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Royal Geographical Society

Ascend the Himalayan peaks, sail through mighty oceans and traverse thickets of African jungle – all in one extraordinary collection of films.

This stunning collection makes available for the first time the Royal Geographical Society’s invaluable film archive. Stored at the BFI National Archive for the past 80 years, but until now only available to view for researchers, the collection is an unparalleled record of both spectacular natural beauty and bold human endeavour.

Discover a rich array of films, encompassing footage of pioneering explorers like Ralph Bagnold and John Noel, the meticulous recordings of RGS-sponsored geographical surveys, and amateur film deposited with the Society by diplomats such as Sir Clarmont Skrine.

As well as chronicling important expeditions, registering rare tribal customs, and capturing regions that have undergone dramatic change, the collection compiles a fascinating trove of nonfiction filmmaking craft, from the early Kodacolor exploits of George Sherriff to the technological innovations of Stewart Blacker and Dr Hamilton Rice.

With this globe-spanning collection of over 120 films (many of which are feature-length) all available to watch for free, intrepid viewers can now explore the world at will, enjoying a unique record of 20th-century life on Earth.
 

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The Conquest of EverestThe Conquest of Everest

Documentary195378 mins

Colour film (narrated by Meredith Edwards) telling the story of the ‘Mount Everest Expedition 1953’, which saw the first successful ascent of the mountain.

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East NepalEast Nepal

196172 minsSilent

Film taken by Tom Spring Smyth during the British Museum (Natural History) Expedition to East Nepal 1961-1962.

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Scenes from Around the WorldScenes from Around the World

Amateur film19479 minsSilent

Short colour, silent, compilation of unedited film footage giving a snapshot of life in various countries in the year 1947.

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Amazon; Dr Hamilton RiceAmazon; Dr Hamilton Rice

192691 minsSilent

Take a journey with Dr Hamilton Rice as he embarks on his final expedition of the easterly tributaries of the Amazonian basin.

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Climbing Mount EverestClimbing Mount Everest

Non-Fiction193332 minsSilent

A fascinating glimpse into life at high altitude for the party of the Mount Everest Expedition 1933 which intended, but ultimately failed to summit Everest.

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Nine Countries in Ninety MinutesNine Countries in Ninety Minutes

Travelogue193763 minsSilent

Amateur film travelogue of a journey around various parts of the world in 1937, by Frances Hotham F.R.G.S, A.R.P.S.

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TanzaniaTanzania

196916 minsSilent

A colour film of African wildlife by the ‘Ker, Downey and Selby Safari Company’, set up by Donald Ker, Sydney Downey and Harry Selby.

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Fourth Everest ExpeditionFourth Everest Expedition

Non-Fiction193376 minsSilent

Percy Wyn-Harris' filmic record of the 1933 expedition, led by Hugh Ruttledge.

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Wings Over EverestWings Over Everest

Documentary193442 mins

Released by British-Gaumont in 1934, this film documents The ‘Houston Mount Everest Expedition’ organized by Major L V Stewart Blacker, to fly over Mount Everest

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Sherriff Kodacolour No. 1Sherriff Kodacolour No. 1

Amateur film19358 minsSilent

Colour film of Sikkim / Tibet (no sound), photographed by Scottish explorer and plant collector George Sherriff in 1935.

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Everest Flight, BlackerEverest Flight, Blacker

Amateur film19331 minsSilent

Amateur film taken during the first flight over Everest, showing stunning aerial views of the mountain

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Everest - ShebbeareEverest - Shebbeare

Amateur film193311 minsSilent

Unedited amateur footage of the scenery and wildlife of the Tibetan plateau, taken during the Mount Everest Expedition 1933.

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Sherriff Kodacolour No. 3Sherriff Kodacolour No. 3

Amateur film19356 minsSilent

Colour film of Sikkim / Tibet (no sound), photographed by Scottish explorer and plant collector George Sherriff in 1935.

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Sherriff Kodacolour No. 2Sherriff Kodacolour No. 2

Amateur film19359 minsSilent

Colour film of Sikkim / Tibet (no sound), photographed by Scottish explorer and plant collector George Sherriff in 1935.

