Wolf Hall (2015)

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Kent Film Office

Claire Foy as Anne Boleyn and Damian Lewis as King Henry Eighth on the Wolf Hall set

Anne Boleyn (CLAIRE FOY), King Henry VIII (DAMIAN LEWIS), © BBC Company Productions Ltd

Writer: Peter Straughan, Hilary Mantel (novel)

Director: Peter Kosminsky

Starring: Mark Rylance, Damian Lewis, Claire Foy, Mark Gatiss, Jonathan Pryce

Production company: Company Pictures

Kent locations: Penshurst Place, Dover Castle

This January, BBC Two airs new British drama Wolf Hall, charting the meteoric rise of Thomas Cromwell in the Tudor Court, from his lowly start as a blacksmith’s son to becoming Henry VIII’s closest advisor.

The six part series is based on Hilary Mantel’s Booker Prize-winning novels, Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies and the screenplay was written by Oscar-nominated Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Frank).

BAFTA-winning Peter Kosminsky (Britz, The Promise) directs the miniseries which boasts a host of acting talent, such as Mark Rylance (Britz, Hamlet), Damian Lewis (Homeland, Romeo and Juliet), Claire Foy (Season of the Witch, Crossbones), Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Game of Thrones) and Jonathan Pryce (Brazil, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest).

Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell and cast members behind the scenes on Wolf Hall being filmed by camera crew on a pathway

Thomas Cromwell (MARK RYLANCE) ©BBCCompany Productions Ltd

In May 2014, the production team visited Penshurst Place to film at a variety of rooms to double for York Place and Whitehall. In July 2014, the production returned to Kent, this time filming at Dover Castle which doubled as The Tower of London for the execution of Anne Boleyn scenes.

Penshurst Place is a Medieval and Tudor fortified style manor house set in gorgeous parkland in West Kent and boasts formal Elizabethan gardens. Penshurst Place is a popular film location, having previously welcomed productions such as The Great Fire (2014), The Hollow Crown – Henry V (2012) and The Other Boleyn Girl (2008).

Dover Castle is a stunning medieval castle situated on the White Cliffs of Dover, overlooking the English Channel. Dover Castle has previously been used for filming by a variety of productions including Into The Woods (2015), Poirot “The Clocks” (2009) and The Other Boleyn Girl (2008).

Wolf Hall also features in the Kent Film Office Tudor(ish) Trail which celebrates Kent’s Tudor history and film connections.

Wolf Hall aired on BBC Two from Wednesday 21^st January 2015 at 21:00 and is now available for DVD and online purchase.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Into the Woods (2015)

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Kent Film Office

Meryl Streep as the Witch crouched in a tree

Meryl Streep as the Witch in Into The Woods © Disney

Director: Rob Marshall

Writer: James Lapine, Stephen Sondheim

Starring: Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep, James Corden, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, Christine Baranski, Billy Magnussen, Mackenzie Mauzy, Tracey Ullman, Daniel Huttlestone

Production companies: Walt Disney Pictures, Lucamar Productions

Kent locations: Dover Castle

Into the Woods is a film adaption of James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award–winning Broadway musical of the same name which is a modern twist on several beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales.

The story follows the Baker and the Baker’s Wife’s who are unable to start a family due to the curse by a wicked Witch. Trying to break the spell, they encounter Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel.

Emily Blunt as the Baker's Wife and James Corden as the Baker in the woods looking shocked

Emily Blunt as the Baker’s Wife and James Corden as the Baker © Disney

Directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago, Memoirs of the Geisha), the film has an ensemble cast with an array of acting talent including Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean series, Edward Scissorhands), Meryl Streep (The Devil Wears Prada, The Hours), James Corden (Gavin and Stacey, The History Boys), Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen), Anna Kendrick (Twilight, Pitch Perfect), Chris Pine (Star Trek, Unstoppable) Christine Baranski (Mamma Mia, The Good Wife) , Mackenzie Mauzy (The Bold and the Beautiful, Brother’s Keeper), Billy Magnussen (As the World Turns, The East), Daniel Huttlestone (Les Miserables), and Tracey Ullman (The Tracey Ullman Show, Corpse Bride).

The Disney production visited Dover Castle in September 2013 which doubled as the King’s Castle, and features in scenes such as Cinderella attending the ball, her marriage to the Prince and a giant attacking a castle.

