School for Randle
Date: 1949
Director: John E. Blakeley
Production Company: Mancunian Films
Stars: Frank Randle, Dan Young, Alec Pleon, Terry Randall
Location(s): Cheshire, Lancashire
Region(s): North
Storyline:
A former Music-Hall actor becomes a school caretaker before discovering that he is the father of one of the pupils.
Additional Information:
Screen captures by Phil Wilkinson
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- Capture 1
- 'Now' required
As the cast and crew are introduced, we are shown various pictures depicting the school where Mr. Randle works as a caretaker. The gateway to Xaverian College on Lower Park Road, Rusholme, Manchester with Marylands in the right background.
- Capture 2
- 'Now' required
Firwood, the Main Building at Xaverian College. The college was formerly in Lancashire before boundary changes.
- Capture 3
- 'Now' required
The West Front of Firwood at Xaverian College with Sunbury just visible to the extreme left.
- Capture 4
- 'Now' required
While the girls of the school play netball, Jimmy (Jimmy Clitheroe), Ted Parker (John Singer) and the rest of the boys fill the grounds outside their part of the school. Firwood at Xaverian College. Alterations and extensions have been carried out since filming.
- Capture 5
- 'Now' required
A scrap breaks out between the girls and the boys. Marylands at Xaverian College on Lower Park Road in Rusholme.
- Capture 6
- 'Now' required
The audience leaves the theatre where Betty Andrews and her friends have been to a show. The Palace Theatre on Oxford Street, Manchester 1.
- Capture 7
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It's after 11pm and Betty Andrews (Terry Randall) arrives home to be met by her displeased adoptive parents.
- Capture 8
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The clock strikes a quarter to one in the morning as Betty sneaks out of the house. Didsbury Clock Tower outside Didsbury station on Wilmslow Road.
- Capture 9
- 'Now' required
Running away and hopeful of a life as star on the stage, the young woman arrives at the station to buy her ticket for the film's Littlefield.
- Capture 10
- 'Now' required
The early morning train carries Betty away. Peter Brown recognises this as "Celia and Trev" territory, Carnforth Station. Used, of course, in "Brief Encounter" and "Wrong Number". To consider the debate regarding the location see Blog for March 2017. (RL)
- Capture 11
- 'Now' required
A slapstick interlude is provided by Mr. Randle's fellow caretakers Clarence (Dan Young) and Blockhead (Alec Pleon). Sunbury at Xaverian College in Rusholme, which also appears in ‘It’s a Grand Life’.
- Capture 12
- 'Now' required
The comedians race after Ted Parker. Firwood at Xaverian College.
- Capture 13
- 'Now' required
Ted and Blockhead hold up an exhausted Clarence. The southernmost wall of Firwood.
- Capture 14
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Mr. Randle (Frank Randle), Blockhead and Clarence wait for the coach to take them on the hundred mile journey to Littlefield in search of Betty. This is The Old Ship Inn on Altrincham Road in Styal, Cheshire.
- Capture 15
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The coach departs with Mr. Randle and his mates on board. Looking east on Altrincham Road in Styal near Wilmslow with The Old Ship Inn to the left.
- Capture 16
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A flashback, as Mr. Randle reminds his daughter Betty about a swimming contest. Sale Lido on Washway Road in Sale, then in Cheshire. The Lido became known as the Locarno Ballroom and is currently a Mecca Bingo club.
- Capture 17
- 'Now' required
Mr. Randle persuades Betty to return home.
- Capture 18
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Mr. Andrews (Frederick Bradshaw) and Mrs. Andrews (Hilda Bayley) arrive at Frank's home after being invited by Betty.
- Capture 19
- 'Now' required
Betty greets her adoptive parents at the cottage door.