British Empire and Commonwealth Games
1954
11 min
Coming soon
This short documentary presents highlights of the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. In Vancouver, top-ranking athletes from the far corners of the British Commonwealth competed for new records. The film records outstanding feats in racing, jumping, pole-vaulting, swimming as well as the "miracle mile" duel between John Landy and Roger Bannister.
Details
This short documentary presents highlights of the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. In Vancouver, top-ranking athletes from the far corners of the British Commonwealth competed for new records. The film records outstanding feats in racing, jumping, pole-vaulting, swimming as well as the "miracle mile" duel between John Landy and Roger Bannister.
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directorJack Olsen
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producerNicholas Balla
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cameraDonald WilderJack LongOsmond H. BorradaileFelix Lazarus
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soundClarke DapratoClifford Griffin
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editingFergus McDonell
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narratorAndy O'Brien
Education
Ages 11 to 17
Health/Personal Development - Fitness/Physical Activities
History - Canada 1946-1991
History and Citizenship Education - Imperialism and Colonization (1800s-1900s)
Media Education - Documentary Film
Students can watch this film as an historical document. Have students discuss some of the outdated attitudes, such as sexist or colonial language. Students can explore the athletic milestones or changes (the 4-minute Miracle Mile, the high jump 12 years before the revolutionary Fosbury Flop, the exhausted marathoner in today's Ironman era, and so on). Do students watch the Olympics? Is this any different? What significance do world games have to world peace and understanding?
