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The Heart of an Empire

St. James's Park is the beating heart of the British Empire in this 1930s documentary, re-edited to reflect turbulent times.

Interest film 1935 8 mins

Overview

This upbeat documentary trumpets the pomp and grandeur of Britain's fading Empire, exploring St. James's Park, London, and the surrounding seats of power while an urbane commentary on the Park's history adds colour. Downing Street, the Mall and Trafalgar Square all feature along with Buckingham Palace and the King's birthday pageant at Horse Guards Parade. This is one of four versions of the film, which was re-edited during the turbulent 1930s to reflect changing monarchs and prime ministers.

The earliest version of the film features Stanley Baldwin (Prime Minister 1935-37), the Prince of Wales (when he still lived at St. James's Palace, before he briefly became Edward VIII), and a royal salute from King George V (who died in January 1936). The version you see here features Neville Chamberlain (Prime Minister 1937-40), with George V removed and a shot of George VI and Queen Elizabeth inserted. Winston Churchill (Prime Minister 1940-45) crops up in a later edit.

Original title

Heart of an Empire

Director

Marion Grierson

Featuring

Laurence Gilliam

Genres

Interest film

Country

United Kingdom

Location

Westminster

Language

English

Subjects

St James's Park Piccadilly Circus Marble Arch Mall, The Horse Guards Parade Downing Street Australia House (UK) Big Ben St James' Palace Household Cavalry Military parades

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