This book sheds new light on the under-researched period of early British cinema through a history of the British and Colonial Kinematograph Company in the years 1908-1916, when it became one of Britain's leading film producers. The book provides an account of its films and personalities, and explores its production methods and business practices.

Gerry Turvey has been involved in film education since the 1960s, including a Principal Lectureship in Film Studies at Kingston University, and a long association with the Phoenix Cinema Trust in North London. He continues to research early film.