CZECHOSLOVAKS IN INDIA : how they live and work

This film is held by the Imperial War Museum (ID: RMY 31).

Synopsis

Bata employees celebrate St Wenceslas Day (28 September) and proclaim Czech solidarity with the British Allies' fight for freedom.

Commentary describes over views of Indian jungle and the Bata Shoe Company model town of Batanagar, twelve miles south east of Calcutta, how this community of Indians and Czechs grew out of "active cooperation and brotherhood according to the highest human principles and natural laws". Indians and Czechs emerge together from the factory compound and Czech mothers sit outside with their children. Commentary contrasts this ideal situation with the sad fate of Czechoslovakia. Czechs start celebrating their national day (28th September) by attending Mass then follow a band to the clubhouse for a long display of dancing in national style. Head of the colony Mr Bartos then reads a statement thanking India for allowing Czechs to live and work there. Czechs in India are now providing moral and financial support to their compatriots who, after France, are now in England carrying on their fight for the victory of democracy and truth. Fade out over British and Czechoslovak flags.

 

Titles

  • CZECHOSLOVAKS IN INDIA : how they live and work
 

Technical Data

Year:
1940
Running Time:
10 minutes
Film Gauge (Format):
35mm
Colour:
B&W
Sound:
Sound
Footage:
911 ft
 

Production Credits

Production Countries:
India
Sponsor
[Bata Shoe Company]
cameraman
Sengupta, Ajit
commentary
Sen, Hara
film editor
Hossain, Shaukat
processing
Mehta, R B
Production company
Film Corporation of India
scenario
Baros, John
sets ("decoration")
Zitek, O
sound recordist
Sil, Madhu
supervision
Majumdar, Shaukat