It’s a Grand Life
Date: 1953
Director: John E. Blakeley
Production Company: Film Studios Manchester
Stars: Frank Randle, Diana Dors, Dan Young, Michael Brennan
Location(s): Cheshire, Lancashire
Region(s): North
Storyline:
An accident-prone army Private attempts to rescue a female Corporal from the attentions of a predatory Sergeant-Major.
Additional Information:
Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson from source material provided by John Tunstill.
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- Capture 1
- 'Now' required
A train arrives at a station as the titles end. Baguley station on the Cheshire Lines Committee route between Stockport and Glazebrook. Wythenshawe in Greater Manchester, formerly Cheshire.
- Capture 2
- 'Now' required
Two military policemen accompany their prisoner from the platform. Baguley station with the bridge carrying Brooks Drive in the background. The station closed at the end of November 1964 although the line is still open.
- Capture 3
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The three enter the car park where Private Randle is waiting to take them to the camp. The station's car park is now occupied by Evesham Avenue, Manchester M23.
- Capture 4
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On the way, Randle pulls over at a country pub.
- Capture 5
- 'Now' required
Whilst Randle and the escort enjoy their drinks, the prisoner takes the jeep and escapes.
- Capture 6
- 'Now' required
Private Randle (Frank Randle) and the MPs rush outside when they realise that their prisoner has absconded.
- Capture 7
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Another jeep passes in the opposite direction and the Driver (George Jackson) is stopped and questioned. Greg Jackson tells us that his father, George Jackson, was in this second jeep.
- Capture 8
- 'Now' required
A new intake arrives at the 29th Army Training Centre where Private Randle is based. Xavarian College on Lower Park Road in Rusholme, formerly in Lancashire recognised by Chris and Pam. The location appears in 'School for Randle'.
- Capture 9
- 'Now' required
The young recruits file towards the main building.
- Capture 10
- 'Now' required
Sergeant Major O'Reilly (Michael Brennan) attempts to bring order on parade. Chris and Pam advise that this is the school yard of Xavarian College on Lower Park Road, Rusholme, Manchester M14.
- Capture 11
- 'Now' required
After more shenanigans, Randle and the rest of the platoon dance away from the Sergeant Major.
- Capture 12
- 'Now' required
Corporal Paula Clements (Diana Dors) drives Private Philip Green (John Blythe) across the parade ground.
- Capture 13
- 'Now' required
Randle and a group of soldiers gather around when Sergeant Major O'Reilly (Michael Brennan) can't start his car.
- Capture 14
- 'Now' required
Private Pendergast (Arthur White) and Randle have a comic exchange in the camp's grounds.
- Capture 15
- 'Now' required
A seemingly gratuitous shot of a passing train is shown as Private Randle prepares for a wrestling match at the Assembly Hall.