“GLORY OF SPORT” A PALE SHADOW OF GERMAN “OLYMPIA”

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 67, 21 March 1949, Page 5

“GLORY OF SPORT” A PALE SHADOW OF GERMAN “OLYMPIA”

When thh German film of the 1936 Olympic' Games iri- Berlin, “Olympia,” was released- Mr screening in New Zealand it was hacked about considerably by the censor, the excuse being that it contained much pro-Nazi propaganda, writes a critic comparing it with “The Glory of Sport” which commences at Whakatane this week.

This was not'so, he says. Having seen the uncut version the writer is at a .loss to know to which part the censor could have taken exception. Apart from one or two quick flashes of Goebbels, Goering and Hitler, watching the different events and one of Hitler throwing his hands up in disgust when Germany lost one race, there is absolutely nothing offensive. '

A Masterpiece The film was a masterpiece and has given to the world a living record of those games. Its phptography, editing, music, presentation and technical work have perhaps never been equalled. It takes the picture audience right into the games and one feels that one is actually taking part. The J. Arthur Rank production “The Glory of Sport,” though giving more or less complete coverage of last year’s games at London is, in the opinion of some competent critics, but a pale shadow of its German counterpart. Its glorious technicolour is its chief appeal. Actual filming of the Olympic events shows little imagination. For instance, shots down a sprint track from above the finishing tape lose value in that they give no true impression of the athletes’ speed. Not Propaganda-Free

The film attempts to cover all sports but actually covers, nothing thoroughly. It skims here and there showing much and seeing very little.

Nor is it free of Anglo-American propaganda. As America had almost a clean sweep of the athletic events the British commentators find it hard to keep pace with the Americans, (the commentary is by English and American announcers) but they manage to do so with credit. Big Events Missed

Many of the main races are left out. The classic 1500 metres, which “Olympia” showed Jack Lovelock winning in Berlin from start to finish, is only briefly mentioned. Swimming receives a passing glance and rowing a bit more. Yachting is somewhat poorly handled, though the brilliance of some of the camera shots manages to make up for much.

Much of the interest in the games was lost to New Zealanders by the absence of their representatives in final events. However, the audience will catch a glimpse of the New Zealand team during the parade of competitors.

Probably the best, handled part of the film is the winter section held in St. Moritz, Switzerland, and the marathon. These are two of the few bright spots. There are little human episodes captured by the camera. The little Korean muffing his chances throwing the hammer; the 19 year old Belgian staggering on to finish third in the marathon; the French skiier diving (unintentionally) into a bank of snow, and many more. These scenes help to save the film from dullness.