Idol on Parade

Date: 1959
Director: John Gilling
Production Company: Warwick Film Productions

Stars: Anthony Newley, William Bendix, Anne Aubrey, Lionel Jeffries, Sid James
Location(s): London, Surrey

Region(s): ,

Storyline:

A rising rock’n’roll star is conscripted into the Army just as he reaches the top of the music charts.

Additional Information:

Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson

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Following his call up for National Service, pop singer Jeep Jackson (Anthony Newley) signs autographs as he enters Victoria station with his manager Herbert Wise (Sid James) and Ron (Harry Fowler). Looking out onto Terminus Place from the eastern side of Victoria station in SW1.

Replacing, with his blessing, Peter's shot from Aug 2016 which showed a blocked passageway, with a reinstated entrance. SJ

A group of schoolgirls cross the concourse before spotting the newly famous star. The inside of Victoria station is also seen in 'Never Look Back', 'Night Ferry', 'Village of Daughters', 'The Embezzler', 'Say Hello to Yesterday' and 'The Ipcress File'.

Today. SJ

Also entering the station is Bertie Bassett (Lionel Jeffries), an Army Adjutant, who carries parcels for Caroline (Anne Aubrey), his Commanding Officer's daughter.

I think we're about here. SJ

As the schoolgirls rush toward their idol, Jeep and his entourage collide with Bertie.

I think that's a match on the left. SJ

Bertie picks himself up from the ground and follows Caroline to the platform.

Slightly off angle but there's the arch and windows above. SJ

After fighting their way through the fans surrounding Jeep at the ticket barrier, the pair board the train that will take them back to the Wrexham Regiment's camp.

Platform 2, I posted in Aug 2019 but I was never completely convinced: I think given the furthest background building, it must be platform 6 or even 8. New building has been built over the lines making now shots tricky. SJ

The Ticket Collector stands his ground as the mob holds everyone up and Jeep misses the train. A last view of London's Victoria station.

Platform 6 (see above) today. SJ

  • 'Now' required

At a Meteorological Station in the Outer Hebrides, a Wessex Regiment Sergeant discovers a mistake when new recruit Joseph Jackson arrives instead of Jeep Jackson.

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The following morning, a car brings Jeep to the Wrexham Regiment's Depot.

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An impatient Captain Bassett stands at the camp gateway awaiting the arrival of the 200th volunteer recruit, Joseph Jackson.

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Corporal Nerking (Gordon Needham) carries Jeep's bags and the three march toward a parade of honour accompanied by the sound of a military band.

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When the mistaken identity is realised, the band and parade are dismissed and Jeep is handed over to Sergeant Major Lush (William Bendix).

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Passing through rows of Nissen huts, the Sergeant Major points the way to Jeep's new home.

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Having arranged with Herbie to be sprung from the camp to perform a concert, Jeep returns to the barracks. In the background stand what look like the sound stages at Shepperton Studios in Surrey.

Police arrive at the theatre where Jeep is performing. Christopher Matheson found this to be Charlotte Street, London W1. The advertising hoarding and "JAYS" sign also appeared in 'The Voice of Merrill'.

Looking north in Charlotte Street, London

Facing north from outside what was the Scala Theatre , Christopher provides a Google Street View to show the scene as it is now. (RL)

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The officers rush into the building where a fight has broken out between Bertie and some Teddy Boys after the rock star is recognised. As this is a pan from the previous capture this must have been the Scala Theatre, Charlotte Street. (RL)

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Escaping from the melee, Caroline leads Jeep through the stage door as a battered and bruised Bertie follows. Christopher Matheson has identified this as Tottenham Street, London W1. Those four pillars of the Scala Theatre can also be seen in 'A Hard Days Night'. (RL)

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Ron and Jeep come into sight as Herbie waits to take the singer back to camp.

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After being found unsuitable for the regimental band, Jeep returns to camp to be met by Sergeant Major Lush.

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Jeep and his pal Shorty go to the cinema to watch 'Cockleshell Heroes', a film that Anthony Newley and David Lodge, playing Shorty, both appeared in.

After his latest song is released, Caroline and Jeep leave Imhofs Record Shop at 112-116 New Oxford Street in London WC1. The shop can also be seen in 'Gorgo'.

Peter admits that this is a "pure guess" as it has all been rebuilt. (RL)

Having fallen for each other, the couple walk from the shop holding hands. Facing west on New Oxford Street with the corner of Bainbridge Street to the right.

"Well, it's the same corner" says Peter. (RL)

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When Joseph Jackson arrives at the camp, Jeep leaves for the Outer Hebrides, passing Ron at the gate who's on his way to start his National Service.