History group hunts for Batley film memories
MOVIE MEMORIES An advert for Value for Money, showing at the Dewsbury Playhouse in 1955.
A search is on for people with special memories of comedy film Value for Money, made in Batley in 1955.
Batley History Group is hoping to highlight the film and its stars – John Gregson, Diana Dors and Susan Stephens – at its next meeting at Batley Town Hall on Monday March 25.
Chairman Malcolm Haigh remembers former Batley News editor Derrick Boothroyd, author of the book on which the film is based, and seeing the opening shots of the film – a brass band marching up Taylor Street – as they were being showered by the hosepipes of the local fire brigade.
He said several locals were recruited for crowd scenes in the town – known in the film as Barfield – especially when scenes were shot in Station Road, Spurr Street, Batley Cemetery and Wilton Park.
He also recalls that one young lady, 17-year-old Barbara Copley, then living in Bromley Street, Hanging Heaton, so memorably fulfilled the role of ‘a Yorkshire mill lass’ that she was treated to a three day London break by the filmmakers so she could attend the film’s premiere.
Members of the History Group are hoping that Barbara and other people with memories of the film making will get in touch and attend the meeting to give their individual accounts.
The evening will also feature publicity pieces about the film and a showing of the film.
Because of the film’s 90 minute length, the meeting will start half an hour earlier than usual, at 7pm.
Admission is £2 for members and £4 for guests.
To share your memories, call Malcolm on 01924 479824.
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Tuesday 21 May 2013
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