Latest News

Pullens Film Location and History Event

Pullens Film Location and History Event

7th March 2024

We have been very pleased to be involved with the organisers of this event and naturally to bring it to the attention of everyone able to attend, or perhaps, re-arrange their diary to do so. The historic Pullens Estate in South East London has been used as a location in various feature films as well as numerous independent film projects. The day incorporates a walking tour around the estate that offers a unique combination of fiction, fact, and memory, visiting some of the film locations, discovering some of the history of the buildings and hearing anecdotes from some of the residents. Supplemented by the showing of two films. Scheduled for Saturday 23rd March at the ‘Pullens Estate’, South East London.

And it is FREE!

Full details are available via this link: https://www.pullenstra.org/2024/03/05/pullens-film-location-and-history-event/


Missing ‘Thumbnails’ and entries

Missing ‘Thumbnails’ and entries

13th February 2024

We hope that you have already noticed a substantial improvement in the download speed of our Home page. As part of that program you are likely to have also noticed some spaces and missing entries. We are aware of these, for the changes that are being made are having to be done manually, in batches, so until the whole 3,200 films are addressed these voids will continue to be seen. We anticipate that this will be completed fully within the next day or two. Thereafter, we may well be asking you to bring to our attention any missing entries but until then we are aware of our current shortcomings that are part of our improvement program. Please bear with us.


Battersea Society

Battersea Society

10th February 2024

For those able to attend, this is rather short notice (The Battersea Society admit it!) but this years film night is to be held on Thursday the 15th February at 6.30pm, as usual, at the Royal College of Art, Dyson Building, 1 Hester Road, London SW11 1AY. The showing this year is The Man in the White Suit (1951).

Admission cost is £5, free to students with ID cards.

Always and excellent evening.


Seasons Greetings

Seasons Greetings

10th December 2023

Once again we find ourselves fast approaching another year end and continue to be encouraged by the interest and involvement that we receive, not only from ‘old hands’ but others that find their way to us from many different directions. That we reach so many people is very rewarding and particularly so when we learn how important ReelStreets is in their lives. Not just for that reason, but we do like to have something new to view on Site each day in order to keep it ‘fresh’. The race to see who can be the first to establish an ‘Unknown location’ on a new listing is always fun and to have the answer is an added bonus.

However you contribute to ReelStreets, be it just as a viewer or an active contributor, we remain encouraged by the support and interest generated. Specific words of support are naturally really appreciated. As we say each year, it is your contribution, in whatever form, that makes us what we are. THANK YOU!

We send you all our warmest wishes for this festive season and wish you health and happiness for 2024. Naturally we look forward to the resolution of more locations and the reception of “now” pictures, so please don’t hold back as we have such interesting dialogue across the World.


TV Choice – Awards 2024

TV Choice – Awards 2024

10th November 2023

We have been delighted to learn that TALKING PICTURES TV has made the shortlist for ‘Favourite TV Channel’ for the TV Choice Awards run by TV Choice Magazine. Particularly so, when considered against the ‘big boys’ with whom they share that shortlist. BBC iPlayer, Channel 5 and Netlix!

Whether or not you have already voted it is necessary to do so again at this stage and before midnight Tuesday 14th November. They are good friends to us and needless to say we are keen that they should win. We and they would greatly appreciate you spending some 3 minutes and adding your vote by clicking on https://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/vote/ The ‘Favourite TV Channel’ section is actually on the very last page but you may find yourself casting votes in other sections along the way!

Thanks, we hope that you are able to add your support.


Cancellation – Autumn 2023 Meeting and Tour

Cancellation – Autumn 2023 Meeting and Tour

29th October 2023

Having waited as long as we can after continually checking various weather reports we have to advise you that, sadly, tomorrow’s ReelStreets Autumn Tour has been cancelled.
It wouldn’t be fair to subject you all to the rain and we would rather not revive memories of the very wet routemaster tour of Ealing that we teamed up with Talking Pictures to arrange.

The tour will be rescheduled for Spring 2024.

Thanks for your understanding.


Autumn 2023 Reelstreets Tour

Autumn 2023 Reelstreets Tour

16th October 2023

The Autumn 2023 ReelStreets Tour will take place on Monday 30th October. Meeting outside Great Portland Street station on Euston Road at 1130hrs, we’ll head south for a walk of around 3 miles through Fitzrovia. There will be breaks on the way but please be prepared for long periods of walking and bring suitable drinks and snacks if required. Old friends and newcomers are all welcome.


The L-Shaped Room – Moorhouse Road, London W2.

The L-Shaped Room – Moorhouse Road, London W2.

24th August 2023

Peter Robinson who identified Moorhouse Road in Capture 2 lived at 73 Talbot Road, his front door faced the northern part of Moorhouse Road towards its junction with Westbourne Park Road. He has kindly provided us with photographs that would have been taken from his front door somewhere between 1968 and 1978 when he moved out. It was in 1968 that the Wessex Gardens Estate was built replacing the houses seen in the film.

Looking north showing Moorhouse Road western side with Westbourne Park Road at the far end. The L-Shaped Room was opposite on Moorhouse Road eastern side.

 Looking north along Moorhouse Road eastern side, that of the L-Shaped Room.                       

Looking north down Moorcroft Road towards Westbourne Park Road. This was a November 5th. Locals had lit a bonfire pretty much opposite the L-Shaped Room, the fire brigade extinguished it but it was re-lit and extinguished twice more. With the water having been poured on it, Peter believes that it is fair to assume that guess petrol was used to relight!

As for 73 Talbot Road, Peter advises that the present building is not the same building that he lived in. Once Peter, as the last tenant to leave, had gone, the property was sold and the new owners completely demolished and then rebuilt it in its slightly diffrent current form.


The Third Tab

The Third Tab

22nd August 2023

When the current design of our Website went live in 2018 there was the facility to have a Third Tab to each capture in support of our rationale that not only do we endeavour to establish locations but also to show any changes that may or may not have taken place during intervening years. At that time, we felt that despite the speed of life these days, 10 years was perhaps not long enough in time particularly to use our potentially important reserve facility. The Website has a history going back to about 2004 but only specific dates for comparative shots occur in 2008 so it seemed appropriate that 2023 would provide a useful anniversary of 15 years on which to review location changes yet again. Accordingly we are pleased to announce today the provision of the Third Tab as showing for the first time in The Optimists of Nine Elms. 

 

We are now, naturally, pleased to receive shots to add to the Site but, of necessity, the guidelines are firm.

1) Any new shots must be taken a minimum of 15 years after the original ‘now’ shot, no retrospective views will be accepted.

2) Submissions must be as accurate as possible, we will not accept wildly off angle images other than for the usual reasons such as development, tree growth etc.

3) As now, no Google Streetview / Earth View or other third party images will be accepted. 

4) Images are subject to acceptance by our researchers.


Spring Meeting 2023 Tour

Spring Meeting 2023 Tour

1st May 2023

The Reelstreets Spring 2023 Tour took place on Monday 22nd May. Meeting outside the Cable Street entrance to Shadwell Overground station in E1 at 12.00hrs the group headed south into Wapping on a walk of around two and a half miles that covered an area seen in over twenty productions.

After the Event

What an enjoyable and successful day it was. A fine turnout of 15 supporters together with fine weather was rewarded by the inclusion of Ray Newton, a local historian who had watched the filming of scenes for ‘A Prize of Gold’ in 1955 and who talked about the history of a bridge seen in the film and pointed other interesting buildings in the vicinity.

Dropping in at ‘Turner’s Old Star’ public house one of the staff members, here seen with part of the group, happily talked about films and television shows filmed there.

And some of the group that missed that conversation!


Server Maintenance

Server Maintenance

27th January 2023

Our Server host has advised us that essential maintenance, including a migration to a new datacenter, will be taking place shortly.

Date: Friday 3rd February through Saturday 4th February 2023

Window: From 22:00 for 8 hours

Expected Duration: Up to 6 hours

It is anticipated that this maintenance will provide us with lower latency, faster network connectivity and improved anti-DDoS protection.

We apologise for any inconvenience that this work might cause but it is essential that we keep pace with technological progress in order to protect ourselves and provide you with an excellent network performance.

Thank you for your understanding


Season Greetings

Season Greetings

20th December 2022

Once again we have reached the time of the year that seems to increasingly come upon us quicker than in previous years. It is not for us to ‘review the year’ as, customarily, it is likely to be done by most sections of the media very soon, but for ReelStreets it has been another year of increasing visitors to the site. On the other hand, the effects of COVID, especially relative to mobility, continues to affect the number of comparative shots we receive, but not seriously. The ‘fresh pair of eyes’ provided by new viewers has seen some long outstanding ‘unknown locations’ identified.

However you contribute to ReelStreets, we remain encouraged by the interest and involvement that is apparent and, of course, those specific words of support are really appreciated. As we say each year, it is your contribution, in whatever form, makes us what we are. THANK YOU!

This last year we’ve also welcomed Steve Randall to the team as a regular researcher and his time and knowledge are a great asset to the site.

We send you, together with your family and friends, Seasons Greetings and whatever 2023 has in store for us all, we wish you health and happiness throughout.

Simon, Phil and Richard


Donation

Donation

13th December 2022

We recently received a very kind donation from ‘Jeremy’ but unfortunately our letter of thanks and appreciation to the email address supplied could not be delivered. As a result we have not been able to acknowledge our thanks in the usual way. Accordingly, we would not wish you to think that we are unappreciative or rude. Perhaps you could provide us with an alternative address in order that we may deliver a more personal thank you.


Autumn Meeting 2022 – Advance Notice

Autumn Meeting 2022 – Advance Notice

30th September 2022

We’ve secured places to return to the Cinema Museum in Kennington on Saturday 12th November. There’s charge of £7 for each person, discounted from the usual £10, which will be payable in advance. To get this rate we have to have a minimum number of people attending so if you are interested can you please let Phil (phil@reelstreets.com) know as soon as possible and we’ll work out how payment can be made.

In the event we were a party of ten who enjoyed a very informative presentation from the founders Ronald Grant and Martin Humphries covering the birth of the cinema and many of the items on display. A subsequent browse around the museum and then footage that was once seen on the silver screen transported us all back to those golden days……particularly those of us of a ‘certain age’.

Whilst it will never make a foyer display case, we did manage to have this photo taken of those last to leave.

Richard Lovejoy : Nick Boorman : Phil Wilkinson : Steve Randall : Jonathan Horswell : Phil Bailey : Brian Peters : Will


Error – Downtime

Error – Downtime

29th September 2022

May we offer our sincere apologies to all who were denied access to the Site this morning on account of a ‘Database Error’. This was as a result of our having to upgrade to another Server consequent to our ever expanding listing of information and images. Unfortunately, we were led to believe that it would take considerably less time than it did, had we known in advance then we would have sought different scheduling and given notice to you all of the impact.

Again, we apologise for the inconvenience, perhaps annoyance, but certainly the frustration of not knowing ‘what is going on’. With the Site down we couldn’t even keep you advised! Sorry.


Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll

14th September 2022

All of us at Reelstreets were deeply saddened by the news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll had passed away. We send our condolences to members of The Royal Family for whom this is also a very personal loss. As a mark of respect, there will be no new activity added to our Website on the day of the State Funeral, Monday 19th September.


Donation

Donation

10th August 2022

We recently received a very kind donation from ‘Robert F’ but unfortunately our letter of thanks and appreciation to the email address supplied could not be delivered. As a result we have not been able to acknowledge our thanks in the usual way. Accordingly, we would not wish you to think that we are unappreciative or rude. Perhaps you could provide us with an alternative address in order that we may deliver a more personal thank you.


Spring Meeting

Spring Meeting

14th May 2022

For those who are not on our mailing list, or if you are, maybe a reminder, that our Spring Meeting will be held on Thursday 19th May and will cover Rotherhithe in SE16. We’ll gather outside Bermondsey Jubilee Line station at 1300hrs (1 pm) for a three and a half mile stroll around the once busy docks. There are two pubs on the route that feature in films and a couple more where we can take breaks as necessary but, as always, we keep our fingers crossed for good weather on the day.

Sectional maps of the route to be taken, which are from the National Library of Scotland’s excellent collection of map images, along with a short guide to the route can be viewed and downloaded by clicking here.

POST MEETING:

Although there were only a few of us, last weeks tour of SE16 was a great success. The weather was warm and sunny and we enjoyed a very informative walk around Bermondsey with input from Tony, of SE16 on Screen, along with local campaigners Mike and Declan who pointed out buildings with film connections. Thanks go to everyone involved.

Mike aka Alf

Donation

Donation

29th March 2022

We recently received a very kind donation from ‘Sandy’ but unfortunately the email address supplied is apparently ‘disabled’, as a result we have not been able to acknowledge our thanks in the usual way. Accordingly, we would not wish you to think that we are unappreciative or rude. Perhaps you could provide us with an alternative address in order that we may deliver a more personal thank you.


Reelstreets on Talking Pictures TV

Reelstreets on Talking Pictures TV

1st March 2022

Our good friends at Talking Pictures TV recently invited us to take part in their regular feature program The Footage Detectives with Mike Read and Noel Cronin to talk about what we do and why we do it.

