Brinton Collection 5: Swimming Gala 1939

Reference	2008/040/005
Alternative reference	2008/040/005.film
Archive collection	British Empire & Commonwealth
Level of description	Item
Date	1939
Description	The footage is of a group of European men and women swimming in an open air pool. They are enjoying a variety of different games and also relaxing. Detailed description (00.00 to 01.34) Intertitle: 1939 Swimming Gala. Opening shot is of a raised Union Jack flag blowing in the wind. This is followed by a sequence of men diving, racing and swimming in the pool. (01.34 to 02.05) Contestants trying to walk to the end of a beam above the pool, shots of men falling in played in reverse. (02.05 to 02.42) Men competing to try knock each other off the beam with pillows, shot in slow-motion. (02.42 to 3.50) The sequence starts with diving competitions. Men and women also compete in a game bobbing for things in the water, followed by apple bobbing competition. There are also close-ups of people drinking, playing, laughing, smoking etc. (3.50 to 04.48) The sequence is of reversed footage of men diving followed by men playing a game in the water with a ball.
Extent and medium	1 film 16mm digitised
Access status	Open
Access conditions	None
Physical and technical	Running time: 04:48 mins Length: 125ft b/w silent

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