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Everest 1936 - RuttledgeEverest 1936 - Ruttledge

193619 minsSilent

Footage from the ‘Mount Everest Expedition 1936’, which was led by Hugh Ruttledge.

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Dr. Ward - Bhutan FilmDr. Ward - Bhutan Film

Amateur film195322 minsSilent

Amateur colour footage dating from c. 1950 of people and mountain scenery in Bhutan. Filmed during a visit by Michael Ward.

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Ilford Everest 1933Ilford Everest 1933

Non-Fiction193328 minsSilent

Unedited amateur footage of the Mount Everest Expedition of 1933, which was led by Hugh Ruttledge.

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P.R. Oliver Everest ExpeditionP.R. Oliver Everest Expedition

Amateur film193859 minsSilent

Amateur footage directed by Peter Oliver documenting the ‘Mount Everest Expedition 1938’, which was led by Bill Tilman.

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British Museum (Natural History) Nepal Expedition 1961-1962British Museum (Natural History) Nepal Expedition 1961-1962

Documentary196256 minsSilent

A fascinating insight into the ‘British Museum (Natural History) Expedition to East Nepal 1961-1962’ capturing the lives of researchers and locals alike in this stunning setting.

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British Museum (Natural History) Nepal Expedition 1961-1962 (Rushes)British Museum (Natural History) Nepal Expedition 1961-1962 (Rushes)

196236 mins

Additional film from the ‘British Museum (Natural History) Expedition to East Nepal 1961-1962’.

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Abominable SnowmanAbominable Snowman

Non-Fiction19511 mins

News Bulletin reviewing evidence (and possible existence) of the Abominable Snowman, or Yeti, from the Eric Shipton-led Everest expedition of 1951

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Garhwal Himalayas Expedition 1939Garhwal Himalayas Expedition 1939

Amateur film193952 minsSilent

Film directed by Peter Oliver of his expedition to Garhwal, or the ‘Valley of the Flowers’ with Frank Smythe, in 1937.

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Awards Presented to Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in IndiaAwards Presented to Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in India

8 minsSilent

Colour footage shot in Delhi on the 1953 Everest expedition's return. Includes group receiving gold medals from Nehru and an official welcoming reception by the Indian Government.

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KanchenjungaKanchenjunga

195513 minsSilent

Extracts from a BBC documentary of footage from the British expedition to Kangchenjunga in 1955, led by Charles Evans.

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Kangchenjunga 1955Kangchenjunga 1955

Amateur film1955107 minsSilent

Amateur footage of the British expedition to Kangchenjunga in 1955. Led by Charles Evans, this expedition saw the first ascent of the mountain.

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S.E. Tibet - Sherriff & Ludlow, 1934S.E. Tibet - Sherriff & Ludlow, 1934

Amateur film193454 minsSilent

During the 1930s Sherriff and Ludlow carried out a series of plant and bird collecting expeditions working eastward along the main Himalayan ranges.

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Kashgar 4Kashgar 4

Amateur film192714 minsSilent

Fascinating footage of Indian customs, shot in 1927 by intrepid plant hunter Major George Sherriff during his tenure as Vice Consul at Kashgar.

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Kashgar 2Kashgar 2

Amateur film19279 minsSilent

Intrepid plant hunter Major George Sherriff captures local customs during his tenure as Vice Consul at Kashgar.

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Kashgar 3Kashgar 3

Amateur film192716 minsSilent

Fascinating footage of Indian customs, shot by intrepid plant hunter Major George Sherriff during his tenure as Vice Consul at Kashgar. This film shows a journey undertaken by George Sherriff from Gilgit to Kashgar.

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Kashgar 5Kashgar 5

Amateur film192716 minsSilent

Kashgar Vice Consul Major George Sherriff captures the destruction of seized opium in this film from 1927.

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Kashgar 6Kashgar 6

Amateur film192818 minsSilent

A trek from the Pamirs to Karghalik, shot by intrepid plant hunter Major George Sherriff during his tenure as Vice Consul at Kashgar.

