Screen Archive South East is a public sector moving image archive serving the South East of England. The archive's collections of magic lantern slides, films, videos and associated materials capture the many varied aspects of life, work and creativity from the early days of screen history to the present day and serve as a rich and invaluable historical resource.
This film is part of Free
The Studios at Elstree
One of the UK's oldest film studios braces itself for redevelopment in this film from Alan Stingemore
From the collection of:
Overview
Starting with views of a decrepit looking Gate Studios, Alan Stingemore's film looks at various sites on the Borehamwood studio complex. Amid many demolition warning signs we see more modern studio buildings on the Shenley Road. There follows a view of recently cleared ground where older film stages, adjacent to the nearby Gate Studios, have recently been demolished. The film ends at a summer fete near Canterbury.
Though the studios featured in this film are known collectively as Elstree Studios, the main complex is in Borehamwood. The Gate Studios, which feature prominently in Alan Stingemore's film, were opened in 1928 and continued in production until the early 1950s. One of the more well known films made there was 'Odette' starring Anna Neagle and Trevor Howard. The last film to be produced at the Gate Studios was 'John Wesley' in 1954 after which the studios were taken over by Harkness Screens Ltd, becoming a factory for the production of cinema screens until 2004. In 2006 the studios were demolished to make way for a residential housing estate. Intermittent sound throughout.
Related
Watch for free
Round and About (Part Two) Round and About (Part Two)
Amateur film 1959 26 mins Silent Location: Harpenden
Sun-seekers at the Lido! Capturing scenery 'round and about' Herts and Beds during the summer of 1959; the second of two silent films with pleasing hand-created title cards.
Watch for free
If I Make It To The Morning If I Make It To The Morning
Drama 2024 9 mins
A Chinese teenager dreams of living with her cool aunt in New York, until tensions boil over during a crab dinner.
Watch for free
We’ll Go Down in History We’ll Go Down in History
Documentary 2025 25 mins
Two years in the life of TRUK United FC, a beacon for positive change and trans inclusivity in football.
Watch for free
Wrong Bathroom Wrong Bathroom
Drama 2024 9 mins
A trans high-schooler is tempted by toxic masculinity in the boys’ bathroom.
Watch for free
Dragfox Dragfox
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2024 8 mins
A child struggling with their identity and a charismatic fox (voiced by Sir Ian McKellen) learn to embrace their differences in this heart warming stop-motion animation.
Watch for free
Wait, Wait, Now! Wait, Wait, Now!
Drama 2024 13 mins
A Maori and a Kiwi teen buddy up to raid their mum’s wardrobe and pucker their lips with red.
Watch for free
NGGAK!!! NGGAK!!!
Drama 2024 8 mins
‘I pronounce you wife and wife.’ A young couple design their perfect wedding online, but then mum dials in.