On the Buses (1971) - The Filming Locations

[@robertolombardi3698]

Amazing back then to see how little traffic was about on the roads and how very few cars parked up by the kerb side. Very enjoyable watch.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

Back then there was far less traffic on the road. Not every household had a car whereas today nearly all households have a car and a growing amount are two car families.

[@jackkruese4258]

Probably closed the road for filming. Hence the lack of traffic.

[@ramblingrob4693]

@@jackkruese4258 Nowadays yes then probably no

[@tonykemp3432]

​​@@jackkruese4258when I was 10 in 1980 , playing in the street there was only about 3 cars parked...... the good old days 😢 and that was in Kentish town, central London..

[@sean65xjrurwin61]

Cheap and nasty British entertainment. I used to love On the Buses on TV. The films were bloody dreadful. Made on the cheap and shot just around the locality of the studio's, no doubt to keep costs down . Awful. Great to see the then and now footage , fascinating...

[@retiredrover]

Great detective work done by you, Craig. It was amazing to see how things still look so similar even after 50 yrars!

[@MrBooojangles]

This is brilliant. Thanks for making this. I'm kind of speechless. We see these places on British films like on the buses and never think you're ever going to know where they were filmed. It wasn't something that was ever revealed. But to see every location you see on the start sequence of on the buses and see it now is brilliant. I see you have a couple others just popped up of the other on the buses films, so I will enjoy looking at them too.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

Also videos on all seven series and live location visit videos for you to enjoy.

[@MrBooojangles]

@OntheBusesDatabase1 ah great thanks. 👍

[@simonnelson7770]

Who one earth were the people who gave thumbs down? A lot of work went into this video👍

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

@@ART_MONKEY thieves are the answer to the latter. Blame those who take my photos and post them elsewhere claiming to have found the locations themselves.

[@Super8Rescue]

You will always get 'thumbs down' on videos. I get them all the time. Who cares, the losers have nothing better to do.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

Indeed.

[@susandoig4192]

My sister hated on the bus I love it

[@rhettcorbett3346]

Someone that didn't like the show.

[@enoz.j3506]

Best days 60,70-80's,thank you for all your hard work on this,very enjoyable.

[@robinroberts3335]

Fantastic tour Thxs love the show 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ianstewartorr8455]

Well done I enjoyed the locations greetings from Scotland 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@emmylou4522]

My son is 9 and obsessed with on the buses, we are currently watching mutiny on the buses 😁

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

The next generation of fans. Good to hear.

[@poonmig]

An excellent video, giving a great insight into the actual locations. Loved On The Buses at the time, and still do. Thanks for all your research. Definitely subbed.

[@richardevans7035]

It's on itv 3 in the mornings, still watch them and still laugh

[@grahamnutt8958]

Look out; 'ere come 'Itler!!! Get that bus out, Butler. 😁😁😁 The days when Comedy actually made you laugh. Thanks for putting this together.

[@leeosborne3793]

I love a good location video! Surprisingly similar in most places.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@RS-ji2ui]

Well done a lot of research gone into this location video. Amazing all these years later many places still recognisable from the Film.

[@traciemarsh1611]

i used to live in borehamwood and potters bar i grew up in barnet my dad lived there for over 50 years :)

[@rayspiller2179]

Remarkable research and first class presentation and photographs......take my hat off to you !

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

Glad you enjoyed it. There are similar videos for the other two spin-off films and all seven series.

[@paulquinn7980]

Thanks for that very interesting look forward to more

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

There are videos of all three films and all seven series filming locations plus live locations visits on the channel.

