Associated British Picture Corporation
| Company type | Company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production, distribution, cinema exhibition, television broadcasting |
| Predecessor | British International Pictures |
| Founded | 1927 |
| Founder | John Maxwell |
| Defunct | 1970 |
| Fate | Integrated into EMI |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom |
Key people | John Maxwell, Joseph Grossman, Robert Clark, Howard Thomas |
| Products | Films, television programs, cinema exhibition |
| Owner | Warner Bros. (partial ownership from ~1940 to 1969), EMI (from 1969) |
| Parent | EMI (from 1969) |
Associated British Picture Corporation (ABPC), initially known as British International Pictures (BIP), was a prominent British company engaged in film production, distribution, and cinema exhibition from 1927 until its integration into EMI in 1970. By 1943, ABPC controlled approximately 500 cinemas across the United Kingdom and managed a broadcasting station on the ITV network during the 1950s and 1960s. From around 1940 until 1969, Warner Bros. maintained a partial ownership interest in ABPC and its distribution division, Warner-Pathé, starting in 1958. ABPC represented one half of a vertically integrated duopoly dominating the British film industry alongside the Rank Organisation.
1927 to 1945
Established in 1927 by Scottish lawyer John Maxwell, ABPC originated when Maxwell purchased British National Pictures Studios and its Elstree Studios facility, combining it with his ABC Cinemas circuit and renaming the enterprise British International Pictures. The Wardour Film Company, chaired by Maxwell, acted as the distributor for BIP productions. Joseph Grossman, previously affiliated with Stoll Studios, was appointed as Studio Manager.
Among early achievements were films directed by Alfred Hitchcock, particularly Blackmail (1929), which is recognized as Britain's first full-length talkie. Hitchcock helmed twelve films for BIP before leaving in 1933 due to dissatisfaction with the projects assigned to him.
During Maxwell’s tenure, the company grew significantly, acquiring British Pathé in 1933—subsequently renamed Associated British-Pathé—as its distribution branch. That same year saw the rebranding of the firm as Associated British Picture Corporation, establishing comprehensive vertical integration encompassing production, distribution, and exhibition.
After Maxwell passed away in October 1940, his widow sold substantial shares to Warner Bros., which obtained partial control while the Maxwell family remained the largest shareholders. Throughout World War II, government authorities took control of Elstree Studios; consequently, production moved to the smaller Welwyn Studios located in Welwyn Garden City, which operated until 1950.
In 1940, four out of five films released by ABPC achieved success at local box offices.
Post-World War II
Following the conclusion of World War II, ABPC’s predominantly conventional productions limited its international appeal; however, it secured a distribution agreement with Warner—then holding a 40% stake—for releases in the United States.
Robert Clark, who led production between 1949 and 1958, imposed stringent budget controls and preferred adapting pre-existing works with established audience interest; only two of twenty-one films produced during the 1950s were original screenplays. German-born Frederick Gotfurt served as scenario editor, though concerns arose about his evaluations due to limited English proficiency. Actor Richard Attenborough remarked that ABPC’s Elstree studio lacked artistic dedication. Nevertheless, the company produced significant films such as The Dam Busters (1954), directed by Michael Anderson, and Ice Cold in Alex (1958), with director J. Lee Thompson being the most prolific filmmaker of that decade.
In 1958, ABPC purchased Associated Talking Pictures, which was the parent company of Ealing Films.
Expansion into Television
In 1955, following the collapse of Kemsley-Winnick Television, the Independent Television Authority granted ABPC one of the earliest commercial television licenses in the UK. This contract involved providing weekend programming for ITV in both the Midlands and northern England. Although the board initially expressed doubts, ABPC agreed to the terms after strong encouragement from the ITA and appointed former British Pathé executive Howard Thomas as managing director.
Under the name ABC Television, the company began broadcasting between February and November 1956. ABC developed several notable programs, including Opportunity Knocks, The Avengers, Redcap, and the highly regarded drama anthology Armchair Theatre.
Following a franchise review in 1968, ABC Television ceased its operations. To maintain ABPC’s involvement, the ITA created a new weekday London franchise jointly owned by ABPC (holding 51%) and British Electric Traction, which controlled the outgoing franchisee Rediffusion. Despite initial resistance to this so-called "shotgun merger," the new entity, Thames Television, commenced broadcasting in July 1968. After EMI acquired ABPC in 1969, control of ABPC’s stake in Thames passed to EMI.
Developments from 1958 Onwards
After Clark’s exit in January 1958, ABPC redirected efforts towards projects featuring contracted television comedians and increased investment in independent productions. Television production activities expanded at Elstree Studios. Successful films from this period included vehicles for pop star Cliff Richard such as The Young Ones (1961) and Summer Holiday (1963). In that same year, ABPC purchased Associated Talking Pictures—owners of the original Ealing Studios—from The Rank Organisation.
In 1962, ABPC acquired a 50% interest in Anglo-Amalgamated and collaborated with the Grade Organisation to support independent film producers. Despite these strategic moves, the company experienced a downturn throughout the 1960s. In 1967, Seven Arts, then controlling Warner, sold its shares in ABPC. EMI completed its acquisition of ABPC between 1968 and 1969. Presently, StudioCanal holds ownership of the ABPC film catalog.
Wholly Owned
- Associated British Productions Ltd. – Associated British Studios
- Associated British Cinemas Ltd. – ABC Cinemas
- Associated British-Pathé Ltd. – founded 1933
- Associated Talking Pictures – acquired in 1958 – Ealing Studios
- Associated British Film Distributors Ltd. (ABFD)
- British and Overseas Film Sales Ltd.
- Pathé Laboratories Ltd.
- Associated British Cinemas (Television) Ltd. – established 1955 – ABC Weekend TV
- A.B.C. Television Ltd. – circa 1957 – ABC Weekend TV
- A.B.C. Television Films Ltd. – formed 1966 – Associated British Corporation
Joint Ventures
- Warner-Pathé Distributors Ltd. (50%) – from 1958
- Anglo-Amalgamated Film Distributors (50%) – from 1962
- Thames Television Ltd. (51%) – from 1968