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Kashgar 7Kashgar 7

Amateur film192715 minsSilent

Black and white silent film, shot by intrepid plant hunter Major George Sherriff during his tenure as Vice Consul at Kashgar.

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Kashgar 10Kashgar 10

Amateur film192717 minsSilent

Costumed performances from traditional Chinese theatre are captured in this film by Kashgar's Vice Consul, Major George Sherriff.

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Kashgar 8Kashgar 8

Amateur film192815 minsSilent

Another in the series of amateur films shot by intrepid plant hunter Major George Sherriff during his tenure as Vice Consul at Kashgar between 1927/8.

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Kashgar 9Kashgar 9

Amateur film192814 minsSilent

Amateur shot by intrepid plant hunter Major George Sherriff during his tenure as Vice Consul at Kashgar between 1927/8.

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Quetta - DamghanQuetta - Damghan

Amateur film194317 minsSilent

Amateur colour footage by Sir Clarmont Skrine from 1943, showing the people, landscapes and landmarks of numerous places in Iran.

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Quetta Earthquake (Universal Talking News No. 515)Quetta Earthquake (Universal Talking News No. 515)

Non-Fiction19351 minsSilent

Footage revealing the devastating aftermath of one of Asia’s most destructive earthquakes that took place in Quetta, Pakistan in 1935.

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Quetta Earthquake, May 31st 1935Quetta Earthquake, May 31st 1935

Amateur film193510 minsSilent

Amateur footage of the devastation caused by one of South Asia's worst earthquakes

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China, the Land of Mystery and CharmChina, the Land of Mystery and Charm

193949 minsSilent

Experience what life was like across China in 1939 prior to the outbreak of World War Two in Frances Hotham’s fascinating documentary film.

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ChinaChina

Travelogue193137 minsSilent

This 1931 travelogue records a trip from Canada to Honolulu, journeying across China before completing the homeward journey via Singapore, the Red Sea and Port Said.

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Shaksgam, Auden 1937Shaksgam, Auden 1937

Amateur film19377 minsSilent

Amateur film from the Shaksgam Expedition of 1937, detailing the unexplored country around the Shaksgam river.

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Dancers at Trivandrum GopinathDancers at Trivandrum Gopinath

Amateur film19467 minsSilent

Kathakali performance featuring the great Indian dancer Guru Gopinath, filmed in remarkable colour by ‘envoy of the Raj’ Clarmont Skrine

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Rajputana, Jhalawar, Bundi & Katakali DancersRajputana, Jhalawar, Bundi & Katakali Dancers

Amateur film194011 minsSilent

A trip to the spectacular city of Bundi and a Kathakali dance performance, filmed in vivid colour by 'envoy of the Raj' Clarmont Skrine.

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BurmaBurma

196022 minsSilent

Gorgeous colour film of Burma / Myanmar from 1960. Places shown include Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Bhamo. Plus views of the Irrawaddy River.

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Punjab StatesPunjab States

Amateur film195016 minsSilent

Amateur silent colour film by a British diplomat showing buildings and gardens in Lahore, New Delhi and Kashmir, ending with views of distant Mount Everest.

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Hyderabad - CochinHyderabad - Cochin

Amateur film194515 minsSilent

A whistle-stop tour of Southern India by plane documenting life from Hyderabad, Mysore and down to the coastal town of Cochin.

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Flying to India by Imperial AirwaysFlying to India by Imperial Airways

Amateur film193411 minsSilent

British Diplomat Clarmont Skrine records footage of an early long-haul flight from Europe to India, documenting their stop-offs in British territories en-route to their destination.

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Malay StatesMalay States

Documentary193912 minsSilent

Silent, pre-World War Two documentary recording the people, landscapes and industries of the Federated Malay States, (1895-1946), which were to become modern-day Malaysia in 1963.

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JavaJava

Amateur film19388 mins

An episode of the MGM's 1930s travelogue FitzPatrick Travel-Talks, following a ship en route to Java, taking in the sea port of Batavia (modern-day Jakarta).

