David Lodge – What Was Pebble Mill?

Martin Chuzzlewit script front page

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This is the script front page for the 1994, BBC2, drama serial: Martin Chuzzlewit, adapted by David Lodge from Dickens’ original. Chris Parr was the producer, and Pedr James the director. This must be an early version of the script, because not all the crew are named. The rehearsal period was about ten days, in Acton, with filming taking four months.

Thanks to Ann Chancellor-Davies, the widow of production designer, Gavin Davies, for making the page available.

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Martin Chuzzlewit TX card

This is the transmission card for the 1994, BBC2 drama serial Martin Chuzzlewit. The adaptation was written by David Lodge, produced by Chris Parr and directed by Pedr James, with Gavin Davies as the production designer.

Thanks to Ann Chancellor-Davies for sharing the TX card.

The following comments were left on the Pebble Mill Facebook page:

Ian Barber: ‘That was on location in Kings Lynn, we had an amazing time there.’

Gary Williams: ‘I believe Tony Fisher did all the graphics and I loaded up all the opening/closing credits!’

Sue Haslam: ‘Looks rather like some of Tony Fisher’s wonderful calligraphy on the title too…’

Terry Barker: ‘I had just started working for Chris Parr as the show was being edited and I well remember the difference of opinion between him and Pedr over the number of cockroaches on the opening titles. Chris won, and it was less than 12.’

Camilla Fisher: ‘If you are interested in seeing more of the artwork for Martin Chuzzlewit check out the Tony Fisher archive at the library of Birmingham.’

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‘Nice Work’ – photo from John Greening

The photo includes, left to right: John Greening, two factory owners (location), Bill Hartley.

‘Nice Work’ starred Warren Clarke, and Haydn Gwynne. The series went out in 1989, and was produced at Pebble Mill by Chris Parr, and directed by Chris Menaul. The four part series was based on David Lodge’s novel of the same name, Lodge also wrote the screenplay.

The drama revolves around a university/industry exchange, which involves lecturer Robin Penrose teaming up with business man, Vic Wilcox.

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Nice Work – photos by Willougby Gullachsen

Photos by Willoughby Gullachsen, no reproduction without permission.

Nice Work was produced at Pebble Mill in 1989 by Chris Parr. David Lodge wrote both the original novel and the screenplay. The series starred Warren Clarke as Vic Wilcox, the managing director of a ‘Rummidge’ engineering firm, and Haydn Gwynne who played Robyn Penrose a young university academic. It was filmed on location around Birmingham and the Black Country, including Birmingham University (where David Lodge was a Professor). Vic and Robyn are thrust together on a business/academic scheme where Robyn was told by her Head of Department to shadow Vic. After an initial reluctance they come to a mutual respect and friendship, especially when Robyn prevents Vic being tricked by a German engineering company. Janet Dale played Vic’s wife, Marjorie.

The series was directed by Christopher Menaul, designed by Ian Ashurst, with Paul Woolston as the DoP. Will Hartley was the 1st AD.

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Martin Chuzzlewit – photos from Jo Mainwaring

Photos provided by Jo Mainwaring, not to be reproduced without permission.

Martin Chuzzlewit was a 6 part dramatisation of the Charles Dickens novel, adapted by author David Lodge. It was transmitted in 1994 on BBC 1. Produced by Chris Parr and Directed by Pedr James, it starred Paul Scofield, Tom Wilkinson, Emma Chambers, Philip Franks, Keith Allen, Pete Postlethwaite, Julia Sawahla and Lynda Bellingham. The story concentrates on the wealthy Chuzzlewit brothers and their contrasting destinies.