We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.

Accept
Skip to content
Avatar for...
Welcome Guest

Follow us:

Site logo image
  • Shop
  • Rent films
  • Donate
  • News
  • About
  • Access
  • Nature Matters
  • Memory Bank
  • Register
  • Log in
  • Specialisms

GENTLE GIANTS

MetadataFramesRelated records
Metadata

WORK ID: YFA 4978 (Master Record)

TitleYearDate
GENTLE GIANTS1965 1965-01-01
Details Original Format: 16mm
Colour: Colour
Sound: Sound
Duration: 20 mins 23 secs
Credits: A Pera Film unit production

Subject: Working Life
Industry



Summary
This is one of a collection of promotional films made by the large crane manufacturers, Priestman Brothers of Hull.  This film features the large crane named Gentle Giants.
Description
This is one of a collection of promotional films made by the large crane manufacturers, Priestman Brothers of Hull.  This film features the large crane named Gentle Giants. Title - Gentle Giants Present by Priestman Brothers Limited A Pera Film Unit production The film takes the form of following a prospective buyer as he goes around an exhibition of crane manufacturers.  He speaks with a salesman from the Priestman stall who invites him to their works in Hull.  The prospective buyer gets...
This is one of a collection of promotional films made by the large crane manufacturers, Priestman Brothers of Hull.  This film features the large crane named Gentle Giants. Title - Gentle Giants Present by Priestman Brothers Limited A Pera Film Unit production The film takes the form of following a prospective buyer as he goes around an exhibition of crane manufacturers.  He speaks with a salesman from the Priestman stall who invites him to their works in Hull.  The prospective buyer gets shown around the factory, seeing all the different aspects of the cranes, and their production, beginning with the safety features.  The running commentary explains all the aspects of the manufacturing process and the unique features of the crane.
Context
This is a fascinating tour of a major manufacturer in Hull, before its disappearance, showing the quality of design and workmanship in the production of their cranes.    A film promoting a brand of large cranes might not seem enticing viewing, but the production team of this film, who specialised in industrial subjects, have created a highly polished behind-the-scenes look at an internationally renowned company.  The obvious dedication of the workforce, and the high standard of their cranes,...
This is a fascinating tour of a major manufacturer in Hull, before its disappearance, showing the quality of design and workmanship in the production of their cranes.   

A film promoting a brand of large cranes might not seem enticing viewing, but the production team of this film, who specialised in industrial subjects, have created a highly polished behind-the-scenes look at an internationally renowned company.  The obvious dedication of the workforce, and the high standard of their cranes, as demonstrated in the film, underscores the decline in British manufacturing since 1967, with Priestman Brothers in Hull being one of the victims.

This film was made three years before Priestman Brothers merged with a Coles of Sunderland in 1970.  They made many films promoting their various highly rated products, well into the 1970s.  The company started back in 1876 when William Priestman and his brother were asked to build a grab crane to search for gold bullion in Vigo Harbour, western Spain.  They went on to produce a host of their animal-named excavators at their factory on Hedon Road, and in 1976 offshore cranes for North Sea oil rig platforms.  After a series of take-overs, and dwindling to producing just spare parts, the factory closed in 2007.  One account claims their products lasted too long, while competitors undercut them using similar designs.
Frames
Related records
Footer logo

  • info@yfanefa.com
  • Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter

Follow us:

  • Contact us
  • Yorkshire Film Archive is a charity registered in England and Wales (1093468) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (04480153)

Copyright © 2025 Imagen Ltd.