Although Hollywood is closely associated with movies, celluloid film was invented in London in 1890. The British public were visiting purpose-built cinemas 15 years later, once inventors managed to team additional sound with minute-long films. Whether you were watching the news or even horse racing, these cinemas were the origins of the complexes we know today.
However, it was the Americans who established a film industry first. During and after the First World War, the States set up Universal, Paramount, Fox and MGM Studios. Gradually, this thriving industry tempted away British talent from the UK, including the loveable Charlie Chaplin and suspense guru Alfred Hitchcock.
The 1920s and 1930s were coined the Golden Age of British film, however this was interrupted by World War II, which focussed filmmakers on perfecting propaganda documentaries and heroic war spell films. Film tastes of the Fifties were more domestic, with Ealing comedies being succeeded by Hammer horrors and 'Carry-Ons'. The Sixties saw British film go global, with its New Wave movies challenging traditional films with its sex and class themes, as well as its escapist movies such as 'Mary Poppins', the 'Bond' films and 'The Sound of Music.'
Seventies' cinemas struggled to fill seats as a result of the recession and a TV boom. However, it was the Eighties recession that dealt British cinema its biggest blow. After more than half a century span, the Rank Organisation shut down. This was the largest film company in Britain, which provided production, distribution and exhibition facilities.
As a result of an increasing amount of international cooperation in moviemaking talent, British films and film stars have been enjoying popularity and Awards-recognition since the 1990s. 'The King's Speech', 'The Queen', 'The Full Monty' and 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' have all achieved box office smash hit status. Many will argue that British cinema is basking in its second Golden Age.
However, it was the Americans who established a film industry first. During and after the First World War, the States set up Universal, Paramount, Fox and MGM Studios. Gradually, this thriving industry tempted away British talent from the UK, including the loveable Charlie Chaplin and suspense guru Alfred Hitchcock.
The 1920s and 1930s were coined the Golden Age of British film, however this was interrupted by World War II, which focussed filmmakers on perfecting propaganda documentaries and heroic war spell films. Film tastes of the Fifties were more domestic, with Ealing comedies being succeeded by Hammer horrors and 'Carry-Ons'. The Sixties saw British film go global, with its New Wave movies challenging traditional films with its sex and class themes, as well as its escapist movies such as 'Mary Poppins', the 'Bond' films and 'The Sound of Music.'
Seventies' cinemas struggled to fill seats as a result of the recession and a TV boom. However, it was the Eighties recession that dealt British cinema its biggest blow. After more than half a century span, the Rank Organisation shut down. This was the largest film company in Britain, which provided production, distribution and exhibition facilities.
As a result of an increasing amount of international cooperation in moviemaking talent, British films and film stars have been enjoying popularity and Awards-recognition since the 1990s. 'The King's Speech', 'The Queen', 'The Full Monty' and 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' have all achieved box office smash hit status. Many will argue that British cinema is basking in its second Golden Age.
About the Author:
Jenny Bailey is a film writer who has a passion for movies. For more information, visit theartsdesk.com
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