All images are intended for information only and should not be reproduced in any format. The Rank Organisation was a British entertainment company formed during 1937 and absorbed in 1996 by The Rank Group Plc. It was the largest film company in Britain, owning production, distribution and exhibition facilities, including at one time, Pinewood Studios, Denham Studios, Ealing Studios, Lime Grove Stu
dios and Islington Studios. A loose collective of film makers was established under the banner of Independent Producers Ltd. whereby Rank employed some of Britain's greatest directors, such as Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, David Lean, Frank Launder and Sidney Gilliat, Ken Annakin and Muriel Box. Between them, they produced some of Britain's best-loved films during the golden era of film making during the 40s and 50s. The Company of Youth, the Rank Organisation acting school often referred to as "The Charm School", was founded in 1945 and it launched many notable careers, including those of Donald Sinden, Dirk Bogarde, Diana Dors and Christopher Lee. A great many stars of the 40s and 50s were contracted to Rank during this period. During the 50s and 60s, fewer adventurous films were made as Rank instead concentrated on more solidly commercial ventures, largely aimed at the family market. These include the popular Norman Wisdom comedies, the various 'Doctor...' films and, later on, the 'Carry On' films. Some high quality films of note were also produced during this era though including 'Carve Her Name with Pride', 'Sapphire' and 'Victim'.
