I have worked in the UK Film industry for a number of years being based out of Pinewood Studios here in the UK. I have been grateful to be able to have visited some incredible locations in and around London while being part of a British Film industry. One such production I worked on was "Ultimate Force" with Ross Kemp. It was interesting how the crew transformed the Cement Works in Chinnor, Oxfordshire and another Sand Quarry location in Bedfordshire into Desert scenes. With real horses and believe it or not, a lot of the extras were recruited from local colleges and KEBAB SHOPS! Seriously. Hot tea huts were painted bright colours and Yellow Fiats were placed outside for a scene representing Bogota. The Bogota Taxi and Police Car props and a few "Street Girls" dressed the scene. I have also worked on Batman, Bond, and Harry Potter films. Great fun. But working on a Weekly TV Police Series called The BILL was fascinating as we often filmed in the streets of south London and Wimbledon. Great fun driving the Police Vehicles to and from film locations. WE had to tape over the "police insignia" and put a black cover over the flashing light bar with the words FILM CAR. Good video! Really enjoyed it!
Great video Rob. When i was kid from Manor Park my best mate moved to Beckton and lived on one of the first ‘modern’ housing estates built in Beckton. It backed onto the old gas works. We use to hear and see them filming Full Metal Jacket during the summer school holidays unaware at the time what exactly was going on there. When they’d finish filming for the day, a bunch of us would climb over fences to roam the derelict ruins and film sets and pick up empty bullet cartridges from the day’s filming. To say it was eerie as a kid was an understatement. There’s a fantastic picture of us kids on set which was taken by complete chance by a now famous London photographer who name escapes me which I still have on my phone. It only came to light when it was published in City AM years later as promotion for an exhibition of his and spotted by my mates sister who also was in it. Great memories though. Thanks Rob
I thought Bob Hoskins was the best in Roger Rabbit. I had no clue about all those buildings, it was so much fun to watch. You went above and beyond with this one Rob, thanks.
This. Is. Epic. As a a Film Historian I can't gush enough over the work that has gone into this. I learned more in the 22 minutes than I have ever known. I bow to you Sir.
@@Robslondon Seriously Rob, I am always asked why I have never published. Because I don't have the discipline. My fail. I have such a huge respect for those who have it, Please carry on!
I’m honestly lost for words… thank you so, so much nor999a; it’s difficult to express just how much your kindness means to me. Your incredible donation will help a great deal with my work; thank you so much. You’ve made my day! Thanks again, stay well and bless you for your support. Truly appreciated.
Rob, your attention to detail is outstanding. So much research, must go into these videos. Love that the full metal jacket was fully shot in the uk. Keep up the great work Rob.
I live nearer Ealing Studios now but back in the late '60s travelling home from school in Battersea, across Battersea Bridge on the bus, I remember work being done on the house at the corner of Beaufort Street and Cheyne Walk - ahead left as you travelled back to Chelsea. A huge, greenhouse type window was put in (you can still see it on Google Maps) specifically for a film but sadly I can't now remember what it was. I had it in mind once that it was Alfie but I wouldn't bet on it now I'm afraid. As usual I cannot offer any firm guarantees as to the absolute accuracy of my 'old man' memory 🙂 Tremendous video yet again. Thanks.
Interesting combination for a subway ad in Superman IV at 8:33... I have never seen Scruff McGruff the Crime Dog with Smokey the Bear in an ad before! What a duo, though.
@@Robslondon I am in my mid-30s, so maybe something happened I am unaware of in the past! At any rate, thank you so much for your thorough, well-researched videos. I love them!
@@travis2333 Ha ha! Someone else in the comments has mentioned it's odd to see them together too, maybe the film crew just stuck any images they could together!
Ah I remember using Aldwych station to go to work at Somerset House! I worked at The Inland Revenue in the Printing department! Great group of people to work with! Happy days!
Great video as always thanks. On a current note I can add that the new Ghostbusters movie, set for release in December, is being filmed in the UK/London although the movie is supposed to take place in New York.
I absolutely love this channel... I live in Wembley so have a few day trips on the bike planned for the summer... The mcvities factory has a shop! Ah, memories of Beckton Alp... Fine views of the old West Ham stadium from there ❤
Another terrific piece of work Rob. Really appreciate the amount of research that goes into your videos. It's always fun stumbling across film crews in situ. I remember once, when walking towards Borough markets after a night shift, seeing Park Street (where they shot Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) done up as scene from downtown Hong Kong. It was quite surreal. As was seeing Borough Markets itself at another time remodelled for the fight scene between Colin Firth and Hugh Grant, and of course her 'flat'.
Brilliant video as usual. One of my favourite films shot in London is the classic Ealing comedy The Ladykillers which was shot mostly above the southern portal of Copenhagen Tunnel to the north of Kings Cross and gives a fantastic view of the extensive railway infrastructure that existed in that area in the 1950s as well as a more general view of London in a bygone age. The street Mrs Wilberforce's house was at the end of is long gone but the wall at the end of that street around which the set for her house was built actually still exists.
Superman Goes To Milton Keynes!! 🤣🤣 Now, I'd have paid to see that film! Incidentally, you presumably know why Blofeld got dumped down the chimney? It was connected with the ongoing legal dispute between the producers of the 'official' Bond movies and Kevin McGlory who had produced Never Say Never Again, the remake of Thunderball. As a result of the court case, McGlory jointly owned the rights to some of the key 007 intellectual property, including the character of Blofeld, and there were rumblings about him making another movie with Sean Connery following the release of Never Say Never Again. So Cubby Broccoli decided to turn Blofeld into a figure of fun and kill him off just to undermine and devalue anything McGlory might want to do with the character. Rob, this could be one of your best yet - great research, superb blend of your own footage with public domain images, and absolutely riveting subject matter. Thanks for all the hard work you put in to these films.
Thank you so, so much and what a wonderful comment! I didn’t know about that conflict, but have always thought the scene was a bit odd! Can see why now… Again; thank you. Your support means so much to me. Stay well.
I've been to East Street Market and it is truly a local market. I was directed there by Mr Terrence Driscoll, the owner of Driscoll House, just around the corner on New Kent Road. Sadly, Mr Driscoll is no longer with us and the building was sold to Restup. Thanks for the memories!
