Earthquake In Greece (1953)

Unissued / unused footage - dates and locations may be unclear or unknown.



Earthquake in Greece.



Several shots of ruins. Priest unveils surviving statue of Mary from ruined church. Ruined walls are pulled down. Troops arrive on trucks. Aeroplane flies overhead. More ruins and devastation. Refugee camps. Americans unload supplies. People are attended to by medicals. Shots of ships in harbour.



Two men look at maps beside helicopter. Helicopter takes off. View of coastline as we fly over. View of the Cephalonia Island from helicopter. Cliffs fallen into sea. Small villages in ruins. Flying over Argostoli and over French boat 'Montcalm'. Helicopter gliding into the air in the country. Shots of the ruins of Cephalonia. American, English and Greek boats bringing relief. More ruins of Cephalonia. People rescuing what they can from the ruined houses.



In Argostoli, completely destroyed, refugees camping. A house has been blown onto another house. French marines of the 'Montcalm' bring aid to the refugees. The French Consul of Athens, accompanied by Colonel Roy, his attache militaire, brings aid. Distribution of sweets to children. Stocks of victuals and goods in the harbour. Desolated and obstructed streets.



In Zante - town completely destroyed with the exception of a church which remained intact. The earthquake took place at 11 am and fire completed the destruction. People rescuing whatever they can. Cranes in action - bulldozer cleaning streets. Camping of refugees. Child sleeping in the arms of his father. Helicopter watching for possibility of outbursts of fire. English marines in the ruins. Church tower heavily damaged. Shot of street with intact church where the remains of St Dionysius are conserved. A praying priest. People kneeling and praying, turned towards the church.



Arrival at Argostoli. Landing of food by English and Americans. People looking in the ruins for objects of value. 'Montcalm' loading Greek boat with food. Various campings of refugees. Mission of doctors - old woman cared for. Men and women eating bread. At Luxurry French marines with refugees waiting for distribution of gifts. More shots of Luxurry showing cracked and demolished dikes. Cars loaded with refugees passing among the ruins. Harbour of Zante.



Note: condensed record - shots may not be in correct order but is very difficult to distinguish what is correct order! Time restrictions mean I have to leave it as it is - sorry for any inconvenience.
FILM ID:2500.2

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