Elstree Calling
An unofficial website dedicated to Elstree Studios
BIP Commeth:
Many film historians argue that March 31st, 1927, was the date which is the true anniversary of the studios.
John Maxwell, having already had his place confirmed as the original saviour of the studios confirmed, changed the name from First British Pictures to British International Pictures, which would more commonly become known in the industry as BIP Studios.
With the changes made, Maxwell now headed a company capable of film production, exibition and distribution. BIP would remain the name of the studios until the start of the Second World War in 1939.
Fate was at that time on his side, and the government's decision to create The Cinematograph Film Bill would result in Maxwell's role in the history of of the studios as being more than just as a saviour.
The government film bill was designed to ensure cinemas showed a quota of British films alongside those from America.
Subsequently, films, both feature-length and shorts made at the BIP studios in the early days, included The Ring - directed by no less than Alfred Hitchcock - Champagne, The Manxman, Blackmail, Elstree Calling and Jamaica Inn.
The names of those who stood before the cameras during this period included Betty Balfour, Lillian Hall-Davies, Warick Ward, Gordan Harker and Estelle Brody.
They are names of actors and actresses so important to the early days of both Elstree and the British film industry, but sadly not ones that would even slightly register in the minds of those today, apart from the most ardent film fans and historians.
However, one name that is remembered, of course, is that of film-maker Alfred Hitchcock.
Maxwell brought in the then 28 year-old film director in 1927. He was so sure that Hitchcock would deliver the cinematic good, and signed him to a three-year deal. It carried the condition that Hitchcock would make 12 films. This again proved that Maxwell had his finger on the pulse and an ability for acquiring the right businesses, facilities and talent.
Hitchcock immediately rewarded Maxwell's faith in him and delivered the critically acclaimed The Ring, which starred Carl Brisson and Lillian Hall-Davies.
The latter again came under Hitchock's talented directorship in The Farmer's Wife, in 1928, with Betty Balfour and Gordon Harker appearing for him in the film Champagne which went before the cameras in 1928.
Arguably, Hitchcock's most remembered BIP credit came a year later with Blackmail, the first full-length British 'talkie'. It started as a mostly silent film, but because two versions, one entirely silent for cinemas not yet equipped for sound, and another almost entirely with sound.
© Paul Burton 2008
Please do not use any part of this article without first contacting Paul Burton to request permission.