Archers Film Productions

Writers/Directors: Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger

Kent Filming Locations: Wickhambreaux, Canterbury, Fordwich, Chilham, Elham Valley Railway, Selling, Wigham, Little Stour

A Canterbury Tale was filmed throughout Kent in the 1940’s. It showcased various sections of the picturesque Pilgrims Way. Michael Powell, who grew up in the area and attended Kings School in Canterbury,  partly used the film to highlight parts of the Kentish countryside and aspects of  rural life he feared were slowly disappearing.

Arriving in Kent by train, a Land Girl (Sheila Sim) , an American GI (Bob Johnson) and a British soldier (Dennis Price) attempt to discover the identity of a mysterious figure who pours glue into the hair of local girls that date soldiers. The local magistrate, a mysterious character who is also a local historian becomes one of their prime suspects.

Peter Gibbs in the Cathedral with the priest © Granada International

The film tagline of "Four modern pilgrims in a story of today", referred to the orginal Canterbury Tales written by Geoffrey Chaucer and perhaps the most famous collection of stories ever told, each also following the Pilgirms Way.

The film focuses on the pilgrimage of the three to unmask the mystery attacker. The film’s message is focused on the importance of Britain’s identity seen through the natural beauty of the Kent countryside and the moral tale was appreciated at the time against the backdrop of the very real war.

The film was shot in various locations in and around Canterbury Kent, including Chilham, Fordwich, Selling, Shottenden, Wingham, Wickhambreaux and, of course, Canterbury Cathedral.

On the 19th September 2007, 'A Canterbury Tale' became the first film ever to be projected to an audience in Canterbury Cathedral and was shown as a fund-raising event to pay for repairs to the cathedral. Canterbury Cathedral was featured heavily in the film, although some scenes had to be recreated as the windows and cathedral organ had been removed due to the war.

Canterbury now also homes a visitor attraction, dedicated to Geoffrey Chaucer's original Canterbury Tales. Visitors are regailed with various famous tales, including those of the wife of Bath and the Pardoner, as they recreate the  journey from London to Canterbury.

[Hollie Snelson]

The two soldiers in a cafe © Granada International

Links

• For more information on Canterbury Cathedral visit http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/
• Learn about the Canterbury Tales visitor attraction at http://www.canterburytales.org.uk/home.htm
• More on Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger  http://www.powell-pressburger.org/