Ardmore Studios, film workers and the Irish state, 1962–1964

This article explores the most significant historic industrial dispute in Ireland’s film industry, during making of UK Of Human Bondage early 1960s. The conflict produced a prolonged standoff between Irish trade unions and their much larger British counterparts, impacting on viability Ardmore Studios, established 1957. Drawing previously unexplored archival sources, this account reveals delicate interplay unions, employers state resolving dispute. timing these events 1960s demonstrates international industry’s adoption globalised production model, some decades before 1980s-era developments more commonly associated with globalisation framework. illuminate crucial period history, underlining importance ‘labour flexibility’ establishing Ireland as viable hub for mobile production.