This film is part of Free
Horse Artillery at Bihar and Orissa
Amateur film surveying colonial life in eastern India
Overview
This amateur film gives an idea of the routines among the colonial elite of eastern India, including military inspections, travel and social events. Sir Hugh Stephenson, Governor of Bihar and Orissa, is seen inspecting a parade at Dinapur, while the film also shows us a polo match, horse shows, and dog training and a musical ride of the Horse Artillery. The film also takes in Patna station and a visit to the Taj Mahal, in which the filmmaker takes a close interest.
The film is part of a collection shot by EJ Montgomery, a former military man who served in the Highland Light Infantry and then on the staff of the Governor from 1928 to 1932. The films were donated to the BFI National Archive in the early 1970s.
Related
Indian Procession Indian Procession
Non-Fiction 1902 3 mins Silent
Decorated elephants with howdahs, and troops on foot and horseback.
Delhi 1946 Delhi 1946
Amateur film 1946 15 mins Silent
8mm amateur film of India on the eve of Independence.
King George the Fifth's Durbar Held to Proclaim Him Emperor of India King George the Fifth's Durbar Held to Proclaim Him Emperor of India
Non-Fiction 1912 7 mins Silent
Patriotic dispatch from the grand celebrations to mark the start of George V's reign
Ruins of Delhi Ruins of Delhi
Interest film 1910 4 mins Silent
Attractive travelogue filmed in and around Delhi's Qutb complex.
Scenes of the Delhi Camp Scenes of the Delhi Camp
Non-Fiction 1911 3 mins Silent
A look at the 1911 Delhi Durbar - with a look back at its 1902 predecessor
Rajputana, Jhalawar, Bundi & Katakali Dancers Rajputana, Jhalawar, Bundi & Katakali Dancers
Amateur film 1940 11 mins Silent
A trip to the spectacular city of Bundi and a Kathakali dance performance, filmed in vivid colour by 'envoy of the Raj' Clarmont Skrine.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.