The Sir Michael Balcon

This pub takes its name from the film producer Michael Balcon, who worked at Ealing Studios during 1938-1956 and was best known for the much-loved, post-war 'Ealing Comedies'. They include acknowledged classics such as The Ladykillers, The Lavender Hill Mob, Passport to Pimlico and Kind Hearts and Coronets. Balcon later wrote in his autobiography that his years at Ealing Studios were 'the most rewarding in my personal career'.

The history of Ealing Studios dates from the early 1900s, when the film producer Will Barker moved to West Lodge on Ealing Green. Barker's trademark films had 'big stories, big actors and big people', such as his lavish production of Henry VIII.