I am a huge fan of Ealing Studios and have seen just about every Ealing film I can possibly find--mostly because they are so consistently good. In particular, their wonderful comedies are gems--and it's because of these that the studio is held in such high esteem by cinephiles. It's because of this that I was thrilled to see this nice documentary on Turner Classic Movies.
The film does a good job of describing the origins of the studio as well as its recent rebirth. However, I was left feeling a bit disappointed about the middle portion--mostly because many wonderful films I'd seen weren't even mentioned (such as "Whisky Galore" and "The Titfield Thunderbolt"). Now this is NOT a problem for the casual viewer--a person who has only a cursory familiarity with their films. It does discuss and show some of the important films they made and is a nice introduction. Unfortunately, though, it's just too short. At 50 minutes, it just doesn't give enough information if you are a rabid Ealing fan. Still, it's well made and nice to see some of the old stars being interviewed.
The film does a good job of describing the origins of the studio as well as its recent rebirth. However, I was left feeling a bit disappointed about the middle portion--mostly because many wonderful films I'd seen weren't even mentioned (such as "Whisky Galore" and "The Titfield Thunderbolt"). Now this is NOT a problem for the casual viewer--a person who has only a cursory familiarity with their films. It does discuss and show some of the important films they made and is a nice introduction. Unfortunately, though, it's just too short. At 50 minutes, it just doesn't give enough information if you are a rabid Ealing fan. Still, it's well made and nice to see some of the old stars being interviewed.