Britain 1948 The Olympic Games Gaumont-British News

Highlights of the 1948 London Olympics, from the opening ceremony to the lowering of the flags on the final day.

This comprehensive look at the 1948 London Olympics begins with coverage from the first day, including a glimpse of the cameramen recording official film of the Games and King George VI presiding over the opening ceremony at Wembley Stadium. Events captured include track and field at Wembley, swimming and diving at the Empire Pool, cycling at Herne Hill, rowing at Henley and yachting at Torbay. Watch out for appearances by renowned Olympians Fanny Blankers-Koen and Emil Zatopek.

The athletics competition saw an interesting case of film evidence overturning a disqualification. The American 4x100m relay team were disqualified for an illegal handover after finishing first, but the decision was overturned three days later, after a jury of appeal reviewed the film of the race. This film also includes footage from two other Gaumont newsreels, Closing Days of the Olympics and The Olympic Games, also available in this collection.