Editing Michael Balcon (section)

===Balcon and Hitchcock===
In 1924, he and [[Graham Cutts]] founded Gainsborough Pictures, which he presided over for twelve years, as director of production for Gaumont-British from 1931. During this time, Balcon oversaw Alfred Hitchcock's very first production titled [[The Pleasure Garden (1925 film)|The Pleasure Garden]]. The film was followed by Hitchcock's [[The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog]] as well as [[The Ring (1927 film)|The Ring]] showing that Hitchcock's talent was growing and diversifying. At first, Balcon was doubtful about 'The Lodger' but after a re-edit by [[Ivor Montagu]], he became confident in the production.

Balcon's independence had eroded and Gainsborough became an extension of the [[Gaumont Film Company]]. Still, between 1931 and 1936, Balcon produced a number of classics, including a string of Hitchcock successes, such as ''[[The 39 Steps (1935 film)|The 39 Steps]]'' and ''[[Man of Aran]]''; directed by [[Robert J. Flaherty]] the latter was known as 'Balcon's folly' for going well over budget.

He also helped individuals escape [[Nazi Germany]] as persecution of Jewish citizens increased, including the actor [[Conrad Veidt]], who had starred in his 1934 film ''[[Jew Suss (1934 film)|Jew Suss]]''. By 1936, Gaumont was looking for an entry into the American market. Balcon spent several months in the United States forming links with the big Hollywood studios.

On his return, he found Gaumont in financial ruin and joined [[MGM-British Studios]] that November. His assistant Edward Black took over the studio.<ref name="edward">{{cite magazine|magazine=Filmink|url=https://www.filmink.com.au/forgotten-british-film-moguls-ted-black/|first=Stephen|last=Vagg|date=1 December 2024|access-date=1 December 2024|title=Forgotten British Film Moguls: Ted Black}}</ref> The year and a half Balcon spent at MGM British was a trying period for Balcon, who clashed frequently with studio head [[Louis B. Mayer]]. During this period, Balcon lived at 57a Tufton Street, Westminster. Today a commemorative plaque marks his former home.<ref name="Green plaque" />