The Yorkshire Film Archive collects, preserves, and shows film made in, or about Yorkshire. Our collections are non-fiction, dating from the 1890s to the present day, and providing a rich and visually compelling record of all aspects of lives, cultures, landscape, industries, major events and everyday activities, many of which are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
The Long Drag
Not just a chance to see locomotives steaming over viaducts, with the axe hanging over both, here we have the full glory of the Settle to Carlisle line, and its place in rural life.
From the collection of:
Overview
A real labour of love, this film is a fine demonstration of how amateur filmmakers could play a part in campaigning for local services. With the impending Beeching Report of 1963 there could hardly have been a better plea for the retention of the Settle to Carlisle railway and all its services than this traversing of the whole length of the line by train and by foot, stopping off to reveal its many wonders and recording the fascinating history of the line and of those who built it.
This award winning film was made by members of Halifax Cine Club, founded in 1938 and having at its height nearly a hundred members (and still going). Although not overtly a referring to the impending Beeching Report, the filmmakers clearly had this in mind in making the film, highlighting the plight of the 6,000 navvies who built the line. Despite the Beeching recommendation to withdraw all passenger services from the line being shelved, there were soon plans to close the line. An announcement to close the line in 1983 was successfully campaigned against by the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line, stations have been re-opened and the line now thrives with some 1.2 million passengers a year.
Related
Watch for free
Solutions? Solutions?
Documentary 1972 8 mins
A musical illustration of life where road traffic chaos breeds anger and frustration, but the rail network is fast, smooth and relaxing
Watch for free
Farewell to Steam Farewell to Steam
Amateur film 1966 3 mins Silent Location: Hampshire
A film maker's attempt to record the last steam-hauled passenger and freight trains running along the West of England mainline from Waterloo
Watch for free
Track Testing Track Testing
1976 8 mins Silent
Testing times as we make a journey on board British Rail's High Speed Track Recording Coach.
Watch for free
Training Diesel Drivers Training Diesel Drivers
News 1962 6 mins Location: Derby
Farewell to the faithful steam war-horse as modernisation brings diesel power to the railways of Britain.
Watch for free
Inter-city Magic Inter-city Magic
Documentary 1977 1 mins Silent
Not-so-special special effects add the magic touch to this kitsch British Rail commercial.
Watch for free
The George Bennie Railplane System of Transport The George Bennie Railplane System of Transport
1930 23 mins Silent
High-speed luxury travel up to 150mph: the future of rail travel is in the air and it's going to be great for British steel
Watch for free
Settle Wings for Victory Settle Wings for Victory
Amateur film 1943 12 mins Silent Location: Settle
The people of Settle fly past their governmental financial target in this endearing record of community spirit during the Second World War.
Watch for free
Village of Wray After the Floods 1967 Village of Wray After the Floods 1967
Amateur film 1967 9 mins Silent Location: Wray
The freak flash flooding in the village of Wray wreaks havoc.
Watch for free
End of the Line? End of the Line?
Documentary 1985 26 mins Location: Dent Sta
The battle lines are drawn up for and against closing a historic railway line, with the latter proving the more determined and persuasive.
Watch for free
Where and What to See in the Yorkshire Dales Where and What to See in the Yorkshire Dales
Travelogue 1972 24 mins Location: Butter Tubs
A magical mystery tour through the rich history of abbeys, cathedrals and druid temples nestled among the even more ancient Yorkshire landscape of scars, crags and caverns.
Watch for free
Settle Warships Week Settle Warships Week
Non-Fiction 1942 14 mins Silent Location: Settle
This is a fine example of an amateur filmmaker giving a real feel of their local town; here pulling together to raise money for a warship, and providing a glimpse into wartime life.
Watch for free
Wrong Bathroom Wrong Bathroom
Drama 2024 9 mins
A trans high-schooler is tempted by toxic masculinity in the boys’ bathroom.
Watch for free
We’ll Go Down in History We’ll Go Down in History
Documentary 2025 25 mins
Two years in the life of TRUK United FC, a beacon for positive change and trans inclusivity in football.
Watch for free
If I Make It To The Morning If I Make It To The Morning
Drama 2024 9 mins
A Chinese teenager dreams of living with her cool aunt in New York, until tensions boil over during a crab dinner.
Watch for free
Dragfox Dragfox
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2024 8 mins
A child struggling with their identity and a charismatic fox (voiced by Sir Ian McKellen) learn to embrace their differences in this heart warming stop-motion animation.
Watch for free
Wait, Wait, Now! Wait, Wait, Now!
Drama 2024 13 mins
A Maori and a Kiwi teen buddy up to raid their mum’s wardrobe and pucker their lips with red.
Watch for free
NGGAK!!! NGGAK!!!
Drama 2024 8 mins
‘I pronounce you wife and wife.’ A young couple design their perfect wedding online, but then mum dials in.