Other titles:COLONEL HODGKINSON - AMATEUR FILM [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Edited record of the arrival of the urn containing assassinated Mahatma Gandhi's ashes in Cochin, India. Mourners paying last respects at his shrine.
Description: (B&W) "Mahatmaji's Ashes in Cochin" A dusk shot of a signal gantry. Indian men waiting at the station, wearing black armbands. The urn (containing Gandhi's ashes) stands on a small shelf at the train window and is adorned with flower garlands. A man leans out of the window while another, on the platform, places a garland over the urn, a sign (in Indian script) hangs above the window. A shot of the train and Indian soldiers? on the platform. The train is covered with Indian flags. A sign on a station building reads 'Athukavu', also written in an Indian script. A shot of the people on the platform getting back on the train. The train pulls away (the urn and flags have been removed). A view of the moving train taken from the train itself. Inside the shrine, decorated with flowers, a man carries the urn through a crowd of people, some holding incense burners. The urn is placed on a stand and a garland of flowers placed on top of it. Armed guards head a procession of mourners which includes a large black car. Indian holy men are led from the car and up steps, one of the men lies down on his front and kisses the floor. Inside the shrine a large wreath is placed over the urn. One of the holy men is led through the pavilion. A brief shot of him getting up from kissing the floor. Crowds waiting outside, many with umbrellas. A few armed soldiers stand guard. In the pavilion, mourners file passed the urn paying their respects. Flowers are laid around the urn, more mourners walk passed.
(Colour) The (modern, independent) Indian and Cochin State? (a red flag with two elephants either side of a crest?) flags flying at half mast.
Alternative Title:COLONEL HODGKINSON - AMATEUR FILM [Allocated Series Title]