[@markjosephbudgieridgard]

Thank you that was fantastic really enjoyed that... 👍

[@markjosephbudgieridgard]

On the buses was my favourite sitcom... These filming location vidios are fantastic... Really enjoyabe... The research and time that has gone into making these videos is truly amazing!! ..... Thanks Chris your a star... Gold, silver & bronze medals for you mate 🥉🥈🥈🥉🥈🥉🎥🎥🎥

[@pauls7520]

Many thanks for your hard work putting all that together and the research that must of gone into it. Much appreciated.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@elizabethspedding1975]

Great film.💛

[@drakeh8162]

Great work

[@richie6921]

The place looked so much cleaner and a lot less furniture back in them days compared to now

[@Chris-vy8kx]

Absolutely amazing, thank you ever so much for your effort creating and sharing this, a very pleasant watch & well presented, keep them coming 🚌🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️, 🎼oh it's a great life on the buses 🎵🎶🎬

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

All three spin-off films and seven series have locations videos up on my channel. Lots more as well.

[@Chris-vy8kx]

@@OntheBusesDatabase1 Subscribed, cheers ;)

[@crimsongunner2529]

Fantastic video I was four in 1971 and on the buses was one of my earliest memories of watching TV, I wonder what happened to the buses they used in the series and films

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

Barring four they have been scrapped. Stan's bus (a Bristol KSW) in this film is preserved by a private owner to this day, Bristol Lodekka used heavily in the TV series registered AVW 399F is preserved and last believed to be in Lille, France. Another bus from the TV series has been converted into a coffee shop and diner in the USA and the antique bus seen in the episode 'On the Ombibuses' is preserved and does the rounds at transport museums around the UK and on bus rallies. All other buses sadly, have been scrapped.

[@crimsongunner2529]

@@OntheBusesDatabase1 thanks 👍

[@dave1secondago]

brilliant info bro

[@ahassen1236]

Well done for this compilation. One of the ugliest changes are unfortunately metal shutters on shops makes the areas look run down.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

Sadly, those metal shutters are now commonplace as a result of cars/vans being used to smash windows in a bid to rob shops.

[@didwest1249]

Brilliant

[@johndunley4071]

The girl in the blue top with wendy Richards is reg varneys daughter

[@chriswatkin6213]

Can't understand why people paint the beautiful Victorian brickwork white

[@jamesfrench7299]

And display their insensitivity to architectural heritage and appalling taste.

[@paperchain1239]

All these shots are so early in the a.m

[@CycolacFan]

Ironically if you like at Wash Lane today there’s a yard full of classic buses on the industrial estate.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

Indeed - the bus yard of Sullivan Buses who sipply the use of buses for locations tour section of the On the Buses events I organise. Also highly-regarded in the film and TV industry having supplied buses and drivers for the likes of EastEnders, The Bill, Casualty, Holby City, Doctor Who, Harry Potter films and lots more.

[@dee-smart]

There was an episode I saw today that I wanted to work out but the IMDB site didn't tell me the answer. It is not on here either. It might have been the 188 Bullhead Rd site but there was some sort of factory not far from the front entrance of the house and it only shows homes around there on Google Maps. It was the episode when Stan did the shopping and dropped an egg on the bus and yoghurt in the station and they were all home with the flu. If anyone knows that house location, I am intrigued.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

That was an episode called 'Family Flu' - a series two episode. The episodes were LWT productions and at this time they were based at Wembley Studios. The location you are looking for is covered in a couple of my other videos which I will list below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKjLkpyqnqunhtU kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3bWY5KZfrJli5o

[@dee-smart]

@@OntheBusesDatabase1 Many thanks, I will look at them today. I am in Australia so don't know the areas in London but just wondered what that factory or whatever it was is.

[@xprs1257]

Today the roads have been narrowed though.. What a surprise.. 2021 single file traffic please!!

[@billiardball9650]

such a shame shitty tescos again destroying history lol

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

It is Brent Walker you want to blame. They bought the studios in the 80s and had no intention in keeping the studios running and sold the land off. Thank god a Save Our Studios campaign saved half of the studios that still remains to this day.

[@iwasglad122]

A crack in the road still there 50 years later!! Must be listed by now!! Fascinating video. Have watched these films over and over and to see present day locations was brilliant. Such a lot of work gone into the assembling of images. Thank you!!

[@ramblingrob4693]

Listed. Love it

[@danieleregoli812]

Anyone thinks that it defo looked better in 1971??