Dover Castle is a stunning medieval castle situated on the White Cliffs of Dover, overlooking the English Channel. Dover Castle is a popular film location having featured in Poirot “The Clocks” (2009), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) and Hamlet (1990).

Into The Woods is released in cinemas on Friday 9^th January 2015.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Poirot “The Clocks” (2009)

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Kent Film Office

Poirot The Clocks L-R Geoffrey Palmer & David Suchet standing in front of a mast

Poirot The Clocks featuring L-R Geoffrey Palmer & David Suchet © ITV

Directed By: Charles Palmer

Written By: Agatha Christie (Novel) & Stewart Harcourt (Adaptation)

Starring: David Suchet, Jaime Winstone, Geoffrey Palmer, Phil Daniels, Lesley Sharp, Tom Burke

Production Company: ITV Studios, WGBH, Agatha Christie, Picture Partnership Productions

Kent Filming Locations: Dover Castle, Waterloo Crescent, Dover, St Margaret’s Bay

Long term fans of the series will be delighted to hear that David Suchet returns to our screens this Christmas as Agatha Christies famous Belgian Detective. The latest episode, “The Clocks”, will be shown on ITV over the festive period.

When Secretary Shelia Webb (Jaime Winstone) runs out of a house into the arms of Lieutenant Colin Race (Tom Burke,) Hercule Poirot is called to Dover to investigate the death of a man who was found surrounded by four clocks, all stopped at the same time. Shelia becomes the prime murder suspect, despite assurances that she does not even know the victim. While the evidence mounts, Poirot must solve the mystery before another innocent victim is found brutally murdered.

Behind the scenes picture © Kent Film Office	Poirot (David Suchet) and Shelia Webb (Jaime Winstone) on set © Kent Film Office
Shelia Webb (Jaime Winstone) on set © Kent Film Office	Behind the scenes picture © Kent Film Office

The production visited a number of locations in and round the historical town of Dover, including Dover Castle, Waterloo Crescent and the village of St Margaret’s Bay. The bay boasts the famous Art Deco house ‘White Cliffs’, who’s previous owners include Noel Coward (playwright) and Ian Fleming (author of the James Bond novels) and proved to be the ideal setting for this adaptation.

Dover is home to several renowned locations including the port, connecting the UK with the European mainland, Dover Castle which was first built in 1160 and largely remains in the same condition as it was when first constructed and the infamous White Cliffs of Dover. Dover has previously been seen on screen in The Tunnel: Sabotage(2016), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) and Missing (2009).

Not the only Poirot episode to be filmed in Kent, viewers may remember Hercule Poirot’s Christmas, which was filmed in the village of Chilham in 1995. The village was turned into a winter wonderland as Poirot investigates the murder of multi millionaire Simeon.Celebrating 23 years in his most famous role, David Suchet has signed a deal to film the remaining five Poirot novels, Labours of Hercules, Dead Man’s Folly, The Big Four, Elephants Can Remember and Curtain, which is Poirot’s last case.

Poirot – The Clocks was shown on ITV1 Boxing Day 2009 at 21:00 and is now available to buy on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

Posted on February 4, 2008 by Kent Film Office

Scarlett Johansson standing behind Natalie Portman, both looking out of the window in front of them

Director: Justin Chadwick

Writer: Peter Morgan

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, Eric Bana, Kristin Scott Thomas, David Morrissey, Benedict Cumberbatch

Production Company: Columbia Pictures, Focus Features, BBC Films, Relativity Media, Ruby Films, Scott Rudin Productions

Kent Filming Locations: Knole House, Dover Castle, Penshurst Place


The screen adaptation of Philippa Gregory’s best selling novel The Other Boleyn Girl is a dramatic story of love, passion and ambition set in the cut-throat court of Henry VIII. Mary (Scarlett Johansson), considered the more beautiful sister, gains the young king’s (Eric Bana) attention and, though married, becomes his mistress. When it becomes politically adventageous, Mary is cast aside for her dazzling young sister Anne (Natalie Portman) and can only watch as Anne’s ruthless pursuit of the crown propels her towards her doom.

