Amateur film shot by British Army Kinema Unit operator Sergeant Roy Lister records the construction from palm trunks and fronds of a 35mm projection cinema (Empire Super Cinema), with detailed views of projectionist lacing up, Indian troops (14th/5th Blue Sappers?) marching and an outdoor performance of a "camp" pantomime by British servicemen on Gan Island, Addu Atoll, Maldive Islands between January and July 1943.

Notes

Title: original titling has Maldive spelt as "Mauldive", presumably a phonetic slip by Roy Lister.

Summary: for information in IWM on Gan Island during WWII, see memoir by Major G L Boyagis in Department of Documents (92/28/1), which mentions official concern over lack of amenities on this island during his own stay (August-November 1942). Although not mentioned by Boyagis, the cinema may have been built in response to this concern, possibly after his departure. During Boyagis' stay, the garrison included a battalion of Mahrattas,14th/5th Blue Sappers.