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JavaJava

Travelogue19319 mins

Amateur colour film of Java taken by Mrs. Patrick Ness, F.R.G.S. showing Batavia (now Jakarta), Mount Papandayan, Kawah Kamojang and Borobodur temple.

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Savage GoldSavage Gold

193372 minsSilent

Re-enactment of an expedition undertaken by George M. Dyott, which explored the jungles of Brazil and Ecuador in search of Colonel Percy Fawcett.

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In Borneo, the Land of the Head HuntersIn Borneo, the Land of the Head Hunters

Documentary191649 minsSilent

This film of an expedition to Borneo between 1915-17 has claims to be the first motion picture taken in Borneo.

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Rainforest JourneyRainforest Journey

13 minsSilent

Take a trek with a research expedition as they traverse the dense rainforest floor, hacking their way through the vine-entangled undergrowth that ensnares their every turn.

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Legacy of the WandjinaLegacy of the Wandjina

199072 mins

Documentary about a 1988 research project, showing scientists at work on location and interacting with aboriginal peoples.

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Visit to a TribeVisit to a Tribe

Documentary19293 minsSilent

Short film showing members of the ‘pinto’ aboriginal tribe in Central Australia. Scenes of daily life including preparation for a dance ceremony.

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Horned Game - Wild Horned Game - Wild

Amateur film19347 minsSilent

A hunting party tracking wild game in the uplands of the Middle-east/Asia,1934.

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Arctic: Haig ThomasArctic: Haig Thomas

Documentary193718 minsSilent

A fascinating glimpse into the world of the Ellesmere Island Inuit. Footage from the Haig-Thomas Arctic Expedition 1937-1938

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Spitzbergen: Oxford University Arctic Expedition 1924 Spitzbergen: Oxford University Arctic Expedition 1924

Amateur film1924202 minsSilent

An ambitious second expedition to the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago led by George Binney, student, artic explorer and seaplane pioneer, 7 July – 5 September 1924.

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Arctic Expedition : 1937Arctic Expedition : 1937

Amateur film193756 minsSilent

Join James Wordie on his 1937 Arctic expedition venturing the frozen seas of Baffin Bay encountering native Greenlandic Inuit along the way.

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Big Game in the Sub-arctic of CanadaBig Game in the Sub-arctic of Canada

Interest film192435 minsSilent

Documentary footage of the Bullock-Hornby expedition across the Canadian Sub-Arctic revealing the pairs struggle for survival against the harsh elements in this unforgiving landscape.

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Canadian Army and Air Force Exercise "Musk-Ox"Canadian Army and Air Force Exercise "Musk-Ox"

194678 minsSilent

Film of the Canadian Army and Air Force Exercise ‘Musk-Ox’ in 1946, documenting the journey from Churchill in Hudson Bay to Grand Prairie in Alberta.

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Exercise Musk-oxExercise Musk-ox

Documentary194657 mins

A military film from 1946 “Chronicling a journey of exploration by the Canadian Army through the interior of Northern Canada in midwinter.”

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Greenland VoyageGreenland Voyage

39 minsSilent

Colour scenes showing mountaineer and explorer Bill Tilman bound for Greenland in 1961-62 in search of new mountain challenges on board “Mischief”.

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Greenland Rymill 1933Greenland Rymill 1933

Documentary19337 minsSilent

Film directed by John R. Rymill showing team members with their dog sledges during the 'East Greenland Expedition 1932-33'.

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Cambridge West Greenland Expedition 1938Cambridge West Greenland Expedition 1938

Documentary193836 minsSilent

Amateur film showing this University-led expedition to study the geography, geology and botany – as well as cultural contacts between the Inuit peoples – of Greenland.

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Lymington to GreenlandLymington to Greenland

22 minsSilent

Silent colour rushes of English mountaineer and explorer Bill Tilman bound for Greenland in 1961-62 in search of new mountain challenges on his boat 'Mischief'.

