Sir Michael Balcon
(1896-1977)

Died aged c. 81

Sir Michael Elias Balcon (19 May 1896 – 17 October 1977) was an English film producer known for his leadership of Ealing Studios in West London from 1938 to 1955. Under his direction, the studio became one of the most important British film studios of the day. In an industry short of Hollywood-style moguls, Balcon emerged as a key figure, and an obdurately British one too, in his benevolent, somewhat headmasterly approach to the running of a creative organization. He is known for his leadership, and his guidance of young Alfred Hitchcock. Balcon had earlier co-founded Gainsborough Pictures with Victor Saville in 1923, later working with Gaumont British, which absorbed their studio. Later still he worked with MGM-British. In 1956 he founded a production company known as Ealing Films, and later headed British Lion Films. He served as chairman of the British Film Institute production board to help fund and encourage new work. Balcon was described in his obituary in The Times as a "pioneer of British films" who "had courage, energy and flair for showmanship".

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Commemorated on 4 plaques

Sir Michael Balcon 1896-1977 film producer worked here 1938-1956

Ealing film Studios, Ealing Green, W5 Ealing, London, United Kingdom where they worked

Sir Michael Balcon 1896-1977 Film maker and creator of the character PC George Dixon (of Dock Green) Student at this School 1907-1912

George Dixon School, City Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom where they attended school

Sir Michael Balcon 1890-1977 film maker lived here 1927-1939

57A Tufton Street, London, United Kingdom where they lived

The Gainsborough Film Studios 1924-1949 Alfred Hitchcock, Michael Balcon, Ivor Novello, Gracie Fields, 'The Lady Vanishes', 'The Wicked Lady' worked and were filmed here

Poole Street, Hackney, London, United Kingdom where they worked