Learning on ScreenPANAY SINKING: The historic film document shot by Eric Mayell, with introductions and commentary by Leslie Mitchell
Series
- Series Name
- British Movietone News
Issue
Story
- Story No. within this Issue
- 1 / 2
- Summary
- MOVIETONE CARD TITLE: Sinking of the US Gunboat "Panay" by Japanese Bombers. DESCRIPTION: Graphic story of the ill-fated US gunboat hit by Japanese artillery. SHOTLIST: 1. Nanking is bombed and captured by the onrushing Japanese. 2. Widow and orphans mourn dead in heart-rendering scenes. 3. The mass evacuation from the doomed Chinese capital. 4. The Panay, with refugees aboard, sails for the "safety" zone. 5. Japanese launch halts US gunboat for questioning. 6. Without warning, Nipponese Planes rain bombs on the boat. 7. Americans man anti-aircraft guns to fight sky attack. 8. Eric Mayell keeps "shooting" as the ship is smashed. 9. With "Panay" sinking, all dash desperately for shores. 10. Survivors hide in the reeds from bombs and machine guns. 11. Three merchant ships, with refugees go up in flames. 12. Eric Mayell films the sinking of the "Panay". 13. Wounded and shocked band makes slow escape inland. 14. In little town of Hohsien, injured get medical aid. 15. Close-ups of Lt Commander Hughes, Lt Anders. 16. Rescue at last by USS "Oahu" and British "Ladybird". 17. "Ladybird" also riddled by shrapnel in Yangtze River. 18. Safe in Shanghai, survivors are taken aboard "Augusta". 19. Cameraman Eric is greeted by Admiral Yarnell. 20. Flags fly at half mast as the coffin of Petty Officer Ensigner is brought aboard - killed in line of duty. Shot of the Chinese flag flying through trees. Shots of advancing Japanese troops marching along roads, close shot into and past camera also with vehicles. Shots of bombs bursting over Shanghai - fighting in streets - entering buildings, firing guns etc. Refugees standing watching. Bombing of the Cathay Hotel. Japanese soldiers entering the warehouse in Chapei. Shot of Eric Mayell filming. Shots of the Yangtze and warships on same. ‘Panay’ and refugees boarding her. Map of China and spot where Panay was sunk. Jap launch halts the Panay. Jap planes flying. Panay and other warships anchored. Shots of the attack on the gun-boat and scenes of anti-aircraft guns in action from the deck of the ship. Shots of the injured men from the Panay leaving in small boats. Small boat approaching shore. One long shot of man swimming. Shots of the boat sinking and a shot of Eric Mayell continuing to shoot the sinking. Shots of the survivors and wounded going through high reeds. Other shots of the wounded lying down. Long shot of burning Oil Tanker and smoke pouring from same. Shots of the wounded and survivors in Hohsien. Lt Anders lies wounded and lights a cigarette. Elevated shots of the Chinese junks and the wounded. Elevated shot of river at Shanghai. Aboard the ‘Augusta’ Admiral. Yarnell and Eric Mayell. USS Oahu and Gunboat Ladybird to the rescue. Shots of the ‘Ladybird’ past camera. Coffin draped with US flag brought aboard American cruiser.
- Keywords
- Ships and boats; Health and medicine; Weapons; Fires; Death; War damage; Navy; Accidents and disasters; Exile; Military; Cameramen; Newsreels
- Footage sources
- Movietone America
- Card file number
- 32247
- Credits:
-
- Commentator
- Leslie Mitchell
- Length of story (in feet)
- 452
-
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