| CIRCUS BLESSING Annual blessing of the circus performers and animals at Chessing | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tape Master: | 6001 | |
| Catalog #: | 36016 | |
| Clip Number: | 36016-1 | |
| Orginal Film: | CP 20 | |
| Timecode: | 01:18:27 - 01:19:59 | |
| Location: | Chessington, Surrey | |
| Year Shot: | 1955 (Actual Year) | |
| Audio: | Yes | |
| Color: | Yes | |
| Headings: | CEREMONIES: Religious, Blessing ENTERTAINMENT/CIRCUS: Behind the Scenes LOCATIONS/EUROPE: UK, England, Surrey RELIGION: Christianity, Protestant | |
| Description: | CIRCUS BLESSING Annual blessing of the circus performers and animals at Chessing Chessington Zoo, Chessington, Surrey. Short open-air ceremony before the opening of the circus at the Chessington Zoo, in which the Vicar of Chessington performs the annual "Blessing of the Circus" for performers in hazardous occupations in the ring. M/S of a caravan door opening and a circus ringmaster stepping out. Another caravan is seen two circus girls step out dressed in a bikini style outfit and swimsuit with tutu; they walk along together holding hands. They are followed by a woman in Spanish costume, then another in a blue majorette-ish outfit with feathered hat. A poodle watches them all trot past. M/S of Shetland ponies being led out of a stable by a man in a clown outfit. CUs cowboy and clown attach feathers to the ponies' bridles. MLS a little procession of Choirboys and Vicar lead the troupe to where the blessing will take place. MS performers (both human and animal) passing camera. MS Keeper leading a camel. MS/MCU Vicar feeding the small elephant. MCS.The toy poodle dog poses in "begging" position. MS Vicar stroking pony. CS.Choirboys. The vicar of Chessington, the Reverend Edward Lucey gives his blessing . The vicar gives an elephant something to eat. The trapeze artists and animal trainers are blessed. C/U of a poodle sitting on its hind legs beside two of the circus girls. M/S of the vicar petting one of the ponies. "Circus folk are like a family" says the narrator. Various shots of the vicar, choirboys, circus animals and circus performers. Various shots of performers taking off their hats as they all bow their heads in prayer. MCS.Choirboys. MCU woman holding horse. MCU Another woman; tilt down to her two dogs. Narrator states that even the animals seem to sense the solemnity of the occasion. GV pan on the scene. | |
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