Film clip: the 'Octopus' at the Centennial Exhibition

Film clip: The 'Octopus' at night and St Moritz Ice Show

Still shots and description

'This is the Octopus', but, because it is night, all we can see are its lights in an asterisk shape, spinning in the darkness. 'St Moritz Ice Show' says the neon sign, and a pair of ice dancers twirl into the next scene. The man is wearing a white shirt and black trousers, while the woman's glittery black costume resembles a bikini. They are dancing under a bright spotlight on what appears to be a very small ice rink. She bends over backwards, with her white-gloved hands on the ice, and does a handstand. She places one foot on her partner's thigh and hooks the other over his shoulder, then he raises her up into a standing position. In their next manoeuvre she is lying on her back on his shoulders, while he twirls. Finally we watch as, with her almost lying on her side on the ice, he spins her around until she lifts into the air.