Crystal Champions, “Sportlight”, “Pathegrams presents”, “A Grantland Rice Sportlight”
“At Silver Springs, Florida, they have a playground underwater that is one of the most sensational things in sport”
“A Grantland Rice Spotlight featuring a bevy of swimming champions including future TARZAN actor Johnny Weissmuller in one of his first film appearances. For a 1929 film, this one-reeler features spectacular underwater photography and sublime narration by Rice himself.”
“CRYSTAL CHAMPIONS is an 11 minute Grantland Rice Sportlight S-3 (in sound) featuring swimming champions JOHNNY WEISSMULLER (of Tarzan fame); Martha Norelius (15 World Records); Newton Perry (Turtle Catching Champ); and diving champions Helen Meany + Pete Desjardins.
One reviewer raved about Ernest Corts’ underwater photography at Silver Springs, Florida as well as the creative use of sound having a narrator (Grantland Rice uncredited).
Frank Black and his Orchestra provide the music with sound synchronized by RCA Photophone on this May 1929 Pathe – Van Beuren release directed by Jack Eaton.
This innovative sound short with fantastic RARE early footage on these great champions make this a must see.”
