J. Arthur Rank, Baron Rank Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

Joseph Arthur Rank was born on December 22nd, 1888. He was a British film producer and industrialist. He founded the Rank Organization. Through his enterprise, Rank went on to own a number of film production facilities and English theaters. For that reason, he dominated filmmaking industry in Britain in the 60s.

Early Life

Joseph Arthur Rank was born on December 22nd, 1888. He grew up in a Victorian family surrounding at Kingston upon Hull, England. His father, Joseph Rank owned a flour milling business. He attended school in Cambridge at The Leys School and was a dedicated Methodist Church member. After his business failed, Rank joined and worked for his father.

Rank Organization

J. Arthur Rank first joined the British National Films Company after what he considered a challenge by London Evening News to produce family films. This resulted in the production of Turn of the Tide, the first movie by the company based on the novel Three Fevers.

In 1935, Rank alongside Lady Yule and John Corfield formed Pinewood Film Studios. The two co-owners later sold their ownership of the company to Rank, leaving him as the sole owner. He then grabbed the opportunity and brought together all his film studios under the Rank Organization.

In 1962, John Davis, one of the managing directors succeeded Rank as the Chairman of the organization when he retired. His eldest grandson, Fred Arthur Packard, a founding member of Banco Garantia, became the Chairman of the Rank Organization in 2000.

Achievements

The organization had a total of 619 cinemas by 1942. During this period, some of the best British films were produced by his companies. The Red Shoes, Matter of Life and Death, Black Narcissus among many others, were all productions from the Rank Organization.

Personal Life

J. Arthur Rank got married to Nell. The couple had two daughters, Ursula and Shelagh.

Death

J. Arthur Rank died on March 29th, 1972 at the age of 83. After his death, his title also disappeared.