Frankie & Johnnie

Frankie & Johnnie

The star of the film is, of course, Yeovil

 

Producer Kenith Trodd was part of a 1984 team brought together to study how the BBC should respond to Channel Four's pioneering efforts in making films for both television and theatrical release. The result was a transition from the earlier concept of studio-made plays, such as "Play for Today" and the introduction of the new BBC anthology film series, "Screen One" and "Screen Two," with Trodd's supervision of the initial group of titles in 1985.

"Frankie & Johnnie" was a 100 minute drama released as an episode of Screen Two (1985–2002) and screened on 2 February 1986. It was shot almost entirely on location in Yeovil. It was directed by Martin Campbell and starred Hywel Bennett, Diana Hardcastle, Tony Doyle, Amanda Donohoe, Shelagh Fraser and Norman Jones.

To be honest it's not the best film I've ever seen and the plot is completely forgettable and chiefly involves divorcee Hywel Bennett wandering around Yeovil with his son in tow. However if you can get hold of a copy it's worth watching just for the main star of the film - Yeovil.

The following images are screen captures so the quality is, sadly, somewhat lacking.

 

GALLERY

 



This photograph features in my book "Lost Yeovil"

The white tin hut that was St Andrew's Hall on the corner of Preston Grove and Grove Avenue, now with a brick replacement. At right is Huish.

 

A scene shot inside St Andrew's Hall. Hywel Bennett is standing at the back.

 

Milford Road children's playground. I spent hours in there with my children in the 1980s.

 

A scene shot during the construction of the Quedam shopping centre.

 

Yeovil Junction Station.