The Ealing Studios Story

The main cast of The Lavender Hill Mob

Ealing Studios, nestled in the suburban London borough of Ealing, was much more than just a film studio; it was a cornerstone of British cinematic identity. From its early days producing silent films to its post-war golden era of comedies and its significant wartime contributions, Ealing Studios was consistently a hub for creativity, innovation, and a distinctly British style of storytelling. Its enduring legacy lies not only in the great films it produced but as a symbol of British cultural expression.

The studio’s history dates back to 1902 when it was established as a film production facility. Originally named “The Old Forge”, it went through several ownership changes, but its reputation for quality film production continued. During the silent era and the early years of sound, Ealing produced a variety of films, including dramas, thrillers, and musicals, establishing itself as one of Britain’s leading studios. However, it was in the post-World War II era that Ealing truly came into its own, forging a unique identity that is still celebrated today.

George Formby in Keep Fit (1937)
George Formby in Keep Fit (1937)

Before its post-war boom, Ealing Studios had an important and highly productive era in the 1930s, particularly under the ownership of Associated Talking Pictures (ATP). This period saw the studio become a powerhouse of British musical comedy, largely thanks to the immense popularity of two of its stars: George Formby and Gracie Fields. George Formby, with his ukulele and Lancashire charm, was a huge box office draw, and films like No Limit (1935), Keep Your Seats, Please (1936) and It’s in the Air (1938) were massive hits. Similarly, Gracie Fields was a beloved singer and actress, and her films Sing As You Go (1934), Look Up and Laugh (1935), and Shipyard Sally (1939) were hugely popular. These films, while lighter in tone than the later Ealing Comedies, played an important role in the studio’s development and showed its ability to produce commercially successful films. The success of the ATP years was vital to the future success of Ealing Studios.

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A scene from Went The Day Well (1942)
A scene from Went The Day Well (1942)

During World War II, Ealing Studios played a significant role in the war effort, producing films that aimed to boost morale and reflect the British experience during the conflict. While the studio still made comedies, they also produced dramas that touched on the anxieties and experiences of the time. The Foreman Went to France (1942) a drama-comedy about a factory foreman who is sent to France to find vital machine tools ahead of the German advance. Went the Day Well? (1942) was a chilling depiction of a Nazi invasion of a small English village, and served as a warning against complacency. For Those in Peril (1944) dealt with the dangers of the merchant navy. These films not only demonstrated the studio’s ability to adapt to the wartime climate but they also showed their commitment to portraying the resilience and determination of the British people and were an important part of the propaganda effort that helped rally the population.

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The post-war period saw the rise of the “Ealing Comedy,” a subgenre of British film that was characterized by its gentle humor, quirky characters, and a strong sense of social commentary. These films often depicted everyday life in a slightly heightened or absurd way, using comedy as a means of exploring the challenges and triumphs of ordinary people. They were a reaction to the austerity of the post-war era, providing an escapist but often gently satirical vision of British society.

Alec Guinness and Joan Greenwood in The Man in the White Suit (1951) one of the first classic Ealing comedies.
Alec Guinness and Joan Greenwood in The Man in the White Suit (1951) one of the first classic Ealing comedies.

One of the defining features of Ealing Comedies was their focus on ensemble casts, often featuring a rotating stable of talented British actors who would become synonymous with the studio. Actors such as Alec Guinness, Stanley Holloway, Margaret Rutherford, Sid James, and Peter Sellers were regular fixtures in Ealing productions, bringing their unique talents and personalities to the forefront. They were often seen playing ordinary characters in extraordinary situations, providing an authentic and often very relatable view of British society.

Some of the most celebrated Ealing Comedies included Passport to Pimlico (1949), a lighthearted satire about a London neighborhood that declared its independence; Whisky Galore! (1949), a charming tale of Scottish islanders who tried to salvage a shipment of whisky; Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), a wickedly funny black comedy starring Alec Guinness as eight members of a family; The Lavender Hill Mob (1951), about a timid bank clerk with dreams of robbery; and The Ladykillers (1955), a dark comedy about a gang of criminals outsmarted by a sweet old lady.

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1955’s The Ladykillers

Beyond the Ealing Comedies, the studio also produced a number of acclaimed dramas and thrillers. Dead of Night (1945), an anthology horror film, is considered one of the best British horror films ever made. The Blue Lamp (1950), a police procedural, offered a realistic look at crime in post-war London and led to the long running BBC TV series Dixon of Dock Green. These films demonstrated the breadth and versatility of Ealing’s production capabilities, showing that it was not just a studio for comedies.

In 1955, the BBC purchased Ealing Studios, and the complex became a key location for television production in the UK. The studio facilities were used for a wide range of programs, including many well-loved and classic shows. Parts of the iconic sitcom Porridge (1974-1977) were filmed at Ealing, as was the acclaimed and groundbreaking Dennis Potter drama The Singing Detective (1986). The BBC sold the studio in the 1990s, but its life as a production facility continues. Currently, Ealing Studios is owned by the Met Film School London and remains an active location for film and TV production. The studio continues to host some well-known productions, with scenes from Downton Abbey (2010-2015) among those filmed at the historic complex, showing that Ealing’s legacy is still alive and well.

Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.