British Film Institute

The most successful of all of the films issued by the propaganda newsreel, this account of General Edmund Allenby's entry into Jerusalem on 9 December 1917, ending 400 years of occupation by the Ottoman Empire, was issued in short and long versions.

The symbolism of Allenby's 'humble' march on foot (contrasting with an earlier, imperious entry by motor car by the Kaiser), and his speech promising religious freedom to all (translated into different languages worldwide), made a considerable impact.

Fascinatingly, T.E. Lawrence ('Lawrence of Arabia') took part in the march, and can be seen (in uniform) at two points in the film.

Luke McKernan

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