In Far Off Abyssinia (1927)

Item title reads: "In far-off Abyssinia. Pathe cameraman secures, by special permission, pictures of state visit of Duke D'Abruzzi to emperor of Abyssinia. First pictures ever taken of the veiled Empress and her guard, who saw a cinema camera for the first time in their lives." Addis Ababa M/S as the Duke's party arrive in open motor cars along a road lined by crowds. Camera shots are from a following vehicle. They drive through an arch. Vast crowds of tribesmen, some mounted and carrying rifles, sweep past camera viewed from above. Duke in military uniform and Pith helmet, is seated next to a bearded Emperor, who wears ornate robes and a crown. Further action scenes of tribesmen sweeping past camera. Shot of the Empress from below, as she sits at the top of carpeted steps. Flanked by the guards she wears robes, headdress and veil. Shots of tribesmen with metallic decorated shields and fur-trimmed helmets pose for camera. Note: The tribesmen look ethnic. The shots of the mounted tribesmen sweeping down the hillside are extraordinary. FILM ID:692.06 FOR LICENSING ENQUIRIES VISIT http://www.britishpathe.com/