Eric Woodburn (1939)

Titles read: ’Pathetone - presents - The Famous Actor Singer from the Windmill Theatre, London - ERIC WOODBURN - IN “THE BIRTH OF THE MARSEILLAISE“’. London, probably Pathe Studio. Commentator introduces item by explaining the French national anthem, the Marseillaise, was written in an evening by Rouget de Lisle. Eric Woodburn is seen in 1790s costume, sitting at a table and pondering how to express his feelings in the tune he is writing. He calls on God to allow him to capture the fleeting sounds he can hear and set them into an anthem. He starts to sing the Marseillaise, as if in a dream, then speaks passionately of how his song is for the people crying for liberty. He then sings the Marseillaise in full, vibrantly, with flamboyant arm gestures. FILM ID: A VIDEO FROM BRITISH PATHÉ. EXPLORE OUR ONLINE CHANNEL, BRITISH PATHÉ TV. IT’S FULL OF GREAT DOCUMENTARIES, FASCINATING INTERVIEWS, AND CLASSIC MOVIES. FOR LICENSING ENQUIRIES VISIT