Browse By

more »

1. Round the World Trip 1939: Part 1 - South Asia and Europe (47:54)

Date:
19uu
Main contributors:
Richard Leslie Gair (1892-1970)
Summary:
Comprised of travelogue sequences from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Countries shown include British Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka), Yemen, Egypt, Italy, France, and England. Specific cities, locations, and activities include Colombo, the capitol city of Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka), that include wildlife (elephants) and local street scenes. Another sequence showcases the port city of Aden, Yemen and another in Egypt with a shot of “Cooks Rest House,” the pyramids, the Sphinx, and local peoples. Naples, Italy follows with black and white and color footage of the ruins at Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius (which appears to be active in one shot at 20:50!). London, England sequences are particularly interesting for their bustling urban shots and depiction of escalating wartime propaganda publications and signage, as well as capturing the Guard Mounting and Trooping of the Colour ceremonies. Several shots are taken specifically around Oxford and Regent Street. Footage consists of a combination of color and black and white film stock with title cards inserted for new locations.

2. Round the World Trip 1939: Part 3 – USA and Canada (51:57)

Date:
19uu
Main contributors:
Richard Leslie Gair (1892-1970)
Summary:
McRobbie-Gair Family Home Movies : Film consists of travelogue sequences mainly of the Eastern United States and Canada, with footage from New York, Washington D.C., Virginia, Illinois, and New Mexico. The film opens with shots of the New York City skyline and Times Square at night with an amazing light show of entertainment and advertising signage. We see the marquee of several historic movie theatres, including the Loew’s State Theatre and the Strand Theatre, showing 'Only Angels Have Wings' (1939) and 'Indianapolis Speedway' (1939), respectively. Other notable footage includes a segment of the 1939-40 New York World’s Fair. There is also footage from George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Virginia, Chicago, IL cityscapes, and wonderful footage of Niagara Falls. Moving north to Canada the film captures shots from Montreal, Toronto, and Québec City. Notable sequences include shots of Montmorency Falls and Château Frontenac in Québec City. Finally, the film travels to the American Southwest of New Mexico, including the cities of Gallop and Albuquerque. The film captures in amazing detail an “Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial” in Gallop, according to a title card, which includes ritual dancing, games (including tug-of-war and foot and horse races), and a rodeo with broncos and bulls. Footage consists of a combination of color and black and white film stock with title cards inserted for new locations and cities.