The Collector (1965)

Freddie Clegg (Terence Stamp) standing in front of some long grass staring into a glass jar he has in his hands

Freddie Clegg (Terence Stamp) in The Collector © Columbia Pictures

Director: William Wyler
Starring: Terence Stamp, Samantha Eggar, Maurice Dallimore
Production Company: Collector Company, Columbia Pictures Corporation
Kent Locations Used: Gabriel’s Manor in Edenbridge and Westerham Village

The Collector (1965) is a psychological thriller about the fantasies of Freddie Clegg (Terence Stamp). His obsession with collecting beautiful objects begins innocently with butterflies. However, after several years of stalking the woman he loves, Miranda (Samantha Eggar), he decides he must collect her. After locking the pretty art student in an outbuilding on his property, he hopes that in time she will fall in love with him.  Miranda soon realises that there is a chance she may never escape.

a man standing facing Gabriel's Manor in Edenbridge- a tutor style house with lots of chimneys

Gabriels Manor, Edenbridge © Columbia Pictures

Directed by Three time Oscar winner William Wyler (The Best Years of Our Lives, Ben-Hur) and starring Terence Stamp (The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the DesertThe Limey) Samantha Eggar (The Brood, Hercules) and Maurice Dallimore (Batman, Fair Exchange).

Westerham makes a brief appearance towards the end of the film when Freddie goes looking for a doctor. Westerham is a pretty Kentish town known for its stately homes, beautiful gardens, monuments and country pubs.  It is located in the Sevenoaks district and easily commutable from London.

Also located in Sevenoaks is Edenbridge, a small town with a largely medieval character. Gabriel’s Manor in Edenbridge was the perfect setting for Freddie’s house with its secluded location, private driveway and outhouse located at the front of the property.

The Collector (1965) was first released on Wednesday 13th October 1965 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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


Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines (1965)

Dover beach huts on the pebbles, men and women are waiting outside

Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines screenshot of Dover Beach © Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Director: Ken Annakin
Writer: Jack Davies, Ken Annakin
Starring: Stuart Whitman, Sarah Miles, James Fox, Robert Morley, Jean-Pierre Cassel
Production Company: Twentieth Century-Fox Productions
Kent Locations Used: Dover Seafront, The White Cliffs of Dover

Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines (1965) is a British comedy set in 1910 about a newspaper mogul who offers a large cash prize to the first pilot who can successfully fly over the English Channel. Aviation experts from around the world attend the race and some compete not only for the prize, but the affections of Lord Rawnsley’s daughter.

Directed by Ken Annakin (The Longest Day, The Pirate Movie) who also co-write alongside Jack Davies (Doctor at Sea, North Sea Hijack) the film stars Stuart Whitman (The Comancheros, Night of the Lepus), Sarah Miles (Ryan’s Daughter, Hope and Glory), James Fox (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sherlock Holmes), Robert Morley (The African Queen, Too Many Chefs) and Jean-Pierre Cassel (Murder on the Orient Express, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie).

Dover seafront was used for the scenes where the competitors have some seaside fun before the race. The White Cliffs of Dover also feature in the film where the contestants fly cross the Channel.

Long shot of dover cliffs and sea

Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines screenshot of Dover © Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Dover beach and sea, people paddling in the sea and sunbathing on deck chairs

Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines screenshot of Dover beach © Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Dover is a coastal town in East Kent home to The White Cliffs of Dover as well as Europe’s busiest passenger port. The area has been used for many filming projects such as Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), The Boats That Made Britain: A Time Team Special (2014) and The Other Boleyn Girl (2008).

Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines (1965) was released on Wednesday 16th June 1965 and is available to purchase on DVD.

