The Delhi Durbar
The State Garden Party at Delhi Fort
December 13th, 1911
To the architectural and natural beauties of the Diwan-i-Khas at Delhi Fort were added, on the afternoon of December 13th, the beauty of fair ladies and gay dresses and the brightness of uniforms and Oriental costumes. The occasion was the State Garden Party given by Their Imperial Majesties. Invitations had been issued on a liberal scale, and before three o'clock several hundred guests had emerged from the long string of motor-cars and carriages which were blocking all roads to the Fort. The sun was still high when Their Imperial Majesties arrived, the King-Emperor wearing a grey frock coat, and the Queen-Empress a dress of pale heliotrope-colored brocade with a hat trimmed with white ostrich feathers. They were received with salutes from the Guards of Honour drawn from the 1st Battalion Highland Light Infantry and the 25th Punjabis.
Outside was held the Badshahi Mela, or people's fete, and it was arranged that during the Garden Party Their Majesties would show themselves, according to ancient custom, on the walls of the Fort, clothed in their Robes of State, before many thousands of their Indian subjects. About half-past four o'clock Their Majesties stepped out on the historic parokha, the small balcony where the ancient Moghuls received the acclamation of Delhi citizens. As they appeared alone, two brilliant figures thrown into prominence by the whiteness of the surrounding walls, a great shout arose from the multitude assembled outside the Fort. At the same moment a huge procession was started and the people passed by in dense formation, Their Majesties remaining in their position and watching the wonderful scene for about an hour. Although photographed between four o'clock and five-thirty p.m. the proceedings at the Garden Party are perfectly reproduced by KINEMACOLOR. The beautiful surroundings of the Fort and the splendid buildings there are shown in detail. Various scenes at the Garden Party are included and finally Their Imperial Majesties are seen leaving the Diwan-i-Khas and taking their seats at the parokha.
No. 509 Code "Cepitidis" 295 feet
The Royal Review of 50,000 Troops
Delhi, December 14th
THERE has probably never been, in the history of the British Empire, a more impressive and comprehensive demonstration of the strength of the military forces of the Crown than that which took place at Delhi on December 14th. Fifty thousand troops - British and Indian, horse and foot, artillery and mountain batteries - passed in review order before Their Imperial Majesties, and at the conclusion there was a cavalry charge, forming a magnificent finale to a wonderful military spectacle. The immense variety of uniforms as shown by KINEMACOLOR is very striking, and owing to the fact that a special stand was placed at the disposal of the KINEMACOLOR camera-men the picture has been taken from a point above the heads of the soldiers, so that the nearest men do not hide from view the long lines of troops marching in company formation. A far better idea is thus obtained of the immense number of men taking part In the Review. At times the plain, so far as the eye can reach appears to be a mass of moving heads. Each regiment taking part in the Review is represented in the film. With the assistance of a good orchestra, and, if possible, of a drum and fife band when the infantry is passing, the utmost enthusiasm may be evoked when this film is presented.
Synopsis - Part I
1. Bluejackets from S.S. "Medina"
marching to take up their position for the Review.
2. The Royal Standard
floating in the breze. This beautiful silken emblem is forty feet in length.
3. Arrival of His Imperial Majesty
on his magnificent black charger. In the distance are the troops lined up for inspection prior to the Review.
4. Arrival of Her Imperial Majesty
in her carriage. As Their Majesties reached the review ground, a salute of 101 guns was fired by the 9th and 10th Brigades, Royal Horse Artillery.
5. The Commencement of the Review
The Royal horse Artillery leads the way, advancing by brigades in line of batteries at close intervals. A view taken along the lines shows admirably the splendid marching of the troops. In spite of the great length of the line a perfectly regular front is presented.
No. 510a Code "Cepolidae" 915 feet
Part II
6. Indian Troops
are mainly to be seen in this part of the film. It may be noted that the turbans of the soldiers in Indian regiments are all different, a distinction well brought out by KINEMACOLOR.
7. Indian Civil Service Volunteers
A fine body of men in khaki consisting of members of the Indian Civil Service. They are followed at a short interval by a troop of Ghourkas.
8. His Imperial Majesty
is seen at the saluting base, just as the Camel Corps go by.
9, In Front of a Body of Indian Troops
next passing, may be observed a little seven-year-old boy, the Nawab of Bawalpur, riding on a camel; he is one of the youngest Prince in India.
No. 510b "Review" 2,030 feet
Part III
10. The Artillery Charge
This thrilling portion of the film shows the Royal Horse Artillery and cavalry passing the saluting base at a gallop. As the KINEMACOLOR camera-men were stationed a few yards beyond His Majesty they have been able to reproduce the charge at a moment when the troops were at their highest speed.
11. The End of the Review
His Majesty is seen leaving the field with his retinue and Her Majesty joins the
procession in her carriage, her escort consisting of the Imperial Cadet Corps.
12. A Color Opportunity
When the Standard is being lowered and furled a remarkable example of color photography is obtained. The wind catches and extends it so that its beautiful silken texture is displayed to the KINEMACOLOR camera at close quarters. Every detail of the design is perfectly reproduced in actual colors.
