What makes a film an 'Ealing' film? Why should we cry at Mandy? What has The Man in the White Suit got to do with the atomic bomb? And what might Ealing films teach us about the world today?

Introducing Ealing looks at the diverse range of films that came out of the studios from 1938 to 1959 while it was under the directorship of Michael Balcon - one of the most important and influential figures in the history of British film. With the help of film historian Matthew Sweet and BFI Senior Curator and Ealing specialist Mark Duguid we discover Ealing's key people, its unique character and unusual working practices during this significant period. We also explore what these films tell us about the time in which they were produced and why this might impact on our view of contemporary Britain.

The interviews for this film were all shot on location at Ealing Studios - still very active today - in the Balcon Room, Michael Balcon's old office.