The Delhi Durbar
Arrival and Reception of Their Imperial Majesties at Princep's Ghat Calcutta
December 30th, 1911
THE last stage of Their Imperial Majesties' journey through their Indian Empire is now reached, and some of the concluding scenes, it may safely be said, eclipse in magnificence, if that were possible, what has gone before. This film depicts the brief ceremony that took place at Princep's Ghat on the arrival of Their Majesties in Calcutta.
Synopsis
1. Their Imperial Majesties' launch
approaching. A magnificent panorama.
2. The Reception of the King and Queen
The Royal Party is seen advancing between a double line of bluejackets drawn up for inspection.
3. The Decorated Courtyard
through which the procession is advancing.
4. Another View of the Procession
Excellent close views of the King and Queen are afforded in this section as Their Imperial Majesties advance towards the camera.
5. Their Majesties on the Dais
receiving the homage of the Native Chiefs.
No. 516 Code "Cepurici" 340 feet
The Pageant Procession
CEREMONIAL in India in which elephants do not take part seems lacking in something essential. Those who had seen previous Durbars never tired of telling the less experienced that they had no idea of what Indian pageantry could be until they had been present at an elephant procession. The Pageant arranged at Calcutta in honour of Their Imperial Majesties certainly justified the statement. So imposing and even overwhelming a spectacle could not be conceived by anyone who had not seen it, and, thanks to KINEMACOLOR, those who have no opportunity for Eastern travel may see it also, in all the gorgeous colors of reality. Nothing like it has ever been achieved before even by KINEMACOLOR. Such colors were in evidence at this Pageant as are never found at ordinary ceremonial in any country, and KINEMACOLOR faithfully reproduces them all-rich purples and plum-colors, dark reds and browns, gold and silver lustres, light blues and orange-in fact pretty well all the colors of the spectrum are to be seen in the pictures of this procession. Mention must also be made of the unusual procedure and appearance of the Pageant. In addition to the elephants which give it its special character, the Hindus taking part were attired in very distinctive garb and many of them wore costumes quite strikingly beautiful. A pageant master of unequalled skill must have been responsible for the organisation of this event.
Synopsis
1. Arrival of Their Imperial Majesties
in their carriage. They take their seats on golden thrones and in due course the pageant begins.
2. The Procession Opens
with a long line of natives in white costumes with trousers of orange hue.
3. A Long Distance View of the Procession
is given next and this is certainly very striking, conveying as it does a definite
stereoscopic effect and sense of distance.
4. Magnificently Caparisoned Horses
without riders have a dignity quite their own, as is apparent in this section.
5. An Oxen-drawn Coach
of splendid aspect. The vehicle has a canopy covered with red velvet and gold
embroidery.
6. Natives Carrying Palanquins
next pass, and they add their own characteristic Oriental touch to the scene.
7. The Elephant Procession
These huge creatures now appear, each one seeming more resplendent than the last, in magnificent trappings of every imaginable hue. On several is a splendid cloth which shimmers in the sunlight; one is adorned with a fine dark-red cloth, with embroideries; others are covered with crimson velvet. Every detail is perfectly
reproduced by KINEMACOLOR. Many-have on their backs gilded howdahs, some occupied and some empty. The cumulative effect of this part of the procession upon the senses is almost overwhelming; at times the whole screen seems to be filled with a riot of gorgeous color such as has never been seen before even on a KINEMACOLOR screen.
8. Banner Bearers
A number of natives now pass carrying banners of silver tissue which in the sunshine glint like white satin.
9. Another Elephant Procession
follows and this section contains animals whose grey hides are accurately shown on the screen. At this point it seems as though the intention was to secure that each elephant passing should be larger than the one preceding it, and a very impressive effect is obtained.
10. Horsemen in Chain Armour
form the next and quite unexpected feature of the pageant; they give a touch of medieval dignity that is very attractive. It should be noted, too, how well the
exact color of chain mail is presented.
11. A Number of Camels
now pass to give further variety. Near them are men on foot carrying gold-tipped rods - a graceful party.
12. War Dance of the Orissa Paiks
The Paiks are the relics of the ancient yeomanry of Orissa. As a military force they have ceased to exist, but they are used now-a-days in the Orissa States to guard the Palace and the Treasury. Their principal arms are the broad straight sword and the small round or square shield peculiar to Orissa, which they use with great effect in the exceedingly vigorous and sprightly dance here shown. Their costumes are of brilliant hues, and their dance seems to take the form of duelling with one another.
13. Return of the Procession
This gives another opportunity for picking out the more remarkable items in this extraordinary procession. A lively touch is provided by some camels which get
out of hand and give their drivers a few anxious moments.
14. Elephant Carts
A close view concludes of huge vehicles drawn by elephants and looking large enough to contain a fair-sized house. One of the carts is conveying some scores
of people.
No. 518 Code "Cepuricum" 1,270 feet
Their Imperial Majesties' Departure from Calcutta
January 8th, 1912
AN exceedingly well taken picture is this one, showing Their Majesties' departure from Calcutta. The camera-man has made the most of his opportunities in the picturesque background afforded by the estuary of the Hoogly.
Synopsis
1. Their Majesties Embarking
The Royal party crosses a bridge beyond which is a gilded canopy, and beyond that again a distant and beautiful stretch of country. The Royal Standard may be observed floating over the yacht.
2. Boarding the "Howrah"
The steamer has the Royal coat-of-arms on the paddle-box and green hangings
over the bulwarks.
3. The Boat Swings Clear
This is a very pretty scene and full of color contrast in the natural blue of the water, the grey-greens of the distant landscape, and the crimson carpet of the
landing stage.
4. Waving Farewells from the Landing Stage
The ferry steamer is now some hundreds of yards away and we are getting a view of the scene at the landing stage, on which are a number of light blue banners.
A crowd of distinguished people are waving their farewells. The ferry steamer proceeds up river to connect with the railway from Calcutta to Bombay.
No. 520 Code "Ceracecus" 325 feet