The Secret Life of Ealing Studios: Britain's favourite film studio

by Robert Sellers, Martin Scorsese (Foreword)

A behind-the-scenes account of life at Ealing Studios â?? one of the great cinematic success stories of post-war Britain, and a byword for a particular strain of comic filmmaking that continues to inspire imitators over half a century on.

This full narrative history of the studio, focusing on its output in the late 1940s and '50s, when the movies made there were in astonishing (and revealing) synchronicity with the national mood. Told through the memories of the people who worked and performed there, The Secret Life of Ealing Studios explores how a small group of maverick filmmakers, some of Britain's most fondly remembered movie stars, and a lot of unsung backroom boys and girls created pictures that presented a unique and enduring view of British identity, and which have since become classics. Particular emphasis is placed on the filming of Hue and Cry (1947), Passport to Pimlico (1949), Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), Whisky Galore (1949), The Lavender Hill Mob (1951), The Man in the White Suit (1951) and The Ladykillers (1955), along with war films such as The Cruel Sea (1953). At the heart of the story is the figure of Michael Balcon - perhaps the closest Britain has ever come to producing a movie mogul in the Hollywood mould - and iconic actors such as Peter Sellers, Alec Guinness, Margaret Rutherford and Sid James.

The author is one of Britain's leading entertainment biographers and has a number of successful and critically lauded titles under his belt (his recent book on Oliver Reed, What Fresh Lunacy Is This?, was selected for Books of the Year round-ups in both the Sunday Times and Mail on Sunday). Robert has a track record of securing original testimony from first-hand witnesses and has already begun interviewing people who worked at Ealing.

Genres: Film, History, Media Tie In

352 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2015

Reviews

[Deanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A behind the scenes look at Ealing studios, which was open from the 1930's to the 1960's. The birthplace of a number of films including Kind hearts and coronets, passport to Pimlico, The cruel sea and The lady killers.
There are stories about the film's, the actors and directors, but there are also the people on the shop floor. Interesting book about a much loved studio, even if they almost managed to kill Sir Alec Guinness.

[Magnus Stanke · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have never read a book about the wonderful world of the Ealing Studios from the 40s and 50s, I wouldn't recommend you start with this one. It's a mistake I made but I'd say this is for people who have read everything else there is and can't get enough. The reason? It focuses on personal recollections of staff working at the studio behind the camera. It is interesting, kinda, but it could have done with a tighter editorial job to avoid going over similar sentiments (it was a great place to work at but...) time and again. I happen to also think that the editor of this book wasn't too keen on proper punctuation (but I'm not an expert).

[Ray Smillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book. Well researched and full of interviews and anecdotes from all the main players, both in front of and behind the cameras, at Ealing Sudios. Whenever a film from Ealing is shown on the television we will watch it, either live, recorded or streamed. Even if you only have a vague interest in the subject, I highly recommend this.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intressant och rolig, nödvändig läsning för brittisk filmnördar. Dock inte världens mest välskrivna bok

[J Grimsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made up of interviews from people who worked at Ealing. Really pleasurable from an Ealing Studio wonk like me. Very enjoyable

[Ann Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ealing Studio

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

[Druss · Rating 4 out of 5]

A summation of the studio’s productions by those who were there.

[Ian McCormick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Affectionate anecdotes from many of the staff working at Ealing studios during the Michael Balcon era. Enjoyable like the movies themselves.

[Richard A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely read.

For those who love the old Ealing classics this is a must. An easy, gentle ride - just like the films.