The pyrethrum story.
- Film
About this work
Also known as
Pyrethrum from Africa.
Description
A promotional film which shows the commercial growing, processing and use of the pyrethrum flower as a natural insecticide. The film focusses mostly on Kenya and features it as a modern and dynamic nation embracing progress in its eradication of insects as well as capturing footage of the country as a tourist destination with sequences on traditional dress, dancing and animals using a narrative device of a visiting American. Locations featured include Nahuru West (Kenyan rail shipping station), Department of Agriculture research station in Molo and Trappack, Belgian Congo.
Physical description
1 film reel (22 min. ) : sound, colour, 16 mm
Copyright note
Unknown.
Notes
The BFI film catalogue lists three films on pyrethrum: two with the title 'The Pyrethrum Story' (1961, 1965) and one with 'Pyrethrum from Africa' (circa 1963). The description on the catalogue matches the content of the film most closely as well as the production details; the given title is from the leader which has been handwritten with 'The Pyrethrum Story' colorprint #130 Tribune Films Inc. The sponsor is likely to have been The Pyrethrum Board.
The film comes from the Wellcome Foundation archives of Cooper McDougall & Robertson Ltd under WF/C (item reference: WF/C/M/AV/01:Box 4).
The films is warped (sound poor). There is colour fading and scratches.
Creator/production credits
A Ceres Production. Production Charles Powis; Associate Caryll Waterpark; Story John Collier.
Type/Technique
Languages
Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed stores7593FBy appointment Manual request