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


French Dressing (1964)

French Dressing Poster- lady in a red bikini standing in front of a cartoon beach scene, the faces of two men float behind her. French Dressing is written over the top

French Dressing Poster © Warner-Pathé Distributors

Director: Ken Russell
Starring: James Booth, Roy Kinnear, Marisa Mell
Production Company: Associated British Picture Corporation, Kenneth Harper Production
Kent Locations Used: Herne Bay, Kings Hall, Medway Queen Paddle Steamer

French Dressing (1964) is a comedy film set in the fictional seaside town of Gormleigh-on-Sea about a deckchair attendant, Jim Stephens (James Booth) who is deputised to organise a film festival. After finally convincing French movie star pin-up Françoise Fayol (Marisa Mell) to attend, a series of unplanned mishaps threatens the festival’s success.

The directorial debut of Ken Russell (The Devils, Altered States), French Dressing stars James Booth (Zulu, Airport ’77), Roy Kinnear (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Watership Down) and Marisa Mell (Danger: Diabolik, Under Siege).

Herne Bay beach and beach huts with a man taking a photo behind a camera

French Dressing Screenshot on Herne Bay beach © Warner-Pathé Distributors

Herne Bay beach and promenade with two crew members walking through a row of white dummies

French Dressing Screenshot at Herne Bay © Warner-Pathé Distributors

French Dressing Screenshot © Warner-Pathé Distributors

French Dressing Screenshot at Kings Hall © Warner-Pathé Distributors

a man riding a bike and trailer down herne bay promenade, two men stand next to him whilst a women is sat on the trailer. The pier and beach can be seen behind.

French Dressing Screenshot at Herne Bay seafront © Warner-Pathé Distributors

The film was almost entirely filmed in Herne Bay which doubles as Gormleigh-on-Sea and the Kings Hall doubles as the Council Offices. The Medway Queen Paddle Steamer is used in the scenes when Jim Stephens (James Booth) and Henry Liggott (Roy Kinnear) take the boat to France.

Herne Bay is a traditional seaside town offering two miles of splendid coast including a delightful beach with colourful beach huts, bandstand and seafront gardens as well as many shops and eateries and amusement arcades. Herne Bay has been used as a film location on projects such as Boomers (2014), Big Bad World (2013) and Things I Haven’t Told You (2008).

French Dressing (1964) was released on Friday 10th April 1964 and is now available on DVD.

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


Dr Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh (1963)

Dr Syn movie poster- a painting of a man standing next to a scarecrow, underneath are men riding horses, Walt Disney Dr Syn written underneath

Dr Syn © Walt Disney

Directed by: James Neilson
Starring: Patrick McGoohan, George Cole, Michael Hordern, Tony Britton, Sean Scully, Alan Dobie
Production Company: Walt Disney Productions
Kent Locations Used: Romney Marsh, St Clement’s Church Old Romney

In 18th Century England, the Vicar of Dymchurch (Patrick McGoohan) takes on the alias of The Scarecrow. Alongside his gang of smugglers, they turn against the King and his high taxes, by smuggling goods across the Romney Marshes. The Scarecrow comes under threat from the Kings army after they learn of his rebel gang, and he becomes a wanted man. Aided by the locals, the Scarecrow must come up with a plan to get rid of the Kings army whilst maintaining his successful smuggling operations that many locals have come to rely on.

St Clements Church and cemetery- horse are being walked along the path by cast in period costumes

St Clements Church © Walt Disney

The film was released as part of the Disney Treasures Collection in 1964. Walt Disney adapted the stories from the original DR Syn books written by Russell Thorndike, and the later book ‘Christopher Syn’ written by William Buchanan. Originally, the production was only intended to be aired in three parts on Disney’s weekly television show Wonderful World of Colour, but was later adapted for release on DVD.

The film stars Patrick McGoohan (Treasure Planet, Columbo), George Cole (Cleopatra, The Adventures of Quentin Durward),Michael Hordern (The Wind in the Willows, The Secret Garden), Tony Britton (The Day of the Jackal, The Way We Live Now), Sean Scully (Phoenix, Born to Sing) and Alan Dobie (Cribb, Kessler).

