Indiana University Libraries Moving Image Archive

Round the World Trip 1939 : Part 1 - South Asia and Europe

About this item

Description This movie documents farewell activities at the Port of Melbourne with members of the Gair family and friends on board the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company, or simply P&O, ship, the SS Orontes. It then progresses through South Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Europe. Specific countries shown include Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka), Yemen, Egypt, Italy, France, and England. Specific cities, locations, and activities include Colombo, the capital city of 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 of Giza, and local peoples. Naples, Italy follows with black and white and color footage of the ruins at Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius (which was active during filming!). 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.
Duration 50:01
Color/Black & White Color and Black & White
Sound/Silent Silent
Film Stock 16mm

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