world war 2

Summerland (2020)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Alice (Gemma Arterton) laying on the grass with a book smiling at the camera with white cliffs as a backdrop.

Gemma Arterton in Summerland (2020) © Michael Wharley Flying Castles Ltd

Writer: Jessica Swale
Director: Jessica Swale
Starring: Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Penelope Wilton, Tom Courtenay
Production Company: British Film Institute, Quickfire Films
Kent Locations Used: The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Dover Castle

Set during WWII, Summerland (2020) is a period drama from writer and first time director Jessica Swale (Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans, Leading Lady Parts) which tells the story of reclusive writer Alice (Gemma Arterton) as she learns to open her heart to Frank (Lucas Bond), a young Blitz evacuee.

This BFI and Quickfire Films production features Gemma Arterton (St. Trinian’s, Prince of Persia: Sands of Time ) as Alice , Lucas Bond as Frank (The Cleansing Hour, The Miniaturist) alongside other cast members Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle 2013), Concussion 2015), Penelope Wilton (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel , Shaun of the Dead) and Tom Courtenay (Doctor Zhivago, 45 Years).

Production for Swale’s directorial feature film debut visited The Historic Dockyard Chatham, making use of multiple areas at the location including; the exterior of the Captain’s House, Officers’ Terrace, Old Pay Office, Sail and Colour Loft and the Fitted Rigging House cellars on Anchor Wharf. The exterior of the medieval Dover Castle makes a small cameo in the film in a dream-like scene.

Set on the River Medway The Historic Dockyard Chatham was once an active Royal Navy shipyard and is a popular Kent filming location, especially for period dramas looking for London street doubles. Recent productions include Hetty Feather (2015-2020), Call the Midwife (2012-2020) and Pagalpanti (2019).

Dover Castle towers above Dover town, signalling Dover’s strategic importance in the defence of the country in World War Two. Other feature films shot at Dover Castle include Christopher Robin (2018), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) and Into the Woods (2015).

Summerland was released in UK cinemas and Amazon Prime Video Cinema on Friday 31st July 2020.

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

Contraband (1940)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Contraband Film Poster- battle ships in the water firing at each other, two floating heads of the main characters are above. A plane is in the air. Conrad Veidt Contraband is written across the centre

Contraband Film Poster © British National Films

Director: Michael Powell
Writers: Emeric Pressburger, Michael Powell
Starring: Conrad Veidt, Valerie Hobson, Hay Petrie
Production Company: British National Films
Kent Locations Used: Ramsgate

Set in early World War II, Contraband (1940) is about a Danish sea captain, delayed in a British port when a blackout occurs. The darkness brings chaos with smugglers and spies wanting to take advantage and the captain is forced to participate in a game of cat and mouse through the dark streets of London looking for important papers that belong to the ship. However, he discovers something a lot bigger than a few thieves trying to make a quick profit.

Directed by Michael Powell (A Canterbury Tale (1944), The Red Shoes), the film stars Conrad Veidt (Casablanca, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari), Valerie Hobson (Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), Great Expectations (1946)) and Hay Petrie (One of Our Aircraft is Missing, Crimes at the Dark House).

Ramsgate, particularly the harbour and railway station, doubled as the fictional town Eastgate-on-Sea in the film.

Situated in East Kent,Ramsgateis a beautiful coastal town, home to the Port of Ramsgate, the only Royal Harbour Marina in the country. The area also boasts a beach, amusements, arcades, shops, restaurants and a theatre. Ramsgate has been used as a film location for Eastenders (2007-2022), Big Bad World (2013) and Johnny English Reborn (2011).

Contraband (1940) was released on Saturday 11th May 1940 and is now available to purchase on DVD.

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