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Overweening in tone, this promotional film leaves the viewer in no doubt that
Cory Brothers & Co. Limited is a major player in the revered
capitalist/imperialist world economy, for it literally owns power (i.e. coal
and oil) which is, according to an intertitle, the essential factor of all
industrial progress.
It is careful to convey, however, that the needs of the humble are as much
the company's concern as its international, commercial clientele. The Corys
Merthyr Steam Coal is described as 'homely' and is seen being used by an elderly
couple, who sit contentedly either side of their fire, cheered by its glow. A
small boat - the little 'Guernseyman' - is seen leaving with coal for the
inhabitants of the Channel Islands, and ordinary men and women use what are
described as the now familiar and appreciated Cory filling [petrol] stations.
The provision of Spanish as well as English intertitles indicates that the film
must have been intended for screening (possibly to actual and potential
customers, competitors and business partners) beyond the UK, e.g. in South
America, where the company traded. With its fairly detailed footage of mining,
it may also have been used for educational or training purposes.
Operating world wide, the Cory family amassed a huge fortune - and over 5,000
coal wagons (the largest fleet in the UK). The founder of their empire, Richard
Cory I, started off with a small ferry boat, plying his trade between Bristol,
Cardiff and Ireland. He extended his business to include ship's chandlery,
brokerage and the sale and export of coal. His sons John and Richard II (trading
as Messrs. Cory Brothers and Company, becoming 'limited' in 1888) continued the
energetic expansion, buying mines in South Wales and opening offices and coal
stores abroad. Clifford John Cory (d.1941), a son of John Cory, achieved Baronet
status.
At home, the Corys were known for their Christian spirit and charitable
inclinations, benevolently succouring the Temperance Movement, the Salvation
Army, Dr Barnardo's, sailors' associations and humanitarian and cultural
organisations.
[Cory history source: Y Bywgraffiadur Cymreig Hyd 1940 by the Hon. Society of
Cymmrodorion, 1953 (a Welsh Biographical Dictionary)]
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Complete film (21:22)
