GB 1967 1hr 37mins Dir: Michael Winner Starring: Oliver Reed and Wendy Craig
An advertising executive rebels against society
This biting 60’s satire features a number of scenes that were filmed at Bluebell Halt on the Bluebell Railway, which culminate in a surreal advertising film whereby Lyn Ashley is tied to the track as in the old ‘Perils of Pauline’ style Westerns. Bluebell Halt was painted white to appear as a ‘ghost’ station, with North London Railway 75 Class 0-6-0T No.2650 and two carriages of the ‘Chesham’ rake similarly painted as a ‘ghost train’.
Lyn Ashley and Oliver Reed discuss their plans together. This shot is taken from New Road and the station building visible on the embankment behind forms part of Bluebell Halt, though the building itself was a prop created solely for the film.
Here we can see the considerable makeover that was given to Bluebell Halt by the production team. The dilapidated building was added to the platform and is seen here in all its ‘finery’.
Lyn Ashley and Oliver Reed on the track at Bluebell Halt, which is playing the part of a closed station used for extra-marital rendezvous!!
The production crew filming at Bluebell Halt as part of their advertising campaign. The crew set up on site for several weeks and the ‘ghost’ station remained in situ for quite a while after they had departed.
And a view of the action from the platform, with Orson Welles taking centre stage
Bluebell Halt painted white for the film’s commercial
The ghost train approaches
This shot filmed from the cab of North London Railway 75 Class 0-6-0T No.2650 shows that the entire locomotive was painted white including the cast numberplate on the tankside! The train is approaching Bluebell Halt, which has also been given an ethereal appearance, whilst Lyn Ashley lies tied to the track…..in a white dress.
Lyn Ashley’s view of the approaching train. Every visible part of the locomotive appears to have been painted white!
The ghost train pulls into Bluebell Halt. The halt was opened in 1960, and was little more than just a short wooden construction located 100 yards or so south of Horsted Keynes. At the time, BR refused access into Horsted Keynes for Bluebell trains, hence the building of the halt. It saw little use after the preserved trains were allowed into the station in 1963 and was eventually removed altogether.
