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Clip description
An animated cross-section of the Browning machine gun illustrates the mechanics of operation, including the springs, cams and levers which facilitate firing. Text boxes highlight the various components and the clip is animated to show how each component contributes to the machine gun’s function. A detailed cross-section focuses on the trigger mechanism and shows both single round and automatic firing movements. Text boxes pinpoint each relevant component.
Curator’s notes
The style of animation and the choice of cross-sections to illustrate how the machine gun works are well suited to the film’s purpose as a training film for the army. The use of repetition (inherent in the multiple action of machine-gun fire) and slow motion, along with explanatory text boxes, clearly present the viewer with a comprehensive overview of the gun. The Owen Brothers creatively employ 16mm colour film stock to differentiate components with different colours. While the film is silent, it was most probably accompanied by a lecture or live presentation by a member of the armed forces.
