David Brent

Yet another link to Northallerton - and more pictures.

Northallerton Web

Dave.

Rob Compton

Dave

I think it could well be the "Golden Lion" though I'd have to have another look at the film to be sure - does anyone have a screen grab of the entrance in the film, to compare?

rgds
Rob

Blanche Fury

I watched this again last night - what a great film. The perfect mixture of pathos and gentle humour. The scene in which John Mills has to tell Rosamund John of the death of her husband (Michael Redgrave) is intensely moving, and gives the lie to the idea that buttoned up emotions are less powerful than those that let it all hang out. The lips of the British characters in the film may be as stiff as starched shirt fronts, but you can see the traumas seething just under the surface, especially in the hands (if that's not too mixed a metaphor) of such fine actors.

The only thing that doesn't ring true to me is the way in which the American pilot Johnny Hollis dies. His plane is meant to be crippled, but is manouverable enough to make three landing approaches (we see only two of them) with its wheels locked down, as far as we're told. Then it inexplicably crashes on landing. If landing would be too dangerous, and Hollis doesn't want to risk doing so with a bomb on board or bale out over the airfield, why doesn't he fly to a less populated area, or the sea, and bale out there? Surely they could have come up with a more convincing way for him to die a heroic, poignant death.

In one shot we see the town in which the pub frequented by the pilots is situated. Could anyone please tell me which town it is?

howard 65

I was always under the impression that it was shot in Northallerton and nearby Catterick aerodrome.

I have always had a special affection for this film, as I was four when it was made and I was born in Northallerton and still live not too far away.

Jim

Freeview have shown this film several times over the last few weeks - seems like they all have the same few films and just swop them round the various advertising revenue making channels every now and then!

Even though I have it on tape, I'll usually watch it when shown - sad?

Good morning boys.

smudge

Not at all Jim - this is one for the 'films you can watch over and over again' category.

I find that even though I have something on disc, I enjoy it differently when it's on direct transmission. If it's something brilliant, you can reflect that just like yourself all those years ago, somebody out there is discovering this for the first time ; and saying 'Wow !' just like you did no doubt...

SMUDGE

Welcome to my house. Enter freely, and of your own will...

Marky B

I'm afraid the only memory I have of Northallerton,is going for an interview for a job there in 2003 or 4. I couldn't find the place where the job was,so I was subsequently late for the interview and thus did not get the job.
Ta Ta
Marky B

I am special. The heavens always open for me.

Jim

Cheers Smudge - I'm glad someone else does the same. You're right about someone else viewing an 'oldie' for the first time; especially if the viewer really likes the old B/W Britfilms of yesteryear and those who we would we would call 'younger members'!

Good morning boys.

Freddy

Like a child at Christmas I look forward to when it's on, even though I can see it anytime. Perhaps it is the ego in me getting a kick out of millions (hopefully) of people watching one of MY favourite films.



Freddy

Jim

Freddy - I think you have it there. I like to think now, that there are some young ones watching it too - but wait, should they be at work OR school?

Good morning boys.

Ealingfilmfan

Yes, the village featured in "The way to the stars" was indeed Bedale, (near Northallerton) in North Yorkshire...In fact I happened to be there this week on business......:-)

It hasn't changed much.................

"Just room for one inside sir"

Ted Holmes

Something of a late response this, but there's a selection of music from the film on a NAXOS CD entitled 'Things to Come'. It includes Warsaw Concerto, Cornish Rhapsody, The Night has Eyes, Dream of Olwen and Things to Come - all in their original recordings. Bambi and Spellbound are on it too. A wonderful collection!

Bronco Bullfrog

Just been idly watching the film on TV as I made my elevenses. I too suddenly became intrigued by the location of the village and pub. I think this link will explain all:

Improvements justify the Lion's second chance

for those that can't be bothered to go there, a quick quote:

"Close inspection of the scene on my video version of the film reveals some clever editorial sleight of hand. The officers' little sports car is seen entering Bedale past St Gregory's Church and the market cross, is then obscured by a passing hay cart and is finally seen pulling up outside the distinctive frontage of the Golden Lion (Northallerton)."

Mystery solved....