There is a growing hunger for authenticity. The sterile generic world of social media and chain motels and restaurants where everything has beige overtones leaves an emptiness. There is a perception that America as the shining light on the hill, and a land of opportunity, is tarnished.

Paget’s film is not just emotional. It is truly moving. By putting the focus on the the traveler, the business owner, the preservationist, and the artist, we see that America is still the land of opportunity. We see the inspiration that is the American story made manifest.

With stunning artistry and soundtrack, this film leaves little doubt. Route 66 is the Main Street of America. It is America’s longest small town.

Jim Hinckley’s America

I had the distinct honor of assisting with the development of this Route 66 centennial time capsule. And to have cameo appearances as well as voice overs in the film was humbling.

After the screening I was bestowed with another honor. I was part of on stage panel to answer audience questions about Route 66. The stage was shared with artist and author Bob Boze Bell of True West Magazine. Tim Webb of Tin Can Alley on 66 and Leah Stagg, Director of the Mohave Museum of History & Arts also joined John Paget.

From its inception Jim Hinckley’s America was envisioned as a shared adventure. It was to be a community of people passionate about road trips and the American story. John Paget’s Route 66 centennial masterpiece takes this idea to a whole new level.