Keep It Up Jack
Date: 1974
Director: Derek Ford
Production Company: Blackwater Films
Stars: Mark Jones, Sue Longhurst, Frank Thornton, Queenie Watts, Paul Whitsun-Jones
Location(s): Essex, London
Region(s): London H-L, South East E-L
Storyline:
A second rate music hall performer with a terrible act inherits a brothel.
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
- 'Now' required

The film opens in fictional Littlethorpe where third generation performer Jack James is appearing at the Pier Pavilion. Looking from Royal Terrace towards the Pier in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.
- Capture 2
- 18 Dec 2022

Fired for having such a dead act, Jack makes his way to London after being contacted by Mr. Clarke from the law firm of Simpson, Simpson, Simpson and Son. Looking from Aldwych along Strand in WC2 with St. Clement Danes church to the right.

The trees have doubled in height. SJ
- Capture 3
- 18 Dec 2022

A Char Lady (Queenie Watts) approaches the building where Jack James (Mark Jones) has arrived two hours early. Outside Clement House at 99 Aldwych, a building that also features in 'Arthur? Arthur!'.

A wide pavement even fifty years ago. SJ
- Capture 4
- 'Now' required

Jack moves into the property left to him by his late Aunt Letitia. Beeleigh Falls House at Beeleigh, Maldon in Essex. Location confirmed by Geoff Dodd. (RL)
- Capture 5
- 30 Dec 2022

Masquerading as his Aunt, Jack cycles into town to buy razor blades. Looking east on High Street in Maldon, Essex.

Andrew Price explains that the Chequers public house, seen centre in the screen capture, was demolished and replaced by a new building for Barclays Bank, which has subsequently closed with the building currently vacant.
- Capture 6
- 30 Dec 2022

The camera follows as Jack turns towards the kerb. High Street in Maldon.

The highly recognisable location now by Andrew Price.
- Capture 7
- 30 Dec 2022

Jack ponders how to dismount from the man's bicycle in a skirt. Facing Boots, still trading at 54 High Street, Maldon in Essex.

Andrew Price understands that the door to the right in the screen capture was that of Spurgeon's estate agents.
- Capture 8
- 'Now' required

After being found out by Virginia, Jack at last puts Aunt Letitia to rest. Maldon Cemetery, London Road, Maldon. (SR)
- Capture 9
- 'Now' required

Now married, Jack and Fleur (Maggi Burton) set off on their honeymoon after the funeral. Maldon Cemetery gates, with Wintersleet Farmhouse in the background. (SR)