ABSTRACT

This set is one of the cornerstones of film scholarship, and one of the most important works on twentieth century British culture. Published between 1948 and 1985, the volumes document all aspects of film making in Britain from its origins in 1896 to 1939.
Rachael Low pioneered the interpretation of films in their context, arguing that to understand films it was necessary to establish their context. Her seven volumes are an object lesson in meticulous research, lucid analysis and accessible style, and have become the benchmark in film history.

Note on the Comthudoci of the History Research Committee -- PART ONE -- PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION AND EXHIBITION -- I. PRINCIPAL FILM PRODUCERS BEFORE 1906 -- The Producers -- Autoscope Co. -- Ramforth & Co., Ltd. -- British Mutoscope & Biograph Co. Ltd -- Cliarks Urban Trading Co. -- Esme Collings -- Clarendon Film Co. -- Cricke & Sharp -- Gaumont & Co. Ltd. -- Haggar & Sons -- llepworth Manufacturing Co. -- Mitchell & Kenyon -- Northern Photographic Works, Ltd. -- Paul’s Animatograph Works Ltd. -- Sheffield Photo Co. -- Warwick Traiiing Co. -- Wahurdaw Co. Ltd. -- Williamson’s Kinematographic Co. Ltd. -- II. EARLY FILM STUDIOS -- III MARKET CONDITIONS -- IV. SHOWMANSHIP -- PART TWO -- THE FILMS THEMSELVES -- I. INTRODUCTION -- II. THE MAIN TYPES OF BRITISH FILM, 1896—1906 -- Acwmlitics -- Interest Films -- Topical Films -- Panoramic Films and Travelogues -- Vaudevifle -- Trick Films -- Comedy -- Drama.