We have just heard that this is now scheduled for Sunday 13th March at 17:00 as ‘The Footage Detectives Mike Read and Noel are joined by Phil, a specialist in matching shots of films with shots of the locations now.’

Naturally, we very much appreciate this exposure, particularly as much of our work is associated with films that are shown by Talking Pictures TV and certainly hope that it will encourage new viewers to us who can perhaps resolve further locations for us.

Talking Pictures TV on Virgin 445, Freesat 306, Freeview or Youview 82 or on the Sky digital satellite platform, channel 328.

If you missed, or were unable to watch the program at the time it is available on www.tptvencore.co.uk Episode 17


The Keep (1983)

The Keep (1983)

18th January 2022

This film, first uploaded to our Site in 2013, soon prompted correspondence from William Grant who had, whilst holidaying in Wales seen the filming and been invited onto the set. During the years that followed William continued to provide us with interesting stories, information and photographs of his experiences. It was in January 2020 that we were contacted by Stewart Buck, Director and Producer who, for some ten years had been working on a documentary, A World War ll Fairytale, about the making of Michael’s Mann’s lost epic, as he felt that William’s observations might well be relevant, particularly as it was the history and mystery of the film that had first sparked his interest. Regular correspondence between us all has taken place during the past two years to the extent that there is now a comprehensive record of William’s experiences. Whilst it is to be regretted that funding and production difficulties, not least as a consequence of COVID-19, have helped extend the documentary completion date, Stewart is currently hopeful that the final edit will be completed during 2022 thus enabling its release in 2023 to coincide with what will be the 40th Anniversary of what has now become a cult film.

William has now kindly agreed that we may make his papers available. There are two documents, both in pdf format, one entitled My Memories and the other My Photographs.


Seasons Greetings

Seasons Greetings

9th December 2021

Whilst this time last year we did not know what 2021 would hold in store for us, most of us had hopes, that despite uncertainties, it would be a better one for us, at least in terms of mobility. Perhaps to some degree it has been, but it remains evident that there is a general reluctance to go ‘out and about’ to take those comparative shots, something with which we share. The particularly sad aspect is that those comparative shots often take us to new places of interest, ones that we would not otherwise have thought about. Viewing numbers to the Site and the very generous words of appreciation that we receive continue to reward us, but it has to be said that it is your contribution, in whatever form, makes us what we are. THANK YOU!

Despite the new COVID variant and latest Plan B, the holiday season ahead of us perhaps provides more opportunity to enjoy some sense of ‘normality’ than last year. Once again however, we have another uncertain year ahead, whichever country you are in, we are clearly ‘all in it together’. In this regard we send our best and warmest wishes to each of you, together with your family and friends for good health and happiness in 2022.

It is, of course, with sadness that we are not able to add John’s name to these greetings this year and in consequence our thoughts are very much with Liliana.

Simon, Phil and Richard


John Tunstill 1939 – 2021

John Tunstill 1939 – 2021

11th November 2021

10th November – It is with considerable saddness and regret that we have to advise all our viewers and contributors of the death of John Tunstill earlier today. John was the founding father of Reelstreets, a good friend to many and had an amazing energy and gift for life that he continued to exhibit even through some of the more challenging times of his health in recent years. We like to think that our continuance of this Website will be a proud and ongoing tribute to his memory.

Our thoughts and very much with Liliana and his family at this time. John will be sadly missed by us all.

It was with his brother Brian, who we have also lost, that Reelstreets was born back in 2003 after their being confused by the presence of the open air swimming pool shown in “I Believe in You”.

The site was, however, easily identified by the theatre in the background, the Shaftesbury. A visit proved that a swimming pool was still there, the Oasis, but now under a skyscraper. They decided then to start recording the changes that had been made to their streets, in their lifetime.

A few years later Simon James generously offered his archive material that had not been included in his book “London Film Location Guide”.

Here, in 2007 are Simon, John and Brian at the book launch.

With some challenging health problems in recent years John took a back seat with regard to Reelstreets whilst at all times maintaining an active interest, indeed, despite living in Wales or Rugby he always managed to attend our biannual meetings in London. Indeed the most recent was in July this year.

His cheerful and positive attitude, together with his amazing energy for life can perhaps be seen in him playing the part of Cary Grant in a North by North West corn field.

You are forever with us John, in name and memory.


The Cinema Museum, London

The Cinema Museum, London

18th October 2021

Whether of not you are London based, if you are interested in Cinema, you may be aware of The Cinema Museum (http://www.cinemamuseum.org.uk/). They have been in residence at the former Lambeth Workhouse, that was once the home of Charlie Chaplin, his mother and his brother, for the past 22 years. In 2018 this Grade ll listed property was sold together with the surrounding site to property developers, and in consequence the long-term future of the Museum is not secure. They survived the required closure during the COVID pandemic as a result of Crowdfunding and the support of Art Fund. Only last week Martin Humphries and Ronald Grant, directors of The Cinema Museum were awarded the international Jean Mitry Award at the Pordenone Festival (see attached press release) for their work in creating The Cinema Museum and using it to help support the heritage and the future of silent film. In the worlds of silent film and cinema history this award is a real BIG deal – and in making the award the Museum was referred to as a place of global pilgrimage for the world’s silent film and cinema fans.

Despite this prestigious award, The Cinema Museum nears the end game in its fight for survival. They intend delivering a petition to ‘Save the Cinema Museum’ on November the 5th and launching a big final fight – once the petition is delivered, it is essentially closed – so this is everyone’s last chance.  They intend exceeding 60,000 signatures, they currently have just shy of 58,000 – close, but a way to go yet. Please do what you can to help them over the line on this last shove – by signing, sharing on social media, and perhaps sharing the link on emails etc. Here is the https://tinyurl.com/y9jgubrv


The Cinema Museum Press Release

The Cinema Museum Press Release

MAIN STORY

THE CINEMA MUSEUM DIRECTORS WIN INTERNATIONAL FILM AWARD

Martin Humphries and Ronald Grant, directors of The Cinema Museum in London have won the most prestigious international ‘The Jean Mitry Award’ for their work in creating and running The Cinema Museum – home to Silent Film screenings in London. This annual prize (since 1989) is awarded to ‘individuals and institutions, distinguished for their contribution to the reclamation and appreciation of silent cinema’.

Le Giornate del cinema muto (referred to in English as Pordenone Silent Film Festival) is an annual festival of silent film held in October in Pordenone, Italy. It is the world’s first, largest and most important international festival dedicated to silent film and its annual award is amongst the sectors most valued achievements.

The Cinema Museum’s strapline is ‘committed to memory’ and a significant part of its work is supporting silent film – old and new. The Museum works with anyone who loves silent film to co-host, screenings, festivals, talks and events that explore and share silent film; its history; its people and its stories. But silent film is not just of historic interest – it is a powerful genre that attracts the most creative of film makers and the Museum encourages new silent film makers as well as celebrating existing silent film.

The Cinema Museum’s home is in London, in Lambeth’s grade two listed old workhouse (once home of Charlie Chaplin and his mother) where it runs a range of cinema and cinema-going events with silent movies at its heart. Their baby grand piano allows the Museum to provide its popular silent film screenings with live musical accompaniment – and its vast archive allows students, writers and historians to delve into the history of silent film.

UNDERLYING STORY

THE CINEMA MUSEUM REMAINS UNDER THREAT FROM REGENERATION AND DEVELOPERS

The old Lambeth workhouse, current home of The Cinema Museum sits on a much larger piece of land which has been purchased by property developers. The Museum has been involved in a 15 year battle to rescue this beautiful, but crumbling grade 2 listed building with a view to ensuring: 1) it can raise the many millions needed to repair the building and 2) ensure that the buildings remain open for public and community use and 3) provide a permanent home for The Cinema Museum.

This award is a recognition of the life’s work of Ronald Grant and Martin Humphries and is a significant honour. But whilst everyone celebrates, the future of this wonderful building and its unique collections still hangs on a thread. Everything will be lost unless an agreement to purchase can be agreed with the landlords and developers. 2022 will see either the salvation or the destruction of this important piece of UK cinema and film heritage.

A local resident – and subsequent trustee of The Cinema Museum has set up a ‘Save The Cinema Museum’ petition. The campaign has the support of big national names such as Rory Kinnear and Toby Jones and the petition already has 56,700 signatures – they aim for 60,000 before the end of the month so they can sent the petition to the developers and the Mayor of London.  https://tinyurl.com/y9jgubrv

COMMENTS

Ronald Grant, Director and co-founder of the Cinema Museum says

‘The Jean Mitry Award’ is such a high honour because it is an award made by one’s peers. It is a recognition of achievement by the people that have emersed themselves in this important area of film for their entire lives. I am very touched and very grateful that my peers and colleagues in silent film have seen me and my work with The Cinema Museum in this way. This important award could not have come at a better time, as we continue to fight for the survival of the Museum I have dedicated my life to building’.

Martin Humphries, Director and co-founder of the Cinema Museum says ‘We are blown away by receiving The Jean Mitry Award – past winners are the rock stars of the Silent Movie world and we are stunned to be joining their ranks. Like all awards – its not just for us – its for all those who helped us get there too. So here are the thanks: thanks to Silent London, who awarded The Cinema Museum their ‘best venue for silent film’ award in 2018 and 2020; thanks to Art Fund who funded us to get through COVID19; thanks to our local partners Kennington Bioscope for helping us celebrate silent film; thanks to everyone who donated to our two Crowdfunder’s that helped us survive 2020/21; thanks to everyone who has signed our petition that has helped keep our chins up to fight on; and thanks to Lambeth Council, Southwark Council, the GLA and our local community for helping us fight for the future of the Museum and huge thanks to our 70 volunteers who make everything come alive.


Jimmy Snow – Special Effects

Jimmy Snow – Special Effects

12th July 2021

Jimmy Snow was a special effects technician who worked at both Pinewood and Denham on a substantial number of films but was, despite both masterminding and making equipment for ‘events’ that many of us recognise, was uncredited except for The Battle of the River Plate and The Seekers aka Land of Fury. His granddaughter Brigitte has kindly agreed to share with us all the information and material that has been retained from Jimmy’s career, all this, together with her memories can be read here. A suitable cross reference to the article has been added to all the associated films within our listings.


Summer 2021 Meeting

Summer 2021 Meeting

24th June 2021

It has to be a relief to us all that some semblance of ‘normality’ is starting to return to our lives and with that the ability to once again hold a ReelStreets Meeting. With that, we have scheduled our Summer 2021 Meeting for Thursday 8th July commencing at The Black Friar public house, 174 Queen Victoria Street in London EC4 at 1 o’clock. We will gather outside before drinks and an afternoon stroll around film locations in the Blackfriars and Ludgate Circus area. The walk will take in three further pubs that have been seen in a number of productions and, subject to local restrictions, will provide breaks along the way or shelter from the weather as necessary. If you are able to join us, we will be more than happy to see you. 

POST MEETING:

The Meeting went well, despite the general hesitancy to travel and mingle. It was pleasing to see John and Liliana Tunstill make the journey from Rugby and to be looking so well. It was a credit to the pubs that we visited in making us all feel very safe and comfortable. Whilst some ‘regulars’ did not make it for whatever reason it was very pleasing to see ‘new faces’ and to know that there is expanding interest and enthusiasm out there. With thanks to Liliana for providing us with the photo of the assembled group.


Cinema Museum -Lambeth, London

Cinema Museum -Lambeth, London

30th April 2021

Whilst this might be a considered to be aimed at those in London it may also appeal to those who feel strongly about conservation and/or the disregard that developers can have on the preservation of our Heritage. It has been brought to our attention that the future of the Cinema Museum, Kennington, London, a non-funded, totally volunteer led enterprise housed in the work house, where Charlie Chaplin went as a child, is once again is in doubt. The building, having been included within re-development proposals by its new owners who have issued statements of re-assurance still fail to give total confirmation as to ‘security of tenure’ and safety with regard to the future. We, individually, have been asked to give our support to an on-line Petition to save the future of this wonderful Museum and Heritage. A number of us have enjoyed and appreciated the vast collection of memorabilia from the Golden Age of cinema that should be retained in such an historic and appropriate location.

More information about the Museum with access to the Petition can be found by clicking here.


Thanks Daniela

Thanks Daniela

19th April 2021

Happy B’Day Reelstreets!  A bit late! Auguri dall’Italia!

A big THANK YOU to Daniela for sending us birthday greetings from Italy. We really appreciate your good wishes and very appropriate celebration gesture. We are so pleased that it is a ‘virtual cake’ otherwise there could well be disagreements as to who has the largest share! May we continue to bring pleasure to our viewers and friends across the World.


We Are 18 – Celebration!

We Are 18 – Celebration!

6th April 2021

To many of us Coming Of Age was when we reached the magic 21 years old, achieving adulthood, a time when we supposedly became mature emotionally and were also allowed to vote. Another definition we have read is “when something starts to become successful”. Well, ReelStreets is very happy to go with the times having now reached the new age of adulthood, 18 years. We are certainly mature, some of us are anyway, and we would like to think that we are successful, having started from humble beginnings back in 2003, to realising an average of some 1500 visitors to the Site each day in 2021.