Wow Rob some of my earliest memories are from the early 70s at Ruislip Lido during school holidays with my cousins. Pretty sure that's where I learnt to swim. Well that and the river at Hurley. Scenes from a night to remember, one of my favorite movies. Amazing to learn. Just brilliant Rob. 💯🍻
Thank you so much Kerry! I believe it did indeed have a plaque until recently; no idea why it was removed though… should put it back! Cheers and stay well 😉
Thanks for this, and just so you know, I was a competitor in the Second Series of 'Hunted' for Channel 4 in 2016, and Aldwych Tube was used as a location where the remaining Competitors had to all meet up, all together, to get their final briefing for their last week as 'fugitives', after 3 Weeks of being 'on the run', - but the segment was not included in the finished Series. It was tremendously exciting and a huge challenge to have to get to Central London undetected by the 'Hunters', and as soon as we had had our briefing down on the platform, they alerted the Hunters to our whereabouts, and we had only a limited time (I can't remember, it might even have been as little as 30 minutes) to make our escape ! I remember running from there, across the Strand and past the Central Criminal Court, and through the Warren of all the Lawyers Offices, until I could flag down a taxi ! It was HUGE fun ! :)
Rob yet another super video so much detailed information and excellent narration, so many film locations sets in and around around London. No pressure but don't leave it to long for posting your next video
I love your history of London Rob. I was a child in the 1960's, I cycled, Red Rovered and walked much of London with friends and often wondered why was that there. I remember stroking the exquisite woodwork in St Pauls and various places. We could even stand outside 10 Downing street back in the day. Although it has seen some unsavoury characters :o) I remember on Underground stations you had like slot machines with drawers, I think they were Paynes chocolate covered nuts and raisins and such. There were also tobacconist's kiosk's. I live in the Lakes now and visited London probably about 10 years ago and was saddened so much of history has been raised. Thank you :o)
Thank you so much Jo; a truly beautiful comment which I really enjoyed reading. I remember those slot machine drawer vending machines on the Underground... my father pulled a tray too hard once and the whole thing came out! We got quite a few packets of Murray mints that day!! Thanks again and stay well 🙂
Informative + fascinating as ever. I almost never watch movies so I've not seen any of those films. A lot of costume dramas,tv but maybe scenes in films too,I don't know,are shot in that complex of streets,it could almost be called a little village ,in Waterloo around Roupell st. Judy Harris of Streatham who has studied this family (in my ancestry) showed me around the "Roupell places" and they were filming a tv show set in Victorian days that day. Judy leafletted the area to increase her book sales and found out that a significant portion of the houses in those streets are owned by MPs as their London pied de terre. I can see why. Very quiet,you can hear the birds sing!,but close to Westminster.
Wonderful video. I went to Toon Town in Disney in California and it was so much fun. Loved Max Headroom. It's amazing that Full Metal Jacket was filmed mainly in London. I bet most people who watched didn't know. Most people don't watch the credits. You went to some unusual places for the post. You really do your research so well. Really enjoyed your post as always. Which location told you, you couldn't film there, I just can't remember the picture. So good to see all the TV and filming that went on.
Lovely comment Lesley, thank you. I didn't realise there was a Toon Town you could visit! As a kid growing up, I loved Max Headroom too... find him even funnier now when re-watching old clips. It was the Dimco Buildings (used in Who Framed Roger Rabbit) where I was approached by security and told not to film- even though, as you can see in the video, I was on the other side of the road! Fortunately I had most of the footage by that point, even though I believe I was permitted to film... I mean, they're buildings of historical and architectural significance, why on earth should someone be stopped from taking a picture?! Anyway, thanks again for the kind words and stay well :-)
"Originally the film makers wanted to use Patrick Sullivan's kitchen after cooking a holiday meal as the perfect example of a war torn urban scene of utter desolation but they decided to use this instead." Another fantastic episode. I'm going to come back and rewatch this tomorrow to pick up all the little details you provide.
I didn’t realise that some of those films were shot in London! Just goes to show! I know they use Richmond Theatre a lot in films & TV. They don’t a lot of Finding Neverland there and around Richmond Green - it was amazing how quickly they can transform an area to a completely different time. Excellent video Rob ❤
Another great video, Rob! I recently moved to London, and enjoyed walking here so much. It's always nice to spot a place mentioned in one of your videos 😊 Thank you!
Well done Rob. Yet another fascinating, interesting and well researched video. Thank you. There are a lot on here who could learn so much from watching your films. Congratulations I look forward to the next one. Mick
As always nothing but the best from you rob " A night to remember " Is a film that i have watched more than once but never knew it was made at Ruislip lido i have been to Ruislip but only to the tube stations when i was doing all the tube lines in London it took a while to do as i did it on day trips from my home here in Yorkshire and just by pure luck i did the last bit out to Battersea power station on opening day thanks for keeping us so well informed.
Hello Rob Excellent video. Well researched. I know that the movie Ready player one was filmed in London. We visited the location that was used for the IOI headquarters and there is scene that was filmed around the corner of one of the hotels we have stayed in the Apex at the tower. Lots of films and TV shows have been filmed in our home town of Hamilton and I can spot right away. Thanks for the video. Missing London already. Take Care Chris and Sandra of Canada.
That is an excellent idea Steven and one which I am indeed hoping to do at some point. I wrote an article about the subject quite a few years ago for Time Out; you can read it here: www.timeout.com/london/blog/11-legendary-recording-studios-in-london-every-muso-should-know-112515 I'd like to expand upon it in a video ;-) Cheers and stay well.
Really enjoyed this one. Thanks Rob. I seem to remember the McVities biscuit factory was near where I was teaching back in 1980. I think there was a cricket ground in the vicinity. Yeah on occasion I had to take a gaggle of kids out for fresh air.
Nice comment David, many thanks :-) I believe 'Grange Hill' was filmed at a school not too far from there in the late 70s/early 80s. Can't remember which one off the top of my head though. Cheers and stay well.
Thanks for another fun video. I always enjoy them. One thing that was extra interesting to me was the Smokey the Bear poster in the Superman footage. The dog with him is McGruff the Crime Dog who appeared in PSAs, mainly aimed at children, about how to avoid being the victim of crime. It's interesting because I don't remember them ever teaming up like this, but I could very well be wrong or not remember. I guess poor Woodsy Owl got left out.
