Sydney Bridge Opened (1932)

Full title reads: "Australia. Sydney Bridge Opened. Mounted Officer causes World sensation at official opening ceremony." Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Royal Marine standing in foreground begins conducting - a band (out of picture) strikes up with the British national Anthem. Various dignitaries are gathered around. Some are seated on a stage where the Union Jack flag is displayed. Man in uniform stands at podium behind flag and reads message from His Majesty the King. Soldier on horse back brandishing a sword rides in. A man is holding the reins of the horse. The rider falls off his horse and is apprehended by the police. It appears that he has opened the bridge unofficially by slashing the ribbon. The police lead him away. People in the crowd can be heard booing. A civic dignitary cuts the opening ribbon with scissors. Pan across the people watching. Boats in Sydney Harbour blast their whistles. Large liner goes under Sydney Harbour Bridge. High angle shot from bridge of ship passing below. Boy scouts march across the bridge with flags unfurled. Aerial shot over Sydney. Shot showing parade of dignitaries. Shots of the remarkable ironwork of the North Shore Bridge. Pan down to show various troops, including Americans, marching across the bridge. Massive crowds start to cross bridge. Pathe End titles. (N.B Mute Neg available - not as full as Comb print.) FILM ID:669.26 FOR LICENSING ENQUIRIES VISIT http://www.britishpathe.com/