We are ever mindful that what ReelStreets has achieved has been with the help and support of you all. Whether you have provided us technical help and support, new film uploads, comparative shots, location identification, stories, anecdotes or just been a viewer to the Site they have all, in their own way, helped us to achieve what we hope is a fresh and informative Website. We do what we do because we enjoy it and are ever encouraged and re-assured by the very kind and supportive comments that we receive, so Thank You. Born to ‘expectant fathers’ John and brother Brian Tunstill in 2003, please join us in celebrating our 21st Century Coming of Age.

Congratulations ReelStreets!

The earliest example that we can find of our appearance on the Internet is 16th October 2003


Roland-François Lack

Roland-François Lack

23rd February 2021

We have just heard, with much sadness and regret, that Roland-François sadly passed away last Friday, 19th February. He was creator of the Cine-Tourist website, a regular contributor to ReelStreets as well as a good friend to many of us, often joining our Spring or Autumn Meetings. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts go out to his family.


Seasons Greetings

Seasons Greetings

18th December 2020

How can we not firstly acknowledge what a difficult year this has been for us all, naturally, COVID-19 being a pandemic, it has impacted on the lives of all our audience wherever they are in the World. For this reason, we are especially grateful and thankful that you have continued to support us and indeed contributed, notwithstanding the difficulties. Whilst our regular supply of comparative shots has been much less that in previous years we are very appreciative of all of those who have thought of us when taking their exercise, been out on business or made a special visit when rules permitted. Each year we remark on how our audience has grown but this year, no doubt as a result of lock-downs and an opportunity to watch TV, or re-run our favourite films we have seen an amazing surge. A 73% increase in our audience and activity more than doubling. It does go some way to explain why our response times to you are not quite as speedy as they once were.

We are forever appreciative of the contribution that you make, be it “now” shots, location identification, background information or kind words of support. Again, we must repeat, that we are what we are because of you. THANK YOU!

This is a very different holiday season for many of us, with, as yet, a very uncertain year ahead but we nevertheless send each and every one of you our warmest wishes, and particularly relevant this year, good health and happiness for 2021. Stay safe!

John, Simon, Phil and Richard


ReelStreets Meetings

ReelStreets Meetings

6th December 2020

It’s been a difficult year for everyone and we trust that you and your families and friends have been able to keep safe and well over the last few months.

This is the first year, of many, that we haven’t had a get together of some sort. The initial lock-down came just as the finishing touches were being made to our planned the Spring Meeting, that was cancelled as the severity of the situation became apparent. 

Hoping for a return to some sort of normality in 2021, our meetings will resume as soon as possible with the, as yet untried, tour of Blackfriars and Ludgate Circus with added Fleet Street. Not too far to amble and not too many pubs (if there are any left in business!). 

In the meantime, as we look forward to the days when we can go out and about without fear or restriction. Stay safe and here’s to us being together again soon.


Alphabetic Pagination

Alphabetic Pagination

18th November 2020

We are aware that the Alphabetic Pagination of the Website is currently not working, this is due to an upgrade in the associated ‘plug-in’ that appears to have been sprung upon us, in fact we do actually run the ‘Premium Version’! We are presently looking into the matter and hopefully will have found a way to restore ‘normality’. Unfortunately, we are not currently able to restore post COVID ‘normality’.

This was, of course, resolved shortly after the above posting. We apologise for any disruption this may have caused you.


Memories of Carl-Heinz Jaffé

Memories of Carl-Heinz Jaffé

2nd September 2020

Those that receive the Renown Films Newsletter will have read in the June/July edition the abridged version of grandson Michael Jaffé’s memories of growing up with “Grandfather Carl” in his life. Michael has very kindly provided us with the full text and supporting images that we are pleased to publish here with the agreement of Renown Films and TalkingPicturesTV.

“..he was of course ‘an ACTOR’…..it was the way he told it…..delivered as if on stage”

My personal memories are limited to my younger years between c. 1965-74.

I was born in 1961 so can happily remember getting to the last Beatles gig in London, proper English money(!), tall glass milk bottles, steam trains, Cliff winning the Eurovision 1968 (well of course he won but was sabotaged by the French! – you know what I mean) and of course the best fashion scene ever, well it seemed like a never-ending party to me at least – sigh.

Now then, to Grandfather Carl. Well of course he was ‘an ACTOR’ so he did certainly enjoy playing to the gallery; this was quite apparent to me on the regular occasions he visited the family for Sunday lunch, travelling from his Westbourne Terrace Flat in Kensington, by bus to our North London home; which until 1960 had in fact been his wartime abode; he didn’t drive.

Upon arrival at home, I would take his trademark Fedora hat, but he retained his walking cane – straight out of Poirot. I would enjoy being his ‘batman’ escorting him into the living room (which had a beautiful parquet floor so proper gentleman’s shoes cracked crisply) to his allocated grand chair, a regal throne of a piece just like the one that Chekov used.

Anton Chekov

Once seated we would all gather around and ask him to tell us of his latest adventures. He then proceeded to tell us of his recording sessions at the BBC (radio and TV) travels abroad (Europe and the US) meeting agents, studios and other actors. I vividly recall the thrill of being taken to Heathrow to meet him back from his trips; and of course:

BOAC long haul, BEA otherwise – that was an event in itself. But it wasn’t so much about what he told us (fascinating anyway) it was the way he told it; a captivating piece of period ‘Jackanory’ with enough teasing to keep our interest balanced with mature snippets for the grown-ups. It was delivered as if he were on stage, so it was a rich performance, our high living room ceiling helped his booming vocal acoustics as if in a theatre!

The story telling didn’t last that long on each visit; 10-15 minutes maybe, but it was the highlight of a weekend and by Wednesday the following week we were always asking our parents what was Papa (pronounced Pa-Par; as in the Pearl and Dean ad!) going to talk about next? We were never disappointed, and he was stimulated by the reactions he got from us; the ooohhs and aahhs – you know, as kids do.

The more we gasped the more intensely he would tell the tale. What a wind-up.

As for the BBC; my memories are limited to the very happy times during those long summertime school holidays in the later 1960s and early 70s when I would be in for a real treat. A car would come to collect me from home and whisk me into (London) town to spend time with Carl at the famous Bush House Radio Studios. Sandwiches, tea and sticky buns were summoned from the famous BBC canteen and I was allowed to sit in a vacant control room opposite the studio so I could see him through the sound-proof glass performing with his colleagues. They left the room microphone on so I could hear but not interfere!

There was even a bank of super-cool (period valve technology!) studio equipment with lots of knobs and switches and dials and flashing lights I could play with as I pretended to be Dan Dare, or an Apollo astronaut – yeah right. After a few hours I would be ‘flown’ back home where I happily recounted the day with my parents and younger brother Peter. Of course I’d then brag at school about it all which went down well as quite a few famous faces sent their kids to the same place.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is CHJ-1958-Escapement-AKA-Electronic-Monster.jpg
In the film ‘Escapement’ (1958)

There is an amusing twist to the above.

The car that came to collect me (a pristine white classic Triumph Herald convertible as I recall; very stylish) was driven by a beautiful blonde lady dressed in matching white couture skirt and headscarf (a la Grace Kelly/Brigitte Bardot – you get the idea) whom I instantly fell for; as you do when you are a young boy of ahem, 7. Must have been that white headscarf. I thought she was just Carl’s secretary; lucky Grandpa I thought. She was much (much) more than that.

Anita Bild – ©Peter Bild with thanks

Fast forward 50-years and I’m doing long over-due research on Carl. I discover that he worked closely with a lady on his radio shows. She was called Anita, who very sadly died in 2014, a short time before my research. She had a son, Peter, whom I was able to trace. He had also worked for the BBC Languages Dept and is a known multi-lingual journalist. We met up for a glass of wine or three in town to reminisce. I couldn’t resist digging for something that was nagging in my mind.

After the pleasantries of social chat, I ventured:

‘Did you go out much with your mum?’

‘Oh yes very often’ Peter replied. ‘She would drive us around town to all sorts of places…’

‘Oh really – anywhere special?’

‘Well aside from eating out and the cinema and so on, her BBC work meant she was always out on errands – you know; delivering tapes, picking-up people etc.’

‘er, right so this would have been…?’

‘mainly during the summertime when it was nice’

‘I expect those dark BBC saloon staff cars weren’t up to much back then eh?’

‘oh that didn’t matter, she drove our White Triumph Convertible around; it was a breeze!

– she’d often collect and return visitors from the BBC studios’.

WTF!? – well ahem – quite so.

Queue my recollection of the first part of this tale. There were tears. And that was just me. Then we fell about laughing at such a warm connection.

The lady in question was Anita Bild – wartime Austrian émigré and ex State Ballerina, later known as entertainer Anita Douglas. Anita had worked with Carl for nearly 15-years and they became very close; almost an item; Carl had separated from my Grandmother some years earlier. So there you have it; I’d had a crush on Grandfather’s girl and Peter’s wonderful mum – what a dame!

Peter later bequeathed to me from his personal archive pictures and birthday cards showered on Anita by Carl during their time; clearly he had been smitten with her too.

She gives a glowing account of him in her memoirs.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is CHJ-Anita-Bild-at-BBC-Studios-1960s.jpg
With Anita Bild outside the BBC Studios (1960’s)

In later years i.e. 1973 I do recall taking the bus from near my North London (Golders Green) Home to meet CHJ at Aldwych (which for sharp eyed viewers means I’d have used the 13, 2 or 26 to do it!). He would be there at the final stop in his smart double-breasted suit, trademark hat with cane – almost looking like an outdated throwback compared to the fashions of the day! All my visits made me feel (selfishly) so important. I was lucky to have had the opportunity to enjoy those times. I never got to see him perform on stage – his last public theatre performance was in Hampstead in the Autumn of 1966, so – fresh from screaming at the Beatles at the NME Poll Winners Concert at Wembley in May (their last ever; save for the later 1969 Apple rooftop gig) I was probably still heady with joy at England winning the World Cup in July to worry much about anything else – would you?

Later, we did discuss that he would love to teach me how to speak German (I hated French at school – although remembered just enough to order the luxury suite at a Paris boutique hotel 45 years later on a secret valentine surprise for my girlfriend – as you do) – it was all arranged to start in the Spring/Summer of 1974… sadly he died before those lessons started (just before my 13th birthday in fact; April 1974) and so – ironically I never did get my head around the language except some basic conversation that gets me through a hotel or restaurant; other things came into my life and I moved on.

I fervently wish that I could offer you tasty stories about chance encounters with famous faces he worked with but alas no; if they happened at all I just don’t recall – and I suspect that as I DO recall other events of less ‘significance’ – then the more famous ones probably didn’t happen.

Of course, I loved him dearly and wish I could have engaged with him more and in greater depth; but shoulda/coulda/woulda..


The loss of Earl Cameron CBE

The loss of Earl Cameron CBE

13th July 2020

It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing Earl Cameron. In recent years we have been proud to record his birthday as his innings edged towards the century and beyond. This year, the 8th August, would have seen him reach 103, but it was not to be.

His appearance in Pool of London (1951) made him one of the first black actors to have a starring role in a British film. In later years he can also be seen in The Woman for Joe (1955), Sapphire (1959), Flame in the Streets (1961), Thunderball (1965) and The Sandwich Man (1966), all of which we have listed. He made extensive TV appearances through the years and according to imdb he appears in a ‘short’ as recently as 2013.

Wikipedia reports that his children issued the following statement:

“Our family have been overwhelmed by the outpourings of love and respect we have received at the news of our father’s passing … As an artist and as an actor he refused to take roles that demeaned or stereotyped the character of people of colour. He was truly a man who stood by his moral principles and was inspirational.”

All particularly relevant at this time, a true gentle man.


The Charterhouse as a Film Location

The Charterhouse as a Film Location

30th June 2020

Mansel David who is a Brother at The Charterhouse recently identified locations for our listing of the film, Morgan, a Suitable Case for Treatment that he supported with comparative shots. He has now drawn our attention to a section of The Charterhouse website that lists other films and TV programs that have used it as a location. Unfortunately, all of the films listed have yet to be uploaded to the Site but does this encourage anyone to address one or more? Mansel brings the listing up to date for us, more recent filming has included Pennyworth (TV Series 2019) and Misbehaviour (Film 2020). We obviously have a resident photographer for the comparative shots. The relevant page can found at http://www.thecharterhouse.org/blog/films-tv-programmes-set-charterhouse/http://www.thecharterhouse.org/blog/films-tv-programmes-set-charterhouse/


Filling the empty Spain, With Cinema

Filling the empty Spain, With Cinema

28th June 2020

During his 40 years in Spain it has always seemed to Bob Yareham that the best of this country is its towns and its people.

In the month of July he is going to pay tribute to various film towns in different areas of this wonderful Spain, a country of cinema.

On July 11th he will be in Sajazarra, a jewel of a town in La Rioja where Stewart Granger, the British heartthrob, shot his latest film, Oro Fino, a promotion financed by a local Falcon Crest-style winery.

On the 19th he will be in Ampudia, Palencia, where the first of the 4 castles that appear in the movie El Cid is located.

Spain is full of movie towns, where Hollywood’s biggest stars have taken advantage of local charms to film.

