Delhi (1938)

Shot by the legendary Jack Cardiff - the Oscar-winning cinematographer of 'Black Narcissus' - this is one of a number of short films that he made in India in the late 1930s. As much a study to show off his brilliant Technicolor photography as it is a portrait of Delhi, this film presents the city - and the period - as rarely seen before.

After a brief historical and architectural preamble, the film moves into an extended sequence that shows the Jama Masjid and stunningly coloured saris among the gardens of the Red Fort. Then it's off to New Delhi to see how the British (in the form of architect Edwin Lutyens) 'taught the Indians' how to build... However, despite the colonial pomposity of the commentary, the record of New Delhi in the '30s is extraordinary - especially the scenes of Connaught Place that appear as a sea of calm and green lawns. (Robin Baker)

This film is part of 'Before Midnight' - a touring programme of 27 films shot in India prior to Independence. Further information at http://www.independentcinemaoffice.or...

You can watch over 1400 other complete films and TV programmes from the BFI National Archive free of charge in the Mediatheque at BFI Southbank, London and at the new QUAD centre for art and film in Derby - http://www.bfi.org.uk/mediatheque http://www.derbyquad.co.uk/bfi-mediatheque

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• BFI
• India
• Delhi
• Lal
• Qil'ah
• red
• fort
• mosque
• Jama
• Masjid
• Qutb
• Minar
• Hindu
• Muslim
• sari
• moghul
• raj

[mikkifly]

jack cardiff one of the worlds greatest cinematographers

[BFIfilms]

'A Road in India' - one of several short films that Jack shot in in India in 1938 - is also available to view on this channel.

[skspt]

I cant understand why you guys are talking about what Britain, or India or Mughals did RIGHT NOW??? That is past, good or bad, in anyone's perspective, we cant change it,,,, please enjoy this invaluable peace of document guys, this work is really awesome, hats off to legendary Jack Cardiff.

[hmasmelbourne]

Thankyou BFI. My Great Grandfather was in the British Indian Army during this time, and this realy brings that era to life.

[rawoolmanish]

Do BFI Films shoot the bombay in1938 ?

[kumarsa108]

@sd268 Indeed the ignorance is laughable.

[sd268]

To continue, the bindi isn't "the mark of the pooja of the Brahmin", whatever that means, the Jama Masjid was not built to commemorate "a vast Mohammedan invasion from Baluchistan"; the Qutb Minar was not built by the Mughals, who didn't arrive for around 300 years after it was built; etc. Given the Brits ruled the damn place for close to 200 yrs, could they not have got a person who knew some basic history to do the vioce-over? Hilarious.

[sd268]

Really quite extraordinary how the commentary gets virtually bit of history flat-out wrong. Starting with the Babur being the first conqueror; using "Mughal" as interchangeable with Muslim, turning Shah Jahan into Akbar's son; showing pictures of the ruins of Mehrauli and talking about Akbar who came some 350 yrs later; saying saris are 10 yards long .... it's delightful as a piece of unintentional comedy!

[Ergydion]

I steel feel this indescribable feeling, when i see old movies or videos. When you know that this woman is dead now, but you can see her in a living moment full of spirit and live.

I cant describe this feeling, but i love it and i hope you understand what i mean :)

Btw Thanks for the upload

[anshumanutube]

Like the panoramic shot in the end. Delhi looks the same now, except just picture 15 million more people there and also you will have to picture things in your mind cuz you can't actually see very much due to the smog.

[chhvz]

Beautifullll



[faha1ali]

one of the best videos I have ever seen. However qutub minar was built by muslims but not built by Mughals.

[KannyValentine]

@zigzagdunia yes zakuza hahaha... just like muslims now make statues of indian gods for their festivals.. get more knowledge and values... respect religions and their people..