Director: Marcel Varnel
Release Date: January 1940
It was reported in Kinematograph Weekly, 31 August 1939, that last week ‘Shooting took place on the roof of the Lime Grove plant [of the British-Gaumont studios] on a set representing the roof of Broadcasting House.’ The report continued that ‘Action during the first days’ shooting was confined to [Arthur] Askey and [Richard] Murdoch being discovered on the roof of their B.B.C. flat by the assistant director of supervision, Claude Pilkington (Peter Hawthorne) and the B.B.C.commissionaire (Wally Patch).’ The report also noted ‘The fact that shooting started on the Shepherd’s Bush studios’ roof does not imply the re-opening of the studios announced to take place this month. On the contrary, shooting is to be centered there only because roof space is larger than that at [Gainsbourgh’s] Islington [studios].’
Capture 1
The scene is set with the view from Langham Place of Broadcasting House, Portland Place.
Capture 2
Sent to investigate a commotion on the roof of Broadcasting House Wally Patch arrives on the roof of the Gaumont-British, Lime Grove Studios, Shepherd's Bush.
Capture 3
With a mock-up of the aerials at Broadcasting House behind him Patch locates the source of the commotion. In the distance appears to be a large gasometer.
Capture 4
While Patch investigates the commotion nearby buildings, which remain unidentified, come into view.
Capture 5
Richard Murdoch approaching the roof at British-Gaumont.
Capture 6
Arthur Askey joins Murdoch on the roof.
Capture 7
B.B.C. boss Peter Gawthorne complaining to Murdoch about the B.B.C aerials being used for a washing line.
Capture 8
As Gawthorne's car heads south in Regent Street, with Mortimer Street to the right, he is unaware that he is towing Askey's and Murdoch's car.
Capture 9
The tow continues across Piccadilly Circus.