Lovely comment, thank you! Yes, someone else mentioned that earlier too, sounds like the crew put the two characters together to make it look extra American, even though they're not usually seen together in such a way!
Very interesting thanks for that , used to work in Cambridge Heath Rd E2 at the rear of our premises was Corbridge Crescent and Angel Passage, the large gloomy house at the end of the crescent was in Tinker Taylor etc and many other films as was the passage , the area was difficult to access and out of the way and perfect for filming.
Rob, this was so interesting, I lived near Ruislip Lido and had no idea it was a film set. Your research into your videos is exemplary and I applaud your effort and narration. I look forward to your next video.
Thank you very much Rob once again that was incredibly interesting. It’s amazing how they can dress something up in Britain to look at the place somewhere else
Hi Rob, 👍 a 5⭐ production. Now was the dog on leash yours at Ruislip Lido @ 15:01. Apparently the imported 🌴 🌴🌴 used in Full Metal Jacket were donated to locations in the UK who wanted them like seaside proms etc. BTW Rob your voice and narration is soooo smooth it's better than hot chocolate drink, you could tell the biggest porkies and get away with it 😂. Watch out for my donation to your research fund, you deserve it matey. Cheers DougT in Mancs
You’ve made my morning with that comment Doug, thanks so much! That’s fascinating about the palm trees, I had no idea! And yes, that is my dog- Rosie ☺️ You can see her briefly too in the Devon cliff railway video from last year. Cheers again mate and stay well.
Thank you sincerely absolutely fascinating. I have been fascinated by movies since watching Hollywood films of the 30’s and 40’s. Discovering the truth behind the actual reality of Hollywood was a shock but also intriguing. You can’t believe anything you see because of technology now able to do anything and sadly they want to use entertainment as propaganda making a lot of stuff unwatchable. However it’s fascinating to discover these magic gems and I’m always in awe at the lengths creators will go to create a scene, an image, an era which often lives in our movie memories forever.
Great Video Rob , Thank You . Beckton Gas Works was also the location for the band Oasis Music Video ' Do You Know What I Mean ' with some of the FMJ Artwork still in view . Regards
A fascinating Sunday evening view as always. After tea I settle down and wait for Ben Ben’s chimes then your friendly greeting. I wonder how many films or television programmes have used locations in and around London. As a child in the sixties an episode of The Avengers was filmed not too far from where I lived.
You are correct about James Cameron and the British Film Crew on Aliens. During filming the crew kept telling him the film was going to be rubbish. He asked them was was the best film they had worked on, and they said Carry On Up The Khyber 🤣🤣. I got that from my Dad's friend who worked on Aliens
Oh my, so interesting and cannot believe how much I have learnt from you. Cannot thank you enough for your interesting videos and the time and effort you put into it. ❤
The opening scenes of The Krays was filmed at Hackney Free & Parochial School, at the corner of Lansdowne Drive & Wilton Way - my father was the school care taker there.
I seem to recall that Bee Duffel also played the archaologist, Miss Dobson, the lady who first discovers the Martian ship, ("I don't think this is a pipe...") in the 1959 BBC version of 'Quatermass And The Pit'.
That is correct. She was also in Fahrenheit 451 as "The Book Woman" - a book collector who chooses to die with her books. She was also the Old Crone in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Unfortunately this was a posthumous role as she died between the filming and the release of the film.
Love your channel Rob, currently in the midst of binge watching the lot 😂. One place that holds memories for me as a child, is the Jam Factory. Located in Bermondsey, my father worked on the site as an electrician in the early 90’s. It was used as a film/production set for “Young Indiana Jones” and “London’s Burning” then converted into multi million pound flat I believe. No idea if it would be of interest to others but I would love to see a video on this place. Keep up the great content Rob.
@@Robslondon yes, my father snuck me in and to the best of my memory the set was of an old tavern with some sort of old vehicle sat outside. They were old stories about how a worker had died in one of the rooms - one day my Dad took our dog and he would enjoy the freedom of the factory… apart from one room where he would never enter and just growl by the entrance and whimper until my dad came back out - which he always found spooky. The episode of Londons Burning is SE:1EP:16 and is representative of the way I remember it. I have heard that Robert De Niro bought one of the flats. Whether ANY of the above is true Who knows but I’d like to try and find more about its history.
Wow Rob, so much interesting information. I knew that FMJ was shot in the UK because my brother-in-law was in it but I didn't know the location. Very cool to learn about it. But then even cooler, didn't you go and feature him in your video! Crazy Earl! Cheers for that. So glad I found your channel.
Crazy Earl is your brother-in-law? That's incredible! What a great connection to have! Thanks so much for this comment it's made my day :-) Cheers and stay well.
Were Beckton Gasworks also where most of the car chases in the TV show 'The Professionals' used to end up? Lots of scenes of cars racing about, and making a racket inside huge abandoned buildings, I seem to remember.
Ha ha! Yes, there was a lot of waste ground in London back then wasn’t there where they used to film. I think they used Nine Elms too. My dad met Martin Shaw in a pub at around the time he was in the Professionals; had a good drinking session with him!
Bit late to the party here, Oasis video for "D'you know what I mean" was also filmed at Beckton Gas Works with visible references to Full Metal Jacket Back to Kubrick and Clockwork orange, there were multiple London locations in Kings Road, Wandsworth and Brunel Uni to name a few.
Fantastic. Thoroughly engaging, like a mini movie. Wasn’t the south (east) of London Bridge used in …. One of the recent James Bond Films ? As the entrance to where M or maybe Q had their office.
A very minor addition - I used to work in Adam Street just off the Strand; about 4 or 5 years ago the street was taken over by a film crew (whilst I was still working, thus able to observe. It was redressed as Washington DC in 1984, changing the Smith & Wollensky steak restaurant into a Washington DC lawyers office, and the back of the Adelphi into a Washington hotel. They then proceeded to drive around 11 or 12 1980s US cars round and round in a loop for a couple of hours or so. I wasn't convinced at the time this would fool an audience. But when I saw the film "Wonder Woman 1984" - it was seamless - despite being a slightly lack-lustre sequel. Unfortunately I didn't get to meet Chris Pine or the wonderful Gal Gadot.
nice one Ruislip Lido had a boating lake back in the 1970s and 80s - complete with an island which you can imagine served as a lovers paradise. It had speed boating. Both have now been abolished because local housing plots were built on a flood plain when it was heavy rainfall and so the water was lowered and so no more boating or speed boats. Shame. Great place. Still has a wonderful carvery there though.