Romney Marshes were the background to the production and so featured throughout the film and consist of around 100 square miles of coastal marshlands located in South East Kent. It is a popular tourist destination due to its sandy beaches, historic buildings and diverse landscape which is perfect for walkers and cyclists. Romney Marsh has also featured in Parades End (2012), Great Expectations (2012) and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries – Natural Causes (2006).

St Clement’s Church in Old Romney doubled as Dr Syn’s Dymchurch parish church in the production. Walt Disney funded the repair of the building in order to use it as a filming location. The interior was painted pink by the crew and remains so to this day.

Dr Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh (1963) first aired in 1963 and is available to watch on DVD.

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


Dunkirk (1958)

Dunkirk Movie Poster - a line of soldiers walking through the water, with planes in the sky, Dunkirk written in red in the sky

Dunkirk Movie Poster © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Director: Leslie Norman
Writer: David Devine and W.P. Lipscomb
Starring: John Mills, Robert Urquhart, Ray Jackson, Meredith Edwards, Bernard Lee, Richard Attenborough, Sean Barrett, Maxine Audley
Production Company: Ealing Studios
Kent Locations Used: Teston Bridge

In the summer of 1940, over 300,000 troops were evacuated from the shores of Dunkirk. Ten years later, Dunkirk (1958) was filmed, commemorating this iconic event.

As the Blitzkrieg starts, a squad of British infantry led by Corporal “Tubby” Binns (John Mills (Great Expectations (1946), The Family Way) is sent into Belgium to face the German forces. But as the Allies are slowly pushed out of Belgium into France and the German army advances towards Calais, the British troops have to retreat. Left behind without their commanding officer, the squad barely manage to stay ahead of the advancing enemy. But their biggest challenge is yet to come as the Luftwaffe repeatedly bombs the harbour where the soldiers are meant to embark for home.

Early in the film, scenes show the soldiers in Belgium where they blow up a bridge as German troops advance over it. However, eagle eyed viewers will recognise that it is in fact in Teston near Maidstone! The Grade I listed bridge was constructed in the 14th or 15th Century and crosses the River Medway.

Like many districts in Kent, Maidstone has its fair share of historic locations and villages. Near Maidstone is the picturesque village of Harrietsham. The historic village contains a number of listed buildings and featured in the 1949 classic Kind Hearts and Coronets.

Dunkirk (1958) was released on Thursday 20th March 1958 and is now available on DVD.

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


The Long Memory (1953)

The Long Memory film poster- a man and women hugging, the man is faced away from the camera. The Long Memory written in yellow

The Long Memory film poster © General Film Distributors (GFD)

Director: Robert Hamer
Starring: John Mills, John McCallum, Elizabeth Sellars
Production Company: J. Arthur Rank Organisation, Europa, British Film-Makers
Kent Locations Used: Gravesend, Stangate Creek

The Long Memory (1953) is a black and white 1953 film based on the 1951 novel of the same name by Howard Clewes. The crime thriller is about Philip Davidson (John Mills) who is wrongfully convicted for murder and given parole after 12 years. Will Philip choose revenge upon the witnesses who lied during the trial, or give himself a fresh start?

Directed by Robert Hamer (Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), The Loves of Joanna Godden (1947)), the film stars John Mills (The Big Sleep (1978), Dunkirk (1958)), John McCallum (Lady Godiva Rides Again (1951), The Loves of Joanna Godden (1947)) and Elizabeth Sellars (The Barefoot Contessa, Forbidden Cargo).

Queen Street and Granby Road in Gravesend feature in the film as the locations for the two Tim Pewsey residences.

black and white image of Stangate Creek, with a wooden fence in front

The Long Memory screenshot at Stangate Creek © General Film Distributors (GFD)

 Gravesend street at night with a man in a trench coat walking away from the camera down the middle

The Long Memory screenshot at Gravesend © General Film Distributors (GFD)

The marshes of the Medway Estuary around Stangate Creek and Iwade were used as the location where Phillip Davidson’s (John Mills) barge is moored.

