This film is part of Free
Lord Charles Beresford in France
A military legend on location, and some vertiginous thrills from a balloon.
Overview
It might be wartime, but these Allied troops look surprisingly cheerful. But then, this film has been "approved and censored", so perhaps that explains it. Or perhaps it's thanks to the visiting 'Charlie B', a popular former admiral and MP. Later on, an observation balloon - similar to a defensive blimp - is raised, and an intrepid cameraman shoots some terrific landscapes on board.
This wasn't the only report from frontline France with which Charles Urban's name was associated in 1916: the feature-length The Battle of the Somme, which Urban edited, was arguably the filmmaker's finest hour. In these relatively relaxed scenes, though, the conflict seems fairly distant. This silent footage may not have recorded the fanfare of the military band which heralds Beresford's visit, but clearly the presence of this Victorian military hero was a cause for excitement. Even the thrill of the hot air balloon (and the intriguing inflator contraption which goes with it) aren't allowed to overshadow him.
Related
The Somme The Somme
Drama-documentary 1927 109 mins Silent Location: Hounslow
Dramatic reconstruction of the Somme
Hedd Wyn Hedd Wyn
War 1992 115 mins Location: Trawsfynydd
The stirring story of poet Ellis Evans-Hedd Wyn, the Welsh poet posthumously awarded the Eisteddfod chair at Birkenhead in 1917 after failing to return from 1st World War trenches.
From Trinidad to Serve the Empire From Trinidad to Serve the Empire
Non-Fiction 1916 1 mins Silent Location: London
Colonial recruits from Trinidad meet the Lord Mayor of London during WWI
Anti-German War Cartoons Anti-German War Cartoons
Trick film 1915 5 mins Silent
Follow the lightning-quick hand of the artist behind a series of comic cartoon sketches poking fun at the enemy during WWI.
Nurse and Martyr Nurse and Martyr
Biopic 1915 11 mins Silent
The moving true story of wartime heroine Nurse Edith Cavell, recreated in the aftermath of her execution.
Lt Pimple and the Stolen Submarine Lt Pimple and the Stolen Submarine
Comedy 1914 14 mins Silent Location: Twickenham
The intrepid Lieutenant Pimple thwarts foreign enemies in an action-packed wartime spy spoof.
Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.
Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.
Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.
Gabriel Yared on composing for film Gabriel Yared on composing for film
Inside Film 2013 11 mins
Composer of The Lives of Others, The English Patient and Betty Blue on intimacy and experimentation.
Lois Burwell on movie makeup Lois Burwell on movie makeup
Inside Film 2013 17 mins
Lincoln, Braveheart and Magnolia make-up artist Lois Burwell explains how she created some of her most iconic looks, as part of a BAFTA Masterclass.
Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass) Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass)
2013 61 mins
British cinematographer of The Hurt Locker, Captain Phillips, Hillsborough and Riff Raff reviews the art of the moving image.