The Boleyn family had extensive connections with Kent; the family lived in Hever Castle while Henry VIII adored Knole. With this connection in mind, filming took place at three fantastic locations across Kent.

Filming in Kent began at Knole in Sevenoaks, a grand house set in a deer park that Henry VIII was so impressed with; he demanded that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer give it to him. In the film, Knole was the setting for many of the film’s London night scenes and the inner courtyard doubles for the entrance of Whitehall Palace where the grand arrivals and departures were staged.

Filming of The Other Boleyn Girl at Knole © Photo Credit : Alex Bailey © 2006 Universal Studios. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson) in the Grounds of Penshurst Place © Photo Credit : Alex Bailey © 2006 Universal Studios. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Behind the scenes at Dover Castle © Dover Castle Behind the scenes at Penshurst Place © Penshurst Place

Production then moved to Penshurst Place near Tonbridge, which was also once owned by Henry VIII and where the unspoiled estate and gardens still bring the Tudor era to life. The Baron’s Hall was transformed into the interiors of Whitehall Palace to film the scenes of Henry’s extravagant feast. The Tudor Gardens were also used for the scene where Anne (Natalie Portman) and the King (Eric Bana) talk about their relationship.

As England’s oldest fortress at the shortest sea crossing to Continental Europe, Dover Castle was a vital strategic centre in the Tudor era and able to provide the ideal setting for the final and climatic scenes in The Other Boleyn Girl. Dover Castle was transformed into the Tower of London for the execution scenes of George Boleyn (Jim Sturgess) and Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman).

Knole Park is nestled in a medieval deer-park . The area has welcomed filming from productions such as Rush (2013) and Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides (2011).

Historic house Knole is set in a medieval deer-park in Sevenoaks. Now a National Trust property, it is over 500 years old and was once the palace of archbishops and royal property of the Tudor dynasty. Knole has previously featured in productions such as Great British Railway Journeys – Series 7 (2016), Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows (2011) and Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides (2011).

Medieval and Tudor style manor house, Penshurst Place is set in gorgeous parkland and boasts period rooms and formal Elizabethan gardens. Penshurst Place is a popular film location, having previously welcomed productions such as Wolf Hall (2015), The Great Fire (2014) and The Hollow Crown – Henry V (2012)

Situated on the White Cliffs of Dover, overlooking the English Channel is the stunning medieval fortress – Dover Castle. A popular film location, Dover Castle has featured in Into the Woods (2015), Poirot “The Clocks” (2009) and Hamlet (1990).

To celebrate the cinematic release and the locations that were used in the film, the Kent Film Office and Kent Tourism Alliance in association with Universal, National Trust, English Heritage, Penshurst Place, Hever Castle and the Heart of Kent released a movie map in 2011 to highlight the Kent locations to the world! You can download your own The Other Boleyn Girl movie map and to find out more about the Kent Campaign at: https://kentfilmoffice.co.uk/kent-movie-map/austens-in-kent/

The Other Boleyn Girl features in the Kent Film Office Tudor(ish) Trail, released in May 2016, celebrating Kent’s Tudor history and film connections.

The film was released on 7^th March 2008 and is now available on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

To Kill a King (2003)

Posted on May 16, 2003 by Kent Film Office

Dover Castle as The Tower of London © FilmFour Productions

Director: Mike Barker

Writers: Jenny Mayew

Starring: Tim Roth, Dougray Scott, Olivia Williams, Rupert Everett

Production Company: FilmFour, IAC Film, Natural Nylon Entertainment, Rockwood Edge, Scion Films, Screenland Movieworld GmbH

Kent Filming Locations: Dover Castle, Penshurst Place

This feature film is set in 1645 at the end of the English Civil War. The rebel New Model Army has defeated the Royalist forces of King Charles I and Lord Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell emerge as heroes. Now the pair seeks to reform the crown and execute the King which leads to civil unrest.

Starring in this gripping historical drama is Tim Roth (Lie to Me, United Passions, Skellig), Dougray Scott (There Be Dragons, Doctor Who, Sinbad), Rupert Everett (Shrek, St Trinian’s, Stardust), Olivia Williams (Anna Karenina, Justin and the Knights of Valour, Sabotage) and Corin Redgrave (Spooks, Foyle’s War, The Trial of King Killers).