They are towns that do not receive as many visits as Barcelona, ??Madrid, Segovia or Toledo, but which are worth seeing as they all have one or more films to promote themselves.

In Atienza, Guadalajara, Katherine Hepburn filmed Las Troyanas, while Audrey Hepburn was in Nottingham (Artajona, Navarra) to share the screen with Sean Connery in Robin and Marian.

Richard Harris turned Coca’s castle, Segovia, into Camelot, and Marlon Brando played Torquemada at the Parador de Sigüenza in Christopher Columbus: the Discovery.

A few examples among the more than 870 films shot in English in Spain.

Robert Yareham


Professor of history and English Bob Yareham, located in Valencia for almost 40 years, has dedicated himself to promoting these towns with lectures in movie towns such as Uclés, Cuenca, (the 4 Musketeers) or Chinchón, Madrid, (The Fabulous World of the Circus with John Wayne), encouraging city councils to take advantage of the added value that these films give to the common charms of the towns.

On this trip, accompanied by the Scottish expert John Hill, apart from the mentioned towns, he will be in Cuenca, Navarra, Cantabria and Asturias, and with the daily collaboration of a Spanish-British newspaper The Olive Press, published in Spain, he hopes to help fill these ‘film towns’ with northern Europeans in search of ‘real’ Spain, that there are many living on the Blanca and Sol coasts.

This is just a road trip and a couple of conferences, there is no cost, just turn up! Some things in life are FREE!


633 Squadron items for sale

633 Squadron items for sale

19th June 2020

We have been advised by Simon Dickson that he is preparing for listing on eBay an assortment of unusual 633 Squadron items. Four original photo’s featuring hand-written notes believed to be by John Crewdon together with a letter that Hamish Mahaddie wrote to Simon’s father in which he refers to his awkward relationship with the movie’s chief pilot.

The items for sale links to their eBay listing can be viewed via this link.


Soho Radio Podcast and ReelStreets

Soho Radio Podcast and ReelStreets

5th May 2020

Soho Radio is an online radio station broadcasting directly from their studio on Great Windmill Street in the heart of London. Inspired by Soho’s vibrant and diverse culture, Soho Radio brings together musicians, artists, film makers, chefs, poets and the generally curious, from across the globe.

It has a Podcast series about the depiction of Soho – the beating heart of cosmopolitan, bohemian London – in British films. In August last year, the first in the series, concentrated on The Small World of Sammy Lee and incorporated informal recordings made by Dom Delargy, who joined the ReelStreets Spring Meeting back in the March. Tracing the footsteps of Sammy Lee via, not surprisingly, Soho pubs, Dom sought to get closer to our founding, rationale and the people involved.

Apparently, Soho Radio are rebroadcasting that Soho Tour as part of their Soho Hour show, this coming Friday morning, the 8th May. The show goes out between 9am and 10am and is likely to be towards the end of the show but perhaps you should listen from the start so as not to miss it! The link is https://www.sohoradiolondon.com/ and once on the Site, click the Culture button.


COVID-19 Lockdown

COVID-19 Lockdown

8th April 2020

We sincerely hope that you, together with your family and friends are staying safe during these difficult and troubled times. The enforced restriction of movement has obviously severely affected our ‘supply’ of comparison shots but please be assured that those that have appeared recently have all been taken before the current restrictions were applied. We have a good schedule of forthcoming film listings which together with location identifications from contributors will help to support our objective to keeping the Site fresh each day.

We would like to thank all those that have given such generous and supportive comments to what ReelStreets provides. It is the interest and contributions provided by viewers that help to make us what we are. A result of these unprecedented times has been a significant surge in our visitor numbers, a fact that we naturally find very rewarding. Together we will beat this virus and return to getting out and about to take those vital comparison shots.

Stay safe and healthy. All here at ReelStreets wish you well.


Egham Museum Exhibition

Egham Museum Exhibition

28th January 2020

Egham Museum has recently opened a temporary exhibition entitled Location, Location, Location (Egham and area behind and in front of the camera) that runs until the 13th June next. It concentrates and features information about films and TV programmes that have been shot in their area to include Egham, Englefield Green, Thorpe and Virginia Water. Those that have spent time researching film locations in and around there will know that the listing is quite extensive. Popular ones are the Royal Holloway, University of London, Great Fosters Hotel and The White Lion Public House. Reelstreets was pleased to be able to help the Museum and their devoted staff in the preparation of this exhibition, but they did most of the work!

The exact location of the Museum, further details of the exhibition and a full listing of all the films and TV programmes they have established can be viewed at their Website https://eghammuseum.org/blog/2020/01/16/location-location-location/


Film Night – Battersea, London SW11

Film Night – Battersea, London SW11

We have been advised by the Battersea Society that their Film Night at the Royal College of Art will this year be showing The Deadly Affair (1967) a British espionage-thriller based on a John le Carré novel. The film, Directed by Sidney Lumet stars James Mason, Simone Signoret and Maximilian Schell.

Last years film showing was a great success and a thoroughly enjoyable evening so if you are able to attend we would recommend putting the details in your diary.

Venue: Royal College of Art Battersea

Date: 20th February 2020

Time: 6.30pm for 7.00pm

Location: Dyson Building, Hester Road, London Sw11 4AN

Cost (per person); £5 on the door.


Blithe Spirit – Denham Mount

Blithe Spirit – Denham Mount

14th January 2020

In July last year Rachel Heathfield identified the Condomine’s house where the séance and subsequent events take place, as Denham Mount, Blacksmiths Lane, Denham, Bucks. At that time the house was for sale, the particulars for which confirmed that filming took place there. She now brings to our attention that Denham Mount remains on the market for sale and the particulars together with photos can be viewed by clicking here. If you cannot afford to buy, enjoy treading in the footsteps of Rex Harrison, Constance Cummings and Margaret Rutherford.


Season Greetings

Season Greetings

15th December 2019

Statistics show that our audience has shown significant growth during 2019, this is, of course, very rewarding but it does from time to time put pressure on our response times. We are not complaining, just explaining. Thank you to all those who have contributed location identification, “now” shots and information throughout the year. Naturally, we also appreciate the kind words that are expressed but as has been said before, we are what we are because of you. THANK YOU!

Whether you are a contributor to the Website or someone who just enjoys viewing, we send you are warmest wishes for this Holiday Season together with health and happiness throughout 2020.

John, Simon, Phil and Richard


Reelstreets on BBC Radio Solent

Reelstreets on BBC Radio Solent

31st October 2019

We have been delighted to be asked to participate in two BBC Radio programs recently, each time Reelstreets having been found by the presenter who has been fully engaged in what we do and wanted to know more. Following a “phone in” with Tim Barnes on BBC Radio Shropshire, we finally managed to meet up with Alex Dyke on his program The Wall of Sound broadcast on BBC Radio Solent ten days ago. The conversation with Alex can be heard by clicking here.


Autumn Meeting

Autumn Meeting

8th October 2019

Just a reminder to all that our Autumn Meeting is next Thursday the 17th October. We will be gathering at The Globe (of ‘Frenzy’ fame) at 37 Bow Street, London WC2 at about 16.45hrs to begin our tour of Covent Garden and the surrounding area, visiting pubs that have appeared in films.

We look forward to seeing you there, particularly if it is the first time you have joined us.

A REPORT ON EVENTS OF THE DAY

Preceding our meeting at “The Globe” some of us took the opportunity to visit the Cinema Museum in Kennington. Once the Lambeth Workhouse and home to Charlie Chaplin when he was a child it now houses a unique collection of artefacts, memorabilia and equipment that preserves the history and grandeur of cinema from the 1890s to the present day. It was a very interesting and enjoyable tour, to some of us, kindling memories of “our early days”. Like waiting for an amenable adult that would take you in to see an “A” rated film. Unimaginable these days. Or one paying to go in so that he, or she, could press the Exit Bar on one of the outside doors to allow the others to enter free of charge.

Photographs of the visit will follow but we were delighted that our subsequent meeting was attended by new faces who brought fresh conversation and interest to the occasion. So sincere thanks to Dave W, Brian and Sterling for making the journey and effort to meet with us. We sincerely hope that you thought it worthwhile and will come to meet with us again in the future.

The exterior of the Cinema Museum, Kennington
The exterior of the Cinema Museum, Kennington
The Reelstreets crew, Richard, Mark, Phil B, Adrian, John and Phil W
Richard, Mark, Phil B, Adrian, John and Phil W
What was once the chapel of the Lambeth Workhouse and childhood home of Charlie Chaplin
What was once the chapel of the Workhouse
What was once the chapel of the Lambeth Workhouse and childhood home of Charlie Chaplin
What was once the chapel of the Lambeth Workhouse
A selection of items on display at the Cinema Museum, Kennington
A selection of items on display at the Cinema Museum, Kennington
The entrance hall of the Cinema Museum, Kennington
The entrance hall of the Cinema Museum, Kennington
A selection of items on display at the Cinema Museum, Kennington
A selection of items on display at the Cinema Museum, Kennington
A selection of items on display at the Cinema Museum, Kennington
A selection of items on display at the Cinema Museum, Kennington
A selection of items on display at the Cinema Museum, Kennington
A selection of items on display at the Cinema Museum, Kennington
35mm projectors on display at the Cinema Museum, Kennington
35mm projectors on display at the Cinema Museum, Kennington

Spanish Castle Movie Magic

Spanish Castle Movie Magic

6th October 2019

Following Bob Yareham’s plea for help/involvement back in August he has brought to our attention the progress that has been made having found a “volunteer”.

In 1936 Gary Cooper and Marlene Dietrich made the film ‘Desire’, a musical comedy with Spanish scenery as a backdrop. Although the actors never set foot on Spanish soil, some images shot by a crew that visited San Sebastian and Toledo were recorded, and for this reason, for the first time, not only one but two Spanish film castles made it into a Hollywood film.

Many years have passed, and many Spanish movie castles have appeared on silver screens all over the world, four of them alone in Samuel Bronston’s epic El Cid. Now, two north Europeans have got together, united in their love of Spain (and of their respective Spanish wives) to create a new project designed to increase awareness of the value of Spain’s castles, especially in the cinema and tourism sectors.

Bob, an English and history teacher from London, based in Valencia since 1981, has been writing about English-language films shot in Spain for many years. Cas Eggermont is a Dutch entrepreneur who comes from Tilburg, where Vincent Van Gogh studied as a child. He has always worked in commercial healthcare. As well as their wives, they both love Spain, history and the cinema. The result is www.spanishcastlemoviemagic.com

They researched the films where Spanish castles appear to create the website, whose title is a reference to Jimi Hendrix’s song ‘Spanish Castle Magic’. The site, in English and Spanish at the moment, tells the stories of some 80 cinema castles, explaining the part of the films shot there as well as a bit of history and the current use of each one. It’s not a technical site, and doesn’t go into architectural details, but looks for legends and especially ghosts because, at least in the United Kingdom, a castle isn’t worth a pile of rubble if it doesn’t come with a ghost. They emphasise the importance of castles as they are a direct connection between generations through the ages and teach us much about our past. As well as being visually spectacular, they hover over all of us as each generation fades into the mists of time. For this reason, the project includes visits to schools to share their research with students and teachers in an interactive audio-visual activity.

The first visit will be at IES Les Alfàbegues, Bétera; a town near Valencia, with its own castle of course. There are about 2,500 castles in Spain and their location always tells us something about what was happening when they were built, and especially, who needed protection from whom.

Curiously, the province with the most castles, Jaén, doesn’t appear in this work, as no English-language film has been made in any of its castles, for the moment. There are also doubts about what a castle is. Some walls, such as those of Artajona, Navarre, which depicts Nottingham in the film ‘Robin and Marian’, resemble a castle, while the frequently filmed walls of Ávila are not included. The Arabs distinguished an Alcazaba (walled city) from an Alcázar (castle), although the difference is often minimal. In the end, in any project, you have to establish some kind of limit, to hedge your bets. In this project the authors have included castles that appear in English-language feature films, but not in short films or series (although some, especially the unbearably successful Game of Thrones, get a mention when there was also a feature film shot in the same place, as in the case of the castle of Almodóvar del Río in the province of Córdoba). 

The project Spanish Castle Movie Magic is not only about the past; another objective is to encourage visitors to explore Spain’s rich heritage and to visit locations that don’t suffer from tourist massification.

As well as showcasing castles that have served film makers in the past, they will be offering a service to castles that haven’t yet been used, producing footage and photos using drone technology in order to encourage film makers to take a look at possible future sites for shooting. There will also be a special section for sponsors who want to use the site to promote their own castle-related activities, or simply to lend a hand to a project which has received no other help with costs apart from the creators’ own contributions.

The project has only just begun; in the near future they will be adding more castles and developing the information about the existing ones. Most of the photos, nearly all originals, were taken by the young, up and coming Valencian-British photographer Mark Sicon, with a little additional help from their friends.

www.spanishcastlemoviemagic.com

For more information and/or photos contact bobyareham@gmail.com


Railways in Film

Railways in Film

24th September 2019

Jon Horswell has been a regular contributor to ReelStreets over the years with regard to matters relating to railways appearing in films providing us with locations and information. With his knowledge he wanted to compile an A-Z of Britain’s railways in feature films, however brief an appearance or insignificant it might be to the film itself. He considered publishing a book, but as we all know, projects tend to expand and it is also difficult make changes without a re-print. Consequently, he has opted for a Website, thereby potentially overcoming these obstacles. He acknowledges that there is still much to do in all respects but has asked if we would bring it to the attention of our own viewers and supporters. His Website can be found at www.railwaymoviedatabase.com

We wish him well.


