As the buzz surrounding the current filming activity in our area continues to capture attention, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the rich cinematic history of our region. Over the years, several notable movies have chosen our picturesque locales as their backdrop, leaving an indelible mark on both the silver screen and our community.
The Damned (1961) One of Hammer Horror’s most distinctive productions, “The Damned,” unfolded in the summer of 1961 right here in Weymouth and Portland Bill. This apocalyptic sci-fi classic featured the talents of Oliver Reed, Shirley Anne Field, and director Joseph Losey. The story revolves around a perplexed American tourist stumbling upon a network of caves and bunkers, housing nine children with inexplicable powers, kept under military secrecy.
Far From the Madding Crowd (1967) The 1967 adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel “Far From the Madding Crowd” is often regarded as the definitive version. Much of this film was shot in our region, with grand crowd scenes gracing Weymouth’s beach and seafront. Additionally, scenes involving a circus were captured in Preston, while Maiden Castle in Dorchester served as a backdrop. Bloxworth House, near Wareham, took on the role of the fictional home of Bathsheba Everdene.
The French Lieutenant’s Woman Lyme Regis played a pivotal role in the cinematic adaptation of John Fowles’ best-selling novel “The French Lieutenant’s Woman.” Meryl Streep’s iconic image, draped in a cloak on The Cobb as waves crashed around her, remains etched in cinematic memory. The story, set in Lyme Regis shortly after the Napoleonic Wars, captivated audiences worldwide.
Nanny McPhee (2005) In 2005, Hollywood actress Emma Thompson graced Lulworth Cove with her presence while filming “Nanny McPhee.” The production crew went to great lengths, using helicopters to transport around six tons of filming equipment to Man O’ War bay. Emma Thompson even organized a health-conscious party for the children involved in the production.
The Boat That Rocked (2008) Richard Curtis’ film “The Boat That Rocked” made use of Portland Port, chartering the MV Timor Challenger as the Radio Rock pirate ship. Portland Harbour stood in as the North Sea for the film, where renegade DJs played by Rhys Ifans and Bill Nighy broadcasted illegally. Swinging sixties street scenes were captured in Castletown and Lyme Regis, with Kimmeridge also featuring as a location.
World War Z (2012) Brad Pitt made hearts race when he filmed the final scene for “World War Z” at Lulworth Cove in November 2012. The following year, he returned to promote his Second World War film “Fury” at the Tank Museum in Bovington, where a Sherman tank from the museum was featured in the film.
Tamara Drewe (2009) Gemma Arterton, known for her role as a Bond girl, charmed audiences with her portrayal of Tamara Drewe in the 2009 comedy film directed by Stephen Frears. The film was shot in villages around Beaminster.
The Mercy (2015) In 2015, Colin Firth was spotted on Portland while filming scenes for “The Mercy,” a biopic of yachtsman Donald Crowhurst, whose misleading reports about circumnavigating the globe concealed a tragic truth.
Ammonite (2019) Hollywood stars graced the scenic locales of west Dorset in the making of “Ammonite,” a movie inspired by the life of Mary Anning, with Oscar winner Kate Winslet taking on the titular role. Lyme Regis hosted filming in March 2019.
Wonka (2021) In October 2021, the excitement in Lyme Regis reached a crescendo as production crews and extras descended upon the area for the filming of “Wonka.” Timothée Chalamet portrayed the eccentric chocolate factory owner in this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book. The famous Cobb played a pivotal role, and even Hugh Grant featured as a tiny CGI Oompa-Loompa in this exciting cinematic venture set before the opening of Wonka’s chocolate factory.
Our region’s breathtaking landscapes have provided the canvas for these cinematic masterpieces, leaving an indelible mark on the world of film and a lasting legacy in our local communities.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Zoomer Zest journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
