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Britain’s Forgotten Film Factory: The Story of Isleworth Studios
£8.60£9.50 (-9%)
The story of Isleworth Studios is essentially that of the British film industry from 1914 to 1952. Beginning with the first British Sherlock Holmes screen adaptation and ending with its Oscar-winning swansong, The African Queen, in the intervening years it was one of the most technically advanced studios in the country and home to some of the best and the worst examples of British cinema. It experienced the transition from silent films to talkies. Britain’s only movie mogul, Alexander Korda, arrived, looking to rival Hollywood, followed by Douglas Fairbanks Jr looking to rival Korda. Buster Keaton struggled with alcoholism; Richard Burton made his screen debut; Bogart, Hepburn and Huston made a classic; and Emeric Pressburger directed his first and only film at Isleworth. Little by little the old dream factory’s physical shape is now crumbling or altered, or is disappearing altogether. Soon it may be gone. Isleworth Studios has a history worthy of more than just an addendum in the annals of the British film industry. This is its story told for the very first time.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Amberley Publishing (15 Aug. 2015) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 288 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1445648229 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1445648224 |
| Dimensions | 12.4 x 1.78 x 19.81 cm |
by Trevor G. Brown
This is a really good read for film students or those who have a general interest in the British film industry.
Isleworth studios in middlesex was a minor british production facility in comparison to the likes of Shepperton, Pinewood and
Leavesden, but produced some real gems (such as The African Queen and apparently even parts of The Italian Job were filmed there). Definitely one for film buffs and people who like film trivia. Its a little overpriced to me hence why I bought the Kindle version (because its half the price of the printed version) but it is a well written and not overlong book that holds the interest. And if you enjoy this try and watch the excellent spoof documentary ‘The Cricklewood Greats’ which is written by and starring Peter Capaldi, which covers a surprisingly similar (but fictional) subject. Its probably on youtube.
by T. W. Frost
Mat only be a paperback but it is well worth a read if you are interested in film history
by Graham Morley
A comprehensive history of an important and pivotal film studio. A good explanation of Bertie Samuelson’s and Alexander Korda’s (amongst others) contribution to the growth of the British film industry.
by Glen Barnham
It was an excellent read of a history of a now forgotten studio to the younger generation, but very important studio, within the history of British Film History. Very much like Walton,Southall,Shepherds Bush and Ealing in what it tried to achieve. As a book a joy to remember.
by Brian James
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Had no idea Isleworth Studios made some of the high profile films they did. Its interesting, informative and has plenty of interesting photos.
by Wingate
Whilst reading this book I watched “State Secret”I realised that this film was made at Iselworth,as were many of the greatest British films ever made,The Third Man and The African Queen to mention but two.It came as a complete surprise to find that so many of Korda’s films were made here and not at Denham or Shepperton.The author has done a considerable amount of research and produced a fascinating account of the studios in their heyday.My only slight carp is that in the later stages he feels that he needs to give a potted biography of the stars who worked there.However this does not detract from a very readable account.
by John Inglis
Very good, prompt delivery, thanks!
by astraone
Enjoyed reading the book, full of interesting information I was disappointed with the publication poor quality paper.