Soho A Go Go Film Festival

Soho A Go Go Film Festival

6th September 2019

If you are in or around London in early October can we bring to your attention the second Soho A Go Go Film Festival at the Regent Street Cinema. It presents a collection of great films set in and featuring the notorious side of Soho life. Full details of the event and the films being shown on October 4th to 6th inclusive can be seen on the website https://regentstreetcinema.com/soho-a-go-go-film-festival-2019/

Soho A Go Go Poster 2019

Would You Like to Help?

Would You Like to Help?

24th August 2019

Bob Yareham who’s film involvement regularly features in our Latest News has written seeking our help, well, potentially your help actually. He writes:

After the investigation stage and visits to some 80 Spanish film castles, I now face the challenge of disseminating information. Based on past bad experiences, I have decided not to publish in book format but to create a free access web page, hoping to reach as many people as possible. Since I don’t have computer skills, I’m looking for a collaborating person or organisation. The website will be organised by provinces, will be written in English and Spanish and you can also download the updated text of my book ‘Movies Made in Spain’, also free.

I hope to add new information coming out and links to other relevant sites.
Therefore, if you have the necessary knowledge and skills and are willing to collaborate, please contact me. bobyareham@gmail.com


Soho Bites Podcast

Soho Bites Podcast

14th August 2019

The Small World of Sammy Lee

The Small World of Sammy Lee (1963)

In episode one of this new series of Soho Bites, Jingan Young talks to Professor Michael Berkowitz from UCL about the 1963 classic Soho movie, “The Small World of Sammy Lee” and Dom Delargy, who joined the ReelStreets Spring Meeting back in March tracing the footsteps of Sammy Lee via, not surprisingly, Soho pubs. Dom sought to get closer to our founding, rationale and the people involved.

The Soho Bites Podcast can be read here.


Earl Cameron – 102 Today

Earl Cameron – 102 Today

8th August 2019

Pool of London (1955)

Many Congratulations to Earl Cameron who was born on the 8th August 1917 in Bermuda and celebrates his Hundred and Second Birthday today. Together with Cy Grant, he is known as one of the first black actors to break the ‘colour bar’ in the United Kingdom. He played in many films, some of which appear on our site; Pool of London (1955), Sapphire (1959), Flame in the Streets (1961), Thunderball (1965), The Sandwich Man (1966) and many others. Thank you for contributing to our entertainment and our Site.

Best Wishes

Reel Streets

8th August 2019


Are You Near Whitley Bay?

Are You Near Whitley Bay?

31st July 2019

If you are, you may already be aware of the Whitley Bay Film Festival, but you may not, as yet, be aware of the program. Can we however, bring to your attention their screening of Saturday Night and Sunday Morning on Sunday August 25th at 8:00pm. Jam Jar Cinema.

60 years ago Woodfall Films launched a working class assault on the complacency and politeness of British social cinema. “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning ” was Woodfall’s 1960 second round of ammo, based on Alan Sillitoe’s book and script.

Albert Finney is the Nottingham factory worker whose amoral behaviour is governed by his creed “Don’t let the bastards grind you down” – the consequences shocked audiences and enraged the British censor.

Media historian Chris Phipps, who brought this event to our attention, celebrates the Woodfall world of Angry Young Men and Kitchen Sinks – and its underrated music tracks.

Uniquely, Chris will recall his encounters with Albert Finney taken from his best selling memoir Namedropper which will be on sale.

Before then, Chris will be signing the UK Edition of his latest book Namedropper on the 17th August at Waterstones, Newcastle. He will also sign Forget Carter if you ask him!


Bob Yareham writes

Bob Yareham writes

3rd July 2019

After the publication of my book http://www.obrapropia.com/Obras/1664/MOVIES-MADE-IN-SPAIN and in extended electronic version http://www.obrapropia.com/Obras/1834/800-ENGLISH-LANGUAGE-FILMS-SILVER-SCREEN-SPAIN about English-language films shot in Spain, I realised that the book format for this project is unfeasible because every day there are new films shot and every day I find new information about films already included.

As it has never been a commercial project, I have decided to give the work as a gift to anyone who asks for it without any cost.

Since the publication of the electronic version Silver Screen Spain (the name of the website I used to run) there have already been 32 revisions or new films added.

Therefore, I invite anyone interested to collaborate with this project, sending new information for distribution. 

Periodically I will send an updated text with a list of the revised or added films. I will send the text in Word, in English; it is easy to translate parts of the text online as needed.

Bob Yareham

bobyareham@gmail.com


Are you interested in Spanish Cinema Castles?

Are you interested in Spanish Cinema Castles?

4th June 2019

On the 10th of July our contributor friend Bob Yareham is commencing a three week tour of Spain to finish his Spanish cinema castles project. Bob, is a British professor based in Valencia and author of Movies Made in Spain, the story of more than 700 English-language films shot there. He is seeking any information or suggestions for his trip. This is the list of castles and the probable order of visiting:

Castillo de Mecenas Almeria

Felix, Almeria

La Peña, Mijas, Malaga

Mijas Malaga

Fuengirola, Malaga

Gaucín Malaga

Casares, Malaga

Setenil de las Bodegas, Cadiz

Olvera, Cadiz

Arcos de la Frontera, Cádiz

San Sebastian, Cadiz

Santa Catalina Cadiz

Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla, Carmona, Sevilla

Alcalá de Guadaira, Sevilla

Almodovar del Rio, Cordoba

Trujillo, Caceres

San Paio de Narla Friol, Lugo,

Batres Madrid

Maqueda, Toledo

Oreja (Toledo)

Almonacid (Toledo)


Spring Meeting – 29th April

Spring Meeting – 29th April

25th March 2019

The Small World of Reel Streets

Yes, it’s a pub crawl, but . . . we also wander through the streets of Soho in London W1 that provided the backdrop for so many films shot during the heyday of British cinema.

Soho can be defined in many ways, heart of our film industry, sleazy clubs, coffee bars and gangsters, but for our purposes we will be walking in the footsteps of Anthony Newley who played the title role in ‘The Small World of Sammy Lee’


We’ll be meeting up at The Blue Posts on the corner of Rupert Street and Rupert Court W1D 6DJ at 1530hrs.  There are several public houses named The Blue Posts in and around Soho so please make sure you arrive at the correct one.

The tour will take a little over 4 hours to complete, stopping off at six pubs on our circuit before ending up at a coffee bar!!
Fingers crossed for the weather.

After the event:

Numbers were a little lower than normal but it gained another dimension with Dom of ‘Soho Bites’ podcast spending the evening with us and recording interviews and general conversation. Hopefully, nothing incriminating was recorded! As usual, it wasn’t until the end of the evening that it was realised no photographs had been taken. Here we are outside the Golden Lion, Dean Street.

Simon, Richard, Peter, Dom of ‘Soho Bites’, Phil Wilkinson, Tris and Phil Bailey
Courtesy of Mark who is not in it!

Simon, Richard, Dom of ‘Soho Bites’, Peter, Mark, Tris and Phil Bailey
Courtesy of Phil Wilkinson who is not in this one!

And to prove that we did go inside.

Oh yes, and for the record…..the kitty was fully spent.


Calling Newcastle upon Tyne!

Calling Newcastle upon Tyne!

10th March 2019

If you are in or near Newcastle on Saturday 27th April next, Chris Phipps has brought to our attention the public showing of ‘On the Night of the Fire’ (1939) a rarely seen expressionist thriller now considered to the first British Film Noir. Directed by Desmond Hurst who was mentored by John Ford in the USA it was filmed on location in Newcastle upon Tyne and features Sunday Quayside Market and Ouseburn. Screening is to take place at City Library at 6pm and will be introduced by film historian and author, Chris himself. Tickets are £4. Booking and further information can be had via this Newcastle NOIR link and at City Library.


Sir Malcolm Arnold

Sir Malcolm Arnold

7th March 2019

Many of us may know the name and the fact that Malcolm Arnold was an English composer of many works covering a broad genre, including orchestral, choral, both brass and wind band as well as for the ballet and opera. However, what we may not be aware of, unless we have such a thematic interest, is that he was a prolific composer for the cinema having written over a hundred scores for features and documentaries between 1947 and 1969. With so many to his credit it is difficult to list them all but The Bridge on the River Kwai, Hobson’s Choice (1954) and The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (1958) are likely to be well known to most us. Alan Poulton, Chairman of The Malcolm Arnold Society , is currently accumulating material and information in connection with all the films for which Arnold was associated. Alan informs us that 34 of those films already feature on our Website. He has recently written an article for the Society’s Newsletter drawing the Members attention to our Website listings and providing them with a list of those films yet to appear with us. The article and film listing can be read by clicking Beckus newsletter, both Alan and ourselves would be appreciative of any information that you may have associated with any of those films. Whilst we cannot guarantee list any of the films that might have interesting locations brought to our attention we will certainly add them to our ever increasing list of recommendations. We get around to them eventually!


The Optimists of Nine Elms

The Optimists of Nine Elms

12th February 2019

A rare public showing of this 1973 film staring Peter Sellers is to be screened by the Battersea Society at the Royal College of Art Battersea on the 28th February. Written and Directed by Anthony Simmons, Sellers as Sam, accompanied by his dog Bella, is a down-and-out music hall entertainer who gets by singing and tap dancing whilst pushing a pram with a wind-up gramophone around the streets of Battersea. Into his life come two cockney children, Liz and her brother Mark who he befriends and takes to the other side of the Thames introducing them to another world. As a result, he begins to believe in life again whilst encouraging them to be more optimistic about life. With a music score by Lionel Bart this is Sellers as a serious actor in a film of both compassion and humour.

DETAILS:

Date: Thursday 28th February 2019

Time: 6.30pm for 7.00pm showing

Venue: Royal College of Art Battersea, Dyson Building, Hester Road, SW11 4AN

Price: £5 per person at the door.


Renown Film Festival – 2019

Renown Film Festival – 2019

7th December 2018

Viewers of Talking Pictures TV, buyers of DVD’s from Renown Films or even those that have attended the Festival in previous years may well be aware that tickets are now on sale for next years event, scheduled for Sunday 24th March. The success of our good friends earlier Festivals has meant a change to a larger venue for 2019, The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St. Albans, Hertfordshire. The day will consist of the customary variety of films, shorts and Celebrity Guests from the world of film and have many stalls selling memorabilia; DVDs, books, posters, films & stills. This has always been a fun event and for us, an opportunity to meet up with our contributor friends. Do let us know if you are attending so that we can say “hello”. Full information, including, scheduled Guest Speakers and an opportunity to purchase tickets can be had at Festival of Film – 2019.


Display Problem – Updated

Display Problem – Updated

5th December 2018

We are aware that some films are displaying only 39 Screen Captures when there should be, often, many more. The problem has been identified and we are in the process of correcting those films that to our knowledge have been affected. These are: The Whisperers : Melody (aka S.W.A.L.K) : The Weapon : The Lady in the Van

Should you find others we would very much appreciate you letting us know.

Hopefully, it will not take too long for us to correct things but please bear with us meanwhile.

Updated 17.27 5th December

As far as we are aware the content of the films, save for The Lady in the Van that will be attended to next week, has all been put back in place and is once again visible. We would nevertheless welcome being advised of anything missing with regard to these films or indeed any others that may have be caught up with the issue.

 

 


Namedropper!: an unorthodox autobiography…….

Namedropper!: an unorthodox autobiography…….

27th November 2018

…..told through five decades of the music and entertainment business.

That’s the full title of the latest book by Chris Phipps, you may recall Forget Carter: Newcastle on Film and Television that he published earlier this year.

Namedropper! book cover

Written from an insider’s extraordinary working encounters and working relationships with over fifty global super-stars including John  Mills, James Mason, Albert Finney and Mike Hodges.  Supplemented with private and unpublished photo’s. This new autobiography gives extensive coverage to pioneering music on radio and television in the 1970’s , music AND cinema icons as well as controversial broadcasting such as “THE TUBE”.

This can be ordered on Amazon.


Once again, are you in Spain? If not…..

Once again, are you in Spain? If not…..

20th November 2018

…you may still be interested. Our contributor friend in Spain Robert Yareham has brought to our attention that he and others are working to bring to Valencia, Maurice Reyna, the actor who starred in the 1960 film, The Boy Who Stole a Million and are making a crowdfunding to make it happen.

Full details regarding the crowdfunding, the objective and allocation of funds can be read at:

https://www.verkami.com/projects/21751-el-pequeno-ladron

You can read about the history of the film here:

Bringing Back Maurice to Valencia

At the moment, it is possible to view the movie here:

DailyMotion.com

Naturally it is hoped that many small contributions will allow Maurice & his wife to travel and for the project to succeed.

It sounds like a good project for someone to take screen captures and matching “now’s” for Reelstreets. We will gladly support any volunteer.


