Go to Blazes

The late lamented Maggie Smith made an auspicious screen debut in the unfairly neglected 'Nowhere to Go' (1958), which could have represented a radical new departure for Ealing had they not closed their doors for good after only one more film.

The film was intended to be Smith's first film under a seven-year contract with Ealing, but in the event she was only to make one more film for them before her role in 'The VIPs' marked her conclusive entry into the big league.

Smith's second film was the nearest she made to a classic Ealing comedy in which she looks gorgeous in colour and 'scope and provides an early opportunity to demonstrate just how funny she could be as a refined French lady who slips into cockney when upset.

I have fond memories of this film, I was nine when my mother took me to see it, we saw a lot of films together back in the day. It was a delight to see a British film in colour in those days. Great cast led by comic Dave 'Big Head' King who later went to play mostly heavies in films.

Sure plot is daft but it is a comedy after all, one of many British made from the sixties. If you are of an age and remember most of the cast you'll enjoy the nostalgia of picking out the future stars in small parts.

Recommended.

It isn't one of the best films in the mould of The Lavender Hill Mob or Three Way Stretch despite a good cast. I switched on part way through and here were scenes where you could see it was shot in Elstree or Barnet High high street especially when the Lonon Country bus went past. Of more interest was the escape scene where the fire engine went past the duck pond on Hadley Common, Down Bakers Hill and the sunken lane in Hadley Woods. This was used by vehicles in the 1960's as I remember an ice cream van by the lake.

One of the best British Comedy films of all time. 3 Crooks steal a fire engine as a getaway vehicle for their crimes. David King, Norman Rossington and Daniel Massey are on excellent form as the crooks, Massey steals the show as the spiv who dates Maggie Smith. Robert Morley gives his greatest performance as a crook scientist. Check this film out, you will not be disappointed!

The only point of interest to me is the exterior locations.The opening scene takes place in Temple Fortune Parade.I remember watching the filming.The gang head south down the Finchley Road towards Golders Green.Next thing we know they are being pursued by the police along the A41 Watford Way.I would be interested to know the name and location of the cinema shown later in the film.The film itself is not very funny.A good cast let down by a rather unfunny script.the last 20 minutes in particular is extremely lame.Unfortunately Associated British Pathe did not turn out many good comedies in the sixties.There are lots of great actors,,Lowe,Le Mesurier and Mallinson who only have a brief time on screen alas.Early film of Maggie Smith.