GENERAL LECLERC ARRIVES IN SAIGON AND ROYAL NAVY ENTERTAINS FRENCH CHILDREN [Allocated Title]

In Saigon, French Indo-China (Vietnam) General Philippe Leclerc arrives to an enthusiastic reception from the French population, while men of the Royal Navy in Saigon stage a film show for French children.

Part 1: At an airfield at Saigon Leclerc steps down from a Royal Air Force Dakota transport aircraft; in the foreground an Indian Army bugler. Leclerc inspects a guard of 4th Battalion 17th Dogra Regiment; their 20th Indian Division insignia can be seen. Leclerc in conversation with Major-General Douglas Gracey, commander 20th Indian Division, and three French officers. Leclerc climbs into a staff car. Medium wide shot, street scene; in torrential rain (the road is actually flooded) a French crowd cheer and mob the car, while armed men (French police?) attempt to hold back them back. The crowd engulfs the motorcade and a motorcycle outrider vanishes from sight. Close shot; having abandoned the car (which is waved on through the crowd) Leclerc is escorted through the crush by his entourage. One man who appears to be Asian looks to be pulled out of the way. A large crowd at a set of gates (to Leclerc’s residence?); a lorry of British troops rolls up. [125 feet]

Part 2: At Royal Navy headquarters in Saigon and party of French children and their mothers walk through the gates, which are guarded by Royal Marines. Outside the building naval officers, sailors and children by a blackboard advertising ‘Royal Naval HQ Saigon – “A Chip off the Old Block” – Cinema pour les enfants’. The naval officer seen is named as Lieutenant-Commander Langley, Royal Navy. Close-up pan of children with naval officers and sailors. A bearded officer, Lieutenant Harpur, holds a up a little girl and ‘adopts a very fatherly attitude [and] explains the mysteries of his epaulettes’ (from the dopesheet). [101 feet]

35mm