[VIETNAM WAR RAW DAILIES FOOT SURGERY BELL UH-1P HELICOPTER BASE]

Description:

As his service in Vietnam was coming to an end, U.S. Army combat cameraman David Plenn put a group of 16mm films into a metal box and shipped them back to the United States. These films included both material he'd shot as a cinematographer for the Army, and materials shot by other members of combat camera. The films languished in their box for three decades while Plenn pursued a successful career as a Hollywood cameraman. In the 2000s he donated the films to Periscope Film in hopes of having them preserved and made available to the public.

This particular film likely dates to between 1967-1970 and depicts a base in South Vietnam. This particular base seems to have a field hospital and mechanic shop for the repair of military vehicles and helicopters. The film includes footage of medical procedures, mechanic repairs, and clear shots of Bell UH-1P Iroquois helicopters.

Film opens, unknown location, footage quite dark (0:06). Footage becomes clearer, mechanic at work in what appears to be war-time mechanic repair shop or factory setting (0:37). Close-up as young mechanic investigates parts, uses rag to polish metal (1:38). Surgeon or medic performs procedure on feet of wounded soldier, removes perhaps shrapnel, applies local anesthetic (3:01-5:43). Bell UH-1P Iroquois helicopter prepares for take off (5:45). Team of shirtless mechanics stands on top of another helicopter and repair helicopter rotor (6:25). One of the mechanics operates a vehicle similar to the Medium Wrecker Truck M816 with crane attachment; Truck tows in part of the helicopter rotor to repair garage (6:36). Bell UH-1P Iroquois helicopter with medic cross printed on door prepares for take off; Aerial views from helicopter of rural, partially arid landscape below (8:35). View from helicopter changes, landscape more lush, green (10:05). Helicopter lands at a different base camp in jungle; Soldier in uniform limps away from helicopter (perhaps patient in previous clip returning to base after being treated) (10:37). Return to mechanics working in mechanic shop at base, footage quite dark again hard to discern exactly what they are working on (11:21-14:30). Field doctor puts on stethoscope, examines patient (14:31-16:55). Film ends (16:56).

Complete Record: As his service in Vietnam was coming to an end, U.S. Army combat cameraman David Plenn put a group of 16mm films into a metal box and shipped them back to the United States. These films included both material he'd shot as a cinematographer for the Army, and materials shot by other members of combat camera. The films languished in their box for three decades while Plenn pursued a successful career as a Hollywood cameraman. In the 2000s he donated the films to Periscope Film in hopes of having them preserved and made available to the public. This particular film likely dates to between 1967-1970 and depicts a base in South Vietnam. This particular base seems to have a field hospital and mechanic shop for the repair of military vehicles and helicopters. The film includes footage of medical procedures, mechanic repairs, and clear shots of Bell UH-1P Iroquois helicopters. Film opens, unknown location, footage quite dark (0:06). Footage becomes clearer, mechanic at work in what appears to be war-time mechanic repair shop or factory setting (0:37). Close-up as young mechanic investigates parts, uses rag to polish metal (1:38). Surgeon or medic performs procedure on feet of wounded soldier, removes perhaps shrapnel, applies local anesthetic (3:01-5:43). Bell UH-1P Iroquois helicopter prepares for take off (5:45). Team of shirtless mechanics stands on top of another helicopter and repair helicopter rotor (6:25). One of the mechanics operates a vehicle similar to the Medium Wrecker Truck M816 with crane attachment; Truck tows in part of the helicopter rotor to repair garage (6:36). Bell UH-1P Iroquois helicopter with medic cross printed on door prepares for take off; Aerial views from helicopter of rural, partially arid landscape below (8:35). View from helicopter changes, landscape more lush, green (10:05). Helicopter lands at a different base camp in jungle; Soldier in uniform limps away from helicopter (perhaps patient in previous clip returning to base after being treated) (10:37). Return to mechanics working in mechanic shop at base, footage quite dark again hard to discern exactly what they are working on (11:21-14:30). Field doctor puts on stethoscope, examines patient (14:31-16:55). Film ends (16:56).