GAUMONT BRITISH NEWS

This film is held by the Imperial War Museum (ID: RMY 60-12).

Synopsis

I. "Italy blitzed!" Scenes of the production of "even bigger and more beautiful bombs" (filling 2000-lb casings with explosives) introduce aerial film of a night raid on Genoa. Flares and bombs explode over a wide area as the commentary justifies these attacks by declaring that "we are getting our own back. Assault by air will lead no Axis city undestroyed unless they cry for peace".

II. "George Cross Island, Malta." Item pays tribute to this fortress of the Mediterranean which has just been awarded the George Cross, brought to the island by the new Governor Lord Gort. Film shows the island under aerial attack and the resulting devastation in Valletta, where inhabitants remain calm and cheerful even while they sit crossing themselves in an air raid shelter. Wounded are afterwards lifted away on stretchers. The unconquerable spirit of the Maltese is matched by the valour of the British pilots who are not only defending the island but are also busily engaged in attacking Rommel's supply ships en route for Libya. Battered building displays inscription "Bomb Rome".

Notes

Title: item I has no credits but may be Paramount News.

 

Titles

  • GAUMONT BRITISH NEWS
 

Technical Data

Year:
1942
Running Time:
12 minutes
Film Gauge (Format):
35mm
Colour:
B&W
Sound:
Sound
Footage:
1090 ft
 

Production Credits

Production Countries:
GB
Production company
Gaumont British