Of all the war films produced in the post-war period, “The Dam Busters” is probably the most iconic and best known today.
On Saturday 31st October an excited audience gathered at The Ark Community Theatre to celebrate with Elstree Screen Heritage the 60th anniversary of this Elstree classic.
Made in Borehamwood at ABPC (Associated British Picture Corporation, now Elstree Studios), the film was finally released in May 1955. To help recreate the mood of the premiere screening the theatre was decorated with pennants and a red carpet.
Even better, a full Lancaster crew of seven welcomed Mayors Worster and Butler of the Councils of Hertsmere and Elstree & Borehamwood and the rest of the audience.
For more photos of the evening please visit our Events Gallery for “The Dam Busters”
Our most special guests were Brian Osborne and Kelvin Pike, two members of the film crew of “The Dam Busters”. Its Director, Michael Anderson, now in his 90s and living in Canada, sent a message read out by Paul Welsh, Chair of Elstree Screen Heritage: “I will be thinking of you all, and wishing I were there to experience this great moment and he many memories it recalls”
Paul also read an anecdote from Michael describing how the first Lancaster flypast almost took the top off an aircraft hangar, a moment which the audience recognised minutes later during the screening.
As Kelvin Pike said, it was “a super evening, fantastic, with real period atmosphere”.
Here’s to many more celebrations of the films of the studios of Elstree & Borehamwood.
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A unique souvenir is still available, the Lincolnshire Lancaster
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