King Charles’s I (Rupert Everett) sitting in his chamber on a chair

The Baron’s Hall at Penshurst Place as the King’s Chamber © FilmFour Productions

The production visited Kent to film at Penshurst Place where the interiors doubled as Cromwell’s living quarters. Dover Castle doubled as The Tower of London and the castle’s tunnels were also used in the scene where Fairfax and Cromwell search for the king’s missing gold.

Penshurst Place is a 14^th century building known for its historical significance and architectural beauty. It is a popular location for a number of film and television shows including The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), Merlin (2008) and The Princess Bride (1987).

Dover Castle was first built in 1160 and remains in the same condition as it was when first constructed. Another popular filming location, the castle has welcomed productions such as, Poirot – The Clocks (2009), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), Hamlet (1990).

To Kill A King also features in the Kent Film Office Tudor(ish) Trail which celebrates Kent’s Tudor history and film connections.

To Kill a King was released in cinemas in 2003 and is now available to buy on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Kevin and Perry Go Large (2000)

Posted on April 2, 2000 by Kent Film Office

Kevin and Perry Go Large film poster © Icon Film Distribution

Director: Ed Bye

Writers: Harry Enfield, Dave Cummings

Starring: Harry Enfield, Kathy Burke, Rhys Ifans, James Fleet, Louisa Rix, Paul Whitehouse

Production Company: Tiger Aspect Productions, Icon Productions, Fragile Films

Filming Locations: Dover Castle

Kevin and Perry Go Large is a feature film spin-off from the popular character’s of Harry Enfield’s TV series and follows the teenage pair as they go on holiday to Ibiza in the hope of becoming superstar DJ’s and meeting girls. Their holiday is seemingly ruined when Kevin’s parents tag along but will meeting DJ Eyeball Paul make their dreams come true?

Portraying the comical duo is Harry Enfield (Skins, Bad Education) and Kathy Burke (The Catherine Tate Show, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) alongside Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill, The Amazing Spiderman), James Fleet (The Vicar of Dibley, Four Weddings and a Funeral), Louisa Rix (Harry Enfield and Chums, Miranda) and Paul Whitehouse (The Fast Show, Alice in Wonderland).

Dover Castle featured in the film during the opening scene where Kevin dreams about saving Anne Boleyn from execution.

Dover Castle is spectacularly situated above the White Cliffs of Dover and was first built in 1160 yet remains in the same condition as it was when first constructed. Productions that have shot at Dover Castle include Poirot’s The Clocks (2009), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) and To Kill a King (2003).

Kevin and Perry Go Large was released in cinemas in April 2000 and is now available to buy on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

The Wind in the Willows – Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (1996)

Posted on September 2, 1996 by Kent Film Office

The Wind in the Willows movie poster- Cartoon image of a toad with glasses on jumping over a black car, a man is holding on to his shoulders behind. Mr Toad's Wild Ride is written in white

The Wind in the Willows © Walt Disney

Director: Terry Jones

Writer: Terry Jones (Screenplay), Kenneth Grahame (Novel)

Starring: Steve Coogan, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Antony Sher, Nicol Williamson, John Cleese, Stephen Fry, Bernard Hill, Michael Palin, Nigel Planer, Julia Sawalha, Robert Bathurst, Richard James

Production Company: Allied Filmmakers

Kent locations: Dover Castle, Chiddingstone

The Wind in The Willows – Mr Toad’s Wild Ride is a feature film loosely based on the classic novel by Kenneth Grahame, sometimes referred to as ‘the Monty Python version’.

The story follows Mole whose home is bought up and marked for development by the evil Weasels. Working with his friends, Mole attempts to win back his home.

Directed by Terry Jones (Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian), the film has an ensemble cast including Steve Coogan (I’m Alan Partridge, Philomena), Eric Idle (Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Nuns on the Run), John Cleese (Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Fawlty Towers), Stephen Fry (Gosford Park, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows) Bernard Hill (Titanic, The Lord of the Rings) Michael Palin (Monty Python and the Holy Grail, A Fish Called Wanda) and Robert Bathurst (Cold Feet, Emma).

The production filmed at Dover Castle, which doubled as the Gaol as well as The Old School in Chiddingstone (now the post office) which features as the Welcome Inn where Toad dines before stealing and crashing a motorcar.

