Marcus Bertly

Bartley was born in 1917 and played a key role in the success of many South Indian films.

His maiden film was Swarga Seema in 1945. This film showed his genius at Black and White photography. The movie strengthened the friendship between him and the BN Reddy, KV Reddy, and Nagi Reddy. This led to his wielding the camera for all the forty odd Vauhini movies including such great hits as Yogi Vemana, Guna Sundari Katha,Vijaya's productions Shavukaru, Patala Bhairavi, Pellichesi Chudu, Chandraharam, Missamma, Maya Bazaar, Appuchesi Pappukudu, Gundamma Katha, Raja Rajeswari Coffee Club, etc.

A Vizag based Cinematographer, his much talked about work were in Telugu, namely 'Paathal Bhairavi' and 'Maya bazaar'. In 'Maya Bazar' film,there were a few magic moments that mesmerised several generations of filmgoers and continue to do so. The evergreen song Lahiri, lahiri lo was shot at Ennore near Madras at noon. The outdoor shooting lasted only for 10 to 15 seconds. Bartley created the illusion of moonlight and Mayabazar is the first Indian film to do so.

The other wonder was the creation of Dwaraka. Some 300 miniature houses, no two alike, were created in about 50 x 60 ft.space and electrified.

Marcus Bartley was arguably the greatest cinematographer of those times. Almost all the superhits of those times were made with his hand at the camera.His specialty was the shots under the moonlight.

Chemmeen, the film made by Ramu Kariat in 1965 was the first Malayalam film to win the President's Gold Medal. It was an important film in many ways. It was a color film; in fact a very colorful film with impeccable photography by Marcus Bartley. He was the recipient of the gold medal at the International Film Festival held at Cannes for 'Chemmeen' in the year 1978 for cinematography. 'Chemeen' incidentally used a technicolour format. The cinematography was considered outstanding, especially the shots of the sea, providing the audience with a wide angle feeling about the fishing community of the story. Close ups of characters were resorted to as and when required.

He won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography in India in 1970 for Shanti Nilayam.

He had done over 50 movies between the 1950’s and 80’s in multiple languages. Starting with 'Swarga Seema' in Telugu way back in 1945, he went on to become the master of black and white photography and special effects.He epitomized cinematography of that time.

Raam Aur Shyam, Saathi, Yehi hai zindagi and Zindagi Jeene ke Liye are his Hindi films.

Marcus Bartley shot brilliant movies with the legendary Mitchell Camera. 85% of all Hollywood pictures of those days were shot with a Mitchell.

Courtesy-
Maddy's Ramblings
Wikipedia

Prepared by: Jayasree Thottekkat