One of the real pleasures of researching the films made in Borehamwood and Elstree is rediscovering just how ambitious some of these productions were, and Goodbye, Mr Chips (1969) is a perfect example.

In our collection we have a beautiful original press book for the film, illustrated with colour production photographs and biographies of the cast and key creative crew.

The film was shot across a wide range of locations: Sherborne School in Dorset, several locations in London, and extensive filming in Italy — including Pompeii, Paestum and Positano. Remarkably, it was the first film ever permitted to shoot inside Pompeii.

Back in Borehamwood, three lavish sets were constructed at MGM British Studios which used to stand on Elstree Way:
• The ballroom of the Savoy Hotel as it appeared in 1924
• The vast Norman-style Assembly Hall of “Brookfield School”
• And the London music hall for the film’s biggest production number, where Petula Clark performs “London Is London”

The sets were designed by Ken Adam, whose work helped define the scale and visual confidence of the film. We were privileged to record an oral history interview with Sir Ken for The Elstree Project which focused on his invaluable insight into both his design process and his working relationship with Stanley Kubrick.

Nominated for two Academy Awards, the film moves effortlessly between locations and scales, from ancient ruins to purpose-built studio sets, and is a reminder of just how internationally connected Borehamwood and Elstree’s studios really were and continue to be.

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Our work to preserve, document and share these histories is ongoing. If you value this research and archive, please consider supporting The Elstree Project — every contribution helps keep this history alive.