Malta Story, The
Date: 1953
Director: Brian Desmond Hurst
Production Company: J Arthur Rank
Stars: Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Anthony Steel, Muriel Pavlow, Renée Asherson, High Burden, Nigel Stock, Reginald Tate, Ralph Truman, Flora Robson, Manuel Bugeja, Ronald Adam, Peter Barkworth, Ivor Barnard, Peter Bull, Stuart Burge
Location(s): Malta
Region(s): Rest Of The World
Storyline:
In 1942 the island of Malta is battling for survival. The threat of an invasion by Axis forces is increasing as air raids continue to wear down its defences. Amongst this, Flt. Lt. Peter Ross, a Pilot photographer, is forced to land on the island and finds himself attached to the local regiment and on studying aerial photographs he discovers that Italy is preparing to invade Malta. He is selcted as the man to trace and destroy the enemy.
Additional Information:
This film was originally uploaded to the Site in 2011 when the screen capture criteria was more restrictive than today. Prompted by Stephen Walters involvement the film has been re-addressed by Richard Lovejoy in 2024 with additional captures and revised text.
Jimmy Snow worked on special effects at both Pinewood and Denham Studios but a name that often remained uncredited, as with this film. An interesting Biography and her Memories of him has been written for us by his granddaughter Brigitte, all of which can be read here.
Perhaps one of the better known films about Malta during the Second World War, this 1953 production told the story of Malta’s stubborn refusal to succumb to Axis bombing. Another important aspect was the scene showing the aircraft landing at Safi Strip. This landing strip fell into disuse after the war, and was completely obliterated with the extension of runway 13/31 (previously 14/32). The approximate location of this strip, however, can be judged by the red-domed chapel (commonly referred to as Ta’ Loretu) seen in the background (Capture 45).
Regrettably, I have found a distinct lack of interest in likely bodies in Malta to assist with confirming detail and/or assisting with location identification.
As a result of our association with the work Jimmy Snow in this film through Brigitte, she kindly put me in touch with Louise, grandaughter to William Creighton, who worked for many years as carpenter and model-maker in the movie industry. Through her Website www.shipofdreams.me.uk/pinewood/index.htm there is a story to be told with regard to the Victory Kitchen scene in this film that can be read here. With thanks to Louise for allowing us to reproduce this section. Other interesting production shots for this and other films can be read via her Website.
Dave Buckley’s further information with regard to Capture 15 can be read here.
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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
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Following the arrival of Flight Lt. Peter Ross (Alec Guinness) in Malta for his planes refuelling and its almost immediate destruction, the film moves into the story and initial location by a general view of Valetta harbour.
- Capture 2
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The camera pans left to the harbour mouth, with to the right, the Gardjola Gardens on the extreme end of the Senglea cape seen in the previous capture.
- Capture 3
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Ross makes his way to a meeting with Wing Commander Bartlett (Anthony Steel) ? Identified but street name unknown. It ran parallel to the south east side of the opera house, one block away.
- Capture 4
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Passing a school class being taught in the open air. The ruins of the Opera House can be seen in the background. Identified but street name unknown, as previous capture.
- Capture 5
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Then he is confronted by the tragedies of war.
- Capture 6
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An air raid siren is sounded and people scamper for safety.
- Capture 7
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We look down to see frantic activity. Republic Street with the ruins of the Opera House centre upwards.
- Capture 8
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Ross takes cover in a recess and looks out to see others eagerly seeking shelter. The Post of Castille, Birgu
- Capture 9
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An aerial shot of the island prepares us for the air attack.
- Capture 10
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A potential target. Is that Bidnija?
- Capture 11
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A building that didn't escape action.
- Capture 12
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A general view of the island now under attack. Zebbug and the parish church of St Phillip.
- Capture 13
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The 'all clear' is sounded and Ross emerges to continue his journey and en-route buys a newspaper.
- Capture 14
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He passes residents going about their daily lives in the open air. Below the Central Bank of Malta.
- Capture 15
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Eventually arriving for his appointment he is told that Bartlett can perhaps be found in the Operations Room. Porta Reale Bridge and Kingsway (aka City Gate and Porta Reale) top. Now re-developed. However, Porta Reale Bridge and the lower bridge immediately behind Ross still survives. Dave Buckley has provided an update and further information that can be read via the Header Section.
- Capture 16
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He follows the sentry?s instructions.
- Capture 17
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Ross meets with Air Commodore Frank (Jack Hawkins) who tells him that he is no longer on his way to Egypt but is to stay and use his photographic skills in support of holding Malta from the enemy and makes his way to the RAF Base.
- Capture 18
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They turn the corner?? This is the same view as seen in Capture 13
- Capture 19
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Before arriving at what looks like Luqa airport for his first mission. St Andrews Parish Church centre background.
