British Pathe

"Our Japanese Staff Photographer writes as follow: - SUBJECT Filming Cinemas at City of Kyoto." Panning shot of a film set. Cameraman checks the shot, actors and extras are all around. "At Kyoto is many studio which is like Hollywood of Japan" Panning shot of actors and actresses waiting for direction....

"Our Japanese Staff Photographer writes as follow: - SUBJECT Filming Cinemas at City of Kyoto." Panning shot of a film set. Cameraman checks the shot, actors and extras are all around. "At Kyoto is many studio which is like Hollywood of Japan" Panning shot of actors and actresses waiting for direction. "Many star is to make feature here and versa-vice." L/S of camera moving along a track to get closer shot of a scene. M/S of a short fight scene. C/U of man in traditional dress - a kind of kimono. "Scene like this cost million yen - like is accustom in Hollywood." High angle panning shot of many men kneeling in rows - possibly at meeting or religious ceremony. We see camera being turned in the foreground. Actors move forward within the scene. "All latest trick photographer defects is found in Kyoto." M/S of camera being turned by a man in a jaunty hat. Various members of the crew stand around. Fake doors are moved across to reveal actors playing a scene. Camera continues to roll as it dollies back. L/S of the camera as it is moved backwards towards the camera on a track. "Great star called by name of which is Rudy Valenshima." (A joke presumably about Rudolph Valentino?) C/Us of man putting on make up. Other actors make up behind him and smoke cigarettes. M/S of man being strapped into a Samurai warrior style uniform. He is handed a traditional sword. He spits on the sword and rubs it (for luck?) and places it in its scabbard. "Lady star much fond of by publics and director." M/S of woman in Kabuki style make up and kimono. She laughs. "Lady extra is make-up with great comfort here." M/S of row of women kneeling on cushions in front of mirrors putting on make up. C/U of one of the women seen in the mirror combing her hair. C/U of Samurai putting on strange slippers. Camera pans up to his face, he smiles and laughs at the camera. L/S of large number of actors dressed as Samurais walking through Kyoto. Bystanders watch the men as they walk past. Camera pans to show them walking away from the camera. One of the actors turns and makes a face at the camera. A cart on wheels is pulled along by ropes. "Hon. Editor: Kyoto studio hope very sudden to make screechie picture. Hoping you are the same (signed) SAEKI." Safety print only.

Was an item in Pathe Pictorial issue number 626.
Note: great footage of early Japanese film making.