Elstree Calling

 

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

 

 

The late Vince Powell was 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 version of the sitcom he co-wrote, Love They Neighbour, came to be made at Elstree Studios back in 1973:

 

 

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

 

Sady, Vince Powell passed away during 2010. However, his prolific contribution to the world of British comedy, especially situation comedy, will never be forgotten.

 

© Paul Burton 2009

 

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