Nestled on Ealing Green, Ealing Studios holds a unique place in film history. As the oldest continuously working film studio in the world, it has been at the forefront of the British film industry for over a century, creating iconic comedies, groundbreaking dramas, and memorable television series.
The Golden Age: Ealing Comedies
Ealing Studios is most famous for a string of classic comedies produced in the 1940s and 1950s. These films, celebrated for their gentle satire and themes of underdog rebellion, captured the spirit of post-war Britain. They turned actors like Alec Guinness and Stanley Holloway into household names and defined a genre that remains influential today.
Some of the most celebrated Ealing Comedies include:
- Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) – A dark comedy masterpiece starring Dennis Price and Alec Guinness in eight different roles.
- The Lavender Hill Mob (1951) – A charming heist film featuring a timid bank clerk's plan to steal gold bullion.
- The Man in the White Suit (1951) – A clever satire about a scientist who invents an indestructible fabric, threatening the textile industry.
- The Ladykillers (1955) – A classic caper where a gang of criminals posing as musicians is outwitted by their elderly landlady.
A Modern Production Hub
While its history is legendary, Ealing Studios is far from a museum. It remains a busy, modern production facility for film and television. It has been the production base for major films like Notting Hill and St Trinian's, and popular TV dramas such as Downton Abbey and The Durrells. The studio's blend of historic stages and state-of-the-art technology makes it a sought-after location for today's filmmakers.
Visiting Ealing Studios
As a working film and television studio, Ealing Studios is not open to the public for general tours. The historic sound stages and backlot are in constant use for productions.
However, the iconic white building on Ealing Green is a landmark in itself and a popular spot for film enthusiasts to visit and photograph from the outside. For any professional or studio-related enquiries, you can contact the studio directly:
Contact Information
Address:
Ealing Studios, Ealing Green, London, W5 5EP
General Enquiries:
Info@ealingstudios.com
Studio Enquiries:
charlie@ealingstudios.com