Autumn 2018 Meeting

Autumn 2018 Meeting

28th September 2018

Arrangement have been finalised for the Autumn Meeting, we hope so see some more faces to put to names as the numbers grew in the Spring. It sounds like a “Pub Crawl”, well it is, but essentially it is the locations and their associated film(s). We do hope that you can join us at one or all of the locations.

Friday 12th October 2018

Gathering at The Cow for 1530hrs

In Westbourne Green and along Portobello Road

Travel to Royal Oak station on the Circle or Hammersmith & City lines and exit onto Lord Hill’s Bridge. The station appears in the background during ‘This Happy Breed’ and fleetingly in ‘O Lucky Man!’ while the bridge is seen in ‘Herostratus’ and ‘The Traitors’.

 

Turn left and cross the road at the junction before entering Westbourne Park Villas. At the junction on the left stands the former British Rail Record Offices behind which was the depot that Bob Holt took his engine to in ‘The Last Journey’.

Walk along Westbourne Park Villas . . . . .

. . . . . to pass Professor Willingdon’s lodgings before reaching Westbourne Park Passage which was seen in ‘Seven Days to Noon’ and ‘The Knack . and How to Get It’ with the southernmost end featuring in ‘The Crowded Day’.

Continue to The Cow at 89 Westbourne Park Road W2, the sign of which is glimpsed on a route that ‘Clegg’ follows in his Austin A30. (7 min walk)

From The Cow we walk west to the corner of Chepstow Road and turn left. Following this road until reaching Artesian Road on the right, it’s a brief walk which will bring us to The Cock & Bottle at the corner of Needham Road which was seen briefly in ‘Afraid of the Dark’ from 1991. (10 min walk)

Continuing further to the end of Artesian Road we turn left into Ledbury Road where The Walmer Castle greets us a short way along Westbourne Grove. The pub can just be made out during the chase sequence during ‘Who Done It?’. (2 min walk)

From here we walk south to reach Westbourne Grove where we turn right and carry on until reaching the corner of Portobello Road and The Earl of Lonsdale. Formerly Henekeys, this bar features in ‘Otley‘ and ‘Tonite Let’s All Make Love in London’ and the corner outside is seen in ‘The File of the Golden Goose’. (5 min walk)

 

Moving north now, at the junction of Portobello Road and Elgin Crescent is The Duke of Wellington which saw a few frames of fame in ‘Bullet to Beijing’. (3 min walk)

Continuing to our next venue, on the other side of Portobello Road, south of the junction with Westbourne Park Road is Dunworth Mews which apart from playing a part of ‘The Moon Over the Alley’ is seen in ‘Mantrap’.

At the corner of Westbourne Park Road and Portobello Road W11 stands The Castle. This establishment appears in ‘Notting Hill’, ‘The Moon Over the Alley’, ‘Adventures of a Taxi Driver’ and ‘I Hired A Contract Killer’. (3 min walk)

The far northern end of Portobello Road is off our route but is seen in ‘Who Done It?’ whilst nearer, around Westway ‘Seven Green Bottles’, ‘Breaking Glass’ and ‘Pressure’ had scenes shot. Various other sections of the famous road can be viewed in ‘The Wind of Change’ and ‘West 11’ at the corner of Colville Terrace; ‘Notting Hill’ at number 142; ‘The Italian Job’; ‘Burning an Illusion’; ‘Martha, Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence’; ‘Horrors of the Black Museum’ and ‘The Gentle Trap’ opposite Portobello Court Estate and ‘Villain’ at the corner of Lonsdale Road.

Heading east along Onward along Westbourne Park Road brings us to The Oak, previously named The British Oak, at the corner of Shrewsbury Road. The pub, now a restaurant opening at six thirty, appears in ‘Duffer’ and ‘Clegg’ while Shrewsbury Road is seen in archive footage during ‘Mr. Nice’. (8 min walk)

To return to Royal Oak station, just continue along Westbourne Park Road and Westbourne Park Villas to reach Lord Hill’s Bridge. (9 min walk)

AFTER THE EVENT

Attendance was essentially “the hard core”, which was a pity, as it is always good to have refreshing input from those less regular attendees or those with whom we correspond but have never met face to face. If you did not or do not come as a result of something that we can do or don’t do please tell us so that we can make the occasion more inviting.

For the record Richard holds the float at £28.99 and Simon has still to cough up £3.40 from the Spring meeting, we may have to get an IOU out of him!

The “early birds” at the “The Cow”

John T, Peter, Adrian, Tris, Richard L and Phil Bailey

Phil W, owner of the nearly empty glass, took the photo.

A “Group Photo” taken for us by a charming passer-by as we arrive at the Turquoise Triangle building (Spice World – Capture 16)

Tris, John T, Phil W, Richard L, Adrian, Peter, Phil Bailey and Simon J

 

Someone will remember whether we were coming or going out side The Earl of Lonsdale.

Peter, John T, Richard L and Phil Bailey

 

 

 

Highlights of the last few months

In March – Richard and Phil sat on the Q&A panel following a sell-out public showing of the 1962 film ‘Some People’ organised by the Universities of Bristol and East Anglia.

In August – we reached a total of 2000 films on line with over 25,000 comparison shots.

In September – ReelStreets teamed up with Talking Pictures Television to conduct a tour of film locations in Ealing.

 


Are You In Spain?

Are You In Spain?

13th June 2018

Are you in Spain? Are you near the Cuenca, Castile-La-Mancha province on the 23rd June? If so, Robert Yareham has brought to our attention an event at Uclés that has featured in a number of films. As you will see Robert, who has contributed to Reelstreets will be speaking. Oh yes, it is free!

There follows a Google Translation of the details together with the poster.

PEOPLES OF MOVIE: Uclés of cinema.

Spain is full of film towns, towns that stand out for their beauty, gastronomy and monuments. Some are literally movie towns, as is the case of Uclés in the province of Cuenca, where they have shot a large number of films, series and ads, especially taking advantage of its 16th century monastery.

It was there in Uclés that Captain Alatriste faced his last battle, and where the four musketeers finally reached and killed the evil Rochefort (Christopher Lee) and Milady (Faye Dunnaway) in the film directed by Richard Lester, director also of Que Noche From That Day with The Beatles, How I Won the War, which brought John Lennon to Almeria or Robin and Marian, Audrey Hepburn’s only film in Spain, where a veteran of Spanish film, Sean Connery, also participated.

And it is in the monastery of Uclés on June 23 at 5:00 pm that an event will be held to explore the film history of Uclés and examine the possibilities offered by film tourism for people with a film history.

Who will be speaking:

Laura Tejerina, Secretary of Spain of Cinema, expert in the tourism of cinema in the world, especially Bollywood.

Bob Yareham, a British professor based in Valencia, author of Movies Made in Spain, the story of more than 700 English-language films shot here.

Mike Villanueva of the Film Commission of Castilla La Mancha

Pepe Alfaro expert and author of several works on cinema in the province of Cuenca.

Ana M. Galvéz, councilor of culture and tourism of Uclés.

Dorian Sanz, author of a short film shot in Uclés.

There will also be a presentation of the exhibition project of photos about the filming in Uclés and will speak neighbors who have participated in them.

Everything in order a day of cinema.

The event is free and open to everyone.

Contact: bobyareham@gmail.com

O Ana Galvéz culturayturismo@ucles.es

 

A poster for a film event at Ucles, Spain

 

 


Recently Added “Now” Listing

Recently Added “Now” Listing

25th May 2018

We are aware that the listing is currently showing an ad hoc date mix and apologise if this causes you any inconvenience. The matter is currently being investigated and we hope to revert to normal as soon as possible.

31st May 

Thankfully, we are now back to normal. It took significantly longer to resolve than we had anticipated, that’s technology and programming for you!  We apologise for any inconvenience and frustration that it may have caused you.


Ealing Film Locations Bus Tour

Ealing Film Locations Bus Tour

16th May 2018

We have teamed up with Talking Pictures TV and hired a Routemaster bus for Sunday 23rd September 2018 for a conducted 3 hour tour of film locations that appear in films we know and love. You have the option of a morning departure at 10am or an afternoon one at 2pm. A welcoming glass of bubbly on arrival as well as lunch is all included in the ticket priced at £45.  The exact meeting point, with Car Park, in the Ealing environ has still to be finalised. Tickets are limited as the bus has only 72 seats but you can avoid disappointment by pre-ordering. Full details of the event will be available next month.


Film: Some People (1962) – Public Showing – Report

Film: Some People (1962) – Public Showing – Report

25th April 2018

The showing of the film last month turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable and successful event for the organisers. For Phil and Richard there was the added bonus of meeting contributors to our Website and Sarah from Talking Pictures TV with whom we now have working association. A Report on the day can be had on the eastmancolor website.


SPRING MEETING – 19th April

SPRING MEETING – 19th April

14th March 2018

The Spring’s Meeting is being held around Little Venice and Maida Vale in London W9 on Thursday 19th April.
There are four public houses within easy walking distance of each other. We are proposing to meet in the Warwick Castle on Warwick Place at 4pm. The pub is a short walk from Warwick Road Underground station on the Bakerloo line, one stop after Paddington towards Queen’s Park.
When leaving the Warwick Castle we can turn right and head for Blomfield Road, then left to continue past the film locations of Westbourne Terrace Road Bridge, seen in ‘The Blue Lamp’, ‘Interlude’ and ‘Blue Ice’; the Paddington Branch of the Grand Union Canal at Little Venice which features in ‘The Salvage Gang’ and the bridge carrying Warwick Avenue which appeared in ‘Allez France!‘.
Making our way back past Warwick Road station, a location seen in ‘Omen III: The Final Conflict’, our next port of call is the Prince Alfred on Formosa Street. The middle of Formosa Street was used in ‘Layer Cake’ but this end is seen in ‘The World Ten Times Over’ and the pub appears in ‘Slayground’.
Moving onward, we head for the Warrington Hotel on Warrington Crescent. This establishment can be seen in ‘Adventures of a Plumber’s Mate’.
Next we make the short walk to the Windsor Castle on Lanark Place. This pub may not still be trading but if it’s closed we can end our session at the Eagle on Clifton Road which is visible in ‘Adventures of a Plumber’s Mate’. Even if the Windsor Castle is open we could still go in both!
Other productions filmed in the wider area include ‘Man About the House’, ‘Never Let Go’, ‘Playbirds’, ‘Brannigan’, ‘Child in the House’, ‘The IPCRESS File’ and ‘Assignment Redhead’.
We look forward see you on the afternoon of 19th April.
AFTER THE EVENT
What a thoroughly enjoyable Meeting it was too and so good to see faces that for some time had just been names. All the “locations” were visited, here is evidence of two:
The Warwick Castle, just before we departed
A group of "Reelstreeters" outside the Warwick Castle pub.
Phil Bailey, Peter, John T, Richard L, Adrian Grepnold, Mark O’Neill, Tris, Phil W and Roland-François Lack
Someone had to take the photo so here is Simon proving that he is not camera shy. NB: And he holds the residual kitty! £13.40
And later in the Warrington Hotel with such and interesting history and now Grade ll listed.
Inside the Warrington Hotel
JT holds court with his knights of the oblong table.
A detailed street map of the Maida Vale area showing a proposed route.

Newcastle on Film and Television – NEW Book

Newcastle on Film and Television – NEW Book

12th March 2018

A man in a winter coat standing in the middle of a Newcastle street of terraced houses with a downhill view.

Photograph credit Mark Pinder Photography

Chris Phipps has drawn our attention to his recently published book Forget Carter: Newcastle on Film and Television

Newcastle and the region is frequently associated with TV and Film icons such as Get Carter, Byker Grove, The Tube and Our Friends in the North. However, how many know where Ralph Richardson stole money from in 1939? Where a den of spies lived in Jesmond in 1951? Who met Tommy Lee Jones on the High Level Bridge in 1988? Where was Gateshead High Street under siege in 2009? And which Newcastle high rise flats seem to appear in every programme or film made in Newcastle?

From his new book, media historian Chris Phipps takes us on his tour of Newcastle’s film and TV locations covering old favourites like Payroll and Auf Wiedersehen Pet and shining light on some hidden gems such as The One and Only, Unconditional and The Clouded Yellow. Newcastle and the region continue to be the perfect film set, visit filming sites for Vera and Transformers: The Black Knight.

Forget Carter! What could be next for this photogenic city?

Using  his interviews with directors Ken Loach (I, Daniel Blake, Kes) and Bryn Higgins (Unconditional), writers Peter Flannery (Our Friends in the North, George Gently), Ian La Frenais (The Likely Lads, Porridge, Auf Wiedersehen Pet) and Lee Hall (Billy Elliot), actors Melanie Hill (Bread, Coronation Street), Victoria Elliot (Hebburn, Emmerdale, The Kennedys, 55 Degrees North, Get Carter stage play), Charlie Hardwick (Amber Films, Emmerdale, Byker Grove) and Dave Johns (I, Daniel Blake), this book explores the background to the filming of many television programmes and films in Newcastle and region.

Published by Tyne Bridge Publications it is available from City Library, Waterstones, The Tyneside Cinema and Amazon.