@@Robslondon I used to go to Aldwych station when I worked for Bank of America, I used to be p*ssed when I missed it and it was quicker to walk to the building :( mid 80's
Not too sure how I'd feel about filming amid all that toxic waste at Becton Gas Works. Having said that Matthew Modine is still with us so perhaps they had things under control. Great video as usual.
Fantastic. I learn absolutely loads of hidden history of London from every single one of your episodes. Interesting and fun. Thank you Rob.
Thank you so much Ali 😊 Stay well
I have worked in the UK Film industry for a number of years being based out of Pinewood Studios here in the UK. I have been grateful to be able to have visited some incredible locations in and around London while being part of a British Film industry. One such production I worked on was "Ultimate Force" with Ross Kemp. It was interesting how the crew transformed the Cement Works in Chinnor, Oxfordshire and another Sand Quarry location in Bedfordshire into Desert scenes. With real horses and believe it or not, a lot of the extras were recruited from local colleges and KEBAB SHOPS! Seriously. Hot tea huts were painted bright colours and Yellow Fiats were placed outside for a scene representing Bogota. The Bogota Taxi and Police Car props and a few "Street Girls" dressed the scene.
I have also worked on Batman, Bond, and Harry Potter films. Great fun. But working on a Weekly TV Police Series called The BILL was fascinating as we often filmed in the streets of south London and Wimbledon. Great fun driving the Police Vehicles to and from film locations. WE had to tape over the "police insignia" and put a black cover over the flashing light bar with the words FILM CAR.
Good video! Really enjoyed it!
Brilliant comment! An amazing insight :-D And thank you for the kind words- stay well.
Great video Rob. When i was kid from Manor Park my best mate moved to Beckton and lived on one of the first ‘modern’ housing estates built in Beckton. It backed onto the old gas works. We use to hear and see them filming Full Metal Jacket during the summer school holidays unaware at the time what exactly was going on there. When they’d finish filming for the day, a bunch of us would climb over fences to roam the derelict ruins and film sets and pick up empty bullet cartridges from the day’s filming. To say it was eerie as a kid was an understatement. There’s a fantastic picture of us kids on set which was taken by complete chance by a now famous London photographer who name escapes me which I still have on my phone. It only came to light when it was published in City AM years later as promotion for an exhibition of his and spotted by my mates sister who also was in it. Great memories though. Thanks Rob
Such a brilliant comment Ken, thank you! I’d love to see the photo
@ I’m not on social media but if you have an email for your channel I can send you it Rob.
@@casualken Thanks- you can email it to roblordan@gmail.com 😀
I thought Bob Hoskins was the best in Roger Rabbit. I had no clue about all those buildings, it was so much fun to watch. You went above and beyond with this one Rob, thanks.
Thank you so much Angela :-) Yes, Bob Hoskins was great; sorely missed. Cheers and stay well.
This. Is. Epic. As a a Film Historian I can't gush enough over the work that has gone into this. I learned more in the 22 minutes than I have ever known. I bow to you Sir.
That means a lot to me John, thank you so much. Stay well my friend, and thanks again.
@@Robslondon Seriously Rob, I am always asked why I have never published. Because I don't have the discipline. My fail. I have such a huge respect for those who have it, Please carry on!
@@itsjohndell Bless you John, many thanks.
Thanks and appreciate your 'Unexpexcted London Film Locations'. Superb research and video quality production
I’m honestly lost for words… thank you so, so much nor999a; it’s difficult to express just how much your kindness means to me.
Your incredible donation will help a great deal with my work; thank you so much. You’ve made my day!
Thanks again, stay well and bless you for your support. Truly appreciated.
Rob, your attention to detail is outstanding. So much research, must go into these videos. Love that the full metal jacket was fully shot in the uk. Keep up the great work Rob.
Really appreciate your kind words and support Paul, thank you 😊
I live nearer Ealing Studios now but back in the late '60s travelling home from school in Battersea, across Battersea Bridge on the bus, I remember work being done on the house at the corner of Beaufort Street and Cheyne Walk - ahead left as you travelled back to Chelsea. A huge, greenhouse type window was put in (you can still see it on Google Maps) specifically for a film but sadly I can't now remember what it was. I had it in mind once that it was Alfie but I wouldn't bet on it now I'm afraid.
As usual I cannot offer any firm guarantees as to the absolute accuracy of my 'old man' memory 🙂
Tremendous video yet again. Thanks.
Great comment Paul, thank you so much. I’m intrigued now! Will have to look into the location you mention 😉 Cheers and stay well.
Interesting combination for a subway ad in Superman IV at 8:33... I have never seen Scruff McGruff the Crime Dog with Smokey the Bear in an ad before! What a duo, though.
Yes, being British I’m no expert, but I did assume it was odd for them to be pictured together!
@@Robslondon I am in my mid-30s, so maybe something happened I am unaware of in the past! At any rate, thank you so much for your thorough, well-researched videos. I love them!
@@travis2333 Ha ha! Someone else in the comments has mentioned it's odd to see them together too, maybe the film crew just stuck any images they could together!
Firestarter by Prodigy was also filmed at Aldwych,
Thanks for the great video 😊
Yes!! Good one Kerim! ;-) Thanks and stay well.
Ah I remember using Aldwych station to go to work at Somerset House! I worked at The Inland Revenue in the Printing department! Great group of people to work with! Happy days!
Cheers Andy ;-)
I had always thought that Millennium Mills was used in Full Metal Jacket, so thanks for correcting me.
No worries! Thanks for watching James
Great video as always thanks. On a current note I can add that the new Ghostbusters movie, set for release in December, is being filmed in the UK/London although the movie is supposed to take place in New York.
Thanks Thomas- and that’s brilliant, I didn’t know about the Ghostbusters link! 👻
I absolutely love this channel... I live in Wembley so have a few day trips on the bike planned for the summer... The mcvities factory has a shop! Ah, memories of Beckton Alp... Fine views of the old West Ham stadium from there ❤
😄
A true London's son!!!
Give this man the keys to the city💯🇬🇧💪🧐
CHEERS Rob, another good show put together. Look after🎬🙏👍🗣️🤩😍🤔😇🇬🇧
Bless you Gary, that comment had just made my evening 😄 Much appreciated; cheers and stay well!
