From Milling Machines to Movie Screens: J. Arthur Rank’s Legacy
Born in December 1888 in Hull, England, J. Arthur Rank was the son of flour mill magnate Joseph Rank. Despite being labeled "a dunce at school" by his father, Arthur initially tried his hand at Peterkins Self-Raising Flour before returning to the family business, Joseph Rank Limited (later Rank Hovis McDougall).
A committed Methodist, Rank began showing religious films as a Sunday School teacher. In response to concerns about the negative impact of mainstream films, he founded the Religious Film Society in 1933, producing "Mastership" as its first film.
Rank's collaboration with film producer John Corfield and financier Lady Yule led to the creation of the British National Films Company. Their first commercial film, "Turn of the Tide" (1935), faced distribution challenges but marked Rank's entry into the film industry.
By 1946, J. Arthur Rank had become Britain's top film producer, rivaling Hollywood. That year, cinema admissions in England reached 1.635 million, with British films surpassing American ones in popularity, solidifying Rank's impact on the film industry.
Hollywood Dreams, British Charms: Diana Dors' Legacy from Rank's Charm School
In the 1940s, Rank brought aboard David Henley, formerly a key figure at Equity and later an agent at the Myron Selznic office, to spearhead their talent acquisition efforts. Tasked with discovering fresh faces, Rank sought to emulate Hollywood's contract system. These new talents were welcomed into the Rank 'family,' a part of what the press affectionately dubbed the 'Charm School.' This institution, housed within Rank’s experimental Highbury studio, was overseen by drama coach Molly Terraine, with the skilled guidance of Helen Goss. Here, budding artists were trained in a range of disciplines, from honing their voices to mastering the art of fencing.
Diana Dors stepped into the spotlight at the Rank Company of Youth, in 1947, aged 15. Despite her already impressive resume, boasting a two-year tenure at L.A.M.D.A and a collection of acting accolades, she found herself tethered to a ten-year contract with Rank. Amidst the bustling halls of Charm School, although Diana declared 'Few of the girls there ever amounted to anything' she did mingle with future stars such as Susan Shaw and Barbara Murray. Yet, Diana couldn't help but view Charm School as a compulsory detour rather than a prestigious institution akin to R.A.D.A. She begrudgingly admitted its necessity, deeming it a means to "keep you out of mischief."
"Diana said another compulsory affair was the weekly cocktail party, held by the head of the Rank contracts department, for producers to mingle with the young starlets and possibly arrange film parts for them in their pictures. The real reason was, as everyone knew, that a ‘good bit of lechery could be indulged in under the guise of business, and many a young actress was tricked into some hot situation by the promise of a starring role.’ Diana said that her tender age ‘saved my bacon for everyone was afraid to make any improper suggestions to me.’"
Diana said of the Charm School 'It died a natural death like most of our contracts did when the Rank Organisation made everyone redundant in 1950.'
Diana recalled 'I could not bring myself to believe it. For some years now as I’d grown up I had been safely under their banner and, more important, drawing a weekly salary. Not much admittedly, but enough to get by on.'
Diana Dors: A Chronological Journey Through Rank Organisation Films
Diana Dors, during her stint with the Rank Organisation, contributed her talent to several films, showcasing her versatility as an actress. While her first intended project with Rank, "Streets Paved with Water," was unfortunately cancelled after a month, Dors quickly found herself immersed in the world of cinema. Here's a glimpse into some of the notable films she made under Rank's banner:
1. Holiday Camp (1947) – Although uncredited, Dors made her mark in this early comedy-drama.
2. The Calendar (1948) – Dors featured in this romantic drama.
3. Good Time Girl (1948) – She delivered a memorable performance in this crime film.
4. Oliver Twist (1948) – Dors had a role in the classic adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel.
5. My Sister and I (1948) – She appeared in this drama directed by Harold French.
6. Here Come the Huggetts (1948) – Dors joined the Huggett family in this comedy-drama.
7. Vote for Huggett (1949) – She continued her association with the Huggett series in this sequel.
8. Penny and the Pownall Case (1949) – Dors showcased her acting prowess in this mystery film.
9. A Boy, A Girl and a Bike (1949) – She added charm to this romantic comedy.
10. It’s Not Cricket (1949) – Dors displayed her comedic talents in this sports-themed film.
11. Diamond City (1949) – She appeared in this drama directed by David MacDonald.
12. Dance Hall (1950) – Although contracted out to Ealing Studios, Dors left her mark on this drama.
In addition to these early works, Dors continued to captivate audiences with her performances in subsequent years:
13. As Long As They’re Happy (1955) – She brought her trademark charisma to this comedy.
14. Value for Money (1955) – Dors showcased her comedic timing in this romantic comedy.
15. An Alligator Named Daisy – She rounded off her tenure with Rank with a memorable role in this British musical comedy.
Diana Dors' contributions to these films not only solidified her place in British cinema but also laid the foundation for her enduring legacy as an iconic actress.