Louis Elliman facts for kids

Louis Elliman (born 28 February 1903 – died 15 November 1965) was an important Irish theatre manager and impresario. An impresario is someone who organizes and manages concerts, plays, or operas. Louis Elliman helped shape the entertainment scene in Ireland for many years.

Early Life and Family

Louis Elliman was born in Dublin, Ireland. He was one of 12 children. His parents, Maurice and Leah Elliman, were Jewish and had moved from Russia to escape difficult times.

Louis went to school at Synge Street CBS and later studied at University College Dublin. His father, Maurice, started a cinema called the Theatre De Luxe in Dublin in 1912. After finishing university, Louis first worked in a pharmacy. However, he soon decided to become a film agent in London. In 1931, he married Ettie Robinson in Dublin.

Building an Entertainment Empire

Louis's father, Maurice, bought the famous Gaiety Theatre in Dublin. This theatre was later passed on to Louis.

In the early 1930s, Louis Elliman teamed up with another businessman, Patrick Wall. Louis sold half of the Gaiety Theatre to Patrick. Together, they bought many cinemas across Ireland, including the Metropole and Savoy cinemas. By 1946, a large company called the Rank Organization took over these cinemas. However, Louis Elliman continued to manage them. In 1936, Louis and Patrick also bought the Theatre Royal, Dublin.

The Theatre Royal During Wartime

When World War II started, it became hard to bring performers from other countries to Ireland. Because of this, Louis Elliman and Patrick Wall had to rely on Irish talent. This led to many famous Irish performers getting their start or becoming very popular at the Theatre Royal.

Some of these well-known Irish stars included Jimmy O'Dea, Maureen Potter, Noel Purcell, and Jack Cruise. In 1951, the famous American singer Judy Garland performed at the Royal. Her shows were completely sold out, and she even sang from her dressing room window for fans who couldn't get tickets!

Creating Ardmore Studios

After buying many cinemas, Louis Elliman decided to get into making films. In 1957, he opened Ardmore Studios. This was a big step for the Irish film industry.

Louis worked with managing director Emmet Dalton to promote the studios. They traveled to the USA to find investors and get foreign films to be made in Ireland. Ardmore Studios soon got its first major international film, Shake Hands with the Devil, starring Oscar winner James Cagney.

Other important films made at Ardmore Studios included "A Terrible Beauty" with Robert Mitchum and "The Mark". The Mark was even nominated for a major award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Later Years and Legacy

The Theatre Royal, which Louis Elliman had managed for so long, closed its doors on 30 June 1962. This was due to rising costs and the growing popularity of cinemas and television.

Louis Elliman faced health problems in his later years. He passed away on 15 November 1965, at the age of 62. He left behind a significant legacy in Irish entertainment, from managing theatres to establishing a major film studio.