Film: Some People (1962) – Public Showing

Film: Some People (1962) – Public Showing

20th February 2018

The Universities of Bristol and East Anglia have organised a Public screening and a subsequent Panel Discussion of Director Clive Donner’s film Some People (1962) at the Watershed, Harbourside, Bristol on Saturday 24th March at 13.00. Filmed in Eastmancolor it was shot entirely on location in Bristol with a soundtrack that promoted local musicians and gained both critical and commercial success on release. It has subsequently disappeared from public view and as Bristol celebrates its recent status as UNESCO City of Film this is an opportunity to have a public showing and relive the “swinging sixties”. Reelstreets has been invited to participate in the Panel Discussion afterwards looking at the locations, music and fashion featured in the film. Further information can be seen on the Watershed website.  We look forward to seeing you there.

AND a thoroughly enjoyable and successful event it was too. A write-up of the event can be had on the eastmancolor website. Anneke Wills gave a most entertaining and informative Q&A session and kindly joined Richard and Phil for a “together” photo afterwards.

Richard, Anneke Wills and Phil at the Some People film event in Bristol


Our New Website

Our New Website

7th January 2018

Welcome to our new design, Mobile friendly Website. We hope that you find that the changes make the Site easier to navigate and the presentation easier on the eye to view. Our aim has been to achieve these objectives with the minimum of disruption whilst retaining the facility to effect further changes over a period of time. We could not allow this moment to pass without sincere thanks to Matt Lovejoy of Everything Orange for his dedicated work and input to the design, presentation and programming. In addition we must thank Phuc Dang for his ready understanding of the unique requirements of Reelstreets in relation to both the WordPress and Joomla! Management Systems and for addressing them so speedily and efficiently for us.

Whilst testing has been undertaken on this new Site before the launch we are fully aware that unexpected or unforeseen problems might well occur when a foray into uncharted waters is made by viewers and contributors. We acknowledge that there remains some “tidying up” to be done but if you find something that does not respond as you anticipated or indeed does not respond at all, PLEASE DO let us know.


Seasons Greetings

Seasons Greetings

19th December 2017

We wish all of you who make such a valuable contribution to the Website and those who just enjoy viewing, our warmest wishes for this Holiday Season.

It is the perfect moment to say Thank You to all.

The kind words of support and encouragement that we received during the year

coupled with all the information is really appreciated.

We wish you health and happiness throughout 2018 and look forward

to even more locations being resolved and information being received.

John, Simon, Phil and Richard


Talking Pictures TV

Talking Pictures TV

16th November 2017

The logo of Talking Pictures TV

It has recently come to our attention that from the afternoon of Thursday 30th November Talking Pictures TV will be available on Freeview NATIONWIDE to 90% of the Country. If you can currently watch Yesterday Channel on number 19 or Home on number 25 you will be able to receive it (well, virtually everyone!). No need for any special TV or HD box equipment, the signal is being boosted so even more people will be able to watch on channel 81 Nationwide.

We, and we know that many of our contributors currently enjoy this channel and as a result a number of locations have been resolved, indeed two very recently, as a result of viewing a film. Please help us and Talking Pictures by supporting their extended coverage.

Talking Pictures TV can currently be viewed on Virgin 445, Freesat 306, Freeview 81, Youview 81 and Sky Channel 343. It is also available on free-to-air satellite service.


FILM – Remembrance

FILM – Remembrance

25th October 2017

Our contributor friend Dave Wilson has worked tirelessly to obtain a public screening of the long lost film Remembrance.  Released in 1981 and filmed in Plymouth it follows the lives of young Royal Navy recruits and includes many memorable scenes as well as being the first major film role for Gary Oldman. Dave’s efforts have finally been rewarded and it is scheduled to be shown on Monday 6th November at the Uni cinema in Plymouth and will be attended by some of the cast and incorporate a Q&A session. If you have access to Plymouth and would like to take advantage of this rare showing please be advised that tickets are already selling fast and it is advisable not to wait before booking.

Dave has provided us with both screen captures and now shots for the Reelstreets Website.

For for further information concerning the film http://www..plymouthherald.co.uk/news/hollywood-actor-gary-oldman-starred-669244


Gangland London Film Festival

Gangland London Film Festival

2nd October 2017

Our contributor friend Aiden McManus (aka Twitter’s FlipLondon Tours) has again drawn our attention to a forthcoming Film Festival in London. Taking place Saturday and Sunday 14th and 15th October at the Regent Street Cinema six classic London gangland films are being shown alongside some Q&A sessions with film specialists, crime authors and historians. The Festival closes with a rare big screen showing of The Long Good Friday. Full details can be found at https://www.regentstreetcinema.com/gangland-london-film-festival/


Autumn Reel Streets Meeting

Autumn Reel Streets Meeting

Apologies for the short notice, plenty of reasons but no excuses. The autumn get together has been arranged for this Wednesday the 4th October starting at The Holly Bush, 22 Holly Mount, Hampstead London NW3 at 4.30pm, this “watering hole” features in The Killing of Sister George. Suitably refreshed we propose moving back down on to Heath Street, passing settings for other productions as we make our way to The Flask on the corner of Back Lane and Flask Walk. Hampstead features in a host of other films, many of the locations will be close to hand. Search our Website with “Hampstead”.

We hope to see you at one or both “watering holes”.

Just as we are leaving The Holly Bush and moving on to the next.

A group photo outside of The Holly Bush, of those attending the Reelstreets Autumn MeetingAdrian Grepnold, Phil W, John T, Richard L, Peter and Simon J


Battersea Society – Film Showing

Battersea Society – Film Showing

25th September 2017

It has been brought to our attention that the Society is presenting a public showing of The Happy Family (1952) on Thursday 5th October at the Battersea Power Station Village Hall. This delightful Ealing-style comedy tells the story of Mr and Mrs Lord who refuse to move out of their corner shop on the South Bank to make way for the building of the Festival Hall. If you are in London or are able to get there, this is a wonderful opportunity to see post war London and hopefully hear older residents reminisce. Full details can be found on the website: http://www.batterseasociety.org.uk/eventslist.php#kn6fz0kz There are still some locations that need identifying.


Gordon Ostlere Dies Aged 95

Gordon Ostlere Dies Aged 95

19th August 2017

Embed from Getty Images

Gordon Ostlere, who has died aged 95, was a real-life doctor until 1952, when under the name 0f Richard Gordon, he wrote Doctor in the House, and a film adaptation followed two years later. Dirk Bogarde, Kenneth More, Donald Sinden and Donald Houston, all at the fictional St Swithin’s hospital devoted their time to girls, booze and sport, whilst James Robertson Justice growled. With many more books and many more films Richard Gordon has certainly earned his place in cinema history.


Earl Cameron – 100 Today

Earl Cameron – 100 Today

8th August 2017

Earl Cameron - Pool of London

Congratulations to Earl Cameron who celebrates his Hundredth Birthday today. He played in many films, some of which appear on our site; Pool of London, Flame in the Streets, Woman for Joe, Thunderball, Sapphire, etc. Well done that man! Thank you for contributing to our entertainment and our site.

Best wishes

Reel Streets

8th August 2017


Loseley Park, Guildford, Surrey

Loseley Park, Guildford, Surrey

21st July 2017

Contributors to Reelstreets will know that doing what we do can open up opportunities to head for areas that we would not normally consider or visit specific locations that we perhaps had never previously heard of. The latter certainly happened to me when covering The Counterfeit Gang and subsequently learning that Loseley Park and indeed the House, had featured in other films and a number of more recent TV productions. It transpires however, that many with a sweeter palate than mine have certainly heard of Loseley ice cream! Notwithstanding that some of the locations featured on our Site were “off piste” to a visitor I received a ready invitation to visit the property with a view to perhaps covering the appropriate spots. Whilst I have included our customary acknowledgement of assistance within the “now” shots I could not let the occasion pass without a wider THANK YOU to the More-Molyneux family who so readily showed their willingness to assist and for permitting me to upload pictures of the “private” aspects of the home. They, together with Joanna and Head Guide Jennie provided enthusiastic interest in the objectives of Reelstreets, the support and involvement of all is very much appreciated. In addition, Maggie and I had a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day in a very beautiful, peaceful setting, thank you all.

Richard


Spring Meeting!

Spring Meeting!

5th April 2017

Spring is here and the Reel Streets crew are having a meeting. The gathering will be held in The Royal Oak public house at the corner of Columbia Road and Ezra Street in Hoxton, London E1 on Thursday 20th April 2017 starting at opening time, 16:00hrs (4.00pm). The pub has featured in ‘The Krays’, ‘Legend’, ‘Mr. Jolly Lives Next Door’ and ‘The Missionary’ with the surrounding streets being seen in ‘Fool’s Gold’ and ‘Pierrepoint’.

As The Royal Oak is not the best sited place for many to get home from, at about 18:30hrs (6.30pm) we will move on for a 30 minute bus ride to Covent Garden where we will reconvene in The Globe of ‘Frenzy’ fame to round off the evening.

Hoping to see you there.

The obligatory “now” shot of the event but not quite sure how we should take that notice!

The happy band of attendees at the Spring Meeting.

John T, Richard L, Peter, Simon J, Mark O, Roland-François L and Phil W.


The Soho a Go Go Film Festival

The Soho a Go Go Film Festival

29th March 2017

Our contributor friend Aiden McManus (aka Twitter’s FlipLondon Tours) has drawn our attention to the forthcoming Film Festival taking place on the 29th and 30th April at the Regent Street Cinema (London) . The six films being shown explore Soho’s musical heritage whilst celebrating the fast disappearing scene for which it became synonymous.  An interesting and thoroughly enjoyable line up of films to view during a weekend if you are able to get to London. A full listing and description can seen by clicking here.


Reel Stories

Reel Stories

10th March 2017

Liverpool and the Silver Screen

 

MUSEUM of LIVERPOOL
11 March 2016 to September 2017

Free entry

twitter #reelstories

Reel Stories is a special exhibition of more than 40 original film posters and memorabilia celebrating Liverpool’s starring role in films from the past 60 years.

Liverpool is a filmmaker’s dream. It’s a city of storytellers and performers, writers and entertainers, musicians and poets.

From those first flickering pioneering days of cinema, filmmakers have been drawn to this restless and defiant city, enchanted by the millions of stories it holds, both real and imaginary. Stories of high times and hard luck, of love and hope, of dreams and heartbreak, of wrongdoing and retribution.

 


FILM – Brief Encounter

FILM – Brief Encounter

4th March 2017

When Peter Brown identified the re-used opening footage of Brief Encounter (1945) as the opening footage for the film Wrong Number (1959) late last month he took the opportunity to say that he had never been persuaded by the well recorded fact that it was filmed at Watford Junction. Needless to say, I couldn’t let that go without enquiring further because even if Watford Junction is popularly recorded elsewhere we here at ReelStreets like our published facts to be correct. We also accept that we are human!

As I am persuaded by Peter’s “argument”, and having done a little research myself I thought that on the basis that we have many railway workers and enthusiasts as contributors to the Website we should open up the subject for discussion and perhaps settlement.  Please click here to see the full article.


Brighton TV

Brighton TV

13th January 2017

If you live within the Brighton area of the UK it has been drawn to our attention that this station regularly shows a number of B&W British films. The service is available via Freeview 7 or Virgin Media 159. Its broadcast schedule can be viewed at http://thelatest.co.uk Thanks to the Brighton Film Studios and their predecessors there have been quite a few films shot in the Brighton area, which is reflected by the number of times the Town is featured on Reel Streets.


Quadrophenia London Location Tour

Quadrophenia London Location Tour

2nd June 2016

Kieran McAleer who has provided us with two location identifications for the film Quadrophenia is proposing a mini-bus tour of the London locations on Saturday 25th June next. If you are interested and or would like to know more he can be contacted on Facebook or on Twitter @CroxleyGreeen


Can you help?

Can you help?

10th March 2016

Paul Tinman, like many others, has an appreciation of the film Innocent Sinners (1958) and is trying to research the lives of the two child actors who played the main characters; June Archer as Lovejoy Mason and Christopher Hay as Tip Malone. The two really talented young actors apparently ‘disappeared’ without trace shortly after that film. June Archer appeared once more in Spare The Rod (1961) and Christopher Hey appeared in the Jimmy Edwards farce Whacko.

Quite rightly Paul wonders why they didn’t go on to long dramatic careers for they had the ability, especially June, who was only 14 in Sinners, so she would be about 70 now.

Are you able to help with any information as to what happened to either of these two talented young stars? Please get in touch with us if you can and we will forward all information on to Paul.


Apologies

Apologies

10th February 2016

We regret all the problems that some of you may have experienced this afternoon (Wednesday10th) in trying to connect to the Website. Our server Host initially experienced a “large distributed denial service attack against the Server network” and in attending to this, subsequent resulting difficulties occurred which resulted in more “down time” than either they or we would have wished. All now appears to be functioning as before but work is, we understand, continuing. It frustrates us all!


Romeo & Juliet (1968)

Romeo & Juliet (1968)

14th April 2015

Masayuki Sasao particularly likes this film and wanted to visit the locations in Italy. After some research he realised that there were no indications about the church square of the film and started to examine the scenes in detail himself to find out the location. When he realised that the wall constructions were duplicated he began to realise that the square was an open air set at the Cinecittà, the Italian Hollywood. View his research and reasoning here.


