West Dorset
TV and Films set in the area
Harbour Lights - 1998-99
Harbour Lights was set in the fictitious seaside and harbour town of Bridehaven
(alias West Bay). The drama revolved around the main character of Mike Nicholls (played by Nick
Berry). Following a tragic diving accident which claims the life of his close friend, Mike
returns to Bridehaven where he grew up, to take on the job as Harbour Master. But the near
romance with police officer Melanie Rush (Tina Hobley), the ruthless business dealings of Tony Simpson
(Gerard Horan) and the feuding of the Blade family all take their toll.
Two series were recorded and originally screened on the BBC in 1999. Nick Berry came to fame in
Eastenders, then moving on to Heartbeat. He left due to long periods of being parted from
his family while filming in Yorkshire. During the filming of Harbour Lights, his family stayed
in a cottage nearby.
River Cottage - 2002-06
The original 'River Cottage' was a weekend retreat for Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall which he shared with some friends. It was here that he had the idea for a TV series on Channel 4. But he could only ever rent River Cottage and its location is keep secret for the sake of the present owners. Hugh moved on to purchase a smallholding to keep the River Cottage dream alive. He purchased a failing 44 acre dairy farm near Broadoak, about 2 miles north west of Bridport, which became the new home of River Cottage HQ where cookery courses and events were held, together with gourmet evenings. However, the Eton educated gourmet eventually outgrew this venue and in November 2006 moved River Cottage HQ to Park Farm, Musbury, near Uplyme in East Devon, where he has found a more suitable (60 acre) location. But he says that his family home with his wife and son will remain in West Dorset.
The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin - 1976-79
The opening sequence shows Reginald Perrin, played by the late Leonard Rossiter, abandoning his clothes on a deserted beach and swimming out to sea. This was filmed on East Beach at West Bay. Although the BBC originally wanted to cast Ronnie Barker in the leading role, the series went on to become a cult comedy during the late 1970's. Reggie never finished dictating his letter of complaint to British Rail each morning after arriving late at 'Sunshine Desserts' and had to put up with his intimidating boss 'CJ' with his catchphrase "I didn't get where I am today by ....." Three series were filmed, totalling 21 episodes (all available on DVD).
The Dunlop Advertisement - 1970's
Filmed on the old West Pier (now demolished and replaced by the Jurassic Pier) at West Bay. The famous Formula One driver, Jackie Stewart, made a Dunlop tyre advertisement by racing down the pier and slamming on the brakes at the end. An eyewitness informs us that a helicopter was also used to heighten the dynamics of the filming. Also mentioned in Jackie Stewart's recent autobiography, 'Winning Is Not Enough'.
The Navy Lark - 1959
Filmed in and around the West Bay area. This was a spin off of the popular BBC radio comedy series about an incompetent crew of a Royal Navy ship. Similar to the 'Carry On' and 'Doctor' films of the time, this black and white film starred Leslie Phillips, Hattie Jacques and Gordon Jackson.
The Boat That Rocked - 2008
To be filmed in Portland Harbour, together with a staged interior of the boat set-up in a warehouse at Osprey Quay. Directed by Richard Curtis, best known for 'Love Actually' and 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'. Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Nick Frost and Kenneth Branagh, who all play pirate radio DJ's. Set in the 1960's when the pirate radio revolution blasted continuous rock and pop music from ships moored just outside British territorial waters.
Gulliver's Travels - 1995
Filmed at Bridport, Seatown / Golden Cap. Ted Danson and Peter O'Toole star in the classic children's tale.
The History of Tom Jones - 1997
Filmed at Golden Cap, Mapperton and Powerstock. The adventures of a foundling in 18th Century England who is brought up by the Squire and eventually marries his daughter.
Emma - 1995
Filmed at locations around Sherborne and Dorchester, Mapperton House, Almshouses at Evershot. Jane Austen's story of matchmaking that goes awry.
Restoration - 1994
Filmed at Mapperton House and Forde Abbey. Starring Meg Ryan, Sam Neill and Hugh Grant Costume drama set in the 1660's about a young doctor who falls out of favour with Charles II.
Far From the Madding Crowd - 1967
Film locations included Abbotsbury. Thomas Hardy novel about a headstrong girl who causes unhappiness and tragedy.
Tess of the D'Urbevilles - 1997
Film locations included Burton Bradstock and Cerne Abbey.
Persuasion - 1994
Filmed in Lyme Regis. Based on Jane Austen's novel set in England in 1814.
The French Lieutenant's Woman - 1981
Filmed in Lyme Regis. A gentleman forsakes his fiancee for the abandoned mistress of a French seaman in 1867 intertwined with the modern story of the actors playing the Victorian roles.
The Scarlet Tunic - 1996
Filmed at Chideock, Seatown and Bridport. Based on a Thomas Hardy short story, the tale of a farmer's daughter who falls for a German cavalry officer planning to desert from his regiment.
The Dam Busters - 1954
Filmed at Weymouth and The Fleet. Story of the destruction of the Ruhr dams in 1943 by Dr Barnes Wallis' bouncing bombs.
In Which We Serve - 1942
Film locations included Portland. Splendid British war film about survivors from a torpedoed destroyer who recall their life at sea and on leave.
Elizabeth - 1999
Film locations included Athelhampton House. Drama-documentary about the life and reign of Elizabeth I.
Sleuth - 1972
Film locations included Athelhampton House. Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine star. A successful thriller writer invents a murder plot which rebounds on himself.
The Thirty-Nine Steps - 1978
Filmed at Portland. Robert Powell starred in the remake of the John Buchan novel.