No. 510c Code "Reviewed" 1,040 feet
When ordering the separate Reels of this Subject the above Code-Words apply, but when the complete Review is required the following should be quoted.
No. 510 Code "Wholeview" 2,985 feet
Point to Point Races
Delhi, December, 13th, 1911
AN Anglo-Indian sporting event is portrayed in this picturesque and well-taken subject, which is evidence of the far-famed keenness of the white population of India in sporting matters. From a color point of view, special mention must be made of the perfect reproduction by KINEMACOLOR of the brightly colored and glossy satin coats of the riders. The brightness and interest of horse-racing, especially under such excellent weather conditions as prevailed on this particular day are brought out most vividly on the screen.
Synopsis
1. Weighing In
The beautifully groomed horses are here seen undergoing the usual preliminaries of the contest. The glint of the sunlight on their glossy coats is most effective, and the light blue, orange, crimson, yellow and other hues of the jockeys' satin jackets are reproduced to the exact shade of the original.
2. The Races
A fine picture taken as the horses come over the hurdles. Here one indeed enjoys the pleasurable excitement of the real thing.
3. "Harlequin,"
the winner of the Queen-Empress Cup. A good picture of little Miss Nethersole, daughter of the owner, holding the bridle of the winning animal. A splendid piece of natural color portraiture.
No. 511 Code "Cepotafio" 230 feet
State Departure of Their Imperial Majesties
Delhi, December 16th, 1911
SPECIAL interest attaches to this subject from a kinematographic standpoint because of the fact that at the suggestion of Mr. Charles Urban, who considered that such an opportunity for a historic picture could not be neglected, the route of the Royal procession to the station upon the day of Their Imperial Majesties' departure was altered in order that it might pass the famous Ridge, round which linger many precious memories. Incidentally, by taking this route a compliment was paid to the Press, whose camp adjoining the spot and may be seen in the film. The scene at the station is not by any means the least effective in which Their Majesties took part during their sojourn in the Indian capital, and a feature of the picture is the number of close views that are afforded of the Royal pair.
Synopsis
1. The Royal Procession Passing the Press Camp
at the base of the Ridge. The procession consisted of the following:- The Inspector-General of Police, Punjab, a cavalry escort, a battery of the Royal Horse Artillery, the Escort Staff, Army Headquarter's Staff, the Commander-in-Chief, Indian trumpeters, British trumpeters, the King-Emperor's Staff, the bodyguard, Their Imperial Majesties, the Imperial Cadet Corps, Members of the Household (in carriages) and an lndian Cavalry escort. As the procession approached the Ridge various portions of the escort filed off and formed up by the route, leaving only the heralds and trumpeters, the bodyguard and the Imperial Cadet Corps to enter the Selimgarh Bastion with the Royal carriage.
2. The Panorama of the Camp,
given at this point, shows very effectively the extent of this portion of the Durbar
Camp. If is a wonderfully stereoscopic and beautiful picture of what is probably
the most extensive "tented city" known, at any rate since the human race gave
up residence under canvas as a general practice.
3. The Reception at the Station
The departure of Their Imperial Majesties, like their arrival, took place at the Selimgarh Bastion of Delhi Fort, where a special station had been erected for their convenience.
4. The First Royal Train draws up at the platform
The King-Emperor is to go to Nepal, and the Queen-Empress to Agra.
5. The Procession Coming from the Fort
This is a very effective scene: As the Royal Carriage comes into view a portion of the mounted escort, taking a different course, breaks into a canter and is partially enveloped in a cloud of dust. The perfectly natural reproduction of such every-day sights as a cloud of dust is one of the charms of KINEMACOLOR.
6. Their Majesties Exchanging Farewells
with Lord and Lady Hardinge, with the heads of local governments and administrations, and with other officials and members of the Durbar Committee.
7. Close Views of Their Majesties
are obtained as they ascend the steps by which the platform is reached. One
or two last farewells are exchanged after this and His Imperial Majesty enters
his train, which draws away, and the other train approaches for the reception
of the Queen-Empress. After she has entered it, it proceeds in the opposite
direction.
8. The Crowds leaving the Station
This fashionable concourse affords the KINEMACOLOR cameras plenty of scope for good color effects, and we notice some charming costumes worn by fair passers-by. Court attire and resplendent uniforms are also much in evidence.
No. 512 Code "Ceppaia" 810 feet
The King's Camp and the Chiefs' Receptions
THIS film is remarkably full of human interest and scenes of rare and unexampled beauty. It affords also an excellent idea of the great expense to which the Indian potentates went in their loyal endeavours, which were certainly highly successful, to celebrate in a befitting manner so unusual an event as a visit to India of a King-Emperor and his Consort. It is not often that such diversity is crowded into one film as is to be found in this one.
