Famous for its pottery, Robbie Williams and one of the best family-orientated football teams in the midlands (Port Vale) Stoke on Trent has also hosted some big Hollywood talent.
It’s quite surprising to see some huge names on the following list below and whilst the movies are few and far between the fact they came at all pays tribute to the areas historic feel and vibe.
Below we take a look at five Stoke on Trent movies that have been shot in the local area.
Various movies where the potteries makes its big silver screen appearance.
Let’s take a look at 5 movies filmed in Stoke on Trent.
1. The Promoter A.K.A The Card (1952)
Starring Obi-Wan-Kenobi himself The Promoter starring Alec Guinness filmed here in Stoke on Trent.
The movie revolved around a man who finds many ways to raise himself through the ranks of business and social standing through any means necessary.
Some honest ways, some not so much.
The movie also stars Glynis Johns, Valerie Hobson, and Petula Clark.
The film’s fictional location Bursley was actually based on the real-life filming location of Burslem in Stoke on Trent where the majority of the movie was filmed.
The film was shot in Stoke On Trent and Llandudno only.
2. The Smallest Show on Earth (1952)
The great Peter Sellers once came to Stoke on Trent for the 1957 movie The Smallest Show on Earth.
A film about a young couple who inherit a debt-ridden old movie theater, appropriately nicknamed “The Flea Pit”, and the three eccentric senior citizens who work there.
Also starring Virginia McKenna, Bill Travers and Margaret Rutherford this vintage movie.
Various places can be spotted included Longton train station and Hanover Street to Hope Street.
Kilns can be seen in the background and even Port Vale’s Old Recreational Ground.
3. My Fragile Heart (2000)
Starring Sarah Lancashire this Two-part TV movie revolves around Trina Lavery as she returns to Stoke after 20 years to look after her ill mother.
Trina learns that Bernard (Lorcan Cranitch) is also in the local area. Bernard was accused of killing Trina’s best friend many years ago but was never convicted.
Another local girl is killed and Trina suspects Bernard is behind it once again. Going out of her way to prove it she puts herself in danger.
From Stoke station to the surrounding areas it’s certainly a spot the location challenge when watching this movie.
The movie was released 20 years ago so many things have changed since. But similar to 99% of Stoke on Trent, there are things you’ll instantly recognize.
4. The Girl With All The Gifts (2016)
More recently in 2016 Hollywood landed on Stoke on Trent’s door.
Nothing quite says post-apocalyptic like Hanley town center! Glenn Close, Gemma Arterton, and Paddy Considine all rolled into town to shoot this dystopian zombie flick.
When the old Hanley bus station was shut down nature took hold of the area and with the addition of surrounding buildings the scene was set.
When the set decorators arrived to shoot the movie they added a few green plants here and there and a burned-out car but that was it. The rest was all there, ready to go.
Shot over the course of a week I had the honor of being a part of the movie. It was great to see Hollywood royalty Glenn Close doing what she does best and the end product was distributed by Warner Brothers.
The film as a whole was quite well received gaining a slightly higher than average score. I rather enjoyed it. It looked the part, but I’m biased because I’m in it for all of three seconds.
A great day on set and a great recent memory of when Hollywood came to Stoke.
But it certainly wasn’t the last time we had some big names in the local area to shoot a movie.
5. Jawbone (2017)
Starring Ray Winstone, Ian McShane, Michael Smiley and Johnny Harris this boxing epic pulled no punches.
The film revolves around a former boxing champion, long past his prime, returns to his childhood boxing club.
Enlisting the aid of the only family he has left: the gym owner, the cornerman, and the promoter, he seeks to turn his life around and stand tall once more.
The actual movie is supposed to be set in London but Stoke’s Spode building was used for a substantial part of the film.
Music legend Paul Weller supplied the film’s soundtrack.
Jawbone also had a helping hand from a few local residents who ended up working on the movie. Certainly a memory to treasure for the lucky few who got to work on this production.
The film received very positive reviews across the board!
Overall
Image – https://www.creativetourist.com/venue/gladstone-pottery-museum/
It’s not just movies that have been shot in Stoke we’ve had TV shows like Peaky Blinders, Time Team and most recently the upcoming Netflix series The Irregulars have all shot in the local area.
The scenery is perfectly set for a historic throwback film or a gritty zombie flick. With architectural marvels littered across the city, there’s sure to be a location to suit many filmmaker needs.
Sadly it’s been 3 years since a big movie with known talent has been filmed here. Chances are few and far between of seeing another movie shot here but we remain optimistic.
Give it a few years until Spielberg, Ridley Scott and Christopher Nolan roll into town to shoot a segment of their latest blockbuster.
Stoke on Trent does have its rustic charms but it’s the people that make Stoke on Trent the wonderful place that it is.
Slowly but surely as investment trickles in we’re seeing improvements in the local area.
Many attractions are now popping up in Stoke on Trent that draw footfall in from afar. Long may it continue!
Can you recall a drama filmed in Stoke on Trent , about the potters fortnight, it was about electrical maintenance.
Was it called shut down?
I’m not too sure Robert!