VIDEO: Documentary Film - 4th International Games for the Deaf, London.
The first part of this film documents the opening ceremonies as well as certain athletic events; there are scenes of crowds gathered outside St Paul Cathedral’s after the special service, an athletes’ parade at the White City Stadium, as well as opening speech by Lord Desborough followed by a number of track events.
Scenes at St Paul’s Cathedral: exterior views of St Paul's and the crowds at the Special Service for the commencement of the games; the filmmaker shows those attending, groups conversing in sign language and wider pans of the crowd who, looking towards the camera, wave and sign. This is followed by shots of scouts and guides (mostly adults) standing to attention.
At the White City, the first purpose-built Olympic Stadium, athletes and delegates parade around the track. The Finnish team are captured first, followed by the French, then the German squad, who are led by a young man carrying a Nazi flag. More nations follow, eventually forming a line on the field.
Lord Desborough is shown giving a speech. He welcomes the athletes, while an interpreter sign to the crowd and there are views of the packed stands and people moving down the aisles towards seats. On the field, a formally dressed couple walk towards the camera and sign; two men are captured mingling amongst the athletes; Mr W. Baird (Hon. Secretary of the International Sports) stands arm in arm with a female athlete who sports a number ‘1’ jersey, both smile for the camera. Read more: 4th International Games for the Deaf, London - Documentary.
The second part can be viewed at 4th International Games for the Deaf, London Part 2, visiting www.londonsscreenarchives.org.uk, as can Part 1's full catalogue record (LSA/22050).
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