Excellent video.
Also the 1986 movie Biggles adventures in time was filmed at Beckton and the Tower Bridge area.
Thanks very much Simon. I didn't know about that film, will have to look it up! Cheers.
Another terrific piece of work Rob. Really appreciate the amount of research that goes into your videos. It's always fun stumbling across film crews in situ. I remember once, when walking towards Borough markets after a night shift, seeing Park Street (where they shot Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) done up as scene from downtown Hong Kong. It was quite surreal. As was seeing Borough Markets itself at another time remodelled for the fight scene between Colin Firth and Hugh Grant, and of course her 'flat'.
Lovely comment, thank you! Yes Borough is a popular filming location for sure.
I once saw Taggart being filmed outside Glasgow central station 😅
@@D_B_Cooper 😀
Brilliant video as usual. One of my favourite films shot in London is the classic Ealing comedy The Ladykillers which was shot mostly above the southern portal of Copenhagen Tunnel to the north of Kings Cross and gives a fantastic view of the extensive railway infrastructure that existed in that area in the 1950s as well as a more general view of London in a bygone age. The street Mrs Wilberforce's house was at the end of is long gone but the wall at the end of that street around which the set for her house was built actually still exists.
Wonderful comment, and thank you for the kind words.
Your insight, and the research you do for your videos, you should have 10x subscribers at least.
Well done, and don't stop.
That means a great deal to me Michael; many thanks my friend. Stay well.
Michael I concur, wonderful and supportive comment. All the very best, Robs dad.
Superman Goes To Milton Keynes!! 🤣🤣 Now, I'd have paid to see that film! Incidentally, you presumably know why Blofeld got dumped down the chimney? It was connected with the ongoing legal dispute between the producers of the 'official' Bond movies and Kevin McGlory who had produced Never Say Never Again, the remake of Thunderball. As a result of the court case, McGlory jointly owned the rights to some of the key 007 intellectual property, including the character of Blofeld, and there were rumblings about him making another movie with Sean Connery following the release of Never Say Never Again. So Cubby Broccoli decided to turn Blofeld into a figure of fun and kill him off just to undermine and devalue anything McGlory might want to do with the character.
Rob, this could be one of your best yet - great research, superb blend of your own footage with public domain images, and absolutely riveting subject matter. Thanks for all the hard work you put in to these films.
Thank you so, so much and what a wonderful comment!
I didn’t know about that conflict, but have always thought the scene was a bit odd! Can see why now…
Again; thank you. Your support means so much to me. Stay well.
I've been to East Street Market and it is truly a local market. I was directed there by Mr Terrence Driscoll, the owner of Driscoll House, just around the corner on New Kent Road. Sadly, Mr Driscoll is no longer with us and the building was sold to Restup. Thanks for the memories!
Thanks 😉
Wow Rob some of my earliest memories are from the early 70s at Ruislip Lido during school holidays with my cousins. Pretty sure that's where I learnt to swim. Well that and the river at Hurley. Scenes from a night to remember, one of my favorite movies. Amazing to learn. Just brilliant Rob. 💯🍻
Thank you so much Paul :-) Much appreciated; hope you're keeping well.
Thank you for this interesting and informative work. Your research and presentation are faultless 👍 Well done 👏
Thanks Mr John, much appreciated.
Loved your video, an idea for a future video "Locations from Bed-knobs and Broom-Sticks" .
Thank you! Funnily enough I am hoping to do a video on Portobello Road at some point ;-)
@@Robslondon Thank you! I hope your video goes well!
@@lordbarristertimsh8050 Thanks!
Absolute blinder of a post, well done Rob your research is top notch. That little cottage deserves a plaque, thank you for this outstanding post.
Thank you so much Kerry! I believe it did indeed have a plaque until recently; no idea why it was removed though… should put it back! Cheers and stay well 😉
Another great video Rob thanks, as always.
Many thanks John! Hope you’re keeping well.
Honestly Rob, I cannot thank you enough for these totally brilliant videos you create. You are truly gifted! ❤😊
Bless you Maz, thank you :-)
Thoroughly enjoyable video Rob, my favourite ~ Superman outside Milton Keynes station !! 😅
😄 Thank you Rachel!
Thanks for this, and just so you know, I was a competitor in the Second Series of 'Hunted' for Channel 4 in 2016, and Aldwych Tube was used as a location where the remaining Competitors had to all meet up, all together, to get their final briefing for their last week as 'fugitives', after 3 Weeks of being 'on the run', - but the segment was not included in the finished Series.
It was tremendously exciting and a huge challenge to have to get to Central London undetected by the 'Hunters', and as soon as we had had our briefing down on the platform, they alerted the Hunters to our whereabouts, and we had only a limited time (I can't remember, it might even have been as little as 30 minutes) to make our escape !
I remember running from there, across the Strand and past the Central Criminal Court, and through the Warren of all the Lawyers Offices, until I could flag down a taxi ! It was HUGE fun ! :)
Great comment Nick! Hunted is a great series, what a wonderful thing to say you’ve been part of 😉
@@Robslondon Thanks Rob ! 😃
Rob yet another super video so much detailed information and excellent narration, so many film locations sets in and around around London. No pressure but don't leave it to long for posting your next video
Thanks so much Butch! I’m currently aiming for a video every two weeks so stay tuned 😉 Stay well.
I love your history of London Rob. I was a child in the 1960's, I cycled, Red Rovered and walked much of London with friends and often wondered why was that there. I remember stroking the exquisite woodwork in St Pauls and various places. We could even stand outside 10 Downing street back in the day. Although it has seen some unsavoury characters :o) I remember on Underground stations you had like slot machines with drawers, I think they were Paynes chocolate covered nuts and raisins and such. There were also tobacconist's kiosk's. I live in the Lakes now and visited London probably about 10 years ago and was saddened so much of history has been raised. Thank you :o)
Thank you so much Jo; a truly beautiful comment which I really enjoyed reading.
I remember those slot machine drawer vending machines on the Underground... my father pulled a tray too hard once and the whole thing came out! We got quite a few packets of Murray mints that day!!
