Spring & Port Wine 1969

[D.C. Burtonshaw]

Very informative and interesting Gene, thanks for sharing those with us and always good to find out locations of where filming took place, a great step back in time.

[Dirty Epic]

I noticed some regeneration plans are in the works for Farnworth where Spring and Port Wine was filmed.

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/50m-plans-transform-farnworth-town-20167173

Always take these things with a pinch of salt and probably even if it does go ahead the real version will probably be a much toned down version of what they propose. I just hope it doesn't have too much of an impact on any locations you might want to visit as I know that Farnworth featured quite a lot in the film.

Just taking a step back from the film angle probably Farnworth does need a kick as I think the last major change in that area was in the 1980's and it's been a good 7-8 years since I was anywhere near there and Bolton generally. Happily worked there 1997-98 and did enjoy my time there but like everywhere it felt a bit more care worn/down at heel the last time I was there sadly.

I hope to pop back to things like this and a few old haunts when this Lockdown stuff is properly over.

[Gene Hunt]

We will be OK with the Spring & Port Wine locations for now as Farnworth is just to the South of where filming took place (Bolton, Leverhulme, Prestolee, Little Lever, Daubhill etc).

I do hope we can get up there for a Meet sooner rather than later though. Maybe 2022...

Gene.

[Dirty Epic]

Thanks Gene, wasn't 100% sure these plans might had affected this.

Count me in for this in the near future too.

[The Saint]

Count me in for a Spring & Port Wine meet too Gene, it’s a great film and it would be fascinating to see the locations.

The Saint

[Sam Tyler]

I'm embarrassed to say that I've still not seen this film in it's entirety, start to finish, all in one go. Every time I've sat down to watch it there has been some interruption of one form or another where I've had to stop and pick up again later. 

Its a great film though and one of these days I'm going sit down with a large glass of single malt and see it through ahead of joining a future meet that we can look forward to.

Sam.

[Nightfly]

One of my favourite films which I think sums up the attitude of the British film industry back then. If there was a hit stage play, they would make a cinema version of it. It didn't matter that the storyline didn't involve elaborate action scenes and special effects.  It was a good story, it got made.  

I'm of the opinion that once the British cinema goers started to flock to 70s Hollywood releases, they developed too much of a taste for watching aliens being zapped rather than a good narrative and great acting.

[Peter Picard]

Talking Pictures TV are showing this at 4.00pm on Saturday 24th April.

[Gene Hunt]

With the Spring & Port Wine Meet just 1 week away, today was very timely indeed for me to find a location I've been looking for for many years.
I've now added this info to the opening post of this thread for completeness.

Rafe's new overcoat is delivered by the man from Horsefall & Trott (Played by Bernard Smidowicz). This scene covers a few different areas before arriving at The Crompton's. 

Firstly, we see Arthur driving his yellow Land Rover. (Not really Keith Buckley as this was Michael Medwin actually driving in this initial scene).

This is Princess Street, Bolton. A lot has changed here in 53 years but that ornate pillar in the foreground is still there today if you pan around this street view.
Couple that with a few hours studying period maps and photos and I was able to match the cooling tower in the background and the Mills as Dart Mill and Back o'th' Bank Power Station

Google View



He then turns right into Silverwell Street, Bolton. The grounds of the Parish Church just visible on the right.
Again, a lot has changed here but a few key features remain - Google View

[Gluben]

Gerry Anderson's son is trying to find the whereabouts of Len Jones, voice of Joe 90:

www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/joe-90-len-jones-gerry-anderson-newsupdate/