Ealing Studios

The production company Ealing Studios was originally established in 1931 as Associated Talking Pictures Ltd, by theatre producer Basil Dean. By 1938, Michael Balcon, who had previously worked at MGM, had taken over and begun producing films under the Ealing Studios name. From intelligent British comedies to documentaries, the studios also produced war classics such as Went the Day Well? and The Cruel Sea. But it is the comedy genre that the name Ealing Studios remains intrinsically linked to, with films such as The Lady Killers and The Lavender Hill Mob. However, by 1955 the studio was struggling financially, and they were forced to sell to the BBC. Until 1959 work continued to be made under the Ealing Studios name, thanks to a short term sponsorship from MGM, but after 6 films the partnership ended and Ealing Studios was officially dissolved.