North Sea Hijack

Date: 1980
Director: Andrew V. McLaglen
Production Company: Cinema Seven Productions, Universal Pictures

Stars: Roger Moore, Anthony Perkins, James Mason, Faith Brook, David Wood, Anthony Perkins, John Lee
Location(s): Buckinghamshire, County Galway, London

Region(s): , ,

Storyline:

A highly skilled and eccentric underwater demolitions expert leads a team to thwart a group of terrorists who hijack a North Sea oil platform and threaten to blow it up unless their ransom demands are met.

Additional Information:

Page compiled by Steve Randall

Also known as ‘ffolkes’ outside the UK

Paschal, who has supplied a number of comparative shots for North Sea Hijack, informs us that his father-in-law was a driver on the picture. He has kindly sent us a call sheet for the scene of the Prime Minister’s visit, it can be viewed by clicking here. This relates to our  Capture 14.

Buy this film on Amazon link

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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
  • 17 Mar 2026

The film opens with a view of a remote castle. Dunguaire Castle, County Galway, Ireland. Also seen in 'Flight of the Doves'.

Dunguaire Castle  gates are currently closed but Paschal Newell was able to catch the exterior with the tide out.

  • Capture 2
  • 'Now' required

The castle is the training centre for an underwater demolition team, under the command of retired military officer Rufus Excaliber ffolkes (Roger Moore). Dunguaire Castle.

  • Capture 3
  • 'Now' required

The squad embarks on an exercise. Dunguaire Castle.

  • Capture 4
  • 17 Mar 2026

Rufus is summoned to London and is driven to the local station. Woodlawn Railway Station on the Dublin-Galway Line, identified by Paschal whose father-in-law was a driver in this film.

Paschal supplied this picture of the station today.

  • Capture 5
  • 'Now' required

Rufus reaches his destination, Iver Station, Richings Park, Buckinghamshire

  • Capture 6
  • 12 Aug 2025

Rufus heads for the Navy's headquarters. Facing north on Waterloo Place SW1.

The equestrian statue of Edward VII has its back to us. SJ

  • Capture 7
  • 12 Aug 2025

The car turns into Carlton House Terrace SW1. Facing east, with number 11 on the right.

Panning right past the private Waterloo Gardens (East) on the left. SJ

  • Capture 8
  • 'Now' required

Rufus reaches Naval Headquarters. Heatherden Hall, Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire.

  • Capture 9
  • 17 Mar 2026

The scene moves to Stavanger, Norway. In reality Galway Docks in Ireland. Also seen in 'Reefer and the Model'.

Paschal's view shows the shed structure still there and apartments in the background.

  • Capture 10
  • 'Now' required

Herring (David Wood) asks for permission to board a ship with some reporters who turn out to be terrorists, led by Kramer (Anthony Perkins). Galway Docks.

  • Capture 11
  • 17 Mar 2026

The ship sets off heading for an oil platform and is soon hijacked. Galway Docks.

Paschal Newell supplies today's view and adds "not oil this time - metal/steel for recycling"

  • Capture 12
  • 'Now' required

Rufus trains his squad to attempt a rescue. Admiral Brindson (James Mason) and Captain Phillips (John Lee) arrive to check on progress. Dunguaire Castle.

  • Capture 13
  • 17 Mar 2026

Rufus's team set off on the rescue attempt. Paschal Newell identifies Galway Airport, Carnmore.

In Paschal's comparative shot there are 2 new hangars covering up the background bungalow, which is slightly visible behind the hangar on the right .

  • Capture 14
  • 'Now' required

Following a successful rescue mission, the Prime Minister (Faith Brook) congratulates Rufus and his team. Dunguaire Castle. See Header Section for more information.