Ealing Studios: Goodbye old sound stage

Back in 2002 they demolished a sound stage that had stood there since the days of green corrugated iron. Many film men must have passed through its doors. To them, I dedicate this amateurish piece of crud. Which nevertheless I like, a bit.

[@anthonywornum8588]

Poignant moments, thanks for sharing them. It's always sad to see historic buildings demolished. I worked at Ealing Studios from 1970 to 1995 and as far as I know that green corrugated building was never a actual *sound* stage. It might have been a silent stage back in the day but it had no acoustical insulation. It was used by the BBC as a scenery store (I remember seeing an old wooden Police Box 'Tardis' in there) and to house the Film Despatch offices. What's called the White House in this film was actually the West Lodge and as it was one of the the two properties that were bought to set up the studios back in 1902/1904 I was astonished that it was not a listed building but it got demolished anyway. In the BBC days it housed the Sound Recordists' locker rooms downstairs and offices on the first floor. The real White House aka White Lodge is still standing (must be listed) and is the building facing Ealing Green. The single storey section of the "Little Old Tea Room" was actually the Conference Room and I had my interview in that room in 1970, The pitched roof section was the Restaurant.

[@1973decembre]

Hi there,
Thanks for the video, I worked there from 2007 till 2010...
i find your montage quite moving,
cheers
arno

[@vwthings]

Anyone with even a modicum of respect for the films produced at Ealing will be left somewhat speechless by this short film. I was.I was equally gutted when they demolished Gainsborough studios or nearer to home. the Co-op Hall in Nuneaton (below). It was like a wonderful majestic bakerlite wireless and had its own unique smell - just as old buildings do. As a child I used to take empty lemonade bottles back to the shop that was on the ground floor - for 2d. I really liked that building. Its now a LIDL, undoubtedly more useful but once something has gone, its gone. I'm just wise enough now to accept that nothing, no matter how loved, seems to stand still, and like many events in life we sometimes have to grit our teeth and move on as best we can. As long as someone actually cares.