| Prince of Wales Sees Equator Ceremony on Ship | ||
|---|---|---|
| This clip is not available for streaming at this time. Please contact WPA. | Tape Master: | 6269 |
| Catalog #: | 435712 | |
| Clip Number: | 435712-1 | |
| Orginal Film: | ON478A | |
| Timecode: | ||
| Location: | South Atlantic Ocean | |
| Year Shot: | 1925 (Actual Year) | |
| Audio: | No | |
| Color: | No | |
| Headings: | CEREMONIES: Unusual | |
| Description: | British royalty. Prince of Wales (future Edward VIII and Duke of Windsor) on royal tour of Africa in 1925; part 5 of original series. HRH on ship HMS Repulse walking on deck; looks at sea. Night before crossing Equator; guy in King Neptune costume "appears from the deep";says to have novices ready in A.M. Dance held that night: fun shots of crowd of sailors dancing together (kinda homoerotic/ gays in military; etc.) interspersed w/ MSs musicians playing banjos; ukeleles; violins; drum kit; cornet. Someone on dance floor in chicken suit. Costume contest parade w/ chicken; "savages"; clowns; guys in drag; etc. HRH hands out prizes. 01.46.27 Crossing the Line ceremony. King N. climbs aboard. Mermaid in blonde wig poses reclining on chariot. Procession of pirates; then shaggy creatures pulling King N.'s chariot; then guys in various wacky costumes. King N. holds investiture of those who have already crossed the line. Then initiation begins. Furry costume guys; jump into pool on deck. CU pirate grins wickedly. Funny silly film of novices being abused; each is laid on bench where wacky barber teams pretend to cut hair & shave; then bench tips & he's dropped into pool. King N. & "family". More guys being dunked. CUs guys getting stuff smeared all over their faces;then they are pushed backward- -they even get cameramen but HRH escapes. Finally someone turns fire hose on the crowd. Ha ha. Royal Navy; traditions; silly; ritual; funny; slapstick. Cont. next record. - | |
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