Intrigue - Mitford Sisters Documentary

[Ian Grant]

I've sent a message to Dan Snow asking some questions Some context Peter Snow (Dan's father) now retired, was a highly regarded UK TV journalist and newscaster. Dan follows in his father's footprints and has or rather is setting up a subscription history channel (TV/Internet):

Maybe you can help, is the footage of Diana Mitford's 1929 wedding a modern recreation ? Why is there a camera with a light meter ? No 1929 cameras had one fitted

Also

there's what appears to be an MPP Micro Technical MkVI in this image made in the mid 1950's.

In addition, there are post WWII Graflex Pacemaker Speed or Crown Graphics ?

I did ask if they'd used footage from a post WWII unconnected event to portray the society photographers, every other part of the documentary was original footage. That included footage in colour of Diane Mitford with Hitler.

I'd also add that in 1929 and pre WWII images of press photographers here in the UK you'd see reflex cameras, German style 8x12 or Quarter plate cameras, also the clothes look wrong.

Ian

 

[pentaxuser]

I agree Ian. The man on the end with the camera to which you refer appears to be wearing a belted gabardine coat in a style that I don't think existed in the late 20s. In that style it was a garment either of the late 30s or more likely the late 40s up to the mid 50s

pentaxuser

 

[AgX]

The camera in the first picture is a postwar german Kodak Retina IIIc from 1954.

 

[AgX]

At tv history documentaries it is sad enough common to use any footage available that "looks" apt.

I have seen WWI footage inserted into WWII footage in documentaries on WWII. Also even belligerants and locations mixed op.
I even contacted a british film archive to set their things right.

 

[pentaxuser]

I fear we are entering an era or may already be in an era where the current producers, editor etc do not see the need to point out that what they show is only an attempt to recreate the period which the programme purports to show. Effect and entertainment and impact is more important than representing facts in general and that includes history


pentaxuser

 

[Lachlan Young]

Second image has an Arri 16 in it - they only went into production in the 1950s as far as I am aware. Mislabeled library footage at best, lazy researchers at worst.

 

[grahamp]

Lack of hats. Granted this is a polite scrum, but I am surprised not to see any. They were common civilian wear until after 1945, though journalists were probably the first to give them up!

 

[btaylor]

Second image has an Arri 16 in it - they only went into production in the 1950s as far as I am aware. Mislabeled library footage at best, lazy researchers at worst.

Ha! Yes, I noticed the Arriflex ST 16mm as well. Introduced in 1952 I believe.

 

[JPD]

Many modern "documentaries" are of bad quality, made by the assembly line principle. Not much new research, but taking old material, simplifying it, using any stock photage and presenting it in a new box. Digitally colourizing old film material or using digtal "recreations" with movie-like sound effects, and then make new documentaries just because they can use these techniques, has become popular. The information itself is watered down because it's less important.

 

[Kino]

Second image has an Arri 16 in it - they only went into production in the 1950s as far as I am aware. Mislabeled library footage at best, lazy researchers at worst.

Exactly. This jumped out at me. However,it's hardly surprising in light of the frequent requests we get for actuality motion picture footage of the American Civil War.
Very few even bother to study history, let alone commit it to memory.

 

[GG12]

Interesting....Where can one find the documentary?
thanks.

 

[Ian Grant]

The Mitfords: Communism Vs Fascism In The English Aristocracy | Tale Of Two Sisters

Ian

 

[pentaxuser]

The Mitfords: Communism Vs Fascism In The English Aristocracy | Tale Of Two Sisters

Ian

A worthwhile link, Ian, thanks I wonder if the "Peaky Blinders" in the forthcoming last series will touch on these two? Some form of reference at least may be the logical evolution from the previous series where Tommy Shelby was up against Oswald Mosley.

If ever I am near St Andrews I always keep an eye out for Tommy and Arthur and I am very careful about what I say

pentaxuser