Title:WAR OFFICE OFFICIAL TOPICAL BUDGET 317-1 [Main Title]
Film Number:NTB 317-1
Other titles:
Summary: I. Land Army girls cut wood.
II. Italians examine the wreck of a crashed Austrian aircraft.
III. German POWs from the Battle for Verdun.
IV. Haig reviews French division.
Description: I. 'WOMEN AS WOODMEN. Girls of the Womens Land Army fell trees and cut pit props.' MS as two Land Girls saw down a small pine tree. Others trim branches with axe or machete or saw up the pared trunks.
II. 'ITALIAN AIRMAN'S PRIZE. Austrian aeroplane brought down in the Italian Lines on the Carso Front.' LS pan over downed Austrian aircraft - uniformed Italians, some in flying gear, examine the wreckage. CU of engine and shattered propeller. (The identity of the aircraft is unclear but it may be a Hansa-Brandenburg D1.) CU of a grinning Italian pilot - presumably the triumphant victor.
III. 'A FINE HAUL OF HUNS. Some of the men who were hurled in vain against Verdun being marched into captivity by the French.' MSs of a column of German POWs led by their officers as they march along a dusty road escorted by French cavalry, sabres drawn. Wounded Germans are checked in by British and French officers and board motor ambulances.
IV. 'SIR DOUGLAS HAIG IN FLANDERS. British Commander-in-Chief. Reviews French Division before going into action.' Haig and French officers inspect French troops fallen in on grassy field. One of the regimental flags is dramatically tattered. Haig decorates French officer. 'AT THE SALUTING BASE. Sir Douglas Haig watches a swinging march past of French Marine Infantry.' MCU head and shoulders of Haig - he salutes and pins medal on French officer. Haig salutes as troops march past - the buildings in the background suggest an aerodrome and an aircraft passes low overhead as the march past continues.
Production Details: War Office (Production sponsor)
Topical Film Company (Production company)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Haig, Douglas (person)
Women's Land Army (regiment/service)
French Army, [cavalry] (regiment/service)
French Army (regiment/service)
Keywords: agriculture, British - arable: forestry (object name)
aircraft, Austrian - combat: Hansa-Brandenburg D1 (?) & [wrecked] (object name)
transport, French military - ambulance (object name)
prisoners of war, German - reception (object name)
prisoners of war, German - movement: ambulance (object name)
prisoners of war, German - movement: march (object name)
ceremonies, French - display: review of troops (object name)
delegations, British international - military: Haig visits French troops (object name)
01/3(4-15).51 (event)
Italy & Carso area (geography)
Flanders, Belgium (geography)
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Silent
Soundtrack language: None
Title language: English
Subtitle language: English
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 310 ft; Running time: 3 mins
