The Bargee (Harry H Corbett, Ronnie Barker)

[crunchie]

Optimum DVD comes out 15th March 2010:-



Play.com (UK) : The Bargee : DVD - Free Delivery

[flynn]

Thanks for the link.i like that film.i have it on video

but its a bit faded now,so i could do with it on dvd

still a tenner is a bit pricey.or im i just greedy.

[jimc2001]

The Bargee coming out soon:



Play.com (UK) : The Bargee : DVD - Free Delivery

[flynn]

Thanks for the info.Jim. i realy like this film.but at £10.its a bit

to much for my Tight Pockets.

[JamesM]

Threads merged

[Number Six]

I had never seen this film and I've just received and watched my dvd of The Bargee - and what a joy! The Bargee is a gem of a film. Galton and Simpson (Corbett's writers from Steptoe & Son) created the story and wrote the strong script which cleverly combines comedy and drama which allowed Corbett to shine as the obvious star of the film (many agree this is his best film role) and whilst this is undoubtedly his vehicle, there is an extremely strong supporting cast of a plethora of British character actors, in particular Eric Sykes as the totally incompetent mariner, a retired Commander struggling to come to terms with life in much smaller boats! Ronnie Barker, as Hemel's cousin, certainly gives Corbett a run for his money with every scene they share together and shows the early signs of the stardom that was to soon follow. Hugh Griffith is absolutely superb as Julia Foster's 'agressively-possessive' father and his scene in the pub when he challenges all-comers to a drinking competition is pure magic! And finally, Derek Nimmo makes a nice cameo as a 'wet-behind-the-ears doctor. The film is beautifully made and benefits greatly from being shot in Technicolor, giving the already nostalgic locations a dream-like veneer. The boats seen in the film are all genuine working barges, filmed with added poigniancy when you remember that the industry was finally killed-off by the extremely harsh winter the year this film was made. If you haven't seen it - or even if you have, give it a go and enjoy being taken back to an altogether different age in this pleasing and gently amusing tongue-in-cheek tribute to those who plied their trade up and down Britian's waterways. A pure joy!

[earlb]

Thanks to Crunchie i've got my copy of this and it brings nostalgia to the fore.

As a lad I watched this being filmed in my home town of Hemel Hempstead (they gave the name Hemel to Harry H Corbett). Locations were at Two Waters (Roses Lime Juice Wharf), Boxmoor and Winkwell. Sheer joy to watch.

[alan french]

Hi.

I heard that there was a film being made with some big stars on the local canal. (The Grand Union.) I remember after work, I went with a friend to where Rose's Lime Juice used to be. Right close to a pub called The Whip And Collar, there was a barge. Two men were being filmed with a parcel. One was Ronnie Barker, and the other was Harry H. Corbett. I recall seing some lights on the opposite bank and at least Eric Sykes.



I also heard that there was to be a filming session at what was John Dickinson's Apsley Mills. (Their most famous product was Basildon Bond.) I went on this Saturday morning to see what was going on. I crossed the field opposite my house. When we or I, arrived at the canal bank, the Book Depatment's factory, on different levels, had young women at the windows. I do not know how many were actresses or extras. They had to shout and wave at the barge going by that stretch of the canal. I found it interesting that the best wavers were placed more central.

Ronnie Barker was the only star required that day and it was the last day of location. Before shooting started, I recall Ronnie Barker walking past before he boarded the barge.



I had with me, my first cine camera. A Kodak Brownie standard 8. I took some brief film. I thought that there might be objections to this. But surprisingly, the film crew came up to me and showed interest in my primitive camera. We also had a brief chat about the film.



The session was very long and after awhile became tedious. Particularly when occupants of a barge had to collect a spanner, further along the canal bank.



I cannot recall if I was on my own or not. But sooner or later, I popped home for dinner. The filming session was still on.



When I saw the film at the local Hemel Hempstead Odeon, it was on and off the screen very quick.



