Way Ahead, The

Date: 1944
Director: Carol Reed
Production Company: Two Cities Films

Stars: David Niven, Stanley Holloway, William Hartnell, Peter Ustinov
Location(s): Algeria, London, Surrey, Sussex

Region(s): , ,

Storyline:

During World War Two a group of everyday Britons are drafted into the army and begin their training which eventually leads to a posting in North Africa.

Additional Information:

Screen captures by Ray Edwards

Jimmy Snow, special effects technician, for whom we have a fulsome summary of his career written by his granddaughter Brigitte, together with her memories of him, worked on this film. All that she has shared with us can be read here.

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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.

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Chelsea Pensioners line up outside the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, London SW3.

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Fred (Unknown) walks through the grounds of the Houses of Parliament, London SW1.

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Soldiers are seen marching within the army camp. IMDB.com mentions that various scenes were shot at the Army Camp in Pirbright, Surrey.

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New recruits watch the soldiers in training.

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On the parade ground at the camp, Lieutenant Jim Perry (David Niven) looks on as Sergeant Ned Fletcher (William Hartnell) calls his new recruits to attention.

The new recruits are sent out on maneuvers. Richard Elliott of Alfriston, East Sussex, has located this bridge. It is the "Long Bridge" over the Cuckmere River on Lullington Road in Alfriston, then part of Sussex.

Richard Elliott has submitted this excellent now shot proving the location as the "Long Bridge" on Lullington Road, Alfriston, East Sussex over the Cuckmere River. The bridge is just visible left centre.

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A sleepy North African street. IMDB.com mentions Algeria as a possible location for filming.

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Cafe owner Rispoli (Peter Ustinov) emerges from his premises to see the British Army arriving.

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A Bren gun carrier weaves through the streets.

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Rispoli continues to watch the arriving Army.

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Gradually the sleepy streets become busy and noisy . . .

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. . . as the army moves in.

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A convoy of army vehicles pulls up in this street.

Cafe Rispoli is swamped by army personnel. Rue de la Mosque in Skikda, formerly Philippeville, Algeria identified by Stewart McCartney.

Steward captured this view as proof.

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After holding out in a battle, the army makes one last attack.