[@jasoneldridge4738]

Everything was better in the 70s.

[@fus149hammer5]

@@jasoneldridge4738 The comedy certainly was.

[@marcse7en]

I looked better in 1971 too! 😂😂😂

[@fus149hammer5]

You've certainly done your homework, you're obviously a big fan just as thousands of us are. Great stuff!👍👍👍👍👍

[@brunster64]

Great piece of work and research- Kudos to you for taking the time to do this Shows what a scourge parked cars have become on our streets 🤔

[@satos1]

Thanks for this tour of the filming locations. I have been an On the Buses fan for many years and still to this day watch the series and movies. How life was much simpler then when you compare it to today.

[@steffantoscano5045]

Thank you very much, it's very nostalgic looking at the before and after pictures. I tend to live in the past and must say I'm saddened to see such changes in some of the pictures. Keep up the good work as it's really important to remember history.

[@suescott8351]

Doris Hare was a lovely lady in real life , she use to come into the pub ,I use to work in and was such a graceful lady ,not anything like the mum on screen .

[@julianwalker1546]

Thanks very much, wonderful to see all these "then and now" scenes.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

It's a pleasure Julian.

[@richardevans7035]

I can remember as a kid watching on the buses with my grandparents, great memories my grandad would laugh like mad and my Gran used to think they were vulgar, still makes me chuckle today

[@patricphillip8591]

This was really fun... what a great idea. Thank you for doing this. You made my week.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

Its a pleasure. Try out several other similar videos on my channel.

[@GuitarSafari1]

Brilliant video mate. Ive driven all those roads many times, I never knew they filmed On The Buses there. Really interesting to know, and to see now and then is really cool. Great work.

[@diydave3034]

Notice how many times that blue Ford Zodiac Mk2 appears in shot? Must have been used by the film crew.

[@davidsummerfield2594]

In the first or second film a white Mini van regularly appears in the background, another mini mystery perhaps.

[@Pauldjreadman]

Hammer? I never knew that. That’s hilarious considering they were more well known for horror.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

Check it out. In the early 1970s Hammer made a number of hit sitcoms into spin-off films and On the Buses was their biggest earner at the box office taking more than their horror films.

[@Pauldjreadman]

@@OntheBusesDatabase1 The things you learn :)

[@twittykins]

The horror films rarely made a profit for Hammer, even Dracula struggled to recoup its £70,000 budget. Hammer's comedy films were what kept the studio solvent, yet most of these are now forgotten... Don't Panic Chaps! (1959) and A Weekend with Lulu (1961) are just two of their earlier comedies.

[@Derek_S]

You'll see the same streets in lots of 1960's and 70's movies as there were three studios in Borehamwood at the time and it was convenient to shoot outdoor scenes locally. The "Confessions" series of movies with Robin Askwith for example. Reg Varney lived around fifteen miles away in Enfield at the time this movie was made, which was an easy trip to the studios. We used to take that hump backed bridge in Wash Lane at speed in our cars to see how far we could jump. The last I knew the road was still there but closed off at one end because of the Ringway3/M25/A1M construction projects. That was along time ago though so it may have changed.

[@shakespearo]

Wash Lane takes you under the M25 and is only good for cycles now really, and maybe the doggers using the service station car park.

[@pigknickers2975]

That's right Derek. How about the opening scene of 'Bedazzled' with Cook and Moore.

[@jeniferallan6693]

Everything looked clean and not so busy back then

[@joepineapples7774]

The one that impressed me the most was @13:07 - the front door being the same. Well done to the owner. Thanks for the video.

[@simonabbott7323]

It could be that the same family have lived there all that time and not made any changes.

[@jamesfrench7299]

Notice modern cars ruin streetscapes?

[@paulmartin4971]

Great work Craig I'm glad some of the locations haven't changed at all. Can't wait for next exciting episode thanks.

