The Secret Life of Ealing Studios: Britain's Favourite Film Studio

Although Elstree was never one of the 'BIG' players - like many American studios, it nontheless, seemed to one of the happiest. Everyone seemed to know everybody else in the studio, and frequently used first names( as opposed to more formal Mr and Mrs. ).and although again, it seemed to have vey meagre and limitedstudio space,its success perhaps lay in the choice of plots and films , which remain classics to this day.Thousands and thousands of us will know : - 'Passport to Pimlico', ' Kinds Hearts and Coronets', 'WhiskeyGalore ', and ' The Ladykillers', along with such war films as 'The Cruel Sea '.Aided by some very talenteddesigners, camera crew and a large number of very loyal ' supporting staff', Michael Balcon had every good reason, to be head of a small, but very successful and dynamic film company, and this book is afitting and warm tribute to him, and all who worked there.

It was informative

I have read a couple of the reviews that gave this book a 1 star rating and couldn't disagree more. Bought and read in 2016, I am nearly through reading it again in 2023 and it still holds the fascination of that first read. It's accused of being titled incorrectly and should have been titled along the lines of 'Former employees at Ealing'. Well, if you want to know what the studio was about and what went on in front and behind the camera what more would you need to be informed about? I expect some people understandably want all the star nitty gritty that isn't the book. There is some and if you want more, then you probably you need to go out and buy your chosen star's biography as this book is not about that.It is honestly a cracking read and gives an insight to the daily goings on at Ealing Studios from the people who were there. That includes everyone from the studio floor and offices up to Balcon the head of studios himself. Well worth the money and well worth the read Don't be put off by the negativity of some reviewers as you will not be disappointed.

I found this book to be very informative but thankfully not clogged up with the now usual, so familiar photos that have been in the public domain since the year dot, so to actually get a book that is jam packed with words is very rewarding and so makes an enjoyable read. The author has done his research well with speaking to those who worked there, from the ‘lower ranks’ to the stars themselves or their descendants, as this book is quite an eyeopener in many respects. It’s not often I can honestly say that when I came to the end of the book itself, I felt as if I knew those involved. A delightful, well researched book and if you are a fan of the Ealing films, this is for you. Highly recommended.

There have been many books written about these studios.This however has to be one of the most timely and the best.Timely because the remaining employees are becoming rather old,and a couple of the people interviewed passed away before publication of the book.It gives a very good idea as to the manner in which the studio was run.What it is not so good on is getting to the rot cause of its demise.Why was the studio sold is not a question clearly answered.However this does not affect one's enjoyment of reading this well written book.

Excellent book giving the thoughts of those who worked there & the film's they made. Great stories . Highly enjoyed it

Very happy with the item and delivery. Will be using this service again.

A bit disappointed

A great read about a studio in the UK that I knew very little about. A great addition to my film library.