Old-timers talk about a minor British studio

Details are sketchy but this appears to have been a privately-circulated video made for former employees of Merton Park studios, a much-maligned outfit in Wimbledon, London, best-known for poor quality second features until it closed in 1967. It's the last work to date by Kenneth V. Rowles, who I wrote about in my book "Doing Rude Things": "His cult status rests almost entirely on one featurette." That film was the soft-porn drama "Take an Easy Ride". Rowles was a bog-standard film maker, but his tribute to Merton Park is at the very least technically superior to that of some fan boys today. Rowles interviewed several technicians in the pub next door to the site of the studio. (The stages were demolished for housing. Long Lodge, the country house used for administration, is currently occupied by Bedford Insurance. There is a plaque there dedicated to the studio). Most interviewees talk about post-production detail that will mean little to the average viewer. The only "name" participant is director John Hough. What the film lacks is critical perspective. At the time of their production the "Scotland Yard" and Edgar Wallace series were regarded as the lowest of the low. The only person who comments on the poor production standards is someone who worked on the special effects of "Konga". Film clips look as though they're ripped from VHS tapes. Down the years, however, Merton Park productions have gained a cult following from TV screenings. They now run regularly on the Talking Pictures channel, where I saw this documentary. If anyone reading this has fond memories of Edgar Wallace's revolving bust, they should watch out for it.

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

Dziga Vertov in Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

The short form refers to creative works characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling. Unlike full-length feature films, short films have a running time of less than 45 minutes, while TV shorts have a running time of less than 22 minutes.

Benedict Cumberbatch in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)

An affectionate tribute to the home of many second-features, serials and propaganda films, including reminiscences from many technicians at a reunion in the pub nearest the studio's former entrance.

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood's perfect pairs.

Hollywood Power Couples

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood&#39;s perfect pairs.

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

Merton Park Studios, Merton, London, England, UK

Remembering Merton Park Studios

Photos

Top Cast16

User reviews1

Related interests

Storyline

Did you know

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed