Elstree Studios Celebrate 90 Years

On 22 October, Elstree Studios hosted a special evening for the launch of 'Elstree Studios: A Celebration of Film and Television'.

The book – by Morris Bright, Chairman of Elstree Studios, and Paul Burton, a writer and film & television historian, with an introduction by Oscar-winning director Tom Hooper – charts the 90-year history of the famous London Studios. BFV were among one of the first to receive a copy, and it has been a fascinating read.

The book is divided into six chapters; beginning at... well, the beginning of Elstree's story, with each section addressing a key turning point for the studios. Images are placed throughout the book as well, giving insights as to studio life over the decades.

Elstree Calling looks at the origins of the studio which involved the introduction of Alfred Hitchcock to the industry. The period also brought the release of Britain's first 'talkie' movie, as well as 'Elstree Calling', which featured certain items in the movie to be in colour. A devastating fire in February 1936 destroyed three-stages of the then-British & Dominion Studios, and the chapter looks at how the studio started to rebuild from the blaze, as well as how, during WWII, the site was used by the Royal Ordance Corps.

The Wind of Change reveals how Britain continued to struggle in the aftermath of the war due to rationing and shortages. However, a rise in popularity in television was increasing – and making the film industry take notice. This era saw the studio deliver what is said to be the country's first teenage film musical – It's Great To Be Young! – while expansion work to the site saw the introduction of new facilities, such as the famous exterior water tank which was used during filming for Moby Dick. Success continued for Elstree, but changes were to come during the 1960s.

The Swingin' Sixties was the decade when television really made its mark – and took a significant portion out of cinema attendances and office receipts as a result. This period saw Elstree produce cinema versions of small-screen comedy classics, including Up Pompeii, On The Buses, and Are You Being Served? While Cliff Richard also became a well-known star at the studios thanks to 'Summer Holiday' and 'The Young Ones'. The chapter also reveals how the studio helped make household names of Roger Moore, Barbara Windsor, and Ronnie Barker. Due to the growth of television, Elstree was restructured to allow for both a film and separate television arm, while three new stages were constructed to meet increasing demand. However, amidst the booming business, there were whispers that a takeover was on the cards...

The rumoured takeover became reality, and is discussed in the chapter Highs and Lows. The studio, now named EMI-Elstree Studios, led to the formation of a film production and distribution arm, but it wasn't an easy transition for the buyers as the studios had been in a poor condition. Further mergers with other studios nearby, and financial problems meant it was a challenging time for the business. However, a trend towards comedy films – as well as more liberal attitudes to certain issues – saw films continue to be made. One of the most popular productions from the time, were the Hammer Films. The chapter also reveals that the '70s was when George Lucas and Star Wars became synonymous with Elstree. It too, however, was not without its problems.

The Quest for Stability brings the reader to the 1980s – and businesses in general were struggling as the recession hit Britain. The decade did start strongly for Elstree though, with various comedy drama shows being produced. The Star Wars franchise continued to be filmed – and led to the construction of a new stage, while Stanley Kubrick's The Shining was also released at the beginning of the decade, while Indiana Jones, The Muppets, Monty Python and Labyrinth all kept business continuing. Despite the success, however, by 1988, Elstree's owners – Cannon – were in serious financial difficulties, with the chapter detailing how the studio was eventually sold, and sections of it redeveloped. The move was controversial, and led to the now-famous 'Save Our Studios Campaign'.

A Phoenix Rises brings us full circle and looks at the Save Our Studios campaign – and how the intervention of the local council helped saved the studios and turn its fortune around.

It has been a challenging journey for the studios, with a number of highs and lows along the way, but Elstree has overcome them all, and is now looking towards an even brighter future.

Further information regarding the book can be found by emailing [email protected].

Image: Roger Morris signing The Saint car. Image Credit: John Morosini-Whelan.

www.elstreestudios.co.uk

(JP/LM)