Thanks again and stay well 🙂
Informative + fascinating as ever. I almost never watch movies so I've not seen any of those films. A lot of costume dramas,tv but maybe scenes in films too,I don't know,are shot in that complex of streets,it could almost be called a little village ,in Waterloo around Roupell st. Judy Harris of Streatham who has studied this family (in my ancestry) showed me around the "Roupell places" and they were filming a tv show set in Victorian days that day. Judy leafletted the area to increase her book sales and found out that a significant portion of the houses in those streets are owned by MPs as their London pied de terre. I can see why. Very quiet,you can hear the birds sing!,but close to Westminster.
Thank you Jane, yes Roupell Street is very atmospheric… stay well.
Wonderful video. I went to Toon Town in Disney in California and it was so much fun. Loved Max Headroom. It's amazing that Full Metal Jacket was filmed mainly in London. I bet most people who watched didn't know. Most people don't watch the credits. You went to some unusual places for the post. You really do your research so well. Really enjoyed your post as always. Which location told you, you couldn't film there, I just can't remember the picture. So good to see all the TV and filming that went on.
Lovely comment Lesley, thank you.
I didn't realise there was a Toon Town you could visit! As a kid growing up, I loved Max Headroom too... find him even funnier now when re-watching old clips.
It was the Dimco Buildings (used in Who Framed Roger Rabbit) where I was approached by security and told not to film- even though, as you can see in the video, I was on the other side of the road! Fortunately I had most of the footage by that point, even though I believe I was permitted to film... I mean, they're buildings of historical and architectural significance, why on earth should someone be stopped from taking a picture?!
Anyway, thanks again for the kind words and stay well :-)
"Originally the film makers wanted to use Patrick Sullivan's kitchen after cooking a holiday meal as the perfect example of a war torn urban scene of utter desolation but they decided to use this instead." Another fantastic episode. I'm going to come back and rewatch this tomorrow to pick up all the little details you provide.
Ha ha! My kitchen can get a bit like that too sometimes Patrick ;-) Thanks for the lovely comment and stay well.
@17: - "Post Apocalipticky" is now my favourite phrase. Thanks Rob!
Ha ha! I didn't even realise I'd said it like that! :-D Cheers and stay well.
As a former member of the Queens regiment in his 50s, I've run those roads and been over the assault course used in the FMJ.
Great comment. Must be strange seeing them in an American context?
I didn’t realise that some of those films were shot in London! Just goes to show! I know they use Richmond Theatre a lot in films & TV. They don’t a lot of Finding Neverland there and around Richmond Green - it was amazing how quickly they can transform an area to a completely different time. Excellent video Rob ❤
Thank you so much Louise :-). I didn't know Richmond Green was used for that film, interesting. Stay well.
Great content. I enjoyed watching it and loved it. Keep up the good work, Robert. 👍👍👍😍😍😍
Bless you Sharon, thank you so much 😊
Battersea power station and the cooling towers were also used quite prominently in Terry Gilliams / Monty Python film Brazil. A timeless masterpiece.
Another great video, Rob! I recently moved to London, and enjoyed walking here so much. It's always nice to spot a place mentioned in one of your videos 😊 Thank you!
Such a lovely comment Julia, thank you! Glad I can help in some way 😊
Another classic works Rob showing more interesting history of London. Great work as always
Thank you so much Doug, much appreciated as ever. Stay well mate.
Another fantastic effort!!
I expect this could be expanded into a rather lengthy, but entertaining, vein of material for future presentations.
Thanks Cossie! 😉
Well done Rob. Yet another fascinating, interesting and well researched video. Thank you. There are a lot on here who could learn so much from watching your films. Congratulations I look forward to the next one. Mick
I really appreciate that Mick, thank you. Stay well mate.
As always nothing but the best from you rob " A night to remember " Is a film that i have watched more than once but never knew it was made at Ruislip lido i have been to Ruislip but only to the tube stations when i was doing all the tube lines in London it took a while to do as i did it on day trips from my home here in Yorkshire and just by pure luck i did the last bit out to Battersea power station on opening day thanks for keeping us so well informed.
A pleasure Tony, thank so much for your lovely comment and kind words. Stay well my friend.
Hello Rob
Excellent video. Well researched. I know that the movie Ready player one was filmed in London. We visited the location that was used for the IOI headquarters and there is scene that was filmed around the corner of one of the hotels we have stayed in the Apex at the tower. Lots of films and TV shows have been filmed in our home town of Hamilton and I can spot right away. Thanks for the video. Missing London already. Take Care Chris and Sandra of Canada.
Brilliant comment thank you; I had no idea about Ready Player One being filmed here. Hope you enjoyed your trip; stay well.
Your videos never fail to uplift, educate and motivate (me to book a weekend in the big smoke) 😊
James, that means a lot to me my friend. Thank you so much :-) Stay well.
What a great video!
Thank you so much! Truly appreciated.
You should consider a recording studio around London and the albums made in them
That is an excellent idea Steven and one which I am indeed hoping to do at some point.
I wrote an article about the subject quite a few years ago for Time Out; you can read it here:
www.timeout.com/london/blog/11-legendary-recording-studios-in-london-every-muso-should-know-112515
I'd like to expand upon it in a video ;-) Cheers and stay well.
Thank You!
What a wonderful insight into the past that is so important.
It’s a pleasure Marcus, thank you so much for watching and also for the kind words. Stay well.
Really enjoyed this one. Thanks Rob. I seem to remember the McVities biscuit factory was near where I was teaching back in 1980. I think there was a cricket ground in the vicinity. Yeah on occasion I had to take a gaggle of kids out for fresh air.
Nice comment David, many thanks :-) I believe 'Grange Hill' was filmed at a school not too far from there in the late 70s/early 80s. Can't remember which one off the top of my head though. Cheers and stay well.
Epic. Never knew about the buildings next to Westfield being in movies. Love the buildings and still love Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Cheers Simon. Yes, it's a great film, one of my favourites ;-) Stay well.
Thanks for another fun video. I always enjoy them. One thing that was extra interesting to me was the Smokey the Bear poster in the Superman footage. The dog with him is McGruff the Crime Dog who appeared in PSAs, mainly aimed at children, about how to avoid being the victim of crime. It's interesting because I don't remember them ever teaming up like this, but I could very well be wrong or not remember. I guess poor Woodsy Owl got left out.