[@michaelwray1034]

This particular era around 71 was the happiest time of my life. A carefree 9 year old

[@marcse7en]

Snap! ...... I was 9 in 1971 too! I feel really ancient now! 😂😂😂

[@drodgers6]

@@marcse7en Same here! 😀

[@johnrider5701]

Agreed. If I could go back to any time of my life it would be 1970 71 or 72

[@isaywhatilikeandilikewhati1117]

I drove out of FY for the old LTE from 1982 onwards...before privatisation (to TFL). The canteen banter etc. acted out in the show is bang on in 80s!

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

Indeed yours is a common observation made by ex-busmen during that era. It helped considering Bob Grant briefly worked as a busman in the 1950s as a driver for Southdown Buses. Also he snd Reg mixed with bus crews in the canteen at Wood Green to pick up little hints/tips of the life and banter of actual busmen incorporating that into their roles.

[@bottlecap57]

Very interesting to see how it all looks. Sad too knowing so much time and people have passed since back then.

[@flight101]

It chokes me up for some reason.. almost like a panic feeling that we can never get time or people back...

[@omgiamliving3047]

@@flight101 i miss Athur, Blakey, Stan and Jack. I love this show and I am 21 years old. Not many my ages enjoy the old stuff before my time

[@MavAuto-Pete]

Another great video thanks very much for doing that...always a pleasure to see how things have changed in over 50 years. I remember my grandad getting me started on these when I was a kid.... Happy days!...

[@mickontherock1]

Wow, incredible video. Very interesting. I can’t think how long it must have taken to make this. Well done.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

About a dozen years.

[@JustJamie1983]

awesome. A classic, much better looking times in the early 70s.

[@sirronnitram8937]

Seventies studs these guys were.

[@Biggles2498]

One of the silent Actors later episode appeared as a silent Actor Prisoner Of War in Colditz. The grey haired Man about 48. Yes boring but I thought it was worth a mention.

[@fatwalletboy2]

Great stuff. Lot of time gone into compuling this trove.

[@flybobbie1449]

All the houses now private, council back then. Thing is we remember the housing estates looking as they did in this film. Surprising how much they changed, going private people spent a lot improving, starting withe double glazing. Social record as important as any historical document.

[@tintobrass532]

Brilliant video mate have the DVD box set, got the DVD’s of both films too. All the best pal

[@tracyyy99]

Well done to you...Obviously a massive fan...this was great to watch..ALL the thumbs down..WHY ?

[@jamesfrench7299]

Mean hateful people.

[@Trek001]

Blakey and the Management

[@davefish4965]

a lot of work there thank you,really enjoyed the nostalgia trip

[@christopherhulse8385]

The one thing that stands out today is the sheer number of cars parked up in the roads compared with 1971.

[@johnniec9097]

I lived in South Mimms at the time of filming many of the scenes around the area running to the loo etc 😆. My Grandfather worked at the garage . Thanks for the memory 👍

[@marcus577]

The Police car at the Gas works was Station Road. I used to drive the buses out of Station Road

[@paddymulligan]

The Gas Works very near to Elstree and Borehamwood Station.

[@marcus577]

Mutiny On The Buses 1972 Radio Control. SB17 The Gas Works. There was a Bus Depot called BTS end of Station Road. they did the 292 358/7 also the mini buses. I was a bus at around 1988/9. Also live in Rossington.

[@tonycritcher3419]

Fascinating! Thank you for that!

[@pigknickers2975]

This is great man. In 1971 I lived in Borehamwood, Theobold Street. I was 3. Amazing early memories.

[@geoffunwin196]

I wrote the theme music for the film and i am the only one of the original team alive today - so happy, and so lonely.

[@flybobbie1449]

Remember the concrete lamp posts. Many had steel rebar inside rusted and the heads fell off. All replaced with steel. And many roads concrete later covered in tarmac.

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

Incredible to see so many of the locations virtually unchanged. When I look back at my own youth (late 60s 70s) almost EVERY building that I had reason to go in has disappeared....2 of 3 schools, swimming baths, college, cadets, half the pubs and nearly all the nightclubs have gone, half the playing fields are now housing estates and the derelict railway sidings that we all played in now also a housing estate. Its almost as if the "cosmic joker" is following after me and removing all trace of my youth. Still great work here OTBD, love seeing then and now stuff. Keep it up.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

Glad you are enjoying the content. Many On the Buses filming locations, especially from the TV series, have changed a good deal. The films locations are a little lessed changed.

