Great McGonagall, The

Date: 1974
Director: Joseph McGrath
Production Company: Darlton, Oppidan Film Productions

Stars: Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers, Julia Foster, John Bluthal, Victor Spinetti
Location(s): London

Region(s):

Storyline:

Although this man won notoriety as an extremely bad poet, William Topaz McGonagall nevertheless became a Victorian celebrity.

Additional Information:

Screen captures by Phil Wilkinson

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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
  • 17 Dec 2019

Dundee, Scotland 1890. In reality, the entrance of what was to be revived as Wilton's Music Hall on Grace's Alley off Ensign Street in London E1.

Now back to a functioning theatre. SJ

  • Capture 2
  • 17 Dec 2019

Later that same day, Pallbearers (including Julian Chagrin, Charlie Young Atom, John Bluthal and Clifton Jones) carry the coffin of William Topaz McGonagall to his final resting place. Grace's Alley in Whitechapel. The doorway appears in 'A Prize of Gold', 'A Little of What You Fancy' and 'The Stateless Man'.

The exterior now. SJ

  • Capture 3
  • 05 Feb 2023

Extras appearing in the film take lunch during the intermission. What was waste land opposite Wilton's Music Hall with St. Paul's School across Wellclose Square in the left background.

The spire of St. Paul's School can be seen top left. (PW)