Marcus Bartley


Marcus Bartley was an Anglo-Indian cinematographer who played a key role in the success of many Indian films. While at school, Bartley was an amateur photographer. He joined the Times of India in 1935 as press photographer, and then became a newsreel cameraman for British Movietone under the auspices of the Times of India. He was the cinematographer of all time classics like Pathala Bhairavi, Maya Bazaar and Chemmeen.

Film industry

Bartley arrived in Madras and joined Pragati Studios. 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. Successively, Bartley worked in many studios such as National Studios, Newtone Studios and Vauhini Productions. He wielded camera for all the forty odd Vauhini movies including such great hits as Yogi Vemana, Guna Sundari Katha, as well as Vijaya's productions Shavukaru, Patala Bhairavi, Pellichesi Chudu, Chandraharam, Missamma, Maya Bazaar, Appuchesi Pappukudu, Gundamma Katha, Shri Rajeswari Vilas Coffee Club, etc. Most of the superhits of those times were made with his photographic hand at the camera. His specialty was the shots under the moonlight.

Awards