Synopsis
1. The Ceremony of Changing the Guard
The State trumpeters passing on their way to take up magnificent cloth of gold of their uniform is well shown. their positions. The
2. An Historic Military Event
The change of guard which is now taking place marks the first occasion since the
Mutiny on which an Indian guard has been relieved by a guard direct from England. The regiments concerned are the 2nd Battalion the Royal Fusiliers and the 4th Battalion King's Royal Rifles (the 60th).
3. The March Past of the Band
Non-commissioned officers with the colors march past. A party of Highlanders.
4. Tommies Off Duty A picture that will thrill some individual in many an audience as he or she - especially she - recognises in one of these faces shown with such life-like realism on the screen, some familiar friend, relative or lover. It is a perfectly characteristic group of the flower of the British Army. Their smiling, happy faces will spread an infection of cheerfulness in every audience.
5. A Group of Indian Soldiers
The change from the fair, fresh complexions of the British-born soldier to the swarthy skin of his Indian comrade - with whom, as this picture makes manifest,
"Tommy Atkins" is on the best of terms - is striking indeed, but KINEMACOLOR
is in no-wise disconcerted by the sudden transition. These deeper hues are equally well recorded, and so are the slight differences of complexion between one Indian and another. A harder test of color photography, or one more triumphantly met, could scarcely be conceived.
6. The Receptions in the Chiefs' Camps
The Governor-General's coach draws up at the handsome pavilion of the Maharajah of Charkari. This is an exceedingly gorgeous edifice with a splendid portico. The film also shows the visitors leaving and the curious sight may be observed of gentlemen in uniform or Court dress wearing garlands of flowers placed round their unaccustomed chests as a mark of special honour by the hospitable Indian Chiefs.
7. A Reception in Another Camp
Troops carriages which are masses of gilding, and men in splendid uniforms pass
before the onlooker in almost bewildering confusion. Such magnificence seems
inconceivable in the matter-of-fact twentieth century. Through each of these scenes a delightful soft light prevails, adding very greatly to the indescribable beauty of the picture.
8. A Portrait Group
of members of the Imperial Cadet Corps. In this group are twenty-eight of the
best-known Princes of India. It may be imagined how much care had to be
devoted to choosing the sitters and settling questions of precedence. The boy in
the centre is a Prince who is only five years of age, the Maharajah of Rewah.
9. The Begum of Bhopal,
who was such a popular figure at Delhi during Durbar week, is to be seen in her
carriage, and following is an Indian potentate in a resplendent gold coach, which
passes close to the camera, giving an opportunity for the reproduction of all the
details of the delicate chasing. The lustre of the metal is well shown.
10. An Indian in a Red Velvet Coat
is a striking figure at this moment, and other natives shown immediately afterwards
are wearing coats of black velvet, adorned with gold braiding, while others still are in cloth of gold.
11. The Hon. Sir J. P. Hewitt, K.C.S.I.,
the President of the Durbar Committee, to whom is mainly due the fact that all
the immense and elaborate arrangements for the ceremonies went through without
a hitch of any sort. An excellent portrait of this popular figure.
No 513 Code "Cepphic" 1,000 feet
Preparations for the Calcutta Pageant
MANY magnificent examples of color photography are included in this film, which shows elephants and other animals being prepared for the Calcutta Pageant. One of the most striking scenes is the painting of the forehead and trunk of one of the elephants, and another is a kind of rehearsal of the elephant procession after the huge participants are in readiness. Many other curious scenes of Indian life are also contained in the film, which is fun of the most gorgeous Eastern coloring.
Synopsis
1. An Elephant Cart
An immense vehicle drawn by two elephants. A number of elephants being adorned for the pageant are to be seen in this section. A splendidly caparisoned horse. Oxen in superb trappings.
2. Natives Painting the Trunks of Elephants
One is engaged in dabbing spots of red paint on the forehead of a magnificent
beast which already has ornate designs down its trunk.
3. A Procession of Elephants
The beautiful trappings, consisting of cloth of gold and similar handsome materials, are perfectly shown by KINEMACOLOR and form a very fine piece of color work.
4. Natives in Gay Costumes
pass the camera. In the background a number of elephants in readiness for the
pageant procession may be observed.
5. A Camel Being Harnessed
Oxen wearing magnificent trappings are also to be seen. Natives are seated on
the ground preparing decorations for the different animals.
6. An Oxen-drawn Cart
of gorgeous appearance. Men carrying a howdah which is to be placed on the
back of an elephant.
7. Members of a Native Band
in brilliant red and green uniforms. A drum adorned with waving plumes.
8. More Examples of Decorated Elephants
Men putting gilt howdahs on their backs. Elephants in line; a beautiful spectacle.
9. A Procession of Natives and Elephants
The somewhat sober hues of the men's attire make an effective contrast against
the splendour of the elephants' trappings.
10. The Oxen-drawn Cart
This is now seen as it will be in the actual procession. It is decorated with rich crimson velvet and gilding.
11. Men Bearing Palanquins
More elephants in procession. Many of them are adorned with hangings of lovely shimmering silver cloth.
12. A Band of Natives
in uniforms of orange and red. They are carrying banners of silk that glisten most effectively in the sunlight.
No. 515 Code "Cepulam" 1,035 feet