The book ‘Noel Crusz’s Little Bike Lost: The Story of Sri Lanka’s First Schoolboy Film’, by Avishka Mario Senewiratne was launched at the auditorium of the College of Surgeons, Colombo 7 recently.
Fr. Dr. Victor Silva was the chief guest.
‘Little Bike Lost’ which came out in 1956 was produced by Fr. Noel Crusz and the Film Society of St. Joseph’s College. Shot mainly at St. Joseph’s College and in Colombo, the film contains the oldest recovered footage of the College, its buildings, students, big matches and mundane activities.
‘Little Bike Lost’, was rescreened after 66 years. This version was restored and re-edited by Dulhan Silva and Robert Crusz of the Tulana Media Unit. Astounded by this footage not seen for over six decades, the audience heartily applauded repeatedly with vigour and emotion.
Among the guests were the veteran filmmaker Mrs. Sumithra Peiris, Dr. and Mrs. Gamini Goonetilleke, Lt. Commander and Mrs. Somasiri Devendra, Rajan Brito, Maxwell Crusz, Jerome Crusz, Ramya Jirasinghe and Callixtus Alles.
The families of the late Noel Crusz, the man behind the lens, and some of the cast and crew were among the attendees.
Colour and vigour were added to the launch by the performance of the young past Josephian Choir, singing a rendition of the Beatles classic ‘Let It Be’ and the famous Rugby World Cup Anthem ‘World in Union’. Robert Crusz, the nephew of Noel and the coordinator of the Tulana Media Unit made a speech at the end of the ceremony lauding the author for his efforts in reviving the film and the works of Noel Crusz.
