Elstree Calling
An unofficial website dedicated to Elstree Studios
In The Beginning:
I was but just a small school boy when I first heard about Elstree Studios.
Then, as now, my main penchant was for British film and television programmes, and I soon discovered that many of my favourite films including The Dam Busters, Ice Cold in Alex, Summer Holiday, On the Buses, Up Pompeii, The Likely Lads and Star Wars, my favourite TV shows including The Saint, The Avengers and Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) were all made at the aforementioned Borehamwood-based complex.
From then on I had a strong desire to learn more about the studios in question. And now, thanks to the internet, I am delighted to be able to share my passion for the studios via my own unofficial website, Elstree Calling.
Opinion is, by and large, divided some believe that the story of Elstree Studios began back in 1924, when the first sod of soil which would become the studios was dug.
But others say that it began in 1925 when production commenced, while others believe that the most important start to its history was in 1927.
One thing is for sure - back in 1924, British cinema was totally dominated by American film productions.
The First World War had practically brought film production in this country to a stop. Although not dead, one could certainly claim that it was slumbering! Ironically, despite this, cinema attendances were up, as the British people sought refuge in the darkness of cinemas across the land in order to escape the misery of post-war life.
Noting the sights of crowds crawling around the blocks oustide the various picture houses in Britain was an Amercian called JD Williams.
He chose a site in smog-free Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, in which to base his newly-formed production company with fellow Amercian, W. Schlesinger. What followed was that by the end of 1925 two stages had been errected on the site under the name of British National Studios.
But whilst a young film-maker by the name of Herbert Wilcox was on the studio floor in 1926 with the film Madame Pompadour, which boasted Dorothy Gish in the cast, serious storm clouds of the financial variety were gathering of the studios.
Enter John Maxwell, who realised that he needed studios in order to satisfy the needs of his various cinema-related business interests and with the British National Studios meeting his approval, provided the finance required to complete Wilcox's half-made project.
Although Maxwell's next film, The White Sheik, was made in 1927, after Madame Pompadour, it was, however, given a trade showing first in 1927, way before Pompadour, which history tells us had to wait until April 1928 for its premiere.
Under Maxwell's regime, the studios were really able to start its legendary history and status.
Vid. Cap.: Summer Holiday
© Paul Burton 2008
Please do not use any part of this article without first contacting Paul Burton to request permission.