Monogram Pictures facts for kids

Monogram Pictures Corporation was a Hollywood movie studio that made many exciting films. It was active from 1931 to 1953, creating mostly action and adventure movies that didn't cost a lot of money to make. In 1953, the studio changed its name to Allied Artists Pictures Corporation. Monogram was well-known among smaller studios, sometimes called "Poverty Row" studios, for making popular films on a budget. Today, it is part of Allied Artists International.

Monogram Pictures: A Studio for Adventure

Monogram Pictures was a busy place in Hollywood, California. A movie studio is where films are planned, filmed, and put together. Monogram focused on making movies that were fun and exciting for audiences.

What Kind of Movies Did They Make?

Monogram Pictures was famous for its action and adventure films. These often included:

• Westerns: Movies about cowboys, outlaws, and life in the Old West.
• Detective Stories: Films where heroes solved mysteries and caught criminals.
• Serials: These were short movies, like TV show episodes, that ended on a cliffhanger. Viewers had to come back next week to see what happened!
• Thrillers: Movies with lots of suspense and exciting moments.

Many of their films were made quickly and didn't have huge budgets. This meant they had to be clever with their storytelling and special effects.

Making Movies on a Budget

Making "low budget" movies meant that Monogram Pictures had to be very smart with their money. They often used the same sets or props for different movies. They also worked with actors who were popular but perhaps not the biggest stars, which helped keep costs down. Even with smaller budgets, they managed to create many entertaining films that people loved to watch. These movies were often shown in local theaters, providing fun entertainment for families.

From Monogram to Allied Artists

After more than 20 years of making movies, Monogram Pictures decided to change its name. In 1953, it became Allied Artists Pictures Corporation. This change was part of a plan to make bigger and more expensive movies. Allied Artists continued to make films for many more years, building on the history of Monogram Pictures.

Images for kids

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  Poster for the movie Wife Wanted (1946), featuring star Kay Francis

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  Eduardo Ciannelli in Dillinger