- Capture 20
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He is immediately dispatched on his first photographic reconnaissance mission, escaping enemy action.
- Capture 21
- 11 Aug 2024
Having been reprimanded for taking 'fanciful aerial shots' Ross seeks food just as an air raid commences when his path crosses with Maria Gonzar (Muriel Pavlow) who he had seen in the Control Room. Kingsway or Kingsgate, Valletta, the reverse side of that seen in Capture 15
Steve Walters provides this shot of the scene now, with the substantial changes it is difficult to know how precise to the capture it is.
- Capture 22
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Having seen Maria home safely one evening and met her family the island once again comes under solid air attack seen amongst a montage of newspaper headlines. Unidentified location but plenty of names to aid identification.
- Capture 23
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A panoramic view of a section of the island.
- Capture 24
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In the morning we see the bus carrying Wing Commander Bartlett and John Rivers (Renée Asherson) for a few hours away together and enjoy 'time off'. Here once stood a chapel dedicated to St Thomas, abandoned so much that orders were given for it to be demolished. In the event little changed over the next two hundred years but fortunately the location was turned into a small cemetery and the statute of St Thomas placed in the centre. The other two statues are now lost. Triq San Tumas, Luqa. Now absorbed fully into town.
- Capture 25
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....before they are dropped off. (The road that leads up hill to Rabat. ?)
- Capture 26
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With attacks on the island intensifying Bartlett tells Jo that he believes 'she should get out of here'.
- Capture 27
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They soon find themselves under attack from a lone plane that scored a direct hit on the bus in which they travelled.
- Capture 28
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As 47 Spitfires start to arrive on the Island a major air attack is seen to be approaching and the anti-aircraft battery positions are manned but the landing strips are being heavily bombed. Above Xatt Lascaris and next to Endemia Drawing Site looking down to what is now King George V Recreational Grounds and Harbour waterfront.
- Capture 29
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The Nation listens to a broadcast from H M Governor as the Island is awarded the George Cross. The Royal Opera House, Valletta viewed from the SE corner.
- Capture 30
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Throughout the Island the population listens intently. Auberge de Castille, Valetta, designed by architect Andrea Belli in 1741 and now houses the offices of the Maltese Prime Minister. The Maltese Stock Exchange can be seen to the right hand side.
- Capture 31
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The deprivation and shortage of food and provisions is clearly evident. This scene depicts a Victory Kitchen (VK) - further information and production still courtesy of www.shipofdreams.me.uk can be viewed via the Header Section of this film.
- Capture 32
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Maria's mother Melita (Flora Robson), returns home with her meagre portion of food to feed the family. The sign reads 'Our Lady of Sorrows Street'. Although there are churches, chapels and streets with the same or similar names none suggest a possible link to the capture. See also capture 40.
- Capture 33
- 19 Oct 2021
News soon arrives that supply ships are entering the harbour with more coming later at night. Marc Goric advises that the location is ll Mandragg in ll-Birgu.
A slightly wider angle shot from Marc Gloris to reveal that the gap no longer exists as such.
- Capture 34
- 19 Oct 2021
People rush to see their arrival. Marc advises that this is also ll Mandragg in ll-Birgu.
Marc found it to be a much quieter spot.
- Capture 35
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They stand and wave in jubilation.
- Capture 36
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One of the first to enter harbour. Looking across the Grand Harbour entrance to Fort Ricasoli
- Capture 37
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The initial excitement is followed by an 'eery silence........ Grand Harbour viewed from Triq ll-Batterija
- Capture 38
- 19 Oct 2021
..even amongst the service personnel'.......The arches are part of the Lower Barrakka Gardens, Valletta.
A view of the same location now from Marc.
- Capture 39
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......and into the late evening. The spire of St Pauls Cathedral viewed from circa Great Siege Road/Boat Street.
- Capture 40
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For the purposes of record a wider view of the Gonzar?s home whilst the population listen to the announcement that only two ships have arrived. See also Capture 32.
- Capture 41
- 28 May 2012
Ross and Maria take time out to visit the Hagar Qim megalithic temple complex dating from 3600-3200 BC.
Hagar Qim Temple, Qrendi, Malta. May 2012. Brother David (Tunstill) at entrance to covered World Heritage site, amongst oldest in the world, south-west of Malta. Andrew Brennan.
- Capture 42
- 02 Oct 2015
Ross expresses regret that he spends his time taking aerial photographs of ports when there is more interesting subjects to take. Inside the temple complex.
The scaffolding now in place to reinforce the much earlier stone pillar not considered strong enough to maintain the structure.
- Capture 43
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Notwithstanding the substantial loss of many of the previous Spitfires supplied a further 60 is now being provided, to be followed by supplies. Unidentified property.
