This film is part of Free

Covent Garden Porters
An incredibly entertaining short film in which Covent Garden porters perform near-impossible balancing feats with stacks of baskets.
Overview
An astonishing short film in which porters perform near-impossible balancing feats with stacks of baskets around the Covent Garden Market Hall. The photographer was also extremely dextrous judging by the incredible dolly shot from above a stack of baskets - just how did he do that? Such a performance would no doubt go down a treat with spectacle-hungry Covent Garden tourists today.
The star of the show is one Jim Sainsbury, whose party-piece was rather legendary among the porters, attracting film crews on more than one occasion.
Related

Playing the Environment Game Playing the Environment Game
Documentary 1973 29 mins Location: Euston Sta
In Covent Garden, Notting Hill and Tolmers Square in London, campaigners challenge property developers' plans

New Covent Garden - Europe's Super Market New Covent Garden - Europe's Super Market
Documentary 1976 19 mins Location: Covent Garden
The historic backbone of London's five-a-day is moved from Central London to its new home in Nine Elms

The Story of Our Food Supply The Story of Our Food Supply
Public Information Filler 1928 20 mins Silent Location: Bermondsey
The original foodie city: from bustling Bermondsey Wharves through Smithfield and Billingsgate to London's street markets and general stores.

London River London River
Travelogue 1930 4 mins Silent Location: Tower Br
Follow the Thames from Westminster to Limehouse, Covent Garden to Tower Bridge.

Old Drury Custom Dating from 1796 Old Drury Custom Dating from 1796
Non-Fiction 1928 2 mins Silent Location: Covent Garden
Theatrical shenanigans in London's West End as thespians celebrate a Twelfth Night tradition.

British Cinema Breaking with Convention British Cinema Breaking with Convention
Inside Film 2010 30 mins
Jonathan Romney and a panel of directors defend the unorthodox and original in modern British cinema.

Rhianna Dhillon introduces I'm Still Here Rhianna Dhillon introduces I'm Still Here
Short documentary 2025 3 mins
Critic and broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon introduces the Oscar-winning Brazilian drama.

180° Rule - BFI LFF 2020 - Q&A 180° Rule - BFI LFF 2020 - Q&A
Inside Film 2020 11 mins
Farnoosh Samadi, the director of 180° Rule, and actor Sahar Dolatshahi in conversation following an online screening at LFF 2020.

Dreams of a Life (Q&A) Dreams of a Life (Q&A)
Inside Film 2011 14 mins
Director turned detective Carol Morley (and actor Zawe Ashton) explain how an anonymous death changed both of their lives.

The Extraordinary Miss Flower - Exclusive Q&A The Extraordinary Miss Flower - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 28 mins
Directors Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard talk about their film, which unpacks a suitcase of love letters that inspired an album by Emilíana Torrini.

Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A) Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A)
Inside Film 2014 45 mins
Afrika Bambaataa and DJ, musician and filmmaker Don Letts discuss the development of Afrofuturism and its key artists.