An ANZAC visit to Versailles
Produced in 1918 – 1919 the film The Land We Live In was a two-hour long extravaganza. Sadly only 21 minutes of the original film survive. Aimed at an education market, the film focused on the main centres and principal towns in Aoteroa New Zealand, promoting scenic views and industry in each province.
Curiously, sandwiched between images of scenic wonder and industry is this sequence showing New Zealand soldiers sightseeing at the Palace of Versailles, near Paris, in 1919, during the negotiations for the Treaty of Versailles.
The images were most likely taken by New Zealander Charlie Barton. At that time Barton was New Zealand’s only native-born official war cameraman – unfortunately this is one of the few of his films that survive.
An ANZAC visit to Versailles
Produced in 1918 – 1919 the film The Land We Live In was a two-hour long extravaganza. Sadly only 21 minutes of the original film survive. Aimed at an education market, the film focused on the main centres and principal towns in Aoteroa New Zealand, promoting scenic views and industry in each province.
Curiously, sandwiched between images of scenic wonder and industry is this sequence showing New Zealand soldiers sightseeing at the Palace of Versailles, near Paris, in 1919, during the negotiations for the Treaty of Versailles.
The images were most likely taken by New Zealander Charlie Barton. At that time Barton was New Zealand’s only native-born official war cameraman – unfortunately this is one of the few of his films that survive.
Year: 1919
Length: 0:01:19
Production Company: New Zealand Educational Film Company
Credits: Camera: Charles F Newham, Camera: Charles D Barton
Source: Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
Catalogue Reference: F1142 The Land We Live In
Location: Versailles, France
Tags: The Land We Live In, Charles Barton, Versailles, France, WWI, World War One, Treaty of Versailles, New Zealand Educational Film Company, 1919, 1918, Anzac, New Zealand, New Zealanders
Subject: Versailles, Peace Treaty
Image Credit: The New Zealand Divisional rugby team visits Versailles in World War One. Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association: New Zealand official negatives, World War 1914-1918. Ref: 1/2-013141-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23163916