Explore the world of aphids in this documentary from 1951. These minuscule insects wield immense power, impacting apple trees worldwide.

In this film, we look into the life cycle of the Green Apple Aphid, a common and destructive pest found wherever apple trees thrive. From egg-laying in autumn to nymphs emerging during spring’s “bud burst" and relentlessly feeding on tender growth. As they pierce tissues and suck sap, they leave their mark on leaves, causing curling and damage.

But aphids’ influence extends beyond feeding. They exude a sticky substance called “honey dew,” which encourages the growth of sooty molds. Despite their tiny size, the cumulative effect of aphids can harm trees irreparably.

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Shell’s surprising and captivating Historic Film Archive dates from 1934 and covers a rich mix of topics from technology, science and engineering to craftsmanship, motorsport and travelogue.

The Shell Film Unit, responsible for the content, was a highly celebrated part of Britain’s Documentary Movement. Key figures from that movement were involved, including: Jack Beddington, Edgar Anstey, Arthur Elton, John Grierson, Kay Mander, Stuart Legg and Douglas Gordon.

Its films were wide reaching, often screened in cinemas and through the non-theatric film distribution circuit, which brought film to educational establishments and organisations across the UK. While many films covered technological themes related to Shell’s activities, others were entirely unrelated and served purely to educate the general public.

As Shell innovated in technologies that would provide oil and gas products for the world, the Shell Film Unit also innovated in the technological advancement of film, incorporating graphics and different forms of animation as early as the 1930s.

During WW2 the Shell Film Unit was co-opted into war effort, making films for the Ministry of Information’s film division. Its prowess in technological documentary suited the MoI’s need for technical training films.

While the name and the medium has changed many times over the years, the documentary tradition lives on at Shell. Its contemporary film team is part of Shell’s multi-disciplinary in-house agency, Creative Solutions. It continues making award-winning factual content that informs and educates the public, now usually released on social media platforms.

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For more information about Shell’s Historic Film Archive please contact: [email protected]

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