The Pearlers
Synopsis
Beautifully filmed in black and white, this classic short film looks at pearling in the late 1940s. It goes on board the boats that work off the coast of Broome, Western Australia, from March to December each year. Crewed mainly by Aboriginal, Malay and Chinese men, they work six days a week from sun up to sun down—replenished occasionally by supply boats that also take away their hauls of pearl shell. The film captures the atmosphere, the detail and the danger involved in the search for shell as the divers in huge metal helmets and layers of clothing under their suits dive two at a time, each with one person tending their airhose and another their lifeline.
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The Pearlers
Type: Clip • Published 2010-08-13
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Lee Robinson
- Original Score
- Dulcie Holland
- Original Title
- The Pearlers
- Country of Origin
- Australia
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 11m
- Production Studios
- Australian National Film Board
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Lee Robinson
Dulcie Holland
Jack Rogers
Department Leadership Roster
Jack Rogers
Editor
Lee Robinson
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Pearlers
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Pearlers about?
Beautifully filmed in black and white, this classic short film looks at pearling in the late 1940s. It goes on board the boats that work off the coast of Broome, Western Australia, from March to December each year. Crewed mainly by Aboriginal, Malay and Chinese men, they work six days a week from sun up to sun down—replenished occasionally by supply boats that also take away their hauls of pearl shell. The film captures the atmosphere, the detail and the danger involved in the search for shell as the divers in huge metal helmets and layers of clothing under their suits dive two at a time, each with one person tending their airhose and another their lifeline.
Who directed The Pearlers?
The Pearlers was directed by Lee Robinson.
Who stars in The Pearlers?
The principal cast of The Pearlers includes Not specified.
When was The Pearlers released and how long is it?
The Pearlers was released in 1949 with a total runtime of 11m.
Who composed the musical score for The Pearlers?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Pearlers was composed by Dulcie Holland.