Shot by an unknown American tourist, this somewhat haphazardly shot home movie film shows a visit to Europe made aboard a White Star Lines passenger ship, possibly RMS Majestic. The voyage includes a stop in what might be Italy (we’re not sure?) as well as Algeria as well as Greece. Based on the clothing, the film likely dates to the late 1920s /early 1930s.
The film opens with underexposed (dark) footage of travelers walking down decks aboard a large ocean liner (:13). The vessel’s lifeboats hang over the side (:35). Gangplank is moved as the ship departs the dock (1:18). Daytime footage shows what is probably New York Harbor as seen from side of the ship. Pier 58 was the property of the White Star Line in New York CIty (2:41). Aboard the ship, a woman tosses rings for recreation (2:46) in a snug business casual suit jacket and skirt. Two men join the game of ring toss (3:23). A trio leans into lounge chairs on the ocean liner’s deck (3:52). They each light up cigarettes (4:20), note the “WSL” on the lounge chair standing for White Star Lines. The hilly coastline of what might be Gibraltar (4:23). A man and woman appear to be selling pine boughs, possibly for Christmas. They wear somewhat exotic clothing. It’s not known where this was filmed but likely Genoa or possibly Varallo Sesia, Italy (4:55). The travelers land and begin to explore (5:02). A camera view is captured of the bouncing roadway from the back of a motor scooter (5:12). Hills rise in the background of a city, possibly Varallo Sesia, Italy (Google images match) (5:15). A tennis court is viewed from behind a chain fence (5:31). The travelers take back to the waters (5:43). Piraeus port is captured littered with small merchant boats (6:08). Towering luxury apartment homes or hotels(6:40) in colonial style; all white and littered with pillars. A grand fountain and reflecting pool (6:54). The three vacationers pose (6:59). Brief shot of a Cemetery (7:14). Three clowns (?) play around the sidewalk enticing travelers (7:19). Algerian kids wearing cloth wrapped around their heads and shoulders (7:53). Images of Le Pavois (the Monument to the Dead of Algiers) appears on Boulevard Mohamed-Khemisti. The camera moves over the poor sitting on stone (8:15). Boarding another ship (8:21). At (9:48), a man with a five-sided star on his tunic poses for the camera, possibly reflecting the Five Pillars of Islam which are central to the faith. A snake charmer catches and whispers to his snake (10:14). At (11:00) a classical statue, and the Hadrian Arch in Athens, Greece (12:10). At (12:31) the Parthenon. The travelers take a closer look at the historic site (12:45) once dedicated to the goddess Athena. They help one another down the stone steps dressed in thick fur lined coats (13:05).
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
