Elstree Studios

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by Mike Whyte (subscribe)

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Published November 8th 2013

From Darth Vader to Big Brother

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Ok - quiz time - what do Dancing On Ice, Big Brother, Star Wars and The King's Speech have in common? On first appearances, maybe not very much - so let me make it easier for you and tell you - it's Elstree Studios. Ok, I admit the title of this piece may have given the game away a little...

Located only a short train journey away from the centre of London, the importance of Elstree cannot be underestimated. You just need to leave the train station to get the idea...

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Initially the studio was built in Borehamwood thanks to the collaboration between a British film producer and one from Hollywood, who were both keen to set up a film studio within the London area. It went from strength to strength, releasing the first British talking film 'Blackmail'. The director? An unknown named Alfred Hitchcock...

The 1950's and 1960's brought mainstream success to the studios, both for the cinema and TV - leading to the 1970's, Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Read more about it here.

The only way you will be able to see inside is to go to a recording - these are normally available for those who can see a show at short notice - and you will need to book in advance via an audience ticket company, such as Applause Store - it is possible you will see something that will appear on anything from the BBC channels to Channel 5 - and there is no greater thrill than seeing it later on TV in its edited form, and telling everyone about the parts that have been cut out.

So, get on the train and walk in the footsteps of the stars (and you never know, you may even see a real one!)

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