Landships II

I'm pleased with and proud of this bit of detective work, even though a bit of luck was involved.

These photos appear on the Kansas City Museum site:

They're on page 14 of the search results. The caption accompanying each of them says, "Probably a film still; film unknown."

I didn't recognise any of them. So I was just sitting thinking about Great War films in general, and suddenly remembered that, ages ago, I posted this: https://landships.activeboard.com/t15194985/wwi-film-the-patent-leather-kid-1927/

Made in 1927. An American prizefighter who joins up and goes to fight in France, and, of course, performs heroics, etc.

At the time I tried to find out more, but didn't come up with anything. The film wasn't on the Net at the time. So in an idle moment I thought I'd see if anything had come to light in the meantime.

It has. It's on the Net now.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=Rh4vsWyWGns

The tanks first appear at 1.31.25, passing in the background, being carried on lorries. Then a few seconds later, this. Compare with 2nd picture down:

There then follows a prolonged and excellent battle sequence, U.S. troops and many tanks versus entrenched German infantry (At 1.36.41 a tank can be seen toppling sideways into a trench. Doesn't appear to be intentional)

This is a publicity shot captioned "The Patent Leather Kid - A First National Picture." Compare with top picture.

And a billpost. Again, compare with top picture:

So I think that's game, set, and match. A bit of happenstance on my part, but I think it's safe to enlighten the Kansas City Museum. And the tank battle is a great piece of work. Considering the way old favourite, anachronistic footage keeps turning up, it's a pity this doesn't get more use. (OK, ignoring the fact they're not FTs)