Crossing The Line Aka Crossing The Equator - HMS Hood (1922)

Titles read: ’The Equator - Crossing The Line - King Neptune and his Consort hold their Court on HMS Hood and carry out traditional ceremony. Altogether 1,200 Officers and Men were initiated.’ Bizarre initiation ceremony officers and men crossing the equator for the first time. Procession on deck of King Neptune & his Consort. King has crown; sceptre w/ Neptune symbol. The Consort is a real woman; weighing c. 250 lbs; a few sailors in drag make up the court. They walk past a line of men in strange ragged furry native costumes & blackface; other weird costumes. Royal Marines in their normal uniforms stand in BG. Rear Admiral Sir W Cowan; having previously crossed the Line; is invested with Order of the old Sea Dog. Cowan steps up; kneels. King N. & touches him w/ sceptre; Consort places ribbon round his neck. MS Cowan w/ fat lady. Now for the initiation rituals. Doctor w/ long white beard listens to sailor’s chest w/ giant primitive stethoscope; bangs on the guy’s chest w/ mallet; sticks somethin