The North East Film Archive is one of a network of regional film archives established to collect, preserve and show film made in, or about the North East of England. Our collections are non-fiction, and date from the early 1900s to the present day, providing a rich record of life in the region over the 20th century. Many of our films are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
To Cane a Trout
Quiet reflection on angling and the craft of elegant cane rods from the famous Hardy Brothers of Alnwick.
From the collection of:
Overview
Tackle fit for maharajahs, film stars and royalty: artisans of Hardy Brothers of Alnwick create beautiful rods from Chinese cane, a holy grail for anglers the world over. Casting on the River Aln in rural Northumberland, Jim Hardy, the last family member to enter the firm, and fellow angler Ian Blagburn demonstrate the meditative skill and precision that dedicated craftsmen display in making fine fishing tackle for Hardys.
The firm was first set up in 1873 as a partnership between two brothers with a passion for fishing, William and J. J. Hardy. At the time of this film’s production in the 1970s, a severe slump in the industry (followed by the 1980s recession) had pitched Hardy Brothers into difficult times in a modern world of corporate commerce. The family-run business was bought out by the Harris and Sheldon group in 1967. In some ways, the film represents the ideals of simpler times and conveys a message of respect for traditional craftsmanship. The firm’s Anglers’ Guide claimed: “Each reel bearing Hardy’s name is a perfect little mechanical masterpiece.”
Related
Watch for free
Tie and Dye Tie and Dye
Cinemagazine 1970 3 mins
A snazzy intro to the ancient textile-dyeing technique taking the 70s fashion world by storm.
Currently unavailable
Time on the Wing Time on the Wing
Sponsored film 1969 33 mins Location: Darlington
Everything you always wanted to know about North East homing pigeons (but were afraid to ask).
Watch for free
Make-do-and-mend Make-do-and-mend
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1945 1 mins
A wartime family look on in amazement as their old clothes offer useful advice on how to make their clothing coupons go further.
Watch for free
Sister Dolores Sister Dolores
News 1974 9 mins Location: Rostrevor
Spend a day with Sister Dolores and discover the creative potential of the County Down coastline.
Watch for free
Pipe Dreams Pipe Dreams
Amateur film 1965 3 mins Location: Wakefield
A once common object in many households becomes transformed into a quirky dancing troupe in this simple homespun animation.
Watch for free
Model Clipper Sailor Model Clipper Sailor
Current affairs 1965 2 mins Location: Plymouth
Former shipwright turns his talents to model-making.
Watch for free
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Watch for free
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.
Watch for free
Edgar Wright on The Running Man Edgar Wright on The Running Man
Inside Film 2025 28 mins
The director talks to Mark Kermode about putting Stephen King's dystopian life-or-death gameshow thriller through its paces.
Watch for free
Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 69 mins
Richard Linklater discusses his remarkable and wide-ranging body of work, including Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague.
Watch for free
Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 73 mins
Daniel Day-Lewis, the ultimate actor’s actor discusses his career in conversation with Mark Kermode.