J.Arthur Rank: The Man Behind the Gong

by Michael Wakelin (Author)

• Used

  Illustrated
  1996

  $5.94

  This is a biography of J. Arthur Rank, the industrialist and Methodist teacher who became a major force in British cinema. He became interested in films when as a young man he saw the potential of the cinema to proclaim the gospel. So he began to make films and when the cinema chains refused to give them a general release, he bought the biggest two, Odeon and Gaumont. In all Rank's work, his Christianity was an imporatnt factor. When it was decided that cinemas should open on Sundays, Rank was able to get a religious short shown before each performance. His success in cinema can be attributed to his ability to find the best people to work for him, and he put his trust in these people so securely that he even allowed many of them to write their own contracts. This book draws on archives and memories from Rank's family. The author has also produced a Radio 4 documentary on J. Arthur Rank.