The original sports documentary: 8 minutes of 1908 London Olympics, royalty included.
During the recent Olympic games, held in the city of Loudon. Pathe was granted sole rights to take pictures for the cinematograph of the national games, and the success with which they met in obtaining a clear view of the principal events can easily be judged by those who are fortunate enough to see this film. The first picture shows the grand stand, crowded to its capacity with thousands of enthusiastic fans. In the royal box is the King and Queen, who appear to take a lively interest in the different events. It is an inspiring scene to see the parade of athletes at the opening of the games as each country represented marches by the reviewing stand flying their national colors and saluting their majesties.
Production
Pathé's exclusive access deal — the original broadcast rights.
Costume
Edwardian fashion in the royal box is accidentally the main event.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was among the first times mass audiences could 'attend' the Olympics without traveling — a radical democratization of sport.
The 1908 London Olympics introduced the standard 26.2-mile marathon distance, supposedly to accommodate the royal viewing box.
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