Title:SHANGHAI SCENES DURING THE SINO-JAPANESE WAR [Allocated Title]
Film Number:MGH 6639
Other titles:AMATEUR FILM BY PAUL BONBERNARD [Alternative Title]
Summary: Amateur film shot by Mr Paul Bonbernard, while in the employ of the Mercantile Bank of India, London and China and serving as a Corporal in the Shanghai Municipal Council, records contrasting scenes of European military preparation and leisure with Chinese labour in the International Settlement in Shanghai, as Japanese forces neared the city.
Description: Warships including a Royal Navy cruiser and a twin-funnelled ship flying a tricolour (French?) on the Whangpoo River. Chinese coolie scenes on the waterfront. Japanese floatplane circles overhead. European (presumably Bonbernard himself) seated in his office writing. Mounted soldiers of the Shanghai Volunteer Corps parade through the International Settlement followed by units of the national forces stationed in Shanghai (including the Seaforth Highlanders?) and armoured cars. Chinese eat at noodle stalls in the city; outdoor weaving on a loom. Large barrels are unloaded off vessel onto the waterfront. Europeans enjoy sailing and rowing in eights on the Whangpoo. Garden scene: two Europeans (Englishmen?) with an Alsatian dog. Twin-funnelled Royal Navy destroyer. Armoured car passes, as does truck marked Shanghai Household Removing Co. Soldiers dismount from a truck, then board it again.
Alternative Title:AMATEUR FILM BY PAUL BONBERNARD [Alternative Title]