The historic market town of Gravesend is on the south bank of the River Thames and boasts a cast iron pier, promenade and high street. The area is easily accessible with train links at the nearby Ebbsfleet International station and is close to the M25. The Gravesend area has previously welcomed film productions such as The Interceptor (2015), Babylon (2014) and Age of Heroes (2011).

Stangate Creek is part of the River Medway and has been used as a film location by productions such as Mr Turner (2014), feature film adaption Great Expectations (2012) and the BBC’s Great Expectations (1999).

The Long Memory (1953) was released on Friday 23rd January 1953 and is now available on DVD.

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


Green Grow the Rushes (1951)

Long shot of Romney Marsh

Green Grow the Rushes screenshot at Romney Marsh © A.C.T. Films Ltd

Director: Derek N. Twist
Writer: Howard Clewes
Starring: Roger Livesey, Honor Blackman, Richard Burton
Production Company: Association of Cinema Technicians (A.C.T.)
Kent Locations Used: New Romney, Romney Marsh

British comedy film Green Grow the Rushes (1951) is based on the 1949 novel of the same name by Howard Clewes. Captain Biddle (Roger Livesey) smuggles alcohol along with Robert (Richard Burton), who poses as a fisherman, but when a reporter, Meg (Honor Blackman), arrives in town as well as a group of Government officials investigating the lack of farming on the marshes, will their scheme be exposed?

The film is directed by Derek Twist (Police Dog, All Over the Town) and stars Roger Livesey (The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, A Matter of Life and Death), Honor Blackman (Goldfinger, The Avengers) and a young Richard Burton (The Medusa Touch (1978), Anne of the Thousand Days (1969)).

Green Grow the Rushes was filmed in New Romney and on Romney Marsh which double as the town and marshland.

New Romney high street with a lady walking her bike on the pavement

Green Grow the Rushes screenshot at New Romney © A.C.T. Films Ltd

Romney Marsh is a unique landscape boasting over 100 square miles of woodland, wetlands plus sand and shingle shores. On the edge of Romney Marsh sits its principal town, New Romney. The area has been used as a filming location for projects such as The Honourable Woman (2014), Great Expectations (2011) and Dr Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh (1963).

Green Grow the Rushes (1951) was released on Tuesday 6th November 1951 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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


Lady Godiva Rides Again (1951)

Black and white image of a beauty pageant - girls on the stage with an audience watching

Lady Godiva Rides Again screenshot © London Film Productions

Director: Frank Launder
Writer: Frank Launder, Val Valentine
Starring: Pauline Stroud, Dennis Price, John McCallum, Stanley Holloway, Diana Dors
Production Company: ZSA
Kent Locations Used: The Leas Cliff Hall, The Metropole, Rotunda Amusement Park, Folkestone West Train Station

Lady Godiva Rides Again (1951) is a British comedy film about a small town girl who wins a local beauty pageant and finds herself unprepared for the cutthroat world of fame when she competes in a rigged Fascination Soap beauty competition.

The film was inspired by the 1950 Miss Kent beauty pageant which was held at The Leas Cliff Hall where director and writer Frank Launder was one of the judges in the competition.

The film was directed by Frank Launder (The Lady Vanishes, The Blue Lagoon) who also co-wrote alongside Val Valentine (The Constant Husband, The Rake’s Progress).

The cast includes Pauline Stroud (Dead of Night, Harpers West One), John McCallum (The Loves of Joanna Godden (1947), Trent’s Last Case), Dennis Price (Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), The Rebel), Stanley Holloway (My Fair Lady, Brief Encounter) and Diana Dors (Oliver Twist, The Long Hall).

