Created in 1928, the silent feature “Q-Ships” takes place on the high seas of the Atlantic in World War I. The “Q-Ships” in question were part of an English ruse to tackle the U-boat threat: normal looking merchant vessels were converted to carry weapons, in hopes of luring an unsuspecting enemy raider to its demise. The film presents an interesting look at the WWI battle for maritime supremacy, which preceded and in many ways predicted WWII’s “Battle of the Atlantic”. The use of convoys, hydrophones and other means to detect U-boats, and other innovations are shown. What’s particularly fascinating about this film is that it utilizes real U-boats and Q-ships in the production. The film was originally produced by New Era Productions, an English film company which made a number of semi-documentary features based on historical fact. The films presented a combination of real heroes, actual World War I footage and studio scenes that gave a feel of a real war. Copyright 1928, Part 1 of 2. Note: this particular print is a re-release from Blackhawk.

Opening text explains how the film was made and what it is about (:36-2:10). The Headquarters of the “U” boat commanders at Bruges. Captain Von Hagg, Chief of Staff at Flanders U-Boat Base. Von Hagg speaks to his men. A submarine blows up a merchant sea vessel (2:11-4:59). Two men watch from the submerged U-Boat and then return inside to descend underwater. The Captain seems less than enthused with what they’re doing. The merchant ship burns at sea (5:00-6:44). News is given to the British about the sinking. They discuss. A merchant vessel, the USS St. Julien, at sea (note: this is apparently the ship TSS St Julien, a passenger vessel built for the Great Western Railway in 1925). Passengers on the St. Julien rush inside (6:45-9:17). German submarine is nearby. Germans board the vessel and inspects their papers, the Captain of the St. Julien explains they are a passenger ship (9:18-12:09). Germans drink and eat. A German sailor passes a note to a superior. Officers are praised (12:10-14:35). U-Boat homeward bound(14:36-15:57). Germans speak to the high command. One of the men is given a promotion. German captain receives a note and reviews it (15:58-17:57). The German goal is to cut England off from all traffic by sea. German high command speak and are pleased England seems to be playing into their hand (17:58-19:26). The tightening of the U-Boat blockade has begun and neutral flags aren’t safe from attack. Another merchant vessel is attacked, Dutch, followed by Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Spanish, and American. Wreckage of ships (19:27-20:54). April 6, 1917, America declares War against Germany. Rear Admiral William Sims, United States Navy speaks with Admiral Sir John Jellicoe. On May 4, 1917, American Destroyers slipped quietly into Queenstown (20:55-22:36). An isolated ship smokes. American Destroyers guard merchant ships on the high seas. An invention – the hydrophone submarine finder and underwater listening apparatus was used to find German U-Boats (22:37-25:24). Americans head out looking for U-Boats. The Germans go forward on their U-Boat. German high command writes at his desk (25:25-28:02). German U-Boat commanders stand by an Officer’s desk, he asks them what is going on and why are they failing. The high command wants results, not excuses (28:03-29:40). U-Boat at sea. Americans using a hydrophone locate a submarine (29:41-31:22). Germans still have confidence. American destroyer seeks the submarine. The Germans are aware the Americans have found them. The concerned German Captain speaks with a subordinate (31:23-33:42). Americans continue to seek the U-Boat (33:43-36:01). Americans drop depth charges into the sea. German U-Boat starts to rock and sway and leak (36:02-37:07). Americans continue to seek the U-Boat while the Germans stay submerged, concerned and frightened. Germans discuss surfacing (37:08-39:01). By stopping their motor, the U-Boat isn’t giving up sounds to the hydrophone and the Americans give up the search for now. U-Boat surfaces. Captain looks around after popping the hatch. Three months later. Germans discuss a new attack strategy (39:02-41:26). Germans out at sea. Inside the U-boat the Germans continue their day to day procedures. Using a periscope, the Germans survey (41:27-43:24). Germans discuss sinking a battleship. The submarine continues onward (43:25-45:57). End of Part 1.

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, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com