Lifeforce

Date: 1985
Director: Tobe Hooper
Production Company: Golan-Globus Prods, Easedram Limited, London-Cannon Films

Stars: Mathilda May, Patrick Stewart, Peter Firth, Steve Railsback, Frank Finlay
Location(s): Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, London

Region(s): , ,

Storyline:

A race of space vampires arrive in London and infect the populace.

Additional Information:

Originally added by Phil Wilkinson with replacement and additional screen captures and text by Neil Webster

Carl Lord points out that Chancery Lane Underground station was also used as a location which is confirmed on Nick Cooper’s ‘The London Underground in Films & Television’ site at http://www.nickcooper.org.uk/subterra/lu/lufilmtv/lifeforc.htm

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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
  • 22 Jul 2017

The European Space Research Centre in London, where an Alien found during a space shuttle mission to Halley's Comet has been brought to. Victor Grayson identifies this as Barnet House on High Road, Whetstone N20 which is known locally as Ever Ready House. Victor adds that "It might not be recognisable for much longer as there are plans to convert the building into flats and radically alter the exterior".

And Victor Grayson matches the capture with this image.

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Bukovsky (Michael Gothard) receives word that space shuttle commander Colonel Tom Carlsen has been found. Barnet House on High Road, Whetstone at the corner of Baxendale, located by Neil Webster who explains that here we're looking north to the back of Totteridge Lane.

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Carlsen has a vision in which he sees psychiatric nurse Ellen (Nancy Paul), whose body is being shared with a Space Vampire. Ridgeway footpath crosses Beacon Road, Ivinghoe in Buckinghamshire. (NW) Lat,long: 51.837302063019614, -0.6074173152072756

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The vision continues with Ellen approaching a Man before driving away with him. Beacon Road, Ivinghoe near Leighton Buzzard. (NW)

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The gates of fictional Thurlstone Hospital, a psychiatric unit where the Alien is being held. Neil Webster advises that this is the former Royal Masonic School in Bushey, Hertfordshire, the interior of which was used for Hogwarts Great Hall in the 'Harry Potter' film franchise.

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Doctor Armstrong (Patrick Stewart) makes his way to the helicopter that's just landed in the grounds of the Yorkshire hospital. The former Royal Masonic School in Bushey which, at the time of filming, had become the United States International University-Europe. Neil adds that the premises have been redeveloped as Royal Connaught Park.

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London engulfed by fire. Neil Webster identifies the miniatures as part of model village at the Tucktonia theme park that stood on Stour Road in Christchurch, Dorset. Opening in 1976, the attraction closed in 1986.

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London in chaos. Live action composited with a model of Carlton House Terrace explains Neil Webster. Tucktonia theme park in Christchurch.

  • Capture 9
  • 02 Aug 2026
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Carlsen (Steve Railsback) and Caine (Peter Firth) arrive at the army base. Alexandra Palace in Muswell Hill N10 found by Neil Webster.

All cars, no 'copter. NW

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Human life energy being collected by the alien mother-ship. Neil Webster recognised Alexandra Palace Park, Muswell Hill.

No alien activity in the Rose Garden today. NW

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Caine chases after Carlsen. The grounds of Alexandra Palace in London N10 located by Neil Webster.

Demilitarised. NW

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Carlsen is called by the Space Vampire. This has the appearance of studio buildings. Geoff Dodd says that that is because they are studio buildings, what used to be the scene docks at Elstree and are amongst the very few structures that are still standing. Both ends of the buildings are identical so background is key as to which direction they are viewed. Poplar trees in the background means that the Tesco site would now be to the right, studio buildings in the background means that they would be filming looking towards Shenley Road. (RL)

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Carlsen arrives at the cathedral for his rendezvous with the space vampire. Greg Chapman advises that his dear friend Aubrey Morris took photos that show that this is a set which was built on the back-lot at Thorn-EMI Studios in Borehamwood. Sadly the area where the set stood is now beneath the car park of the Tesco Superstore.