[@mbak7801]

Same here. My entire past is being erased.

[@rhettcorbett3346]

Love this. I'll have you Butler. One day I'll have you.

[@TheAsrgrant]

cheers mate! memories!

[@mikehudson8884]

I actually loved that video. Thanks.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

Thsnk you Mike.

[@PeterPan-wh1sg]

It is freaky how our material world can remain largely unchanged, but people come and go in the blink of an eye. How Reg Varney has been gone so long, his grave looks as old or older than the scenery he once drove through. If that makes any sense ? Boggles the mind.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

Yes indeed I see what you are saying and very much correct too.

[@deanboucher2067]

Love that series, I got the complete boxset and movies

[@irenestephenson8624]

Brilliant

[@DiecastPowderCoating]

Thank you Craig, your hard work is appreciated. Take care, Jeff

[@degooser2000]

I really enjoyed watching this video, so much hard work and love, excellent.

[@Scabbylash]

Back when this country had potential. Great video. 🤘🤘

[@sarahperry2510]

Love this movie

[@wilsonflood4393]

Well researched

[@collinhunter9792]

thank you very much for that. yep, a lot of work you have done

[@cafsixtieslover]

Interesting that the studio is now Tesco. I live near there so it is great to see all the locations and what they look like now.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@baggaleydaniel]

Excellent job! Well presented and loads of info

[@CA7VINBACH]

Wow! What a great feeling and pleasure it must be if you are a fan of 'On The Buses' to own and live at the legendary turn around Betty property. Great video sir, massively enjoyed it.

[@Mishima505]

I always wonder why the buses in the TV series were green, but those in the movie were red...

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

The TV series was owned by LWT who had no part in the films which were made by Hammer. The films had to be stand alone creating a new bus company with different livery to rule out any copyright infringement with LWT. That also explains different storylune too as the films were NOT a direct continuation of the TV series.

[@70looney]

RIP IN PEACE OLIVE TIME TO GET THE FILMS OUT

[@peterscotney1]

Really enjoyed watching this !...I did a tour of the RITA,SUE N BOB filming locations a year back...on the buses will be my next one !

[@robhaytonairshowvideos9853]

I only watched this film last night, as I often drive around Borehamwood for my work…great video thanks for sharing

[@patriciativey2621]

This was brilliant, thank you.

[@skagamnesia1972]

Not much has changed just more cars

[@CliffMcAulay]

A really enjoyable and informative film.Thank you

[@museonfilm8919]

The most significant change from 1971 to today (posting in Jan 2023) is the amount of cars on the road. I also think the South of England was far less populated than today.

[@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.]

amazing research

[@SPIKE0-0-0]

Really good job with the locations for these absolute classics....

[@asa1973100]

It’s fascinating to see how the houses 50 years ago we’re actually cleaner and tidier and the gardens are in better order than they are today because the comparison. Quite frankly looks like we’re all living in a shit hole

[@ripx10]

My great Uncle Jim was moved to a nursing home in Borehamwood, and whenever he was asked what it was like he would say “Borehamwood? Boreham stupid more like” … it’s been 23 years since he passed away and if I ever read or hear about Borehamwood I quote this …

[@Chingfordassociates]

I visited some of these locations this morning based on the information in this video. Thanks for this.

[@OntheBusesDatabase1]

I hope you enjoyed seeing them in the flesh and got a real feeling of nostalgia.

[@Chingfordassociates]

@@OntheBusesDatabase1 I did, thanks. It made me smile to stand in the place where Blakey got splashed by the bus all these years later.

[@jetfire931]

The fact that the location of the Depot is now a Tesco is incredibly ironic 😂 For those who don't know what I mean, "I've been 3 hours on this bus! I only wanted to go to Tesco's"