This DVD consists of many old silent film reels of parade footage from various locations. The reels have been digitized and converted to DVD format, making this a very unique collector?s item. The films in this collection range from 1912 to 1945. Included are two vintage Asian parades, two Mardi Gras parades, a firefighting parade and a New York parade.
Included Films:
Parade of the Wooden Soldiers
Parade of the Wooden Soldiers
Produced: 1940s
Length: 7 Minutes
This gem from the Stillman Fire Collection contains classic footage of old firefighters parading through the street as part of a large procession. Historic fire apparatus machines are on full display, making this an invaluably useful research tool to learning about vintage firefighting. A display of building climbing techniques caps off this great short film.
Mardi Gras: Parade of Nor
Mardi Gras: Parade of Nor
Produced: 1941
Length: 9 Minutes
This extremely rare amateur footage of 1941s Mardi Gras shows a very different celebration than that of modern day. The footage includes the Krewe of Nor, a childrens krewe, and the Krewe of Venus, which are parade troupes that no longer exist (though the Krewe of Little Rascals currently performs). The elegantly decorated floats are hand-drawn, and usually have only a few people on board. There is no wanton flinging of cheap beads, as beads back then were made of glass and were given out more sparingly. Tantalizing footage of costumed revelers dressed as cowboys, pirates, and clowns dazzle on screen. All in all, this film provides a wonderful nostalgic view of a more elegant and civilized Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras: Parade of Krewe of Rex
Mardi Gras: Parade of Krewe of Rex
Produced: 1941
Length: 9 Minutes
This amateur footage of the Krewe of Rex parading in the 1941 Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans has spectacular color. It documents just how different the celebration of pre-World War II is from the modern ones. The spectators are all lavishly costumed as cowboys and Indians, characters from Gone with the Wind, and others. They participate with the parade instead of just standing on the sidelines. The floats emulate creativity and loving craftsmanship. There is also footage of a dance contest where the contestants throw themselves into the spirit of things with a reckless joy. This is valuable documentation of an early Mardi Gras, a jubilant and nostalgic film that captures the elegance and intimacy of earlier celebrations.
Parade Celebrating Chinese Republic
Parade Celebrating Chinese Republic
Produced: 1912
Length: 3 Minutes
This is a short collection of footage from 1912 San Francisco, where people were celebrating the formation of the new Chinese Republic.
Chinese Lion Dance: Marysville, California
Chinese Lion Dance: Marysville, California
Produced: 1925
Length: 10 Minutes
This silent short shows amazing footage from the Chinese New Year Bok Kai festival in Marysville California. A tradition that has lasted throughout countless generations, we see many important ceremonies celebrating the New Year including the Lion Dance and the firing of the rings. Not only are we privy to some of the intriguing customs associated with Bok Kai festival, but we are given a glimpse at the immigration population of Chinese in the United States at the turn of the century. Shot by an amateur film maker in 1925, this black and white film is full of informational and interesting insights into a culture that has long been a source of inspiration and technological advances.
