Marcus Bartley

Marcus Bartley (22 April 1917 14 March 1993) was an Anglo-Indian cinematographer known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema along with a few Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil films. He was the cinematographer of all time classics like Shavukaru, Pathala Bhairavi (1951), Missamma (1955), Maya Bazaar (1957), Gundamma Katha (1962), Chemmeen (1965), Ram Aur Shyam (1967). He won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography in 1970 for Shanti Nilayam. He also won the Gold Medal at the Cannes Film Festival for Best Cinematography, becoming the first Indian to win the award. While at school, Bartley was an amateur photographer.

Career In 1940, Bartley headed to Bombay and joined The Times of India as press photographer, and then became a newsreel cameraman for British Movietone under the auspices of The Times of India. Bartley did not have any formal training in photography. He worked hard and learned the craft on the job.

Ramu Kariat signed him for the Malayalam film Chemmeen (1965). The film was released in 1965, to universal critical acclaim. The photography by Bartley was highly praised. Bartley didn't receive the National Award that year as portions of the film had to be completed by another cameraman. Cameraman U. Rajagopal who also shot the film later acknowledged that he was only called in to complete patchwork. He won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography in India in 1970 for Shanti Nilayam. He also won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Cinematographer for Shanti Nilayam in 1970.

Filmography Zindagi Jeene Ke Liye (1984) Maamaankam (1979) Yehi Hai Zindagi (1977) Sri Rajeswari Vilas Coffee Club (1976) Chakravakam (1974) Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1970) Shanti Nilayam (1969) Saathi (1968) Ram Aur Shyam (1967) Chemmeen (1965) Gundamma Katha (1962) Jagadeka Veeruni Katha (1961) Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu (1958) Mayabazar (1957) Missamma (1955) Chandraharam (1954) Kalyanam Panni Paar (1952) Pelli Chesi Choodu (1952) Patala Bhairavi (1951) Shavukaru (1950) Gunasundari Katha (1949) Yogi Vemana (1947) Swargaseema (1945)