Eros Films Ltd.
 |
|
| Industry | Entertainment |
|---|---|
| Fate | Bankruptcy |
| Founded | May 1947 |
| Founder | Philip, Sydney and Michael Hyams |
| Defunct | June 1961 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Products | Motion pictures |
Eros Films, was a British film distribution and later production company, were in operation from May 1947 to June 1961. It was founded by three brothers: Philip, Sydney, and Michael Hyams.
The Hyams' father was a Russian immigrant baker, who in association with architect George Coles, financed the building of the Popular Cinema in 1912, located in Stepney, London. Oldest brother Philip (born London 26 March 1894; died London 8 January 1997) began working at the theatre in 1912 and was joined in 1919 by his younger brother Sydney. The two started a chain of cinemas that they then sold to Gaumont British in 1928; they began anew creating another theatre chain. They linked again with Gaumont in 1935 to form Gaumont Super Cinemas, adding their brother Michael.
During the years of the Great Depression, the brothers attracted crowds by booking double bills, live variety acts, and talent shows. selling out again to Gaumont in 1944, due to reduced patronage during the London Blitz.
In 1947 the brothers formed Eros Films, located at 111 Wardour Street, London, which was possibly named after the statue at Picadilly Circus. Eros distributed American films but also financed and distributed British films made by independents; several British producers recalled that major British production units did not wish to distribute the films of minor British studios.Robert S. Baker of Tempean Films recalled that Eros distributed 20 to 30 of their films, usually shown as second features with popular American films, which Eros had acquired for UK distribution.
In the 1950s Michael Hyams emigrated to the United States, where he became vice president of American British TV Movies Inc. The company distributed Eros' British TV series to the U. S. market like Colonel March of Scotland Yard, Scotland Yard and a number of Eros-produced feature films.
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