Europe’s Safety Valve (1930)

“It is one of fate’s strange ironies that the most fertile land in Italy is found within sight of the great Volcano of Vesuvius.“ L/S of Mount Vesuvius with trees in foreground. “Here is the mighty crater from whence Vesuvius smote proud Pompeii and Hurculaneum - in one day they were no more...“ High angle shot of the volcano belching smoke. And here, close to, is the ever-active cone, one of Europe’s main safety valves, belching out lava and gas from the earth’s fiery interior...“ M/S of the smoking cone, camera pans to show surrounding landscape. M/Ss of cone as it throws out lava - pieces of rock fly through the air. “Near by, is the other cone, breathing thunder and smoke, lava and rock...“ Low angle shot of the cone. Closer view showing eruptions. Even closer view of the top of the cone. “To us Vesuvius is a great natural curiosity, but to those living in its shadow it is a menace - day and night...“ More shots of the cone and eruptions. Pathe Pictorial item - issue unknown. FILM