Only Two Can Play

It was with great interest I read an article in our local evening paper the Evening Post, about Reelstreets and in particular the film "Only Two Can Play", made mainly in Swansea in 1961. I was 19 at the time and in one of the still photos you have on the internet, you have a picture of my late grandfather's business name on the wall. You can just see it - J. S. Trollope - advertising palm toffees. I learnt my trade there. We were wholesale and retail confectioners and the big American top or rag top, would often pass by during the making of this very funny film.

Many of my friends were extras and this film cheered up very grey Swansea.

The reason that I write this is, I have tried for years to obtain a copy of this film but failed, could you possibly help here.

Yours sincerely

Roger James Trollope

Yes, Only Two Can Play found ... and sent.

I wonder if you can help me get a copy of a film that was made on our beautiful Gower peninsular in 1962. It was called The Inspector, our beautiful three cliffs were used as a back drop with dummy palm trees as a North African scene, it was the final closing scene of the film.

Again the weather was beautiful, we were among many extras, all the film crew and their equipment was stored in Beynons Farm, Penmaen, they even had a Comet tank down on the beach and that was a task in itself.

Best Wishes

Roger Trollope

The Blue Lamp

Hi

The Blue Lamp picture bp077n.

Did you know that on the left just out of shot (the awning or canopy is visible)
is Julie's Bar, a.k.a. The Winchester Club in the tv series Minder?
This was used dozens of times, & also it was used once or twice for episodes of
The Sweeney, a few years previously. A very popular spot down the years!

Later

Keith Bray

Tate Modern Community Film Club

Thanks to John for your film suggestions, some of which we have already screened.

Just to give you a bit more info about our film club, we work in collaboration with two local residents and screen a combination of archive footage, black & white & more contemporary films that often have a connection with South London, or London in general, to promote discussion with our members about the environment in which they live/work. Regarding your suggestions we have not yet seen, I'll make sure we review them to see if they'd fit with our programme.

Kind regards
Ali Dexter
Community Film Club
Tate Modern

Eight O'Clock Walk

Hi John

I thought the "new" pix of "Eight OClock Walk" photo ew008bn interesting in that the new gates to the cab garage have been rebuilt in the style of the old Edwardian cab stands. You can still find them dotted around london.

Cheers
Roy Barnacle

The Big Sleep

Hi John,

As promised here are some 'now' photo's from the film The Big Sleep. They relate to photo's bs002 and bs002a - Avery Hill Tropical Plant House.

I used to visit Avery Hill Park as a child in the sixties and nothing has really changed much to this day. As I took the photo I peered through the window and noticed that the tropical plants are still there, however I think it is closed to the public. Shame about the ubiquitious graffiti.

Regards
John Orchan

Tate Modern Community Film Club

Dear Film Club Member,

Please join us for the next screening as part of the Community Film Club:

Monday May 12, 2008 @ 7:00pm

The ‘Piccadilly’ of South London

Please note: Membership of the Community Film Club is available for those who live or work in Southwark and Lambeth.

A fascinating illustrated talk looking at the history of the varied buildings of entertainment in and around the Elephant & Castle led by Richard Norman of the Cinema Theatre Association. From Victorian times, promoters described the up and coming area of Elephant and Castle as “the Piccadilly of South London”, reflecting its commercial potential. The building of the spectacular Trocadero Cinema (1930–1963) further enhanced the developer’s dream. The Trocadero (cinema theatre), and its replacement Odeon have been recognised as being of major architectural importance. Supported by its mighty Wurlitzer organ, the ‘Troc’ offered South Londoners stage and screen entertainment of West End quality at affordable prices; it was an outstanding success. The introduction of television changed cinema-going habits forever - however the Trocadero became a “white elephant” closing on 19 October 1963 and was demolished for re-development of the area. A smaller replacement Odeon (1966-1988), was built on part of the Trocadero site.

The talk will be supported with the film 'The Elephant will Never Forget' (1953) which is a film that marks a fond farewell to London’s trams by charting the last week of London trams in 1952.

Doors open 18.30, programme starts 19.00 (Programme Duration : 86 minutes)

Please use the Turbine Hall entrance and staff will direct you to the Starr Auditorium from there. Free refreshments will be available before the film.

Members are entitled to:
Free entry to all film club screenings
Regular Film Club mailings & programme notes
An opportunity to discuss films over a drink with other local people
Watch films in comfortable cinema surroundings

Please note: If you have completed a membership form, your details will automatically be added to the membership list; you will not receive a membership card or number. This email bulletin is the confirmation of your membership. There is no need to book a place; just turn up on the evening of the screening. If you are coming as part of a large group please let us know in advance by calling 020 7401 5176.

Community Film Club
Community Initiatives
Tate Modern
Starr Auditorium
Bankside
London
SE1 9TG