TWELVE O.P.

This film is held by the BFI (ID: 3798).

Synopsis

An Afrikaner farmer and his African farm hands drive a team of twelve oxen from Capetown to the interior. Their progress is contrasted with the journey from Capetown to Johannesburg by van train and aeroplane.

Credits (22). Statue of Cecil Rhodes above Cape Town (35). Africans working on a new road with pick and shovel (58). Africans preparing a team of twelve oxen. Produce is loaded onto the wagon, under the supervision of the Afrikaner farmer. The ox team sets off, an African walking in front, with the farmer riding on the wagon (115). The ox team on the road in the interior (140). A van sets off to drive to Johannesburg (155). A white engine driver leaves home for the loco shed, where Africans are loading coal into freight wagons. The Union Express leaving Cape Town Station (185). Pilot walks out to twin-engined aircarft ZS-AJE, which is being filled from a Shell Aviation Service fuel tanker. The engines are started up, plane takes off (210). Shots of ox team on road intercut with shots of aircraft in flight and aerial views of landscape (255). Shots of the train intercut with ox wagon (290). The van fills up at a Shell station, and journeys on through the mountains (326). Car overtakes ox wagon (346). Aircraft approaching Rand Airport, AV airport, interior of control tower. Aircraft taxies and is unloaded (376). Ext mine. Two Africans walking along road are given a lift on the ox wagon by the Afrikaner farmer - Africans will walk many miles to get a job in the next town, states commentary. At sunset the ox team is outspanned, the farmer attempts to shoot a deer, his African farm hands dance to their guitars (448). Van and train at night (457). Next morning the farmer inspans the oxen and leads the Africans in a prayer before departure (526). The train arrives at Johannesburg (538). The farmer exchanges greetings with Afrikaner farmers on a hunting party. The van on the road passes a white bathing party at a ford, then arrives in Johannesburg (581). The ox team arrives at its destination. Montage of transport. The End (625ft).

 

Titles

  • TWELVE O.P.
Series Title:
FOCUS ON THE EMPIRE
 

Technical Data

Year:
1940
Colour:
Black/White
 

Production Credits

Director
SCHAUDER, Leon
commentator
EMMETT, E.V.H.
Editor
HYDE-CHAMBERS, Derek
Music
Gallo
Photography
SCHAUDER, Leon
Production Company
Gaumont-British Instructional