Ealing Studios

Ealing Studios, a TV and film production company and facilities provider at Ealing Green in West London, claims to be the oldest film studio in the world.

History

The site had been previously occupied by Will Barker Studios from 1896, but was acquired by theatre producer Basil Dean's newly-formed Associated Talking Pictures in 1929, and reopened as Ealing Studios in 1931. In 1933 the company was renamed to Associated Talking Pictures. When Dean left in 1938, to be replaced by Michael Balcon from MGM, about 60 films had been made at the studios. Balcon discontinued the ATP name and began to issue films under the Ealing Studios name. In 1944 the company was taken over by the Rank Organisation.

Related Topics:
1896 - Basil Dean - 1929 - 1931 - 1933 - 1938 - Michael Balcon - 1944 - Rank Organisation

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In the 1930s and 1940s Ealing produced many comedies with stars such as George Formby and Will Hay who had established their reputations in other spheres of entertainment. The company was also instrumental in the use of documentary film-makers to make more realistic war films. These included Went the Day Well? (1942), The Foreman Went to France (1942) and San Demetrio, London (1943). In 1945 the studio made its influential chiller compendium Dead of Night.

Related Topics:
1930s - 1940s - George Formby - Will Hay - Went the Day Well? - 1942 - 1943 - 1945 - Dead of Night

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In the post-war period the company embarked on a series of celebrated comedies which became the studio's hallmark. These were often lightly satirical, and were seen to reflect aspects of British character and society. The first was Hue and Cry in 1947, and the last Barnacle Bill in 1956. However, the most famous in the series were produced between 1948 and 1955. These films Whisky Galore! (1948), Passport to Pimlico (1949), Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), The Lavender Hill Mob (1951), The Man in the White Suit (1951), The Titfield Thunderbolt (1953) and The Ladykillers (1955) are now seen as classics of British cinema.

Related Topics:
Hue and Cry - 1947 - 1956 - 1948 - 1955 - Whisky Galore! - Passport to Pimlico - 1949 - Kind Hearts and Coronets - The Lavender Hill Mob - 1951 - The Man in the White Suit - The Titfield Thunderbolt - 1953 - The Ladykillers

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The BBC bought the studios in 1955. In 1995 the studios were purchased by the National Film and Television School (NFTS).

Related Topics:
BBC - 1955 - 1995 - National Film and Television School

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