Ride of the Valkyrie
Date: 1967
Director: Peter Brook
Production Company: Holly Productions
Stars: Zero Mostel, Julia Foster, Freanck Thornton
Location(s): London
Region(s): London R-S
Storyline:
Fricka-Schnapps, a pompous opera star whose seemingly simple transfer from London Heathrow to Covent Garden becomes a trial of epic proportions as the clock ticks down to his scheduled entrance as Wotan at the Royal Opera House.
Additional Information:
This film (Zero) forms part of a trilogy with The White Bus (White) and Red and Blue (Red) that was a portmanteau project released under the title Red White and Zero. Each film had a different director.
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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
- 'Now' required
Fricka-Schnapps, an opera singer (Zero Mostel), is collected at London Airport by a chauffeur (Frank Thorton).
- Capture 2
- 01 Nov 2019
Fricka-Schnapps’ travel trunk is strapped to the top of the car as they make their way to Covent Garden Opera House where he is scheduled to appear. Great West Road, Hounslow.
A clearer view of the parade.
- Capture 3
- 'Now' required
They soon become stuck in a traffic jam. The pressure starts to build.
- Capture 4
- 'Now' required
Realising that he is going to be late for the production Fricka-Schnapps takes to the roof of the car to change whilst the chauffeur continues to drive amongst discarded clothing. Great West Road, back projected.
- Capture 5
- 01 Nov 2019
Passers-by are astounded to see a disheveled man on his way to becoming a singer in Wagner’s opera as they continue their journey. Great West Road.
A redesigned petrol station forecourt but it all remains....for now.
- Capture 6
- 'Now' required
A policeman taps on the window to return an article of clothing that escaped from the car. That gasometer will be a focal point for identification, west London somewhere.
- Capture 7
- 01 Nov 2019
The car stops and the policeman helps with the corsets. Great West Road just east of Greencroft Rd
I was still not prepared to stand in the outside lane.
- Capture 8
- 'Now' required
For some inexplicable reason they seem to via off on to an housing estate while the opera house is seen filling up.
- Capture 9
- 01 Nov 2019
Speeding through the estate they emerge to crash into another car. Chiswick Station.
All still recognisable.
- Capture 10
- 01 Nov 2019
Whereupon the responsibility for driving is taken over. Chandlers were at 5a Grove Park Rd, Chiswick W4 now the chemists
I was told that this was soon to be pedestrianised.
- Capture 11
- 01 Nov 2019
Chaos ensues. Grove Park Rd
I bet there was chaos when the pedestrianisation started.
- Capture 12
- 'Now' required
A quick reversal. If only that sign was legible. It is when you know what it says, and with thanks to Nigel who identified Capture 14 and took me Shepherd Bush. Melrose Terrace, London W6 looking north to Poplar Grove.
- Capture 13
- 'Now' required
And an exchange of words as progress is once again held up. I have tried to identify that church. Well, we are in Melrose Gardens, London W6 looking towards Shepherds Bush Road over to what was the Methodist Church at the end of Netherwood Road. With thanks once again to Nigel.
- Capture 14
- 'Now' required
Only to arrive in a dead end. With thanks to Nigel Walley who has identified the Goldhawk Road bus station in Shepherds Bush as viewed from Sulgrave Road, London W6. Whilst bollards remain they have been updated and are best found at the western end of Poplar Grove.
- Capture 15
- 'Now' required
The protruding spear catches a keep left sign.
- Capture 16
- 01 Nov 2019
Having driven through the housing estate once more the car comes to a grinding halt. Ranelagh Gardens looking out to Grove Park Gardens, Chiswick.
Rather more cars now.
- Capture 17
- 'Now' required
And now fully dressed Fricka-Schnapps makes his way on foot to Covent Garden whilst trying to get a lift. Outside Harrods Brompton Road, London
- Capture 18
- 'Now' required
At Knightsbridge Underground Station, dressed not as a knight in shining armour, he helps a young lady (Julia Foster), in distress.
- Capture 19
- 'Now' required
They manager to board the train. Holborn Platform 4
- Capture 20
- 'Now' required
“Alighting” at Holborn……….. Piccadilly Line Platform 4 Northbound background
- Capture 21
- 'Now' required
………..to change trains. He appears to be boarding the branch line train to Aldwych.
- Capture 22
- 'Now' required
The young lady follows but it appears to be a quieter train. The length of the train would suggest that this is the branch line to Aldwych.
- Capture 23
- 01 Nov 2019
Fricka-Schnapps hastily exits as the train arrives at Covent Garden. Actually, this is Aldwych station.
Slightly off angle but a shot that I took ion 2014.
- Capture 24
- 'Now' required
The young lady enters the lift before the doors close.
- Capture 25
- 'Now' required
Fricka-Schnapps takes to the stairs. A similar view can be seen in 'Inadmissible Evidence' and 'The Black Windmill'.
- Capture 26
- 14 Mar 2022
But she takes the lift down so he runs back. Jonathan G proposes that this an Aldwych station lift as the panelling exactly matches a shot that he took during a visit, as does the off square shape of the lift.
Paul Lincoln did well to capture the lift during a recent visit, fortunately none of his tour had a spear! No doubt withdrawn on Health and Safety grounds.
- Capture 27
- 01 Nov 2019
He arrives on stage to be overshadowed by his understudy who leaves Covent Garden, Opera House with adulation and praise. Floral Street, London WC2
Changes to the Opera House were made during an extensive reconstruction in the 1990's.
- Capture 28
- 01 Nov 2019
Whilst he stands to look on as a lost soul. Floral Street, London WC2 looking towards James Street.
A brief moment without smokers.
- Capture 29
- 'Now' required
Before trudging off into the night with all his belongings.