Title:BAALBEC AND BEIRUT/TRIPOLI MATERIAL [Allocated Title]
Film Number:IWM 39
Other titles:
Summary: Somewhat muddled footage principally showing the ruins at Baalbec, and the arrival of British troops in a middle-eastern town, presumably also in Palestine, 1918.
Description: Views of the ruins of Baalbec, with occasional glimpses of a visiting British officer and enthusiastic local guides who make great efforts to excite his (and the camera's) interest in a lion's head carving. A panorama of a valley, showing some terrace farming and groves of trees, then another panorama from a mountain over the lowlands to the sea shore. A British officer and two (Indian ?) troops pose by a coastal defence gun; watched by some local children, they traverse and elevate the barrel. A military column led by a mounted officer moves through a small town street watched by a crowd of onlookers, many in fezes; this is followed by several more units in an informal parade with fewer onlookers past a mounted officer. The troops include both Indian troops and Highlanders, the latter led by pipers. Views of a city square, then more shots of the ruins, and more of the marchpast. Panning view over a city waterfront with some sunken ships. High angle shot of activity around a bandstand in a wooded park, panning right to street with tramlines. A final return to the city square.
Production Details: Ministry of Information (Production sponsor)
Topical Film Company (Production company)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Indian Army, Egyptian Expeditionary Force (regiment/service)
Indian Army, 7th (Meerut) Division (regiment/service)
British Army, Egyptian Expeditionary Force (regiment/service)
British Army, Black Watch, 2nd Battalion (regiment/service)
British Army, Seaforth Highlanders, 1st Battalion (regiment/service)