Lovely comment, thank you! Yes, someone else mentioned that earlier too, sounds like the crew put the two characters together to make it look extra American, even though they're not usually seen together in such a way!
That was really good. Fascinating stuff. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much 😊
Very interesting thanks for that , used to work in Cambridge Heath Rd E2 at the rear of our premises was Corbridge Crescent and Angel Passage, the large gloomy house at the end of the crescent was in Tinker Taylor etc and many other films as was the passage , the area was difficult to access and out of the way and perfect for filming.
Many thanks Bob- good location too, I wasn’t aware of that one. Cheers!
Rob, this was so interesting, I lived near Ruislip Lido and had no idea it was a film set. Your research into your videos is exemplary and I applaud your effort and narration. I look forward to your next video.
You’re a gentleman Michael, thank you so much. Stay well.
@@Robslondon You too Rob...keep up the great work.
@@moogmike1 Thanks mate.
Thank you very much Rob once again that was incredibly interesting. It’s amazing how they can dress something up in Britain to look at the place somewhere else
Ha ha, yes indeed Ron! Cheers and stay well 😉
Hi Rob, 👍 a 5⭐ production. Now was the dog on leash yours at Ruislip Lido @ 15:01. Apparently the imported 🌴 🌴🌴 used in Full Metal Jacket were donated to locations in the UK who wanted them like seaside proms etc. BTW Rob your voice and narration is soooo smooth it's better than hot chocolate drink, you could tell the biggest porkies and get away with it 😂. Watch out for my donation to your research fund, you deserve it matey. Cheers DougT in Mancs
You’ve made my morning with that comment Doug, thanks so much!
That’s fascinating about the palm trees, I had no idea! And yes, that is my dog- Rosie ☺️ You can see her briefly too in the Devon cliff railway video from last year.
Cheers again mate and stay well.
@@Robslondon Rob, jobs a goodun multitasking, filming and walking Rosie all at same time. Cheers DougT
@@douglasthompson296 Ha ha! Cheers Doug ;-)
Doug what an amazing comment, made my day as well. All the very best Robs Dad.
I used to work by the old Becton Gas Works. It was my favourite local fact that FullMetal Jacket was filmed there.
It is a great fact isn’t it 😉
@@Robslondon just nice to have a local fact near me that isn't about some poor women getting murdered!
@@Bus_Driver_Jay Yes indeed!
Well done Rob!
London history is a!ways fascinating.
Cheers Joe! ;-)
Once again, thoroughly researched and presented in a most interesting manner. Keep up the great work, Rob!
Thank you so much Paul. Stay well.
So well put together, thanks for another interesting and fun video
It’s a pleasure; thank you so much for watching 😊
Very interesting and well produced video. I believe some scenes for Full Metal Jacket were also filmed on the Cliffe Marshes by the Thames in Kent.
Interesting, thank you.
Thank you sincerely absolutely fascinating. I have been fascinated by movies since watching Hollywood films of the 30’s and 40’s. Discovering the truth behind the actual reality of Hollywood was a shock but also intriguing. You can’t believe anything you see because of technology now able to do anything and sadly they want to use entertainment as propaganda
making a lot of stuff unwatchable. However it’s fascinating to discover these magic gems and I’m always in awe at the lengths creators will go to create a scene, an image, an era which often lives in our movie memories forever.
Thank you so much; an excellent comment. Stay well.
Great Video Rob , Thank You . Beckton Gas Works was also the location for the band Oasis Music Video ' Do You Know What I Mean ' with some of the FMJ Artwork still in view . Regards
Thanks so much Remy700; nice one about Oasis 😉 Cheers
What a brilliant video, must of taken ages to put it all together, cheers Rob
Thank you so much Mark. There was a lot of filming involved but I enjoyed it! Cheers 😉
A fascinating Sunday evening view as always. After tea I settle down and wait for Ben Ben’s chimes then your friendly greeting. I wonder how many films or television programmes have used locations in and around London. As a child in the sixties an episode of The Avengers was filmed not too far from where I lived.
Such a lovely comment Mark, thank you. Stay well mate 😉
Very interesting so much research and effort has gone into this. Many thanks 👍
Really appreciate that, thank you. Stay well.
Superb Rob, absolutely fascinating.
Thank you so much, really appreciate your kind words 😊 Stay well.
You are correct about James Cameron and the British Film Crew on Aliens. During filming the crew kept telling him the film was going to be rubbish. He asked them was was the best film they had worked on, and they said Carry On Up The Khyber 🤣🤣. I got that from my Dad's friend who worked on Aliens
🤣🤣🤣 That’s brilliant!
Oh my, so interesting and cannot believe how much I have learnt from you. Cannot thank you enough for your interesting videos and the time and effort you put into it. ❤
It’s a pleasure Gill! I couldn’t do it though without your support and encouragement ☺️ Thank you so much for the kind words and stay well!
@@Robslondon ❤️❤️ bless you. The detail blows me away. I only wish I could pay my TV license to you. 😀
I'm amazed by your work. Thank you so much. 😊
It’s a pleasure! Thanks for watching 😊
The opening scenes of The Krays was filmed at Hackney Free & Parochial School, at the corner of Lansdowne Drive & Wilton Way - my father was the school care taker there.
Interesting, thanks.
Another superb video Rob. Cheers M
Thank you so much Mervyn 😊
Another great video, thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Stephen :-)
My great aunt Bee Duffell was one of those aboard the lifeboats in “A Night To Remember”. Thank you for the info about the location!
Brilliant comment! What a great family link to have :-) Thanks and stay well.
I seem to recall that Bee Duffel also played the archaologist, Miss Dobson, the lady who first discovers the Martian ship, ("I don't think this is a pipe...") in the 1959 BBC version of 'Quatermass And The Pit'.
That is correct. She was also in Fahrenheit 451 as "The Book Woman" - a book collector who chooses to die with her books. She was also the Old Crone in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Unfortunately this was a posthumous role as she died between the filming and the release of the film.
"Oh, what kind of world is this, where people say "Ni!" to old ladies?"
Love your channel Rob, currently in the midst of binge watching the lot 😂.
One place that holds memories for me as a child, is the Jam Factory. Located in Bermondsey, my father worked on the site as an electrician in the early 90’s. It was used as a film/production set for “Young Indiana Jones” and “London’s Burning” then converted into multi million pound flat I believe. No idea if it would be of interest to others but I would love to see a video on this place.
