Strike, The (The Comic Strip Presents . . . )
Date: 1988
Director: Peter Richardson
Production Company: Comic Strip Productions
Stars: Peter Richardson, Alexei Sayle, Dawn French, Adrian Edmonson
Location(s): Buckinghamshire, London, West Glamorgan
Region(s): London R-S, South East R-Z, Wales
Storyline:
A former miner writes a hard-hitting left-wing screenplay about the 1984 miners’ strike which is accepted by a Hollywood film company who turn it into a distorted action thriller.
Additional Information:
Page compiled by Steve Randall
A television film from ‘The Comic Strip Presents . . . ‘ series.
Series 4, episode 1.
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- Capture 1
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A Welsh mining village portrayed by Roman Road, Banwen, Neath, West Glamorgan, facing south.
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The local cinema, This seems to be an old chapel situated where the Kingdom Hall now stands in Roman Road, Banwen.
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Writer and ex-miner Paul (Alexei Sayle) who has written a screenplay for a film about the miners' strike, proudly walks through the village. 7 Roman Road, Banwen.
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As Paul heads off to present his screenplay, friend Ray gives him encouragement. 1 Roman Road
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An old man waves to Paul as he heads off. 10 Roman Road.
- Capture 6
- 10 Nov 2024
Paul arrives at Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1.
The coach was lurking to recreate the capture but it would've spoiled the view of the entrance. SJ
- Capture 7
- 04 Sep 2024
He meets director Bernard Deacon (Nigel Planer) who has arranged the meeting with the production company. Elizabeth Street, outside Victoria Coach Station.
Victoria coach station 36 years later.
- Capture 8
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Art Director Adrian (Adrian Edmonsen) assesses the filming location. This house stands opposite the cinema location. For the film it is dressed as a Tesco store.
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And here dressed as a pub is 2 Roman Road, with false front entrance.
- Capture 10
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Production Assistant Verity (Dawn French) and Adrian look on in amazement as Paul enthuses about the story. Roman Road facing north from the cinema location.
- Capture 11
- 18 Nov 2024
Al Pacino is to play Arthur Scargill in the much-altered film. He is driven to a plush hotel, but doesn't want to stay there. Stoke Park Hotel, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire. Also seen in 'Bridget Jones's Diary', 'Goldfinger', 'The Intruder' and 'Layer Cake'.
To avoid being hit by any stray balls, Antony Blair took this long shot of the hotel from Stoke Poges Memorial Park.
- Capture 12
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Al Pacino chooses a humbler dwelling to occupy while filming. Location unknown.
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The present homeowner, played by Dawn French, is evicted. Unknown location.
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More of the road is seen as the homeowner sees her home being converted for Al Pacino's use.
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Paul catches up with Al Pacino (Peter Richardson) who is playing tennis. Unknown location.
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Paul and Al discuss the script. Maybe the huts in the corner of the field will help with identification.
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As we see scenes from the film within a film, the aspect changes to widescreen. Miners cheerfully go about their business. Location unknown.
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Hearing that a bunch of miners threaten to blow up Sellafield, Arthur Scargill rushes to talk with them.
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The movie's publicity has started a fashion trend.
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Al Pacino as Scargill reaches Sellafield. Harbour Way, Port Talbot, Neath in West Glamorgan.
- Capture 21
- 09 Sep 2024
After talking with the miners, Scargill heads toward London to appeal to parliament. This is the avenue leading from St. Mary's Church, Denham, Buckinghamshire, which is also seen in 'Kind Hearts and Coronets' and 'Kadoyng'.
Returning to the back of the church, Antony Blair found the route gated.
- Capture 22
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Scargill takes a flying leap. Camnant Road, Coelbren, Neath. Phil Bacon supplies further info: This is the disused bridge over the road on the former Neath & Breacon railway line, approx 1/4 mile east of Coelbren Junction station. This section of line between Coelbren and Penwyllt quarry remained open until 1977, and was used in the production of the film “Young Winston” 1972, for the Boer attack on the armoured train.
- Capture 23
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Scargill speeds through a farmyard. Court Farm, Denham in Buckinghamshire, which is also seen in 'Kadoyng' and 'Anoop and the Elephant'.
- Capture 24
- 09 Sep 2024
Scargill skids to a halt. Village Road, Denham, Buckinghamshire.
Cars replace the action in Antony Blair's view.
- Capture 25
- 09 Sep 2024
He gets directions from two Locals (Nigel Planer and Pete Richens). Village Road, Denham.
A late summer scene for Antony Blair's comparison taken 36 years on.
- Capture 26
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Only 3 miles from London, eh?
- Capture 27
- 18 Nov 2024
Scargill reaches London. Carnaby Street W1.
From street level against the sun.
- Capture 28
- 04 Sep 2024
Scargill ditches his bike on The Mall SW1.
A gap in the Mall's traffic. SJ
- Capture 29
- 04 Sep 2024
Scargill reaches Westminster. Parliament Square SW1.
Westminster Abbey in the background. SJ
- Capture 30
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Poor people listen to Scargill saving the day with an emotive appeal to parliament. Unidentified location.
- Capture 31
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The film is a success, but Paul finds himself shunned by the locals. He stands alone on the hill to the south of Banwen, Neath.