Dover Castle is a stunning medieval castle situated on the White Cliffs of Dover, overlooking the English Channel. Dover Castle is a popular film location having featured in Into the Woods (2015), Poirot “The Clocks” (2009) and Hamlet (1990).

Chiddingstone is a beautiful one-street Tudor village with over 70% of the buildings in more than 200 years old. In 1939, the National Trust bought the village in order to preserve it. The village has previously been used as a film location by productions such as Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip (2015), A Room With A View (1986) and Elizabeth R (1971).

The Wind in the Willows – Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is available to purchase on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Hamlet (1990)

Posted on November 2, 1990 by Kent Film Office

Hamlet Movie Poster- Hamlet holding a sword up to his face, other characters stand behind him looking away from the camera. Hamlet is written in orange.

Directed by: Franco Zeffirelli

Starring: Mel Gibson, Glenn Close, Alan Bates & Helena Bonham Carter.

Production Company: Canal+, Carolco Pictures, Icon Entertainment International, Icon Productions, Marquis Nelson Entertainment, Sovereign Pictures, Warner Bros.

Kent Filming Location: Dover Castle

When Prince Hamlet returns to Denmark following the death of his father, he discovers his mother has already married his uncle Claudius who has now been crowned King. They encourage Hamlet to marry his only love, the young Ophelia, but Hamlet remains troubled over his mother’s new husband. When the ghost of his father appears before him and reveals that he was murdered, Hamlet becomes dangerous to those around him.

Zeffirelli’s adaptation of the famous Shakespearean tragedy stars Mel Gibson as the Dark Prince, Glenn Close as his mother Gertrude and Alan Bates as Claudius. Helena Bonham Carter also makes an appearance as Ophelia.

Local Resident Tina Easterby experienced filming on a Hollywood film set when she worked as an extra in the film. She had this to say “In 1990 while I was studying for A levels, myself and my fellow Theatre Studies students were invited to tour the set of Hamlet at Dover Castle. As you can imagine at the age of 17 we were beside ourselves with excitement. However it only got better when we were all offered extras parts for 3 days. Hey, we were only servants but just to be on the same set as Glenn Close, Mel Gibson and Franco Zefferrelli was worth it. The castle looked stunning, in what would have been original costumes, with knights on horseback and misty, murky weather. We had a wonderful time!”

Dover Castle makes its first appearance in the title credits for the film. Used to portray the Danish Castle of Elsinore, the castle battlements feature in one of the most dramatic scenes of the film: Hamlet speaking with the ghost of his dead father. Built in the 13^th Century, the Castle is situated above the White Cliffs of Dover and has guarded our shores for 20 centuries. At the heart of the site stands the Great Tower of the castle which stands at a height of 83 ft. It is here that many of the scenes for Hamlet were shot.

Dover Castle has featured in many films throughout its history. It appeared as the Tower of London in both Lady Jane (1986) and The Other Boleyn Girl (2008). A popular tourist attraction, Dover Castle invites visitors to experience life in Henry II’s court and visit the secret WWII tunnels, the HQ of Operation Dynamo. With its striking position within the landscape and medieval architecture it is an ideal location for any film production.

Hamlet is now available to buy on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Lady Jane (1987)

Posted on November 8, 1987 by Kent Film Office

Lady Jane Movieposter- close up of Lady Jane with her hand on a man hair. Lady Jane written in red on top.

Directed By: Trevor Nunn

Starring: Helena Bonham Carter, Cary Elwes, John Wood, Patrick Stewart

Production Company: Capital Equipment Leasing, Paramount Pictures

Kent Locations Used: Hever Castle, Leeds Castle, Dover Castle

When the death of King Henry VIII throws the country into chaos, the question of succession to the throne must be resolved. While the King’s surviving son Prince Edward lies on his death bed, a scheming John Dudley resolves to marry his son Guildford (Cary Elwes) to Lady Jane Grey (Helena Bonham Carter), great niece of Henry VII and place her on the throne after the king’s death. Unwilling to be married, Guildford and Jane are at first unhappy with Dudley’s plans, but over time, their love for each other blossoms just as a chain of events threatens to rip them apart.

This costume drama sheds light on England’s reformation in 1553 as the Duke of Northumberland attempted to guarantee a Protestant monarchy and keep Catholic Princess Mary from the throne.

