Associated British Film Distribution

Background

Associated British Film Distribution was a subsidiary of Associated Talking Pictures started in 1934 to distribute the studio's library. In 1937 they also began purchasing and releasing films produced independently of AFT. The company continued to operate after its parent studio was purchased by The Rank Organisation in 1944, and remained active until Rank sold AFT to Associated British Picture Corporation in 1958.

1st Logo (1934-1937)

Visuals: Against a black or gray background, there is a drawing of a old god-like figure holding a megaphone. From the megaphone emerge the initials ABFD surrounded by a pair of lightning bolts. Superimposed over this is the text Associated British Film Distribution in bold. Underneath is the single word Presents in script font.

Variants: On some films, the logo appears superimposed over the film's opening titles.

Technique: Hand-drawn cel painting, with text overlay.

Audio: Usually the opening or closing titles of the film.

Availability: May be seen on restored prints of ABFD-released films of the era. So far, the logo has been spotted on The Beloved Vagabond, The Secret of the Loch, Autumn Crocus, and Death Drives Through.

2nd Logo (1937-1953)

Visuals: Against a cloudy sky background there is the words Distributed By in a curved font above a 20th Century Pictures/Fox/Studios-esque tower bearing the single row of letters A.F.B.D. Below this is the tower stand reading out the company's address in chiseled text: 169-171. Oxford Street. London. W.I.

Variants: On some later releases, the logo is against a black background.

Technique: Hand-painting combined with model animation, producing a near-3D effect.

Audio: Silence or the opening theme of the movie.

Availability: May be found on restored prints of films released during this period. So far has been seen on Wherever She Goes, Went The Day Well, Feather Your Nest and Carnival.

3rd Logo (1953-1958)

Visuals: Against a simple gray background, there is a pill-like shape containing the initials ABFD slightly spaced out. Below this is the word Distribution in a simple conversational text font.

Technique: Model animation producing a near-3D effect.

Audio: The opening theme of the movie.

Availability: So far spotted only on a restored print of Laxdale Hall (Scotch on the Rocks), but it may be preserved on other releases from the mid-late 1950s.