History of Kilburn and West Hampstead

This is a story from the early days of British film. It is October 1935, and we are in Elstree Studios in Borehamwood Hertfordshire.  British International Pictures Studios Douglas Fairbanks, father and son The American actor Douglas Fairbanks, was known as ‘The King of Hollywood’ from his career in the silent era. He was famous for his adventure films such as The Mark of Zorro (1920), The Three Musketeers (1921) and Robin Hood (1922).    The Mark of Zorro poster As a means of gaining control over their films, in 1919, he set up United Artists with Charlie Chaplin, the director D.W. Griffiths and Mary Pickford, whom he married the following year. Signing the United Artists contract (1919) From the left: D.W. Griffith, Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks. Fairbanks had been impressed by Alexander Korda’s production of ‘The Private Life of Henry VIII’ (1933), starring Charles Laughton. The film had been funded and distributed by United Artists and was a hug...

Although a complete account of all the musicians who played here is not possible, I have complied the most comprehensive list yet to be published. Chronologically, it moves from big bands, jazz, rock, British blues, and Pop, as the popular styles change. Kilburn State (Dick Weindling, July 2015) Because of the large seating capacity of 4,004, the Gaumont State in Kilburn High Road was used as a venue for many shows by touring American and British musicians.  The Gaumont State Cinema was opened on 20 Dec 1937 with a sell-out show, which was also broadcast on the BBC radio. 1937, Dec 20 opening of Gaumont State Cinema Singer Gracie Fields, Larry Adler harmonica, Henry Hall and his Orchestra, Alfred van Dam and his State Orchestra, and others Here is a Gaumont Newsreel tour of the building and people arriving at the opening night, with a typical jokey 1937 voiceover 1938, July 23 The Hyams brothers (Phil, Syd and Mick), who ran the State, organised a midnight performance to raise mone...