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“FIRST DARDANELLES FILM - A picture which lifts the veil upon what is happening in this storm-centre. The film vividly shows British and French battleships in action, scenes on the Goliath - which, it will be remembered, was the British Admiral’s flagship, and shortly afterwards sunk - together with scenes of the Allied camp, and some remarkable views showing the hordes of Turkish prisoners, in addition to many other incidents of surprising interest. Of course we recommend it.” (Pictures and the Picturegoer, 17 July 1915, p.293)
This is an extract from one of the many actuality films that screened in New Zealand cinemas during World War One and shows scenes from the naval operations in the Dardenelles Campaign that were shot around April-May 1915. These type of films were usually shown in a programme with shorts from other genres and proved to be highly popular with the cinema-going public.
A search of the title on Papers Past confirms this film screened in Auckland, Wellington, Wanganui, Christchurch and on the West Coast. In Wellington it played at the Empress Theatre in late August 1915, alongside a Charlie Chaplin short film “Work” and the other shorts “The Figure in Black” and “Lola the Rat” as well as the latest edition of the Topical Budget newsreel. Advertising in The Dominion claimed it was “photographically excellent, and each of its many splendid sections made a strong appeal upon spectators.” (The Dominion, 24 August 1915, p.7 & 8). A month later advertising in the Wanganui Chronicle was fulsome in its praise for the film, and gave an insight into the effect these type of films had on viewers; it was claimed the film “shows some of the most interesting pictures ever taken of a fleet in action. Whilst looking on the screen one imagines he is actually on board one of the warships and in the midst of battle.” (Wanganui Chronicle, 24 September 1915, p.6).
Intertitle: “The “Jaureguiberry,” the flagship.”
Intertitle: “Generals Amade and Gouraud on board the “Jaureguiberry” with Admiral Guepratte arranging plans for the co-operation of the land and sea forces.”
Intertitle: “The Allied camp at Moudros.”
Intertitle: “Flight Lieutenant Barthelemy de Sezien decorated with the Legion of Honour by Admiral Guepratte whilst under fire.”
Intertitle: “H.M.S. “Goliath” This battleship was sunk shortly after by a torpedo.”
Intertitle: “The French cruiser “Suffren” passing the flagship.”
Intertitle: “English signallers are placed on the French battleships to ensure messages being correctly transmitted.”
Intertitle: “A transport struck by a shell heels over.”
Intertitle: “Funeral of a French soldier who was killed by a wounded Turk whom he was trying to help.”