THE EIFFEL TOWER, AROUND PARIS

Genre: home movie

Year Published: 1928

Creator: Rene Clair; Albatros Production

Color: B&W

Sound: silent

Description: This reel presents two silent films about Paris. First, "The Eiffel Tower" created by Rene Clair and released by Albatros Production in 1928. This tinted film is a playful exploration of the famous tower, including its construction and the experience of ascending it. It also serves as a tribute to designer Gustave Eiffel. The film uses blueprints and photographs of the earliest stages of its construction ahead of the opening of the World's Fair, and then focuses on the completed structure. Clair captures the mechanical aspects of the tower's elevators and shows a ride to the top of the structure and views of Paris. At (2:40) another silent film, "Around Paris", shows sights of the city including Place de la Concorde, Rue Royale and the Madeleine, the Opera (3:08), boulevards and cafes, the Louvre Museum (3:42), Arch de Triomphe (4:00), Notre Dame cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais (4:42), L'Avenue du Marechal Foch (5:14), Bois de Boulogne (5:25).