An excellent Kodak documentary from 1958 can be seen on YouTube. It shows the production of monochrome roll film from beginning to end and reveals the chemical and mechanical excellence of the age. Two versions, one English speaking by Periscope Films, the other with Dutch voice over and English subtitles by iKonic Project.
Marvel at the cellulose acetate film base production, the tons of silver used each week, emulsion making, film coating and the fiendishly complicated automatic spooling!