Seriously Moving Images

As a wise man once wrote:  “Film archivists see so much footage of parades that they can quickly lose their novelty.”

What can I say?  I’m a film archivist, and it’s footage of a parade.

But to be fair, there are some really clever and creative floats on display here.  A lot of thought has gone into the design of the civic and corporate entries.  And the film provides a glimpse of Canada’s beloved marathon swimmer, Marilyn Bell, riding on a very snazzy car.

It was Vancouver’s first opportunity to host the Grey Cup — although the Edmonton Eskimos and the Montreal Alouettes were the the clashing titans in 1955.

In keeping with the time of year, Santa Claus puts in an appearance.  And look — his elves are riding on outriggers, which are shaped like footballs!

This footage was shot by Vancouver photographer and filmmaker Thomas W. Whitefoot (1891-1986).  To see descriptions of other Whitefoot films and footage in the BC Archives film collection at the RBCM, click here.