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Mystery photos of Brighton and Hove

Where was the Battle of the V1 filmed?

By David Fisher

These two pictures are screen shots from a 1958 film called Battle of the V1, which was filmed partly at Brighton Studios in St Nicholas Road and on location at Shoreham beach.

Was it in Portslade?
The film starred Michael Rennie and was directed by Vernon Sewell for Eros Films. The street could be almost anywhere in the area, although Portslade is likely. It is possible that the street no longer exists as there is a scene of a burning house that looks as though it could be one of the same properties.

What about the cinema?
However, the cinema ought to be more recognisable. One suggestion is the Pavilion in Portslade, although it doesn't look like the only photo I can find of it. The advertising post on the left of the shot is part of the set dressing to make the Sussex location look like wartime Poland!

Portslade or Brighton?

From the private collection of David Fisher

Obviously a cinema, but which?

From the private collection of David Fisher

This page was added on 11/04/2009.

Comments about this page

Looks like the Rothbury cinema in Franklin Road, Portslade.

By Julia (12/04/2009)

Could be the old Rothbury cinema in Franklin Road, Portslade, now Southern FM Radio.

By Teresa Burgess (12/04/2009)

I also think it's The Rothbury. Does anyone remember the perfumey smell in there?

By Maggie (15/04/2009)

Thanks for the suggestions. I remember it from only about 20 years ago, by which time it was Southern Sound. It doesn't look much like that now however I'm trying to find a photo of when it was a cinema.

By David Fisher (16/04/2009)

Yes that's definitely The Rothbury. I have a family picture taken in 1956 right outside of the cinema. It was taken on the day of my brother's wedding. The movie, Battle of the V1 was filmed at Shoreham airport, I was one of the 'extras'. I met Michael Rennie. I was only about 8 or 9. He seemed like a giant to me as he was so tall!!

By Christine Mepham (20/04/2009)

Thanks, Christine. What a great memory! I'd wondered where the rather utilitarian factory buildings were. Now I know. Have you ever seen yourself in the film?

By David Fisher (26/04/2009)

Didn't they shoot some scenes in the old gas works for that film? Oh yes Maggie, I remember the girl going round with the spray in the Rothbury and sitting outside waiting for an adult to take us in if it was an 'A' film. I always seemed to come out with a headache as I remember.

By Den King (14/05/2009)

Yes indeed, a large chunk of the film was shot in the gasworks. The whole team were there: the cameras, the sound van, the 'props dept', the canteen and of course the actors and actresses. I well remember Michael Rennie, in full Nazi uniform, standing, all six foot six of him, on the set. This is odd because I don't recall him playing a Nazi part in the film. Maybe he was just wearing it for fun. Most of the filming was done in the old No.2 Retort House which was out of use and was just an empty shell. After the team had left we went and had a look to see what they had been up to. Among odds and ends we found a massive concrete beam which had fallen during the 'bombing'. It must have weighed at least two pounds and was made of polystyrene. It looked real though. Some more of the shooting was done at the 'A' power station. A couple of extras were actually Seaboard workers who were obliged to join Equity in order to take part. The film was first issued as V1. Only later was "the battle of the" added.

By Ron Charlton (20/07/2009)

Re: Battle of the V1. The Polish cinema depicted is actually the Pavilion in North St. Portslade. Not only did they film the outside but filmed inside too in early November 1957. The cinema closed for good in February 1958.

By John Nihill (06/08/2009)

I work at Heart (Was Southern FM). I have been looking for a photo of the old Rothbury cinema for a long time. Christine, You say you have a photo taken outside on your brothers wedding day. Is it possible to have a copy of this photo please, even if just to confirm that the photo above is the same building. Above the ceilings there are some old fittings from the cinema/nightclub days.

By Gary Hornbuckle (30/12/2009)