Belgian Girls V. English, Tug-O-War At Soldiers Home (1916)

Girls’ tug of war; during World War One, on the home front in England. Contest between English girls and Belgian refugee girls. Game is part of a sports day at a home for recuperating wounded soldiers. A fun little bit of footage. Shot of man in foreground holding a taut rope, stretching across the screen in his hands; a vicar / priest stands behind him, spectators assemble. Pan right as contest begins; a line of pubescent girls in long frocks pulling like mad and leaning back. C/U of vicar standing next to rope, crowd behind him. The rope lowers and a man hurries past. Crowd is craning their necks or leaning forward to get a glimpse. Pan to more of the spectators and the other team of girls, the man urges them on by stepping up to first girl and giving her words of encouragement. Contest, strength, teenagers, games, amusement, play, sports. Modified WPA record. FILM ID: A VIDEO FROM BRITISH PATHÉ. EXPLORE OUR ONLINE CHANNEL, BRITISH PATHÉ TV. IT’S FULL OF GREAT DOCUMENTARIES, FA