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Greenland Expedition with Sea BreezeGreenland Expedition with Sea Breeze

197152 minsSilent

Colour film documenting one of H.W. Tilman’s expeditions on board ‘Sea Breeze’ to Greenland.

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Greenland Expedition with Sea Breeze (Rushes)Greenland Expedition with Sea Breeze (Rushes)

197110 minsSilent

Additional / deleted scenes from a film of one of H.W. Tilman’s expeditions on board ‘Sea Breeze’ to Greenland.

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Mischief in GreenlandMischief in Greenland

39 minsSilent

Colour film entitled ‘Mischief in Greenland: the story of H.W. Tilman’s expedition to East Greenland 1964’. Filmed by Roger Coward.

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Mischief Goes SouthMischief Goes South

196651 minsSilent

Colour film entitled ‘Mischief Goes South’ by Mike Edwards, documenting Bill Tilman’s voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, 1966-67.

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Mischief Goes South (Rushes)Mischief Goes South (Rushes)

19664 minsSilent

Deleted scenes from ‘Mischief Goes South’ by Mike Edwards, which documented Bill Tilman’s voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, 1966-67.

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Life in IcelandLife in Iceland

Travelogue194955 minsSilent

A silent documentary film exploring the people, natural landscapes, industry and culture of this dramatic North Atlantic island nation; the most sparsely populated in Europe.

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HeklaHekla

19488 minsSilent

A silent colour film documenting the study of the 1947-48 eruption of Icelandic volcano Hekla – one of the world’s largest eruptions between 1900 and 1970.

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Oxford University Expedition to Iceland, 1947Oxford University Expedition to Iceland, 1947

Amateur film19478 minsSilent

A silent documentary film produced, directed photographed and edited by student member of the expedition, Charles Swithinbank.

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Antarctic Venture Norwegian, British, Swedish ExpeditionAntarctic Venture Norwegian, British, Swedish Expedition

Documentary194926 mins

Colour film of the very first international science expedition to Antarctica, outlining its aims, and recording the outbound journey of the ‘Norwegian-British-Swedish Expedition 1949-52’ team.

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Ice Cap JourneyIce Cap Journey

Amateur film194715 minsSilent

Amateur footage of the Oxford University Iceland Expedition 1947, led by F.H. Whitehead.

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Day and Night. Latitude and LongitudeDay and Night. Latitude and Longitude

19369 minsSilent

An educational film from 1936 using moving models and diagrams of the earth and sun to demonstrate the fundamentals of physical geography.

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Buccaneer HillBuccaneer Hill

Documentary15 minsSilent

Colour film showing the restoration of a historic house and views in the Bahamas, dating from the mid-20th century.

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Nought FeetNought Feet

Instructional film/TV programme194316 mins

Wartime training film instructing bomber pilots on the dangerous art of navigation for low-level flying. R.A.F produced film 1943

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Oxford University Cayman Islands ExpeditionOxford University Cayman Islands Expedition

Amateur film193015 minsSilent

Gerald Thompson's record of the 1938 Oxford University Cayman Islands Expedition. The first natural history survey of all three islands (Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac) reports were written about the flora, fauna, geology and wetlands.

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Caribbean TripCaribbean Trip

195823 minsSilent

Amateur holiday footage of a family’s trip to the Caribbean and the Panama Canal.

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Colourful CaribbeanColourful Caribbean

Documentary195559 minsSilent

Amateur film from 1955 showing the people, landscapes and architecture of numerous islands in the Caribbean by Everild Helweg-Larsen, F.R.G.S.

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Colourful Caribbean (Rushes)Colourful Caribbean (Rushes)

195517 minsSilent

Deleted scenes of an amateur colour film from 1955 showing numerous islands in the Caribbean, by Everild Helweg-Larsen, F.R.G.S.

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Preparing for an ExpeditionPreparing for an Expedition

Travelogue19598 minsSilent

Scenes from a documentary or educational programme filmed in South America on the subject of how to prepare for an expedition.