Today, Rose's Lime Juice is B & Q. The Whip and Collar is an Indian restaurant called K2. The field is now built on plus a marina called Apsley Lock. The cine film, I intend to get transferred but I do not know when. It is inconvenient at the moment. When a few years later I joined The Hemel Hempstead Cine Society, now Hemel Hempstead Movie Makers, someone recognised me from that day, and stated that they wished they had a cine camera at that time. As for Ronnie Barker, I remember when I went home for my dinner, there was a comedy show on radio, and he was in it. I thought to myself, "I have just seen him."



I hope that this has not bored you all.



Alan French.

[crunchie]

Alan - what a fabulous story! Thank you for sharing this with us. Can you remember the year and month by any chance?

[alan french]

Hi Crunchie,

Just seen your message here on the library's public computer. If my memory serves me correctly, it was in the late summer or early autumn of 1963. If I am wrong, then it would be not later than 1964.



If any britmovie members have any old Dickinson Revues, John Dickinson's published an article in this, their work magazine.



I may have to leave here shortly, but as I am writing, It has dawned on me that I am not sitting too far away from microfilm of old Hemel Hempstead Gazettes. I will try and look them up, if not today, but on my next visit. But the more I think of it, I am sure my first answer 1963, is correct.



Alan French.

[flynn]

Great story Alan.

[alan french]

Hi Flynn.

Just seen your message. Thankyou.



Alan French.

[earlb]

Google Image Result for http://shoestring.zapto.org/film_locations/thebargee/thumbnails/Cassiobury1.jpg

[flynn]

Hi Alan.your welcome.

i was hoping when they brought the DVD out.they might have put

some extas on. to do with the Locations. thats the least i would expect

for a Tenner.lol

[alan french]

Hi.

Research on microfilm here in the library has produced the following results:-



In the Hemel Hempstead Gazette published September 30th 1963, there is a small article on the front page regarding THE BARGEE, plus two photogaphs. One is of Harry H. Corbett and Ronnie Barker, possibly chatting to one and other. Ronni Barker is at an angle which does not show his face. The other photgraph is of Eric Sykes with a bearded man holding a clip board.

The heading is, "Sykes and Corbett at Boxmoor." The article then goes on to say that Associated Britsh Pictures had been filming that week at Boxmoor Wharf (Hemel Hempstead.) On the Wednesday it moved to Bourne End. It does not mention that the spot in Bourne End was Winkwell, which earlb's contribution refers in brief detail. For those unfamiliar with Hemel Hempstead, Bourne End is the last outpost of civilized Hemel Hempstead before we hit Berkhamsted. The story claims that it is producer Duncan Wood's first film following his success in television. It does give brief reference to Harry H. Corbett's success in STEPTOE AND SON. No other stars of the film appear other than than Eric Sykes, Ronnie Barker and Harry H. Corbett. It does say that filming was taken along the canal near London to Birmingham.



I suspect that is why John Dickinson's Apsley Mill is not referred, is that it was to be done a little later. When I witnessed the Apsley Mill's session, I was told by someone from the film crew that this sequence was the last day of location, and that Ronnie Barker was the only star required on that day.



I regret that the copy from the microfilm is of inferior quality to reproduce here. Plus the fact I am not sure where I stand with copyright. Sorry. So please take note from the two members who witnessed the location filming and contributed to this thread, which I think has proven more interesting as it has progressed.



Alan French.

[crunchie]

Thanks Alan - fascinating stuff!!

[alan french]

Hi Crunchie,

You are welcome.



Alan French.

[Phil Glass]

This is a fantastic film and the official DVD release was well over due. Thanks to those good folks at Studio Canal. One of Galton and Simpson's finest, with an outstanding cast. Harry H Corbett is perfect as is Ronnie Barker. I am really glad of this release as I hope more people will get to see this, and those who have it will appreciate it better in crystal clear widescreen than their VHS rip lol



Phil



www.harryandwilf.co.uk

For fans of Harry H Corbett and Wilfrid Brambell