Demi-Paradise, The

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Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson

Also known as ‘Adventure for Two‘ (US Title)

Kinematograph Weekly – Thursday 18 March 1943 Reported:

“During the early part of the week carpenters, plasterers and painters were busy on the lot erecting the exterior of a large house owned by Ann’s parents.

The skeleton structure in wood was soon ready to take its brick covering for the exterior of the house. This is the work of the plasterers, who use a huge mould on to which the liquid plaster is poured, the brick marking being picked on whilst moist. Then it is transferred on to large canvas sheets and nailed to the structure. Their job done, the paint department get busy. A basic shade in watercolour is chosen for the brickwork, and to give the worn mellow effect which time produces, the bricks are picked out here and there in a darker shade and finally washed down. The paint department are also responsible for all the glass used and the placing of windows. This department, headed by Mr. Keefe and his chief “charge hand”, Fred Richards.

Wartime glass is mostly used and to prevent refelection under strong sunlight or the lights of the arcs, a spay-gun is used to wash all windows down so that they are evenly dulled before being photographed. Formerly, a special composition was used. No longer obtainable, they found that dirty water answered the purpose and this is made by mixing a little black with the water. All paintwork is also treated in this fashion to remove and trace of newness. The house completed, front garden and approach were duly dressed with appropriate shubs and trees.

While shooting was in progress on that particular lot, experts were busy across the lake at the studios erecting a huge platform and slipway for another scene which shows the launching of a ship.”