The film is directed by Trevor Nunn (King Lear, Oklahoma!) and star Helena Bonham Carter (Fight Club, The King’s Speech) and Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride, Saw) as young lovers Jane and Guildford, alongside John Wood (WarGames, Chocolat) and Patrick Stewart (Star Trek and X-Men series).

Three of Kent’s Castles feature in the film: the Long Gallery at Hever Castle was used for the scene where Lady Jane (Helena Bonham Carter) and Princess Mary (Jane Lapotaire) meet and talk about God and the moat around Leeds Castle was used to double as some of the exterior of Lady Jane’s home. Dover Castle doubles as the Tower of London, including the execution scenes at the end of the film.

Near Maidstone is the magnificent Leeds Castle, which is set within 500 acres of parkland and gardens and surrounded by a moat. This location boasts a mote and maze and state rooms including original marble bathrooms. The location has previously featured in productions such as Gadget Man (2014), Henry VIII (2003) and Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949).

Hever Castle was originally built as a country house in the 13^th Century, but the Boleyn family, who held a seat there from 1462 till 1539, transformed parts of the castle into a Tudor manor. Today it offers three floors containing antique furniture and Tudor artefacts which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the county. The location has been used for filming projects including Inkheart (2008) and Anne of a Thousand Days (1969).

Dover Castle was founded in the 12^th Century and has held defensive significance for the country throughout history. The famous Operation Dynamo during the Second World War was masterminded within its walls. Dover Castle has previously featured in Into The Woods (2015), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) and To Kill a King (2003).

Lady Jane also features in the Kent Film Office Tudor(ish) Trail which celebrates Kent’s Tudor history and film connections.

Lady Jane was released in cinemas in February 1986 and is now available to buy on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Doctor Who – Mind of Evil (1971)

Posted on January 30, 1971 by Kent Film Office

Doctor Who (Jon Pertwee) in a suit sat in front of a tiled wall

Director: Timothy Combe
Starring: Jon Pertwee, Nicholas Courtney, Katy Manning, Richard Franklin, Roger Delgado, Pik Sen Lim
Production Company: BBC
Kent Locations Used: Whitfield, Dover Castle, Former RAF Swingate, Manston Airport

The Mind of Evil (1971) is a six-part story of popular sci-fi show, Doctor Who, starring Jon Pertwee. The Doctor and his companion, Jo, arrive at Stangmoor Prison for the demonstration of a machine that has been created by Professor Keller to pacify criminals. However, when the Doctor discovers that his enemy, the Master, is involved he does everything to stop him before it is too late.

Jon Pertwee (Worzel Gummidge, Jackanory) stars as the third Doctor alongside Katy Manning (Gloria’s House, Evil Never Dies), Roger Delgado (First Man Into Space, The Road to Hong Kong), Nicholas Courtney (The Sarah Jane Adventures, Downtime), Richard Franklin (Emmerdale, Twilight of the Gods) and Pik Sen Lim (Emergency-Ward 10, Mind Your Language).

The production filmed in Kent where they visited Dover Castle which doubled as the exterior of Stangmoor Prison the junction of Archer’s Court Road with Pineham Road in Whitfield which was the location where the Master’s troops ambush the missile convoy. The hangar at Former RAF Swingate was used as the Master’s hiding place for his deadly missile and Manston Airport was the base for the helicopter company providing the choppers and aerial footage in the series.

Dover Castle was founded in the 11^th century and defended the coast of Britain for almost 500 years. It is now run by English Heritage as a tourist attraction and is a very popular filming location having welcomed productions such as The Apprentice (2015), Wolf Hall (2015) and To Kill a King (2003).

Dover is a coastal town, home to the infamous White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle and Europe’s busiest passenger port, the Port of Dover. The Dover area has welcomed filming from productions such as Mr Selfridge Series 3 (2015), Great British Railway Journeys (2014) and Missing (2009).

Manston Airport is currently awaiting development and boasts a runway and warehouse space. It has been used for James Bond’s Die Another Day (2002).

Doctor Who: The Mind of Evil (1971) originally aired on BBC1 between Saturday 30th January 1971 and Saturday 6th March 1971. It is now available to buy on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Kent's Premier Film Commission