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  • Short Summary

    The final test of motor cycles made in Coventry for the army.

  • Description

    The Final Tests - of motorcycles made in Coventry, West Midlands, for the army - 1916.

    Opens with what is almost a comedy sequence: road with a huge puddle across it in rural area with trees; group of people gathered looking down at the water from a raised stone walkway along the side of the road. Long string of motorcycles come round bend; approaching the water; and drive through the miniature lake. Many different styles; some funny; silly; comic; slapstick; etc. Some stand up on seat to avoid getting wet; others raise legs up and out; some make big splash. Also motorcycle with sidecar. CU side view man working on motorcycle (small; lightweight Triumph). He replaces some small part. Mechanic; tools.

    Next; shot looking up at steep hill; 2 motorcycles drive up hill. Then; shot of motorcycle factory; brick building with sign 'Triumph Works' over a wide entry (writing is backwards - film has been transferred the wrong way round - SL); about 20 motorcycles; 2 with sidecars; drive out of this opening.

    Shot of a muddy country road; with a few guys leaning on stone wall of a small bridge; watching a couple of motorcycles drive over the hill; becoming airborne as they hit a bump. Then a funny bit; with 5 guys piled up on a cycle like a silly stunt; driving down the road; as another man watches. Another comic bit; with one man on a motorcycle; a gang of others hanging onto the back; in a struggle; as if trying to stop him. They all slide back & forth on road; front wheel pops up a few times; like a wheelie.

    Note: this film has been transferred in reverse, so writing is the wrong way round.

    Industry; transportation; vehicles.

    G 356 A.

  • Tags

  • Data

    Film ID:
    1856.30
    Media URN:
    71581
    Group:
    Old negatives
    Archive:
    British Pathé
    Issue Date:
    1916
    Sound:
    Silent
    HD Format:
    Available on request
    Stock:
    Black & White
    Duration:
    00:02:47:00
    Time in/Out:
    01:36:53:00 / 01:39:40:00
    Canister:
    ON 024 G

Comments (3)

  1. Unknown user says

    "man working on motorcycle (small; lightweight Triumph)" - it's a a Triumph Model H.

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  2. jvbcv8 says

    The whole film is back to front. The first section of the film is taken at the ford in Kenilworth - the location is still the same today. It is also possible that the hillside is at Abbey Fields in Kenilworth.

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  3. cairnomount says

    jbvc8 is correct and what a pity it is too as its a super film of a model of Triumph now 100 years old. Is it possible for it to be redone the right way round? I'll buy a copy if so but not as it is.

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