A screening of the award-winning documentary A Queen Is Crowned was recently shown at the Military Museum to mark the 70th Anniversary of the historic crowning of Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth 11 in June 1953.
The Historic Documentary Film Society’s founders Selwyn Klass and Henni Erasmus hosted the event with Second Innings program coordinator Grecia Gabriel, a focus group for older active adults.
The original Coronation broadcast was in black and white when Television was a new medium. The colour-enhanced documentary narrated by Sir Laurence Olivier with a script by Stephen Fry was nominated for an Academy Award winning the BAFTA (British equivalent).
It was voted the most popular box-office attraction at the time.
Klass shared a special memory of the Coronation Day in Johannesburg.
‘My British Granny embraced the occasion by pinning a rosette of the Union Jack on my school blazer.
She gave me a 78rpm recording of The Changing Guards at Buckingham Palace and took us to John Orr’s smart tea lounge to celebrate.’
One of the attendees present at the screening, Graham Bendell as a senior cadet, Sandhurst was on duty at Parliament Square on that memorable day. He fondly reflected on the honour of being officially included.
The documentary, gloriously restored for the occasion was warmly received by all who likewise reflected on their royal memories at the English-style tea that followed with traditional cucumber sandwiches (of course). Tempting cakes and scones were provided by SuperSPAR Blackheath.
For further info on future events:
Selwyn Klass.
0826033214 email selwynklass@gmail.com
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