Steam show to highlight Matilda's magic movie moment
Visitors to Shrewsbury Steam Rally over the August Bank Holiday will get the chance to go to the movies and admire one of the mechanical stars of the film Gone To Earth, which was shot on location in Shropshire in 1949.
"The rally will feature a joint exhibition with the Mary Webb Society about Mary Webb, Shropshire’s poet and authoress, to commemorate the 90th anniversary of her death, and the centenary of the publication of her first book, Gone to Earth," said Mike Llewellyn, archivist of the County of Salop Steam Engine Society.
"The film of the book featured a Foster steam traction engine named Matilda, originally owned by Shaws of Farley, and currently owned by Richard Wilcox. There will be a separate marquee to show various films including Gone to Earth, by Flicks in the Sticks."
It had been hoped that Matilda, based in Gloucestershire for many years, would be able to attend the rally "in person," but boiler problems mean she cannot come.
The rally is at Onslow Park, Shrewsbury, on August 27 and 28.
Gone To Earth starred Hollywood actress Jennifer Jones and hundreds of local extras were recruited for the production.
Mike added: "We now have a full alphabetical list that will be of interest to many. Our society's main interest is in the fact that it used a Shropshire-registered traction engine to transport the actress to a Shropshire fair that was set on Eyton racecourse. The traction engine sequence was shot at Hughley and Church Preen.
"The engine was owned by Clem Shaw of Farley, near Much Wenlock. The engine was a small Foster by the name of Matilda. Shaws owned it at various times."
Meanwhile the hunt is on for any members of the Shaw family, and for more information relating to the film generally.
"There is a picture of Jennifer Jones with a little girl on her knee. This was Clem Shaw's daughter Susan.
"We have not been able to trace any part of the family. All we know is that they moved to Broseley in the 1950s.
"At a recent event many people told us new information about the filmmaking. Derek Whitefoot, our Onslow Park rally organiser, was able to give new information on a filming location at the disused Plowden railway station on the Craven Arms to Bishop's Castle line. It seems this railway scene was cut from the film, as was other footage shot at Farley Halt at the editing stage as a row of telephone poles were found to be in shot.
"At the rally 'Flicks in the Sticks' will be showing the film and other new Sentinel footage unearthed by Cam 3 productions."
