The Golden Gong

When milling heir J. Arthur Rank turned his attention from flour to making religious films in the early 1930's, few could have guessed that he was laying the foundations of the British film industry. Quentin Falk charts the progress of the mighty Rank Organisation, its Pinewood Studio, its 'Charm School' (which launched such newcomers as Dirk Bogarde, Diana Dors, Peter Finch and Joan Collins), blockbusting films (from Brief Encounter, Oliver Twist and The Red Shoes to the Doctor series and the Carry On series), gifted directors and impressive stable of stars. A comprehensive filmography completes the book.