Macpherson Collection 3: Royal Visit to the Gambia, 1957

The film is structured around a royal visit by the Duke of Edinburgh and colonial ceremony led by British officials. However Macpherson directs attention to agricultural and produce trade between the locals and the British, with similarities to the second film in the collection. The footage explores the value, given by British officials, in this trade. This value, similar to western tradition, is presented in the form of prize cups. (00.0 to 03.31) A large clearing amongst tall trees in bright late afternoon sunshine. Footage is shown of the gathering of the chiefs. They are dressed in their traditional long robes and are seated comfortably in chairs around the perimeter of the clearing. Various members of the colonial service busy themselves in the area of a platform dais, which has a small canopy roof and displays an official coat of arms. Official state chairs stand empty on the platform. Further chiefs arrive and a British official in white and a helmet then gives explanation to the seated chiefs. Seated at the side are British officials and wives. (01.18 to 03.31) The Duke of Edinburgh's visit. Duke is seated on the dais flanked by the Governor. Various chiefs then walk singly and separately up the dais to be presented to the Duke. The Duke, standing, dressed in full ceremonial uniform and wearing a sword delivers a formal speech from the dais by reading from a prepared text. (3.46 to 4.33) Visit by Duke of Edinburgh to agricultural show. The Duke passes amongst the machinery and other exhibits, which are shown to him by the exhibitors. The Duke is hatless and is dressed in a khaki safari suit. He shakes hands with a line of young women who are dressed in traditional costume. (04.33 to 07.30) Various shots of Agricultural Show taking place at a farm among trees. Cattle in pens are shown to a pair of British officials dressed in white shorts and knee length stockings. One of whom smokes his pipe in British fashion and pokes one of the cattle with his stick. Other livestock is in pens. There is an archway displaying, Agricultural Department Show'. Various items of brand new agricultural equipment are laid out for display. (07.30 to 8.48) A British Colonial officer in a white shirt and shorts with white knee length stockings demonstrates the use of welding with a blow torch on a piece of metal which he rests on a tree trunk. (08.48 to 09.55) Various shots around the show. Spectators milling around a food stand. An archway carries the legend, 'Produce Show'. Produce is laid out on stands for display and inspected by British officials, in white shorts, and their wives. (10.11 to 10.40) Local African dignitary dressed in traditional white robe cuts the ribbon to formally open the 'Agricultural show'. He is flanked by African officials who wear European clothing, pith helmets, and long trousers while the British officials wear shorts. (10.40 to 12.05) The cattle and livestock in their pens being displayed at the show. British officials are in their shorts with their wives in the background. (12.14 to 14.06) In the shade under tall trees, a British official dressed in white tope and white shorts and shirt presents prizes to local dignitaries. The official is shown presenting prize cups, similar to a British Show or competition. The Chiefs receive the prizes singly while their peers sit comfortably in chairs watching. The official then inspects a Guard of Honour of local men or local soldiers in red uniforms and then departs in a Land Rover, on its door, the sign, 'Pool Bathurst'. A small crowd of spectators with local police line up to watch. The footage ends with the arrival or departure, on foot, of a British official in a suit with two well-dressed British ladies. Creator: James N Macpherson