'Amalgamated Studios reign was short lived, but its name is still synonymous with great films'

Amalgamated Studios is synonymous to the name of J. Arthur Rank, industrialist and film producer who bought the studio in 1938. During his term, the renowned British film studio set ablaze the film industry by producing films such as Hamlet, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, The Rake’s Progress, A Matter of Life and Death, Henry V, Black Narcisuss, and The Red Shoes

Such Amalgamated studio productions were recognized and are still known for its classic appeal and pioneering techniques that set forth a new generation of filmmakers and actors such as Christopher Lee and Diana Dors.

At Amalgamated Studios, directors whose careers were launched under Rank’s supervision included Muriel Box, Ken Annakin, Sydney Gilliat and Frank Launder, David Lean, Emeric Pressburger, and Michael Powell.

When Amalgamated Studios was founded in 1935, it erected a large studio on Elstree Way’s northern side in Borehamwood. It was completed by 1937; however, costs in construction resulted to increasing company liabilities which prompted the original owners of the studio to sell the company to Rank. Rank’s acquisition therefore helped the studio boost its popularity among moviegoers as a mover and shaker in the film biz.

Upon acquisition of Amalgamated Studios, it became part of the five major film studios by the Rank Organization. Others were Denham Film Studios and Pinewood Film Studios, not to mention the 650 cinemas under Rank’s management.

The Second World War, however, wasn’t good for Amalgamated Studios. During such time, the studio was expropriated by the government and was made into a warehouse. It was not long before Rank decided to let go of Amalgamated Studios and sell it to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). MGM, however, only took over the studio three years later in 1947 and decided to make improvements which resulted to a total floor space of 70,000 square feet in seven stages.

MGM was able to use the previous Amalgamated Studios as its production site until 1970 when it chose to move to Shenley Road at EMI Studios. The site where Amalgamated Studios used to stand was demolished thereafter, and reconstructed for housing and industrial use which up until now holds a leisure complex, a library, and other structures commissioned by the local municipality as part of its civic expansion.

Although Amalgamated Studios did not stay long enough, as in more than two decades, through Rank’s management the now-defunct studio was undoubtedly one of the best film producers during its heyday.

Other film under Rank’s term includes Circus of Horror, Sapphire an Victim, Carve Her Name with Pride, and other topics which dealt with prestige which includes the coronation of Elizabeth II and the performances of The Royal Ballet.