This film is part of Free
Flashing Blades
Tricky weather conditions cause some spills in the downhill and ski jumping at the 1948 Winter Olympics in St Moritz.
Overview
John Bailey provides the lyrical commentary in this charming newsfilm of the 1948 St Moritz Winter Olympics, covering the action from the slopes, the ice rink and the Cresta Run. Of particular British interest are the scenes of John Crammond starting his run in skeleton bob. Great Britain brought a team of 55, competing in six sports and winning two bronze medals - one of which was snagged by Crammond.
The ice hockey match took place despite a row involving two amateur teams from the USA - Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), endorsed by the US Olympic Committee and Amateur Hockey Association (AHA), endorsed by the Ligue Internationale de Hockey Sur Glace). The AAU were allowed to march at the opening ceremony and the AHA to play unofficially. The dispute was resolved on 6 February when, after all matches had been played, the IOC announced that the ice hockey tournament should count as an Olympic event and medals be awarded - with the exception that the AHA team be outside the competition.
Related
The Wheelchair Olympians The Wheelchair Olympians
Documentary 1983 25 mins Location: Cleckheaton
With the Paralympics even more marginalised than today, these athletes show great determination, dedication, camaraderie and humility.
Mining Review 22nd Year No. 1 Mining Review 22nd Year No. 1
1968 3 mins
We're off! Olympic training on the streets of Mansfield as local boy John Whetton prepares for the 1968 Mexico City games.
Women's Olympiad Women's Olympiad
Non-Fiction 1924 3 mins Silent Location: Fulham
British "girl athletes" prove themselves in competition with women from around the world at Stamford Bridge.
Diving and Swimming Diving and Swimming
1926 14 mins Silent
Special effects galore in this demonstration of fancy swimming and diving, featuring Olympic medallist Belle White.
Olga Olga
Sport 1973 54 mins
A rare insight into gymnast Olga Korbut's life at the height of her fame, showing the discipline it takes to be an Olympic champion.
XIVth Olympiad - The Olympic Games at St Moritz XIVth Olympiad - The Olympic Games at St Moritz
Non-Fiction 1948 1 mins Silent
Speed skaters brave the weather to race round the track at the 1948 Olympic Games in St Moritz, Switzerland.
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.