IT'S back to our resident movie expert Mike Lee and his extensive collection of movie memorabilia relating to films made locally.

Tom Jones, the 1963 adaptation of the Henry Fielding classic, was filmed in Dorset.

It starred Albert Finney, Susannah York, Hugh Griffith, Edith Evans and Joan Greenwood.

Mike said: "The producer Tony Richardson had just recently filmed some of the kitchen sink dramas which were a part of the 1960s but now wanted to film something more cheerful.

"This Henry Fielding story captured his imagination and he decided to do the whole film on location and this was in Dorset.

"And the crew stayed for 14 weeks. Twelve separate locations were used including Athelhampton House, Cerne Abbas, Beaminster and Nettlecombe.

"The film was a gigantic hit and had rave reviews including the News of the World calling it 'the most brilliant slap and tickle romp I've seen' and the Daily Herald 'Big, bawdy. Boisterous and brilliant."

A special exhibitors campaign book was released to publicise the film, which Mike has a copy of.

Tom Jones is set in 18th century Somerset and tells the story of a bastard babe abandoned at a country manor who is raised by a kindly squire.

At the time of playing Tom Jones, Albert Finney was 25 and cast opposite him was Susannah York as the daughter of a neighbouring squire.

Editorial in the book says: "From Weymouth, Dorset, the company spread out to capture in Eastman Colour film the beauty of the countryside and the antics of Tom Jones.

"For over a week they worked at one of the area's most beautiful manor homes, where the formal gardens, terraces and sweeping lawns and delicate gardens dating from the 16th century served as the setting for the home of Squire Allworthy, who raises the foundling Tom as his adopted son.

"In all, the company used some 12 separate locations in Dorset and Somerset before returning to London.

"Among the other English towns that furnished the authentic 18th century background are Dorset's Cranborne, Stepleton and Cerne Abbas.

"Towns such as Beaminster, Bridgewater and Nettlecombe in Somerset also lent their 18th century look to the authenticity aimed for in Tom Jones."

And the visual spectacle of Dorset was an essential ingredient of the film, the exhibitors campaign book says.

"In all, Tm Jones is what producer-director Tony Richardson calls 'our holiday picture'.

"After his kitchen-sink films of rainy North of England cities, Tom Jones proved a holiday in the countryside for both cast and crew.

"And they all hope it will prove a holiday for its eventual viewers."

Another film Mike wished to bring to our attention was The Cruel Sea, which there is scant information on.

He said: "Councillor Ian Bruce met Sir Donald Sinden on a cruise ship when he was a celebrity speaker and talked of his being in Weymouth and Portland making the film.

"He mentioned the scenes of two ships battling through the waves of the Atlantic which were actually shot from Portland Bill with waves created with the Portland Race. Sir Donald died at the age of 90."

Another locally shot film was The Moonraker, which was made in 1957 and starred George Baker. It's a fictional story concerning the escape of Charles II aided by George Baker's character who doubles as a highwayman, baiting Roundheads.

Mike tells us: "The film was shot over many southern locations starting with scenes at Stonehenge and ending with a swordfight at Durdle Door.

"George Baker once again recalls suggesting that the love scene which he shares with Sylvia Syms could be written better.

"He said: 'The director agreed and said 'go write it' and luckily next day it was filmed.

"It was great fun to work on and it's still showing on TV around the world and on DVD."

Come back next week for more movie memories.

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830973

e: joanna.davis

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @DorsetEchoJo