Romance with a Double Bass

Date: 1975
Director: Robert Young
Production Company: Anton Films

Stars: Connie Booth, John Cleese, Graham Crowden, Desmond Jones, Freddie Jones, Jonathan Lynn, John Moffatt, Terry Nelson, Kathie O'Donoghue, Denis Ramsden, Andrew Sachs, June Whitfield
Location(s): Wiltshire

Region(s):

Storyline:

After an embarrassing encounter, romance blossoms between a musician and a princess.

Additional Information:

Page compiled by Phil Wilkinson

The short comedy was shown in theatres as a second feature.

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  • Capture 1
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Having walked for miles with his double bass on his back, musician Smychkov sets eyes on the house where he is to play at the Betrothal Ball in honour of Count Alexei and Princess Constanza. Wilton House at Wilton, Wiltshire.

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Arriving early, Smychkov (John Cleese) looks longingly into the water as he crosses a bridge onto the estate. The Palladian Bridge crossing the River Nadder in the grounds of Wilton House.

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Pushing a barrow past the Bassist, the Gardener remarks that the tradesmen’s entrance is around the back. Looking from Wilton House with the Palladian Bridge in the centre background.

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Smychkov calls to the Gardener "I am an artist not a fishmonger." Wilton House at Wilton near Salisbury in Wiltshire. The house also appears in 'The Lady with a Lamp' and 'Barry Lyndon'.

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From inside the house, Smychkov watches Princess Constanza (Connie Booth) walk by before being told to go away by the Majordomo. The gardens as seen from Wilton House.

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Sitting by a stream to pass the time, Smychkov decides to go for a swim.

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Cycling to the house, musicians Zhuchkov (Andrew Sachs) and Razmakhaikin (Desmond Jones) come across Smychkov's double bass case.

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As the day passes, a Maid leaves the kitchens.

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Crouching behind his double bass, the naked Smychkov asks the Maid for directions to the tradesmen's entrance.

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Retrieving his clothes and wearing a pair of heavy boots, Smychkov searches for the Princess's chamber. The Upper Cloisters within Wilton House.

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Later that evening, more Guests arrive at the ball while Princess Constanza and Smychkov play their instruments in the grounds of the house. Looking across the eastern aspect of the Grade I listed Wilton House in Wiltshire.