Pinewood Studios, one of the United Kingdom’s most iconic film production sites, is marking its 90th anniversary this September. Established on September 30, 1936, near Iver Heath in Buckinghamshire, the studio has played a significant role in British and international cinema, hosting a diverse range of landmark films and franchises over the decades.
Founded by millionaire flour miller J Arthur Rank, the studio was named “Pinewood” to distinguish it from Hollywood, symbolizing growth and longevity. The original complex was built at a cost of £1 million and included five stages, enabling multiple films to be produced simultaneously. The first full-length feature shot at the facility was the crime thriller *Talk Of The Devil*, directed by Carol Reed, who later gained acclaim for films like *The Third Man* and *Oliver!*
During World War II, the studio was repurposed by the Crown Film Unit to produce wartime documentaries and propaganda films, while parts of the facility were used as offices for Lloyds of London and the Royal Mint.
The post-war era ushered in a wave of British comedy and drama at Pinewood, with the 1950s featuring the *Doctor* films starring Dirk Bogarde and a series of *Carry On* comedies. Bogarde portrayed Dr. Simon Sparrow, based on Richard Gordon’s novels, while the *Carry On* films became a staple of British popular culture.
Pinewood became closely linked with the James Bond franchise when *Dr. No* was filmed there in 1962. The studio constructed elaborate sets over the years, including a full volcano for *You Only Live Twice* (1966). In 1977, a large 59,000 square foot sound stage—the Albert R. Broccoli 007 Stage—was built, which was rebuilt after a fire in the 1980s. This stage has since accommodated numerous Bond films as well as other productions such as *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* (2005).
The studio has hosted a wide array of high-profile projects. *Cleopatra* (1963), starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, recreated ancient Egypt on site and is notable for being the film where the two stars first met. In 1967, *Billion Dollar Brain* featured a £150,000 Honeywell computer occupying an entire sound stage. Other major productions filmed at Pinewood include *A Countess From Hong Kong* (1966) with Marlon Brando and Sophia Loren, and the family favourite *Chitty Chitty Bang Bang* (1968).
In the 1980s, Stanley Kubrick’s *Full Metal Jacket* used Pinewood to replicate Vietnam’s war-torn landscapes, complete with imported palm trees. The studio is also known for its extensive work on the *Star Wars* franchise, including recent TV spin-offs such as *Andor* and *Obi-Wan Kenobi*. Members of the British Royal Family, including Prince William and Prince Harry, visited the studios a decade ago, experiencing the sets and meeting characters like Chewbacca and droids from the saga.
Pinewood further expanded its reputation with the production of the *Alien* series, starting with the original 1979 film starring Sigourney Weaver. The site has supported subsequent films such as *Prometheus* (2012) and the recent TV adaptation *Alien: Earth Season*.
Equipped with a permanent underwater stage, Pinewood has accommodated productions requiring aquatic environments, including *The Da Vinci Code* (2003). Its role in the superhero genre has grown considerably, with Marvel Studios using the facilities for over 25 films and series, including *Spider-Man*, *The Fantastic Four*, and the *Avengers* franchise. Today, Pinewood comprises 30 stages and three large backlots, maintaining its status as a premier location for global film and television production.
Actor William H. Macy has described Pinewood as “state-of-the-art,” a testament to the studio’s continued relevance and capacity to support major cinematic achievements across generations.