Queen Elizabeth and Building of SS France Ocean Liner DVD.
This DVD tells the story of the RMS Queen Elizabeth as well as the building of the SS France in the early 1960s in two films.
Film #1 - Queen Elizabeth - Getting There Is Half The Fun is the story of the RMS Queen Elizabeth. Launched by Cunard in September 1938, the magnificent 83,637 ton, 1,031 foot-long vessel was the largest passenger ship in the world until 1962. With 761 cabins, she carried 2,283 passengers in luxurious comfort. The film depicts the Queen in all her majesty , offering an extensive full color tour of her living, dining and recreational facilities. From her classic cabins, kitchens, swimming pools and huge deck spaces to her elegant dining rooms, this program is a lasting tribute to the Queen Elizabeth, which met a very unfortunate end in Hong Kong harbor in early 1972.
Film #2 - The Building of the SS France- This program depicts the construction of this 1,035 foot, 66,348 ton superliner, which surpassed the Queen Elizabeth as the world's largest liner when commissioned in 1962. You'll see fascinating views of the great ship being built at the Chantiers De L'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, along with her launching in May 1960. The France became the SS Norway in 1980 and is now retired.
Total runtime for the Queen Elizabeth and Building of SS France Ocean Liner DVD is about 60 minutes in black-and-white and color. Format is NTSC DVD and region-free.
The Historical Significance of the SS France in the 1950s
The SS France played a pivotal role in maritime history during the 1950s, symbolizing innovation and luxury in ocean travel. At that time, there was a recognized need for a state-of-the-art flagship to represent advancements in passenger liner design and technology. As a response, the SS France was conceived and quickly became an icon. It was the longest passenger liner in the world, a title it held for 42 years, setting a benchmark in engineering excellence and elegance. The ship not only marked a period of grandeur for transatlantic travel but also demonstrated the era's technological progress and the cultural significance of elegant sea voyages.
SS France Propulsion and Speed
The SS France was equipped with a modern oil-burning steam turbine powerplant. This advanced propulsion system allowed her to achieve impressive speeds. During her sea trials, she reached a maximum speed of over 35 knots. Notably, this performance was achieved without the troublesome vibrations that had affected earlier ships like the Normandie nearly three decades prior.
Design Features of the SS France compared to the Normandie
The SS France stood out from its predecessor, the Normandie, through several distinctive design features. One of the most notable differences was the funnels. Unlike the Normandie, which was equipped with three funnels, the France featured only two. These funnels were not just fewer in number but also unique in shape. They were teardrop-shaped at their base, which was an elegant and modern touch for the time.
Additionally, the funnels had striking flared tops that extended outward like wings—a design element that was ahead of its time. This style of winged funnels would not be seen again on major ships until much later, specifically with the Carnival Cruise vessels. These innovative design choices not only set the France apart from the Normandie but also left a lasting impression on the evolution of ship architecture.
