Neil has posted to me, yet another fascinating item from his collection. Above is an original letter heading from the legendary Denham Studios in Uxbridge, Middlesex. It was at that massive film complex in 1951 that Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood was filmed-the last major feature to be produced there.
It was originally built by the Hungarian impresario, Alexander Korda (1893-1956) and some of Britain’s most memorable films were produced there. But sadly its size was its eventual downfall and after the infamous film companies crash of 1937 Prudential stepped in and offered Denham Studios as a going concern to Charles Boot and J. Arthur Rank. Korda’s control of his ‘dream factory’ was effectively taken off his hands as Denham merged with Pinewood.
I am not sure of the approximate date of Neil’s letter heading, but as you can see Denham Studios was by then already linked with Pinewood.
In 1977 the site of Denham Studios was sold to a developer and demolished by British Land for construction of an industrial park.
If you click on the label Denham Studios you can read much more about the making of Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood at Denham and the glorious history of Korda’s ‘dream factory.’
Denham and Pinewood Letter Heading
ReplyDeleteDenham Studios, Uxbridge, Middlesex
Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood (1952)
These Studios were built to make films which would rival anything that Hollywood could offer - and at that time Hollywood produced some wonderful classic films still watched to this day. Alexander Korda very nearly pulled it off because this studio was on such a massive scale but war broke out and although many of the films are seen now as classics, there were not enough to sustain such an overhead. The Studios had direct access to the River Colne and the Denham Lake and these locations featured on so many of the films we know and love. When I drive past what is left - which is not often - I still feel a shiver of excitement because of the history of the place.
ReplyDeleteWhat is left of those magnificent studios Neil?
ReplyDeleteThere is very little left, Clement. I think Rank still have a small facility there but you can still see the location. I have sometimes thought of asking to go round the back of the buildings to see, what must be a fairly steep slope down to the river, and really have a look round generally to try to acquire something of the feel of the place. I know you were down recently at Burnham Beeches which is not far away from Denham. It is certainly worth a look for us fans. I live quite a distance away but make sure I pass by on the way to Heathrow. I would really love to stop there one day and have a look
ReplyDeleteIf you ever decide to go Neil, perhaps you would take some pictures and share them with us on this blog.
ReplyDeleteI know there are many who would be very, very interested.