Title:ON THE CITY OF CAIRO TO INDIA AND BACK AS SHIPS SURGEON JANUARY 27 TO APRIL 10 1937 [Main Title]
Film Number:MGH 6701
Other titles:AMATEUR FILM BY DR LESLIE WILLIAM SPRATT [Alternative Title]
Summary: An amateur film with inter titles, filmed by Dr Leslie William Spratt, of the voyage on board the Ellerman Hall vessel, the «SS City of Cairo», which was sunk by German U Boat «U-68» on 6 November 1942.
Description: REEL ONE:
TAKING ON CARGO AT BIRKENHEAD.
CRETE. ABOUT 3 MILES OFF THE SHORE. NOTE THE SNOW CAPPED MOUNTAINS APPEARING THROUGH THE CLOUDS.
AN ANCIENT DISUSED FORTRESS ON THE FORESHORE.
POOP DECK. SURGERY 2ND DOOR ON THE RIGHT.
SUEZ CANAL. The German liner «Monte Oliva» from Hamburg passes, flying the swastika flag.
HALFWAY DOWN THE CANAL AT ISMALIA. CHANGING THE PILOTS. Includes footage of the surrounding desert, the town and the ships captain being transferred.
MONUMENT AT LASSEPS ON THE RIGHT: monument to Ferdinand Marie, Vicomte Lesseps, the French developer of the Suez Canal.
SUEZ AT SUNSET.
ITALIAN SOMALILAND, [now called Somalia, Africa].
BOAT DRILL. 2ND OFFICER TAKING ROLL CALL OF THE CREW.
WINDING IN THE LIFEBOAT.
CHIEF OFFICER IN A LIGHTER MOOD, showing the captain promenading around in a female hat, with hand on hip.
FINAL OF THE DECK TENNIS TOURNAMENT.
ENTRANCE TO COLOMBO AT SUNRISE. Section shows footage of Colombo, Sri Lanka; harbour and street scenes, motorised and horse drawn transport, number 19 tram of the Tramways company, the National Museum, the Grand Oriental Hotel and a street sign including Main St., Prince St., and the General Post Office.
DANCING FOR MONEY TO GET HOME AFTER A RELIGIOUS PILGRIMAGE, featuring a local man.
LEAVING COLOMBO ON ROUTE FOR KANDA ABOUT 60 MILES UP IN THE HILLS. Footage taken from a moving vehicle of the city as it passes by, followed by increasingly mountainous countryside and including elephants performing and dancing for the camera.
A TYPICAL STRETCH OF ROAD, showing elephants at work and play, street vendors, scenery and the ships officers enjoying a cold drink. The Surgeon and his colleagues are then shown back at Colombo dock, with harbour and dock footage, paddle steamers passing by, a swing bridge in use and more footage of inside the city itself.
REEL 2: footage of the city and return journey, during which time the ship is transporting British army troops in addition to some civilian passengers.
Alternative Title:AMATEUR FILM BY DR LESLIE WILLIAM SPRATT [Alternative Title]