Cast members arriving at the Metropole Hotel Folkestone for the filming of Lady Godiva Rides Again July 1951

Cast members arriving at the Metropole Hotel Folkestone for the filming of Lady Godiva Rides Again July 1951 © Kent Photo Archive

 

Diana Dors and Dennis Hamilton arriving at the Metropole Hotel Folkestone for the filming of Lady Godiva Rides Again July 1951

Diana Dors and Dennis Hamilton arriving at the Metropole Hotel Folkestone for the filming of Lady Godiva Rides Again July 1951 © Kent Photo Archive

Parade on the Leas during filming of Lady Godiva Rides Again Folkestone July 1951- row of cars driving along the road

Parade on the Leas during filming of Lady Godiva Rides Again Folkestone July 1951 © Kent Photo Archive

Pauline Stroud arriving at the Metropole Hotel Folkestone for the filming of Lady Godiva Rides Again July 1951

Pauline Stroud arriving at the Metropole Hotel Folkestone for the filming of Lady Godiva Rides Again July 1951 © Kent Photo Archive

Diana Dors and Dennis Hamilton arriving at the Metropole Hotel Folkestone for the filming of Lady Godiva Rides Again July 1951 Pauline Stroud arriving at the Metropole Hotel Folkestone for the filming of Lady Godiva Rides Again July 1951

Diana Dors and Dennis Hamilton arriving at the Metropole Hotel Folkestone for the filming of Lady Godiva Rides Again July 1951 Pauline Stroud arriving at the Metropole Hotel Folkestone for the filming of Lady Godiva Rides Again July 1951 © Kent Photo Archive

exterior of The Metropole hotel and pavement in front

Lady Godiva Rides Again screenshot at The Metropole © London Film Productions

The production visited Folkestone where they filmed at The Leas Cliff Hall, which was used as the location for the beauty competition and The Metropole, which was the setting for the seaside hotel hosting the Fascination Soap Pageant. Folkestone West Train Station features in the film for the scenes where Marjorie Clark (Pauline Stroud), arrives and meets Dolores August (Diana Dors). The now closed Rotunda Amusement Park was also used for the scenes where Larry (John McCallum) and Marjorie visit and go on rides.

Folkestone is a town in the Shepway district of Kent and boasts a beach, quaint streets and many studios and galleries at the Creative Quarter. The Leas Cliff Hall is a theatre and entertainment venue offering splendid views across the channel. The Metropole is an old spa hotel which has been redeveloped into flats. The area has used for filming by productions such as The Tunnel (2013), Is Anybody There? (2009) and The Darling Buds of May (1991 – 1993).

Lady Godiva Rides Again (1951) was released in cinemas on Thursday 25th October 1951 and is now available to buy on DVD.

With kind thanks to Kent Photo Archive for allowing us to share their images.

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


Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)

Kind Hearts and Coronets poster- two ladies wearing extravagant hats, with a man behind bars behind them. Kind Hearts and Coronets is written on a poster behind them

Kind Hearts and Coronets © Eagle-Lion Films

Director / Writer: Robert Hamer
Starring: Dennis Price, Alec Guinness, Valerie Hobson, Joan Greenwood, Hugh Griffith
Production Company: Ealing Studios, Michael Balcon Productions
Kent Locations: Leeds Castle, Harrietsham, Boughton Monchelsea

Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) is based on the novel ‘Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal’ by Roy Horniman which tells the story of Louis Mazzini, an aristocrat descendent  who sets out to murder eight D’Ascoynes family heirs in order to become the Duke.

The film has become a timeless classic, being regarded as one of best British films of all time. It has been included in both Time magazine and the BFI top 100 British films of all time.

Eight of the D’Ascoynes are played by the legendary Alec Guiness (The Bridge on the River Kwai, Star Wars) who are one by one murdered in a variety of ways from poisoning to drowning and even exploding.

Leeds Castle doubled as Chalfont Castle, the D’Ascoynes family home. Located on the outskirts of Maidstone, Leeds Castle was built as a Norman stronghold and became the home of royalty, including Henry VIII when he visited Kent. Surrounded by a mote and 500 acres of gardens, the Castle became a monument to the Tudor era and a popular tourist destination. It has also been used for productions such as Lady Jane (1987).

