The Kinematograph Year Book (1927)
Details
- publication: The Kinematograph Year Book (1927)
- publisher: Kinematograph Publications Ltd (London)
- keywords: Alfred Hitchcock, Bernhard Goetzke, British International Pictures, Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, Famous Players-Lasky, Gaetano di Ventimiglia, Gainsborough Pictures, Graham Cutts, Islington Studios, London, Ivor Novello, Malcolm Keen, Miles Mander, Piccadilly Pictures, The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927), The Mountain Eagle (1926), The Pleasure Garden (1925), Virginia Valli, Wardour Films Ltd
Extracts
The Films of 1926
- Lodger, The. (Sept. 14.) Ivor Novello and June. 7,500 ft. A. Rel. Feb. 14, 1926. " Kine," Sept. 16, 1926. W. & F.
- Mountain Eagle, The. (Oct. 1.) Malcolm Keen and Bernhard Goetzke. 7,503 ft. A. Rel. May 25, 1927. " Kine." Oct. 7, 1926. W. & F.
- Pleasure Garden, The. (Mar. 23.) Virginia Valli,. john Stuart and Miles Mander. 7,808ft. A. Rel. Jan. 14, 1927. "Kine." Mar.25,1926. W. & F.
Trade Shows of 1926
- March 23rd — W. & F.: The Pleasure Garden
- August 14th — W. & F.: The Lodger
- October 1st — W. & F.: The Mountain Eagle
Events of the Year
June
Under the title of Piccadilly Pictures a company was formed to handle Gainsborough Pictures, and acquire the Famous-Lasky Studios at Islington.
Equipment and Technique in 1926
BRITISH PRODUCTION SLUMP.
The problem of British films does not seem to have benefited either by the prolonged deliberation of the Joint Committee or the intensive publicity propaganda accorded to the subject. As a matter of fact, the year has witnessed the most disastrous slump in British production since the war ; the output for 1926 for British studios barely totals thirty feature films. Perhaps the most distinctive picture of the year for technique and direction has been "The Lodger," produced by Alfred Hitchcock at the Islington studios, now occupied by Piccadilly Pictures, and in which Baron Ventimiglia, the cameraman, has achieved some remarkable photographic work. Other worthy technical work which included some novel shots was done by Graham Cutts in "The Triumph of the Rat," for which Hal Young was photographer. The camera work in "The Flag Lieutenant" of William Shenton was also excellent. At the Alliance Studios at Twickenham, British National have completed two pictures pending their occupation of the huge studios at Elstree. The Twickenham studios have lately been taken over by Wardour Films, who propose to build an additional floor. Early in the year much publicity was given to the proposal to make the environs of Brighton a British Hollywood, but although facilities were promised by the corporation nothing since has been heard of the project, although it will probably be revived should the Government quota proposals materialise. It is generally accepted that momentous issues for British production are involved in the success or otherwise of the Elstree Studios, which British National opened on December 28 for the production of "Madame Pompadour." With the advantages possessed by the company in its studio and equipment, and with the benefit of the Lasky contract, it is recognised that few home units have been in so secure a position to achieve success for British product.
