Elstree Calling

One of the dressing rooms at Elstree Studios. Photo: © Elstree Studios Ltd.

Vince Powell:

Vince Powell is a veteran comedy writer who has been responsible for some of TV's most-popular sitcoms over the years including George and the Dragon, Bless this House and For the Love of Ada. In 2007, Vince recalled to me how a spin-off film of the sitcom he co-wrote, Love They Neighbour, came to be made at Elstree Studios back in 1973:

Memories of Love Thy Neighbour:

The film version of Love Thy Neighbour came about because of the popularity of the TV series. John Robins - who eventually directed it - was a good friend of mine and persuaded Roy Skeggs of Hammer Films that they should do it.

I often went to the studios during the filming. There was once scene where Rudi Walker was painting Jack Smethurst's face black whilst he was asleep and there was a huge close up of a tin of Crown Paint. I found out later that Hammer was being paid a substantial sum for this advertising. Later I noticed that in a scene where a brewery were delivering beer to the Works Social Club, the camera lingered for ages on the logo of Watney's Brewery and when Jack Smethurst took out a packet of cigarettes the camera did a close up of a packet of Benson & Hedges. All this advertising income helped to pay for the movie!

Vince Powell

© Paul Burton 2008

Please do not use any part of this article without first contacting Paul Burton to request permission.