Informal Meeting/Get Together

Informal Meeting/Get Together

16th March 2015

Last Friday’s meeting was, as always, enjoyable and we were pleased to have some of our contributors join us. Thanks to those that made the effort, it was great to put faces to names and to thank them personally for their important contributions. Unfortunately, Simon arrived a little late and some people had departed but in his favour was that he was the only one with a camera! He recorded the event with these two photo’s, fortunately for us, his NOW shots for the Website are always in focus!


BBC2 – Reel History of Britain

BBC2 – Reel History of Britain

16th February 2015

BBC2 in Wales is re-running this super series called “ Reel History of Britain” that was first broadcast in 2011. Melvyn Bragg the famous broadcaster, two months, less a day, older than me, and obviously with fond memories of growing up in the 50’s and 60’s has produced an interesting medley of very human social moments, caught on film. Whilst I currently have the benefit of being in Wales it is available to all via iPlayer if you didn’t catch it first time round.

His trips down memory lane included a visit to Soho and the Two II’s coffee bar site and an interview with some of the original Lambeth boys, the lads who appeared in Linsay Anderson’s documentary film “We Are The Lambeth Boys”, filmed in that South East suburb and also Mill Hill.
The good Lord Bragg supposedly travels around the Kingdom in a Vintage Mobile Cinema, what fun, but if his old bones are similar to mine I hope he has a more comfortable mode of transport.
The Two II’s appeared in numerous films and a search on this site will list half a dozen pages detailing Old Compton Street, Sammy Lee, Shakedown and The Flesh is Weak used this road, and it was also included by a number of other directors. Anderson, more famously, produced “If”, a Cheltenham based film.
Melvyn says he went to that famous caff, the home of British Rock ‘an Roll, with his girl friend, but then didn’t we all. I can’t ever recall meeting MB, but then I can’t recall the name, or names, of the girls that I entertained over a cup; more like a glass dish really; of frothy coffee. Wow. Those were the days!


Have you sent us pictures?

Have you sent us pictures?

14th January 2015

But not received a reply from us, or they are not on our Site. If so, PLEASE get in touch, as we have found a number carefully filed in our system without any supporting email or message. We will do our best place them in the right spot given the photo reference but we would like to give credit to you. For those that we cannot place we will need your help, so PLEASE get in touch if you have sent in pictures and received no reply, not doing so is not our style! From a more boring administrative point of view we would like to know how they arrived with us.


FILM: Checkpoint – 1956

FILM: Checkpoint – 1956

20th November 2014

Dave Rawsthorn has brought to our attention some interesting information concerning the factory scenes that appear in this film and is reproduced here with the kind permission of Bookmarque Publishing.

Extracted from the late John Allan’s book Air Vice-Marshal Don (Pathfinder) Bennett’s FAIRTHORPE Cars.

THE ATOM, FILM STAR (Page37)

Late in 1955 the factory was approached by Pinewood Studios, located some five miles down the road, who wished to borrow a few cars for a film. Using a local car manufacturer made sense and eight cars (which just happened to be lying around) were made ready. They were driven to the studios and arranged to simulate a production line in an important car factory producing a secret and very special sports car, the Volta.

The film was Checkpoint and starred Stanley Baker as the villain and Anthony Steel as the ‘goody”. Made at Pinewood by J Arthur Rank, it went on release in 1956. It featured some excellent racing scenes with Aston Martins and similar cars and ends with the villain getting his come-uppance, driving over a cliff edge into a lake. Purists need not worry, however, because the Aston Martin was a fibreglass replica.

Meanwhile, back at the Volta factory, Stanley Baker arrives to steal the plans for the new Volta sports car. He shoots the night watchman, despite insincere statements like “I don’t really want to do this”, and is seen dodging bullets behind the Atoms while making good his escape.

It was probably because of these bullets that only one Atom arrived back at the factory under its own steam. All the rest broke down and had to be towed!


FILM – Checkpoint – 1956

FILM – Checkpoint – 1956

Dave Rawsthorn has brought to our attention some interesting information concerning the factory scenes that appear in this film and is reproduced here with the kind permission of Bookmarque Publishing.

Extracted from the late John Allan’s book Air Vice-Marshal Don (Pathfinder) Bennett’s FAIRTHORPE Cars.

THE ATOM, FILM STAR (Page37)

Late in 1955 the factory was approached by Pinewood Studios, located some five miles down the road, who wished to borrow a few cars for a film. Using a local car manufacturer made sense and eight cars (which just happened to be lying around) were made ready. They were driven to the studios and arranged to simulate a production line in an important car factory producing a secret and very special sports car, the Volta.

The film was Checkpoint and starred Stanley Baker as the villain and Anthony Steel as the ‘goody”. Made at Pinewood by J Arthur Rank, it went on release in 1956. It featured some excellent racing scenes with Aston Martins and similar cars and ends with the villain getting his come-uppance, driving over a cliff edge into a lake. Purists need not worry, however, because the Aston Martin was a fibreglass replica.

Meanwhile, back at the Volta factory, Stanley Baker arrives to steal the plans for the new Volta sports car. He shoots the night watchman, despite insincere statements like “I don’t really want to do this”, and is seen dodging bullets behind the Atoms while making good his escape.

It was probably because of these bullets that only one Atom arrived back at the factory under its own steam. All the rest broke down and had to be towed!


French Film Locations and French Film Festival U.K.

French Film Locations and French Film Festival U.K.

4th November 2014

Nina Cangdon has just brought to our attention a project she has recently finished with Paris based filmmaker Paco Zamora, who has previously worked on different documentaries in France, South America as well as here in the U.K. The video “FilmTripping” is very “ReelStreets” but just a little more. It invites film lovers and travellers to discover the City of Light (Paris) through seven films set in Paris, showing the locations where some of the scenes were set, from the perspective of someone who explores Paris for the first time. It moves from touristic Trocadéro to the bohemian and still undiscovered Belleville, with the objective of connecting spectators with the magic of the cinema. The video, approximately two and a half minutes long can be viewed at:

FilmTripping Paris by Expedia

It is perhaps no coincidence that Nina finished the project to coincide with the launch of the annual French Film Festival in the U.K., full details of which can be found at:

http://frenchfilmfestival.org.uk/FFF2014/wp/


The British Council Film Collection

The British Council Film Collection

3rd November 2014

John has stumbled across the intriguing archive material of 120 short documentary films made by The British Council during the 1940’s. They were designed to show the world how Britain lived, worked and played. They are all interesting, especially for “Senior Citizens” but John has highlighted the one entitled “London 1942” that includes an uncredited Bill Owen (at 08:45), most famous for his portrayal of the character ‘Compo’ in Last of the Summer Wine. This is apparently the second-oldest footage of him.

View it at http://film.britishcouncil.org/london-1942


FILM: So Well Remembered – 1948

FILM: So Well Remembered – 1948

4th October 2014

Maurice Mottershead, a Maxonian (a man of Macclesfield) has spent much time with this film and has helped us both with locations and information relating to them. He has also provided some more up to date NOW shots as well as some personal ingredient regarding the locations. All this can be found in an article that can be accessed from the film page heading.
During his time with the film Maurice has highlighted that there is one unknown location in the film that appears a number of times and he has called it, ‘Location A’, assuming that this is a location and not a film set. Maurice seeks the help of anyone with a knowledge of Macclesfield and proposes the following:-
The ‘T’ junction between Nicholls Close, assuming this is not fictitious, (swr034) and an unknown road forms two corners; a pub called The Miners Arms is on one corner and The Browdley & District Guardian newspaper office is on the other. The film either side of swr019 clearly shows the pub is called The Miners Arms and also shows a steeple behind (which can just be seen in swr019). The area behind the pub looks like a churchyard. If anyone knows the location of The Miners Arms then we will know the location of many of the scenes in this film.
He states that ‘Location A’ occurs in the film at (time stamp hh:mm:ss): (00:02:12) (swr001a and swr001b), (00:03:05), (00:03:19), (00:08:37), (00:29:22) (swr019), (00:34:35), (00:44:22), (00:45:42), (00:49:31), (00:58:19) (swr034 and swr035), (01:12:37), (01:15:18), (01:48:40), (01:48:51).

FILM: Never Let Go (1960)

FILM: Never Let Go (1960)

25th July 2014

Back in January 2008 there were two detailed Blogs (still viewable) from Colin Childs concerning the precise locations of the early still shots of this film. We have now heard from Brian Jenkins who lived in Kinnaird Street and went to school with Colin. He is keen to get in touch with him again and discuss the “Street” and “Place” locations in more detail with him. Having read all the correspondence, clearly local knowledge is important to understanding the locations and changes that went on. Unfortunately, ReelStreets has not kept Colin’s contact details so if you still follow our Site Colin and would like get in touch we would be pleased to connect you with your old school friend. After all, we do like to be exact with our location information on this Site!


Location information received last week.

Location information received last week.

30th June 2014

Our Server problems appear to be behind us and we have, hopefully, made all the necessary amendments that were outstanding. Thank you to all those that were so patient with us. Last week we were able to add at least Google Images to support all the information provided including that from Nick Farmer concerning The Big Sleep and screen shot bs014 in particular.  Nick, who served at Marylebone Lane Police Station until 1977 also provided us with this additional interesting background information.

“When you watch the film the scene after Roger Mitchum enters the Police station and meets Richard Todd and John Mills is the ground floor Charge Room and the cell passage can be seen to the rear. The next scene is on the first floor, in what was the old CID Office. Note the curtains are drawn as it is meant to be at night. At times the local Police, then at their New Police Station in Seymour Street (now also closed) had to go down to Marylebone Lane Police Station and explain to “tourists” that we had moved, although it appeared open, as the film crew had actors in uniform!”

Many thanks for that Nick.


Location and film related detail received this week

Location and film related detail received this week

2nd June 2014

Dave Buckley has been in touch with us about Love Thy Neighbour and particularly ltn008b-008h, all of which are in front of what was EMI-Canon studios on one side of Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Herts. However, he has additionally referred us to http://avengerland.theavengers.tv/studios/defaut.htm. On that page, select Studio Buildings under Associated British Studios, there can be seen various photos, some of which show the front of the building and the private access road pictured in the stills. If you also look at Studio Map you will see how much of the site is now Tesco’s. No doubt, like me, you will then be wandering around the other Studios and Set pictures wondering where all your time has gone.

Dave also mentions two related books. Elstree Confidential by Paul Welsh, MBE which he says is a fund of information about the studios, the films made there and the film stars who appeared in them, together with personal anecdotes. Also, Elstree, the British Hollywood which details all the studios in the area of which there were four in the High Road alone! Thanks Dave for all that background.


Information from Michael Thornton regarding Jean Kent Inquest

Information from Michael Thornton regarding Jean Kent Inquest

8th May 2014

INFORMATION FROM THE OFFICE OF
MICHAEL THORNTON
TELEPHONE/FAX: 01248 852615
MOBILE: 07595 323006

e-mail: michael@wheelthorn.freeserve.co.uk

INQUEST ON MOVIE LEGEND JEAN KENT

An inquest into the death of movie legend Jean Kent, one of Britain’s top box-office stars in the 1940s and 1950s, will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday of this week, May 8, at the Active Business Centre, St. Andrews Castle, 33 St. Andrews Street South, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3PH, with the Senior Coroner for Suffolk, Dr. Peter Dean, presiding.

The hearing will be in Miss Kent’s married name, Joan Mildred Hurst.

No witnesses are being called, but the evidence will reveal that Miss Kent, a wealthy 92-year-old widow, was found naked on the floor of her bedroom at her secluded home, Thornglade, in the village of Westhorpe, near Stowmarket, on November 28 by her housekeeper, Mrs. Rita Betts, with a television, a television stand, and a disabled heavy chair across the left-hand side of her upper body. She had suffered serious injury to her chest and three ribs had been fractured.

Miss Kent was taken by ambulance to West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St. Edmunds, where she died in the early hours of November 30.

The star’s Executor, national newspaper journalist and former national film and theatre critic Michael Thornton, who was named by Miss Kent as Next of Kin, said today: “The Coroner has now passed to me all the relevant findings and documents in the case.

“I do not think it would be proper for me to pre-empt what Dr. Peter Dean is going to say at the inquest, but I can certainly confirm that his findings will refute the wilder stories that were in circulation at the time of Jean’s death, to the effect that intruders might have broken into her house and attacked her. One report even used the word, “murdered”. As the police have established, that certainly did not happen. At the time that her housekeeper found her, the front-door of the house was still locked, and the alarm system was in operation”.

One week after Thursday’s inquest, the British Film Institute is honouring Jean Kent at the National Film Theatre on May 15, when Michael Thornton will introduce the star’s most celebrated and also most notorious film, Good-Time Girl, which was refused a certificate by the British Board of Film Censors until a violent scene in which the star was raped was cut, and other changes were made. Even then, the film was still banned by the watch committees in several major UK cities, including Birmingham.

The film also starred Dennis Price, Diana Dors, Dame Flora Robson and Jill Balcon, the mother of Daniel Day-Lewis.

 

ENDS