By the Sea
Date: 1982
Director: Bill Wilson
Production Company: British Broadcasting Corporation
Stars: Ronnie Barker, Ronnie Corbett, Barbara New, Madge Hindle, Debbi Blythe
Location(s): Dorset
Region(s): South West
Storyline:
A crusty old General leads his dotty family on a relaxing weekend at the seaside, and comic chaos ensues.
Additional Information:
Original screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson but replaced with higher quality captures by Dave Wilson in 2020.
Strangely, all the DVD editions of By The Sea feature a slightly edited version of what was previously available on VHS and laserdisc editions in the 1980’s.
There is one sequence missing completely from the DVD releases that features early in the film where actress Madge Hindle is in her room and finds her top to be itchy. In her suitcase she finds that a packet of biscuits had accidentally become opened so that all of her clothes have crumbs in them. Whilst this also sets up a running visual gag, with the DVD versions missing this scene, it is not apparent why she is frequently seen scratching (this deleted scene runs about 26 seconds).
As shown in Capture 19, there is an extended scene on the mini railway where they call at a small station. This also includes a repeat of a gag used earlier on the pier where Ronnie Barker appears to have an uncomfortable seat, only to find he has accidentally sat on an old woman dressed in black (it’s also the exact same woman from the earlier gag). The ride on the train itself is also slightly extended and features an extra joke of Barker picking a fruit off the old woman’s hat and eating it (extra scenes in total runs just under a minute).
At the end where Barker goes over to the young woman (Rikki Howard) in the sports car, there are few shots missing from the DVD edition showing a single close-up shot of the young women waving and then a slightly extended shot of her getting out. Also missing is an extended shot of her sitting back down in the car
As to why these edits were made for the DVD releases is presently unclear. It’s possible that a shorted version that had been used for a TV broadcast (and so needed some time edits made) was then unintentionally used as the master from which the DVD editions were struck.
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Can you help:
If you have any information regarding this production, the locations or, even better, some comparison shots please contact us. Images submitted must be in Landscape orientation, as would be seen on the cinema screen, not Portrait.
We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.
- Capture 1
- 23 Oct 2020
The picture postcard title sequence disolves into a view of Swanage in Dorset.
Viewed from a set of steps which leads to an hotel. (SD)
- Capture 2
- 01 Dec 2015
The morning begins quietly in the seaside town of 'Tiddley Cove'. Swanage Pier in Dorset.
The pier fell into serious disrepair in the years following the film being made and with development proposals failing Swanage Pier Trust took ownership in 1993 raising over £1m. Further work is now required and Lottery Funding is being sought. With thanks to David Rappitt for his help, co-operation and information and good luck to the Trust. (RL)
- Capture 3
- 04 Dec 2017
Beach huts stand empty. The seafront at Swanage looking across Swanage Bay.
Robin Wareham finds a more colourful scene, well not the sky! (RL)
- Capture 4
- 01 Dec 2015
A milkman and a paperboy make their deliveries. Seymer Road, Swanage.
Some years since a milk float worked that street I would imagine. (RL)
- Capture 5
- 25 Nov 2019
The resort begins to come alive. Shore Road, Swanage.
Now with an amusement arcade filling that gap. (SD)
- Capture 6
- 01 Dec 2015
A train arrives, bringing the General and his family for a weekend away. The railway station on Springfield Road in Swanage.
Not quite the right spot but it was more important to get the engine in shot. (RL)
- Capture 7
- 01 Dec 2015
The General (Ronnie Barker) is the first to alight. Swanage railway station with buildings on Rempstone Road and Station Road in the background.
A clearer view of Rempstone Road today. (RL)
- Capture 8
- 01 Dec 2015
Outside the station, the General waits for a car as the porter struggles with luggage. Swanage railway station.
All very much remodelled. (RL)
- Capture 9
- 01 Dec 2015
A hearse is spotted heading towards the station. Facing Station Road from Springfield Road.
All one way, the other way, now. (RL)
- Capture 10
- 01 Dec 2015
The General's family crowd around to get into the hearse. Swanage railway station.
It would now be blocking the exit. (RL)
- Capture 11
- 01 Dec 2015
A forgotten dog runs after the hearse as it drives away to the hotel. The car park at Swanage railway station.
No exit that way these days. (RL)
- Capture 12
- 04 Dec 2017
Ulwell Road from the junction with Clifton Road, Swanage.
Robin finds that traffic flow has doubled over the years. (RL)
- Capture 13
- 04 Dec 2017
At the hotel, the General's Son (Ronnie Corbett) gets out the hearse. The Grand Hotel, Burlington Road, Swanage.
Robin found it still to be a "Grand Hotel". (RL)
- Capture 14
- 04 Dec 2017
After everyone gets settled in their rooms, the family head to the beach. The Grand Hotel on Burlington Road.
A close up of the entrance from Robin revealing some changes. (RL)
- Capture 15
- 01 Dec 2015
The following day, a trip to the pier is on the agenda. Swanage Pier with the English Channel beyond.
Very much changed since 1982 as per 002n. (RL)
- Capture 16
- 01 Dec 2015
The family take a stroll on the pier. Swanage Pier, Pier Approach in Swanage.
Certainly not the day for strolling. (RL)
- Capture 17
- 01 Dec 2015
The Aunt's Companion (Madge Hindle) peruses saucy postcards. Swanage Pier with The Mowlem Theatre visible in the centre distance.
Those postcards would have been very soggy today. (RL)
- Capture 18
- 01 Dec 2015
The General watches young women. Swanage Pier facing now demolished and replaced properties on Peveril Point Road.
Had I not significantly lightened this shot you would understand why I did not complete my days agenda. (RL)
- Capture 19
- 18 Nov 2024
Later in the day, the family wait for a miniature train ride. The Poole Park Railway, Poole in Dorset. This screenshot comes from the laserdisc version as this sequence is missing from all DVD releases, including the BBC's own editions. There are several other parts missing in all DVD copies of this film (see header section towards the top of this page for detailed information).
Line side shubbery has certainly increased and I elected not to include the current engine, 'Howard', and the new passenger coaches as they would very much dominate the scene. (RL)
- Capture 20
- 23 Oct 2020
The next day dawns and it's time to leave. The Grand Hotel on Burlington Road, Swanage.
Viewed from beside the hotel entrance. (SD)
- Capture 21
- 23 Oct 2020
As the hearse is loaded with luggage, a Redhead (Rikki Howard) calls and gestures to the General. Burlington Road facing Victoria Road. The DVD editions of this scene are slightly edited.
A clearer view now that the trees have gone missing. (SD)
- Capture 22
- 23 Oct 2020
The General accepts a lift from the much younger woman. Burlington Road, Swanage.
Thankfully no-one has parked on the double yellow lines today. (SD)
- Capture 23
- 23 Oct 2020
The rest of the family are driven back to the station. Shore Road in Swanage, Dorset.
An improved version which replaces my photo from November last year. (SD)