It’s The Daily
Constitutional Film Festival. And it’s programmed by London Walks Guides and
London Walkers. Which is the greatest London movie of them all? The best
performance in a London-set film? Your favorite London movie location?
As usual, we want to hear from you – send us your favorite London movie nominations to the usual email address, get in touch with us on Twitter @londonwalks or leave a comment at the bottom of this post.
Here’s LW movie expert Richard IV with another recommendation…
No. 17: The Big Sleep (1978)
I watched this film again recently and having watched the DVD extras and listened to director Michael Winner’s commentary, I’ve slightly revised my opinion of its oddness! Apparently, filming in England was not for budgetary reasons, but because Winner wanted to avoid any comparisons with the classic 1940s Bogart version. He also wanted to show an England that was seldom seen in films. Perhaps this explains why the film isn’t interested in picture-postcard views but instead showcases plenty of real locations, interestingly stitched together. The front of Eddie Mars’ ‘Cheval Club’ is in Queen Anne Street, round the corner from the Langham, but the back is down the steps from the Coal Hole, near the Savoy.
Winner
claimed they had retained ‘far more of the dialog and plot than any other
[Chandler] picture, it’s practically all Chandler…’ James Stewart initially
objected to his dialog being re-written and sounding too English, only to be
surprised by Winner demonstrating that all General Sternwood’s lines were
original Chandler (who had studied at Dulwich).
The special edition DVD has a location featurette and an audio commentary from Winner. Victoria Grove in Kensington is the location for Geiger’s bookshop. Marlowe has a flat in Victoria, and even the interior of the Black Friar pub is featured. Though the Sternwood house is well out of London (Knebworth), the conservatory of the house is at Greenwich! There are some odd things about the film, to be sure, and it all feels a bit unreal, but Robert Mitchum and Oliver Reed are worth the price of admission any day.
Richard IV
Richard IV is an actor, swordsman and an expert on early detective fiction. Velvety voiced and perfect timing, he makes for some awfully handsome listening! No surprise to learn that he's narrated numerous documentaries and audiobooks.
Forthcoming Film Walks with London Walks… Alfred Hitchcock's London on September 22, from Holborn underground, both at 10.45; and London on Film on August 25, Bank underground exit 3 at 10.45.
You can also book a private London Film Locations walk by calling London Walks on 020 7624 3978 or emailing [email protected].
A London Walk costs £9 – £7 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.
