Now film history is made in Bradford (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Now film history is made in Bradford

12:00am Friday 3rd March 2000 in News

Cinema history will be made in Bradford tomorrow when actor Tom Courtenay launches a unique heritage guide.

Believed to be the first of its type in the country, it pinpoints locations in the city where famous films have been made. The Yorkshire-born star of the 60s classic Billy Liar will launch the Cinema Heritage Guide with a re-run of his famous soft-shoe routine from the locally made film on the steps of the War Memorial in Princes Way.

The 38-page Cinema Heritage Trail covers dozens of different sites that have made their mark in the world of cinema. And it coincides with the launch of Bradford Film Festival today.

The guide has been produced by Bradford Council in partnership with city centre management and Bradford Film Office and compiled by local film historian, the late Geoff Mellor.

The trail starts at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television and takes in a string of movie landmarks, including the Alhambra, which provided the location for The Dresser, also starring Tom Courtenay. Also in the trail is the Priestley Centre for the Arts where budding local talents like Billie Whitelaw and Bingley-born Rodney Bewes started out.

The Council's executive committee member for regeneration, Councillor Dave Green, said: "The guide offers a fascinating insight into another aspect of Bradford's rich heritage. These locations have helped earn Bradford the reputation as a major city of film." The trail is about 1.5 miles long and takes about two hours.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.