Keep up the great content Rob.
Thanks so much Ben, great comment! Yes, I know the Jam Factory but had no idea it had been used for filming! Very interesting, thank you 😉
@@Robslondon yes, my father snuck me in and to the best of my memory the set was of an old tavern with some sort of old vehicle sat outside. They were old stories about how a worker had died in one of the rooms - one day my Dad took our dog and he would enjoy the freedom of the factory… apart from one room where he would never enter and just growl by the entrance and whimper until my dad came back out - which he always found spooky.
The episode of Londons Burning is SE:1EP:16 and is representative of the way I remember it. I have heard that Robert De Niro bought one of the flats.
Whether ANY of the above is true Who knows but I’d like to try and find more about its history.
@@soulfreeek Wow!
Wow Rob, so much interesting information. I knew that FMJ was shot in the UK because my brother-in-law was in it but I didn't know the location. Very cool to learn about it. But then even cooler, didn't you go and feature him in your video! Crazy Earl! Cheers for that. So glad I found your channel.
Crazy Earl is your brother-in-law? That's incredible! What a great connection to have! Thanks so much for this comment it's made my day :-) Cheers and stay well.
I'm gojng to share this with my hubby, then he can share it with his brother. I think it would bring back some memories.
@@crossed_threads Thank you so much! Hope they enjoy it 🙂
Brilliant as ever Rob, thankyou.
Thanks Ted!
Great video! I wondered if Full Metal Jacket would be mentioned.
A great movie. 👍
Full Metal Jacket was the one which sparked the idea for the video! ;-) Cheers asheland and stay well.
@@Robslondon thank you! 😊
Robslondon. Never a boring video. Thank you.
Thanks so much Jared 😊
Were Beckton Gasworks also where most of the car chases in the TV show 'The Professionals' used to end up? Lots of scenes of cars racing about, and making a racket inside huge abandoned buildings, I seem to remember.
Ha ha! Yes, there was a lot of waste ground in London back then wasn’t there where they used to film. I think they used Nine Elms too.
My dad met Martin Shaw in a pub at around the time he was in the Professionals; had a good drinking session with him!
Thank you very much Rob, you did a lot of work on this.💖
Much appreciated Laura, thank you 😊 Stay well.
Oasis video was also filmed at the gas works. Superb song and video. Had helicoptors and everything.
Good one, yes ;-)
Loved this video Rob!
Thank you Vicky ☺️
Love your stuff always, but this is the best ever, you are the best, you just need to keep it going. Love.
Thank you James; such a beautiful comment. I truly appreciate your kind words and support. Stay well my friend.
Great documentary Rob.
Much appreciated, thank you.
Bit late to the party here, Oasis video for "D'you know what I mean" was also filmed at Beckton Gas Works with visible references to Full Metal Jacket
Back to Kubrick and Clockwork orange, there were multiple London locations in Kings Road, Wandsworth and Brunel Uni to name a few.
Thank you! Yes, I reckon you could devote an entire video to Kubrick locations
Fantastic. Thoroughly engaging, like a mini movie. Wasn’t the south (east) of London Bridge used in …. One of the recent James Bond Films ? As the entrance to where M or maybe Q had their office.
Thanks so much Michelle 😊 That I’m not sure about as I haven’t yet seen it, but it certainly wouldn’t surprise me!
Great little video that’ very interesting, especially Full Metal Jacket movie exclusively filmed in England. Great work 👍
Thank you Chris, much appreciated
@@RobslondonVery welcome, I'm now going to subscribe for the first time on RUclips as London is the greatest city in the world!
@@chrisruff2043 That means a lot to me Chris, thank you- good to have you here!
Bloody good video, Rob.
Thank you!
A very minor addition - I used to work in Adam Street just off the Strand; about 4 or 5 years ago the street was taken over by a film crew (whilst I was still working, thus able to observe. It was redressed as Washington DC in 1984, changing the Smith & Wollensky steak restaurant into a Washington DC lawyers office, and the back of the Adelphi into a Washington hotel. They then proceeded to drive around 11 or 12 1980s US cars round and round in a loop for a couple of hours or so. I wasn't convinced at the time this would fool an audience. But when I saw the film "Wonder Woman 1984" - it was seamless - despite being a slightly lack-lustre sequel. Unfortunately I didn't get to meet Chris Pine or the wonderful Gal Gadot.
Great comment Alex, I had no idea about that scene! Thanks for sharing
nice one
Ruislip Lido had a boating lake back in the 1970s and 80s - complete with an island which you can imagine served as a lovers paradise. It had speed boating. Both have now been abolished because local housing plots were built on a flood plain when it was heavy rainfall and so the water was lowered and so no more boating or speed boats. Shame. Great place. Still has a wonderful carvery there though.
Yes, I’ve heard John Pertwee belonged to a boating club there, not sure if that’s an urban legend though?
Wait....
Full Metal Jacket...
Filmed in the UK!?!
I'm gobsmacked! 😮
Oh yes! 😉
Full metal jacket!
Loved that movie....
You have good taste Simon 😉
This was really awesome! I'll look you up if I ever come to London, maybe we can have a pint somewhere interesting. ;)
Cheers Robbicu! 😉🍺
Superb
Thank you so much ROBBOJAX, much appreciated my friend. Stay well.
Excellent as always Rob! 👍🏻😃 I knew about Full Metal Jacket and Aliens but the rest were a surprise… really interesting and great research!
Thank you so much Lady Ellice 😊 Your support means a lot to me. Stay well.
@@Robslondon I hope you’re doing well too Rob. 😊
@@ladyellice1863 I am thanks, thank you for asking 😉
Frien Barnet? My dear uncle across the road from where I was born always called it, 'Foreign Barnet!"
😂
@@Robslondon I used to go to Aldwych station when I worked for Bank of America, I used to be p*ssed when I missed it and it was quicker to walk to the building :( mid 80's
OMG they where at the beach, really I had to look it up, 100 percent right ( could not find the percent key) keep going.
Ha ha! Cheers James ;-)
Not too sure how I'd feel about filming amid all that toxic waste at Becton Gas Works. Having said that Matthew Modine is still with us so perhaps they had things under control. Great video as usual.
Ha ha! Yes, I dread to think how much asbestos, chemicals etc were lying around.... Cheers and stay well.