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Lord Bossom and His HomeLord Bossom and His Home

Documentary195025 mins

Unused scenes from a documentary film visit to Lord Alfred Bossom’s home and garden at Stoneacre, Otham near Maidstone.

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Visit to the RGS by the President of Peru, 25th February 1960Visit to the RGS by the President of Peru, 25th February 1960

19606 minsSilent

Film record of a visit to the Royal Geographical Society by the President of Peru, on 25th February 1960.

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Aix Les BosquetsAix Les Bosquets

Amateur film19387 minsSilent

Amateur footage (no sound) by Sir Clarmont Skrine shot during family holidays at ‘Aix les Bosquets’ (Aix-en-Provence, France) during the 1930s.

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Travels in France and SwitzerlandTravels in France and Switzerland

Travelogue194010 minsSilent

A silent black & white and colour information film with inter-titles showing the city of Strasbourg, the Alsace region of France and the Swiss Alps.

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PyreneesPyrenees

Amateur film19507 minsSilent

Amateur film by British diplomat Clarmont Skrine recording the alpine foothills and Basque coastline of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of south-western France bordering with Spain.

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PortugalPortugal

Amateur film19637 minsSilent

Amateur film documenting architectural and historic sites in and around the city of Lisbon, Portugal, dating from 1963.

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Island of MadeiraIsland of Madeira

194133 minsSilent

Dr Catherine Delano-Smith captures the local colour of Funchal, Madeira, during the ‘Oxford University Women's Expedition Madeira 1961’.

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Oxford University Women's Expedition Madeira 1961Oxford University Women's Expedition Madeira 1961

196116 minsSilent

Documenting an expedition, organised by Dr Catherine Delano-Smith. Of the Oxford University Women's Expedition Madeira 1961.

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Teheran - PersonalTeheran - Personal

Home movie19439 minsSilent

A series of excerpts of colour and black and white film recording diplomatic life at the British legation in Tehran in 1943.

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Iran 1944-1948Iran 1944-1948

Amateur film194812 minsSilent

Amateur colour film, by Sir Clarmont Skrine, showing various monuments and places in Southern Iran including Rey, Qom, Isfahan, Persepolis, Shiraz, Bushire, Yazd, Kerman and Mahan.

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Iran 1945-1955Iran 1945-1955

Amateur film194516 minsSilent

Amateur colour film, by Sir Clarmont Skrine, (Counsellor for Indian Affairs in Teheran 1946 to 1948) showing personal and professional events through this time.

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Musandam Expedition 1971-1972Musandam Expedition 1971-1972

Amateur film197141 minsSilent

Scientific endeavours along the ancient shoreline of the Musandam peninsula in the straits of Hormuz, Oman 1971-72

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ManzanderanManzanderan

Amateur film195517 minsSilent

A 1955 film illustrating travels in central-northern Iran, bordering the Caspian Sea and Alborz Mountains capturing the landscapes and daily life of the region.

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Archaelogical Excavations in GreeceArchaelogical Excavations in Greece

19264 minsSilent

Footage documenting various excavations led by E.W. Gardner at archaeological sites situated across Greece during the late 1920s and early 1930s.

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Red Sea JourneyRed Sea Journey

196729 minsSilent

This silent colour film documents the south-western coastline of the present-day Republic of Yemen, from the port of Mukalla to the region bordering Saudi Arabia.

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The NileThe Nile

Amateur film19327 minsSilent

Silent amateur film of the lower reaches of the Nile in Uganda from 1932.

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KhargaKharga

Travelogue193218 minsSilent

Documenting a journey by camel across the desolate wasteland of the Kharga Oasis in 1932.

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Mauritius 1941Mauritius 1941

Amateur film194114 minsSilent

The film shows Port Louis, the capital; workers on sugar plantations and road mending as well as colonial life in the then British dependency.

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AnimalsAnimals

Documentary195011 minsSilent

Amateur film footage showing wildlife in Iran, Pakistan and India taken in 1950 by Sir Clarmont Skrine.

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River ExpeditionRiver Expedition

7 minsSilent

Silent 1930s black & white amateur film of a European party travelling by riverboat to view the Murchison Falls on the White Nile in Uganda.

