The Old Royal Naval College (ORNC) hits the big screen again this spring as three blockbusters filmed at the leading heritage attraction open at cinemas
Testament of Youth, which opened in cinemas across the UK on 16 January 2015, is based on the WWI memoir of Vera Brittain, charting the her life from the comfort of middle class Edwardian society though the horrors of the Western Front and the loss of her brother, fiancé and friends to the beginnings of her life long commitment to pacificism. Scenes of celebrations for the end of the war were filmed outside the Painted Hall and along College Way.
Next Friday sees the release of Mortdecai, which marks the return of Johnny Depp to Greenwich. Depp was last in Greenwich for the filming of the opening scenes of Pirates of the Caribbean 4, the opening scenes of which were shot in both Painted Hall and College Way. Following the life of rogue art dealer, Charlie Mortdecai, the film includes a somewhat drunk Depp in College Way.
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Later in the spring, Disney’s latest film of the classic fairy-tale Cinderella goes on release in the UK. Opening in cinemas on 27 March, the films stars Lilly James in the title role with Richard Maden as Charming and Cate Blanchett, Sir Derek Jacobi and Helena Bonham-Carter in the cast. For this version of Cinderella The Painted Hall at the ORNC was transformed into Price Charming’s palace.
Other films due for release in 2015 which have used the stunning backdrop of the ORNC include Jupiter Ascending (starring Mila Kunis) and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (starring Hugh Grant). Sherlock Holmes, Skyfall, Les Miserables, Dark Knight Rises, Parade’s End, Thor: The Dark World, Muppets: Most Wanted and Belle are other examples of films recently shot at the landmark site.
See if you can spot the ORNC in these trailers…
The Old Royal Naval College was designed by Wren and Hawsmoor and built as the Royal Hospital for Seamen. It served as home to the Royal Navy College for most of the 19th and 20th centuries.
For further information see ornc.org
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