- Capture 44
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The early arrivals fly over the harbour. Looking across from Valletta to Sliema. The small domed building left of centre foreground is Church of Our Lady of Pilar, Punent, Valletta.
- Capture 45
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With only half the Spitfires touched down but refuelled and armed they are scrambled as enemy aircraft are seen on the radar. The building to the right is Loretu Chapel in Gudja close to Triq ?al Far and the runway of Luqa Airport.
- Capture 46
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The locals watch as the enemy are gradually shot down. Unknown location.
- Capture 47
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They gaze in disbelief that after so long the Island is gaining the upper hand. 63 enemy aircraft destroyed or damaged in 24 hours. The background is the gateway to the St Thomas Chapel, Triq San Tumas, Luqa seen in Capture 24
- Capture 48
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After a successful days operation it is time for Air Comm. Frank to bid farewell to his adjutant Vice Admiral Willie Banks (Ralph Truman) left, who is departing for other duties, he is to be replaced by Vice Admiral Payne (Reginald Tate) right.
- Capture 49
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Ross and Maria spend an increasing amount of time together and with talk of marriage. Unknown location.
- Capture 50
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August 1942 saw the implementation of 'Operation Pedestal', one of the most heavily contested of the Malta convoys. Under the protection of Spitfires, the danger of enemy attacks receded. Dominating the sky line is the Basilica of the Nativity of Mary or Basilica of Our Lady of Victories or Senglea Basilica, St Lawrence Street, Senglea.
- Capture 51
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The first of the beleaguered supply ships enter harbour. Entrance to Grand Harbour aka Port of Valletta.
- Capture 52
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It continues its journey to unload its precious cargo. Mid passage between Valletta Ferry Terminal and VGT Port here looking SW.
- Capture 53
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News arrives that the tanker SS Ohio, despite being heavily damaged was limping towards port supported by destroyers HMS Bramham and HMS Penn on either side. Crowds rush to see the arrival..... The Nibbia Chapel (Chapel of Bones). The area is now occupied by the Evans Laboratories building at the St Elmo end of Valletta. That building itself is now destined to be converted into an hotel.
- Capture 54
- 19 Oct 2021
.......that was so important to the survival of the island. St. Ursula Street, at the corner with San Gwann Street identified by Marc.
A shot from Marc having identified the street, to replace my 'temporary one of a street' from 2015. Reassuring that I had actually selected the right one!
- Capture 55
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Every street became a frenzy of excitement. Unidentified Street
- Capture 56
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Even children were caught up in the rush to witness the moment. Unidentified corner.
- Capture 57
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Harbour flags were raised while the crowds lined the walls. Looking up towards the Saluting Battery and the Upper Barrakka Gardens probably from circa Fort Lascaris.
- Capture 58
- 02 Oct 2015
Air Comm. Frank and Vice Admiral Payne leave the Control Room to see the arrival first hand. Once again looking up towards the Saluting Battery and the Upper Barrakka Gardens probably from circa Fort Lascaris.
The arches at the back are part of the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta. It is not possible to access the filming location which was circa the building in the bottom right corner
- Capture 59
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With destroyers still linked on either side of the tanker, tugs made fast ahead and astern and the tanker was soon proceeding up the channel. Passing Senglea Point but she would have already have passed here in order to be seen in Capture 52. Again, the dome of St. Philip's Church can be seen towards the left.
- Capture 60
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The order had been given to 'sound the alert'. St. Angelo Fort, Birgu.
- Capture 61
- 02 Oct 2015
Silence fell on the island. A view of the Grand Harbour across to the Upper Barrakka Gardens and Saluting Battery.
My shot was taken from the water but I believe the film was shot from the end of the Senglea peninsular.
- Capture 62
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Ross is unfortunately killed whilst locating an Axis convoy but its subsequent destruction by bombers from the island gives cause for further celebration as does the victory at El Alamein that resulted. The 'Main Guard', St. George's Square, Valletta.
- Capture 63
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Celebrations also at the Courtyard of the Grandmaster Palace, Valletta
- Capture 64
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Bells were tolled in celebration. I have been unable to identify this bell tower but the film sequence appears to have been first shown by Pathé News, filmed during the surprise visit to the Island by King George Vl on the 20th June 1943
- Capture 65
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Maria was left to mourn her loss. Seated at the Blue Grotto she is looking out to Filfla, a small, mostly barren, uninhabited islet 4.5km south of Malta.
- Capture 66
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'We have seen hardships and triumphs' An aerial view of the Harbour with Floriana in the bottom right hand corner.
- Capture 67
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'We stood steadfast in faith'. Quay Wharf and the Bakkarra Gardens in the right hand corner where now, on the point, has been erected the Siege Bell War Memorial.