Collections Search | BFI | British Film Institute

Empire Troops (Archive title)History of the War: Empire Troops (Alternative title)
Date: 1917 (Release)

Country: United Kingdom



Shotlist: DOCUMENTARY. A history of World War I. "Canadians to Salisbury Plain, England. Indians to Marseilles, France. New Zealanders and Australians to Egypt." (1). Pan along line of Canadian (?) troops with regimental colours. In the background are pitched tents (11). XLS of Australian troops performing keep fit exersises in a large square fomation (20); closer view of same (29). Highland soldiers in kilts cheer on a comrade who dances a jig. In the background are pitched tents (43). The soldiers pose (49). XLS of Indian troops disembarking at Marseilles (?) docks (59). HAS of Indian troops marching down street in Marseilles and cheered by a group of by-standers (108). Australian mounted troops on parade pass camera (117). Australian troops on parade marching (125); artillery passes (135). Pan left of army camp, a number of ambulances are seen (144). Australian troops march along tree-lined road (170). Australian troops beside their tents (193). Pan left of open air kitchen with Egyptians in fez hats cooking. In the background is the army camp and the Pyramids (218ft).Synopsis: A history of the Great War, focussing on troops from the Empire. An opening title outlines the scenes depicted within the film - 'Canadians to Salisbury Plain, England. Indians to Marseilles, France. New Zealanders and Australians to Egypt' - and opens with shots of Canadian troops in Salisbury holding a regimental flag. This is followed by a long shot over the plains showing a military exercise, as a group of soldiers thrust their guns back and forth. The next sequence shows troops relaxing and performing for the camera - one performs a Scottish dance, while his friends laugh, clap and wave their hats - before the men line up informally for a photograph. The next sequence is in Marseille, as carts and Indian soldiers march through the town. Crowds and children watch as they pass. Finally the film shows scenes from Egypt, with Australian troops riding and marching together in a variety of shots. This is followed by shots of the camp, showing the ambulances and tents, as the men relax and finally prepare food and drink as evening falls.

Subjects:
World War I, Egypt, Australian Army, New Zealand Army, Indian Army, Marseilles, Colonial troops, Canada, Troop movements

Series title:
History of the War
Releases
Date: 1917Country: United KingdomRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Black and White - SilentRuntime: 3 mins Length: 218 FeetLanguage: English
Date: 10 January 2017Country: United KingdomRelease type: InternetFormat: not specified - Black and White - SilentRuntime: 4 mins Distributor: BFIPlayer

Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(11)

Accessible materials to view(3)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: CTASound: SilentLength: 218 FeetBFI identifier: C-535541
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)


Description: MP4 - LTO5MPEG-4 AVC - BFI identifier: N-587268
Status: Viewing - Digital file can be accessed on request


Description: MP4 - LTO5MPEG-4 AVC - BFI identifier: N-587268-2
Status: Viewing - Digital file can be accessed on request



Digital materials(8)
Description: DPX - LTO5Duration: 02:34:05 minutesV210 - BFI identifier: N-476339
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: DPX - LTO5Duration: 02:34:05 minutesV210 - BFI identifier: N-476339-2
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: MOV - LTO5ProRes 422 (HQ) - BFI identifier: N-476340
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: MOV - LTO5ProRes 422 (HQ) - BFI identifier: N-476340-2
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: MOV - LTO5Duration: 00:03:21 minutesProRes 422 (HQ) - BFI identifier: N-587209
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: MOV - LTO5Duration: 00:03:21 minutesProRes 422 (HQ) - BFI identifier: N-587209-2
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved digital file


Description: MP4 - LTO5MPEG-4 AVC - BFI identifier: N-587268
Status: Viewing - Digital file can be accessed on request


Description: MP4 - LTO5MPEG-4 AVC - BFI identifier: N-587268-2
Status: Viewing - Digital file can be accessed on request



Film materials(3)
Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: NitrateSound: SilentLength: 218 FeetStock date: 1917BFI identifier: C-78517
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm BW PositiveBase: CTASound: SilentLength: 218 FeetBFI identifier: C-535541
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)


Description: 35mm Dupe NegativeBase: CTASound: SilentLength: 218 FeetBFI identifier: C-535540
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film