INDIAN NEWS PARADE NO 87 (10/11/1944)

This film is held by the Imperial War Museum (ID: INR 87).

Synopsis

I. "FARMERS OF TOMORROW" Commentary of film notes need for victory. "Not on the battlefield, but in the fields that grow India's food. That victory, too, must be a total one." Modern ploughs are depicted that "will change the peace". Modern methods are given prominence as "ploughing and harrowing can be as calculating as the laying of a gun on a target". Scenes of farm instruments being cleaned and a training centre where "they learn the most efficient way of turning hard farm labour into money".

II. "IN THE VALLEY OF THE GODS" People of the Kulu Valley celebrate the ancient ceremony of the congress of the Gods. The immortals, "swaying on their palanquin" meet a mortal, 'Raja', whose title honours his post as servant to the gods. Lord Raghunath is submitted to by the Raja, followed by the people. Raja in procession around the Mela as the holy water is distributed amongst the people. Scenes of dancing to ancient music, and examples of fine plaid and metalwork. Commentary notes that "both in the way they weave and the way they live, the people of Kulu like a simple and effective pattern".

III. "AND NOW: GURKHA WACIs" Commentary states: "Johnny Gurkha's sister has joined the WACIs. Scenes of signal sisters, the "Frankie Gurkhas", named after the Frankie and Johnny ballad, noted by the commentary as being a "sad but improving" story. "And that's what these girls are doing, improving every minute." Scenes of a female Gurkha handling a carrier pigeon on its arrival.

IV. "FOURTH INDIAN DIVISION SMASHING THROUGH THE GOTHIC LINE" The "Fighting Fourth" Indian Division breaches the German Gothic Line. As the commentary notes, "German soldiers, under orders to die where they fight, beg to disagree with the Fhrer". In spite of rugged terrain and ravines, "every life that could be saved was saved, whatever the effort". Scenes of blood transfusion, wrecked German material and prisoners of the Gothic line. Refugees block the Allied route of advance as they return home. General Holsworthy, wearing a beret, announces liberation of the city of San Marino.

Notes

Summary: film not viewed; synopses based on commentary sheets.

 

Titles

  • INDIAN NEWS PARADE NO 87 (10/11/1944)
Series Title:
INDIAN NEWS PARADE
 

Technical Data

Year:
1944
Running Time:
7 minutes
Film Gauge (Format):
35mm
Colour:
B&W
Sound:
Sound
Footage:
615 ft
 

Production Credits

Production Countries:
GB, India
Sponsor
Department of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India
editor
Moylan, William J (FRGS, FRSA)
producer
Moylan, William J (FRGS, FRSA)