This documentary on the Olympic Games of 1948 includes the Winter Games in St Moritz, Switzerland and the Summer Games in London, UK. It is a beautiful restoration by the International Olympic Committee in 2011 of the original archive film held by the British Film Institute.
Both winter and summer games of that Olympiad get full coverage so this 3-hour film, which constitutes an important part of Olympic history. We see the opening parades of the athletes. The national teams were impressive particularly their formality - with the marching, the dress uniforms, and the lifting and lowering of the flags in London as they pass by King George VI saluting each team. The Royal Family receives due attention with the Queen being honoured on her birthday and later as the Duke of Edinburgh presents the medals to for the regatta races.
Many of the track and field events held at Wembley Stadium were performed in wet, soggy conditions, not to be unexpected in Britain. The highlight was the marathon which was only decided when the leading runners entered the stadium for the finale. The Belgian Gaily was ahead but was overtaken by Carbora of Argentina and the British runner. Bob Mathias of the United States won the first of his two decathlons as the best athlete in the world.
The Winter Games in St Moritz were no less exciting. We see slalom and downhill skiing, the skeleton, bobsled, hockey, figure skating etc. We see lengthy coverage of Canada's Barbara Ann Scott as she wins the Women's Figure Skating. A crowd pleaser, she receives a long ovation at the end of her performance. Interesting that hockey and figure skating were held outdoors where we are treated to the glorious scenery surrounding St. Moritz.
It is not possible to cover every detail of this comprehensive film. It is a wonderful piece of Olympic history and well worth the 3 hours of viewing. Recommend.
