Richard E. Grant is to explore the history of Ealing Studios and its iconic output, which includes hits such as Passport to Pimlico and The Ladykillers, in a new three-part series for UKTV’s Gold.
Producers will work with closely with film giant Studio Canal, which owns the rights to the studio’s back catalogue, to unlock a wealth of never-before-seen footage and stills of one of British cinema’s most iconic brands.
Richard E. Grant on Ealing Comedies will tell the story of the studio during its comedy heyday and also look at the impact the modestly budgeted movies have had on British humour.
He will also visit some of the places that provided the backdrop to the most memorable film moments, such as the backstreets of Battersea and Bermondsey, Leeds Castle in Kent and not forgetting, Ealing Studios.
Grant will be joined in his celebration of this iconic brand by Mike Myers, Peter Capaldi, Michael Palin, Stephen Fry, Eric Idle and Paul Whitehouse.
To accompany the series, Gold will also air a season of classic films including Passport to Pimlico, Kind Hearts and Coronets and The Lavender Hill Mob.
Richard E. Grant said, “Between 1939 and 1955, comedy gold was mined at Ealing with the 40 carat talents of Alec Guinness, Stanley Holloway and the inimitable Joan Greenwood, to name but a few.
“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to present these documentaries. Ealing for me was the studio that put Britain on the cinematic map and it’s been great to have the chance to watch all the films again and chat to both my friends and the people who share my love of Ealing Comedy.”
Richard Dean, series producer and director for Phil McIntyre TV added, “I’ve always wanted to work with Richard E. Grant, and after filming with him over the past few months, it has to be said that he’s lived up to all of my expectations – he’s extremely funny, incredibly knowledgeable and completely unpredictable.
“I hope the Gold audience enjoys watching these three Ealing documentaries as much as we have enjoyed making them… to put it in Mr Grant’s words, ‘It’s been a blast’.”
The series will air on Gold in September.
