A PUB in Warwick became a bar in 1940s France for a day.
Stratford-based Two Hats Films took over Iron Works in Market Place to shoot scenes for Calling the Tune, a romantic tragedy based on Roger Harding’s 2002 play written for Leamington’s Loft Theatre.
Modern features such as beer pumps were concealed and English posters covered with French ones from the period.
With subdued lighting and atmospheric smoke, the clock was soon turned back 80 years.
The task was made relatively simple as the interior of the grade II listed gastropub retains many of the original features of the historic 19th century hardware shop it replaced – the likes of old woodwork, drawers and cupboards.
Speaking about the film, Roger said: “It’s been a long time in development.
“The original play featured just two women in a farm kitchen, with a daughter interrogating her mother about the events of the war. The film does this in one long flashback, so you see events unfold. As you see the events, it’s difficult to hide the shock ending.”
Calling the Tune features a mainly young cast of local actors. One face many may recognise is that of long-time former Warwick Town Crier Graham Sutherland who plays barman Henri.
Roger added: “We’ve already had some stellar performances. I honestly think some of these youngsters are going to be household names before too long.
“Graham also looks great – a gentle giant of a man.”
Filming has only just started and is expected to take around nine months to complete. Although the film is set in the Loire Valley it will mostly be shot in the midlands, with Coombe Abbey near Coventry set to double as a French chateau.
Two Hats thanked Iron Works owner Henk Muller and his staff for all their help.