The film also shot outside The Cock Inn pub in Boughton Monchelsea village for the scene where Louis (Dennis Price (The Earth Dies Screaming, The Rebel) takes photos and meets Henry (Alec Guinness). The village is on the outskirts of Maidstone and contains an array of urban and rural land and historic features including a church built in 1100 and a 16th century manor house.

Harrietsham village was also used for the scene where Louis (Dennis Price) rides around the village. Harrietsham is a  rural village to the east of Maidstone and  has many Grade I listed buildings including The Old House and Saxon Church of St John the Baptist.  

Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) was released on Monday 13th June 1949 and is now available on DVD.

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


A Canterbury Tale (1944)

The two soldiers sat at a cafe table, a women is stood in between with a tray serving them.

The two soldiers in a cafe © Granada International

Writer / Director: Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger
Starring: Eric Portman, John Sweet, Sheila Sim and Dennis Price
Production Company: The Archers, Independent Producers
Kent Locations Used: City of Canterbury, Canterbury Cathedral, Chilham, Fordwich, Little Stour, Selling, Wickhambreaux and Wingham

Inspired by the Chaucer tales, this classic film by cinema legends Powell and Pressburger tells the story of a modern day pilgrimage to the beautiful city of Canterbury. Set in the 1940’s amidst the drama of World War II, the film opens with the chance meeting of American G.I Bob Johnson (John Sweet), Land Girl Alison Smith (Sheila Sim) and British Soldier Peter Gibbs (Dennis Price).

On disembarking a train headed for Canterbury, the three arrive in the sleepy fictional village of Chillingbourne. Soldier Peter Gibbs has been stationed at a nearby Army Camp, Alison is due to start work on a local farm and G.I Bob accidentally got off the train believing it to be the stop for Canterbury. On leaving the station to walk to the town hall, Alison is attacked by the Glue Man, a mysterious assailant who pours glue onto the hair of local girls. The three decide to stay in the area in order to do some sleuthing.

Another local Kent village, Fordwich was used for exterior shots of “Chillingbourne” village. Before the Wantsum Channel, a stretch of water that divided The Isle of Thanet from Kent, dried up Fordwich was the main port serving Canterbury. Filmed at Denham Studios and on location around Kent, the film is a visually stunning walk through some of the most scenic locations in the county. Selling Train Station cameos as Chillingbourne Station, where the three main protagonists first meet.  Several Kentish villages were used for the fictional location of Chillingbourne.  The historical village of Wingham was established in Roman times but it has been inhabited since the Stone Age.  In 1286, the Archbishop of Canterbury founded a college in the area and many of the local buildings date back to this time, including The Red Lion Inn which was used for exterior shots of The Hand of Glory Inn for the film.

Near the picturesque village of Chilham, Chilham Mill provided the perfect backdrop for the charming scene where American soldier Joe sails in a row boat with the local children. The mill is the best preserved on the River Stour. It is said that the village itself was inspiration for the name of fictional village Chillingbourne in the film and if true, this would certainly not be the last time Chilham inspired filmmakers. A popular tourist attraction for the county, TV dramas such as Miss Marple (2006) and Poirot (1995) have filmed in the village.

Another local mill in nearby village Wickhambreaux also appeared in the film. As Joe and land girl Alison ride on a cart through the beautiful Kent countryside, the mill features in the background of the shot. The perfect rural setting, the village was once home to Joan of Kent who was wife to Edward Plantagenet, the father of infamous English King Richard II.

The City of Canterbury steals the show at the end of the film as the setting for the dramatic parade of soldiers through the main High Street.  The city skyline is dominated by the stunning Cathedral which is the oldest in England. Canterbury is a place that is both steeped in heritage and tradition and a modern, bustling city. A Canterbury Tale (1944) gives a modern day viewer an insight into how the Second World War affected the city, but even with visible bomb damage, many of the streets used can still be recognised today. The Cathedral itself paid homage to the film in 2006 when it was screened in the Cathedral Nave.

A Canterbury Tale (1944) was released on Monday 21st August 1944 and is now available to buy on DVD.

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