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Arabia RickardsArabia Rickards

70 mins

The landscapes of the southern regions of the Arabian peninsula observed via land, sea and air by British flying officer, Aubrey Robert Maxwell Rickards.

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Libyan Desert - Bagnold Libyan Desert - Bagnold

Amateur film193049 minsSilent

Ralph Bagnold, pioneer of desert exploration, pushed the limits of automotive technology, culminating in his 1932 expedition – the first east-west crossing of the Libyan Desert.

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Israel & JordanIsrael & Jordan

Amateur film195316 minsSilent

Amateur film footage from 1953 showing landscapes, architecture and people of Jerusalem and Jordan (including Petra), by Sir Clarmont Skrine.

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Istanbul - Baghdad - Teheran: 1944-58Istanbul - Baghdad - Teheran: 1944-58

Amateur film195814 minsSilent

Short colour, silent, compilation of unedited film footage of Istanbul, Baghdad and Iran: 1944 to 1958. Showing major tourist attractions and Sir Clarmont Skrine’s family.

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Jerusalem 1949-50Jerusalem 1949-50

Amateur film195015 minsSilent

Short colour, silent, compilation of unedited film footage of areas of Cyprus, Crete and Israel (including Jerusalem).

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Peshawar, Kabul, Bamian, Herat, MeshedPeshawar, Kabul, Bamian, Herat, Meshed

Amateur film194313 minsSilent

1943 film of Peshawar, Kabul, Bamiyan, Herat and Mashhad; documenting a journey through the North West Frontier territories by British diplomat Clarmont Skrine during WWII.

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South Africa - The Land of Smiles and SunshineSouth Africa - The Land of Smiles and Sunshine

Documentary193970 minsSilent

Colour amateur documentary from 1939 on life in South Africa and Southern Rhodesia, produced by Frances Hotham.

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Dr. Bennett's Visit to South Africa, 4th August - 11th October 1944Dr. Bennett's Visit to South Africa, 4th August - 11th October 1944

Amateur film194440 minsSilent

Hugh Bennett’s visit to South Africa in 1944, as filmed (in colour) by C.J.J. Van Rensburg of the Soil Conservation Division, Department of Agriculture.

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South African ScenesSouth African Scenes

10 minsSilent

Amateur colour footage showing architecture, people and landscapes in South Africa (including Pretoria), filmed c. 1950.

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Oxford University Gambia Expedition 1948Oxford University Gambia Expedition 1948

Amateur film194845 minsSilent

Three geographers survey village and compound life in the Gambia, including the dissection of a hippopotamus.

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The Oil-Palm of NigeriaThe Oil-Palm of Nigeria

Documentary192812 minsSilent

A silent film made for British Instructional Films Ltd, by Graham Ball, a film expert attached to the Department of Overseas Trade, in 1928.

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Nigeria, Bruce 1930Nigeria, Bruce 1930

Amateur film193016 minsSilent

An amateur silent film illustrating the people and places of northern Nigeria, by Charles Bruce. From daily market life to adobe architecture, the film also features ceremonies and horse racing at a traditional Durbar.

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African GatheringAfrican Gathering

18 minsSilent

Colour, silent film recording people, costumes, rites and festivities seen at a Durbar, which celebrates the culmination of Muslim festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

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The Return of an Emperor: The Story of EthiopiaThe Return of an Emperor: The Story of Ethiopia

War19429 mins

This b&w film documents the return of Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia, following exile to England from 1936-41 during the Italian occupation of his country.

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Slow Motion in Sport: 1932-1936Slow Motion in Sport: 1932-1936

Amateur film19349 minsSilent

A sequence of home movie film clips from the sack-race to the 1934 Derby and Wimbledon, reflecting the sporting and leisure interests of the day.

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Climbing Mt EverestClimbing Mt Everest

Non-Fiction192283 minsSilent

The first film of Tibet, by Captain John Noel from the 1922 British expedition to Mount Everest, which was led by Brigadier General Charles Bruce.