The Wicked Lady rides again

Seven decades ago Gainsborough Pictures made the film 'The Wicked Lady'. Released in cinemas to rapturous acclaim, with a collective audience of over 18 million people, the daring story is a galloping melodrama about a lady highwayman who rejects her priviliged station and instead embarks on a raunchous and rebelious life during the reign of Charles II. 

Pillars of the community masquerading as honourable persons, while living a double callous existence has long been a topic of the arts. 

Leading creatives of the day were involved during the film production ~ the outdoor scenes were filmed on location at the Jacobean mansion Blickling Hall, near Alysham, a few miles up the Bure Valley. Margaret Lockwood, the raven haired actress who played "..., my lady of inequity" (Captain Jerry Jackson ~ James Mason upon greeting Barbara Worth ~ Margaret Lockwood) is said to have stayed at the smart riverside King's Head Hotel in Hoveton while filming The Wicked Lady. 

Cyril Rivett, whose family were involved in the motor trade ran a taxi cab company using Austin Sixteen saloon cars. Cyril ferried Margaret Lockwood backwards and forwards to Blickling Hall estate during her stay in Hoveton.

Chris, Scarlet

Sources ~ T Rivett, D Buick, D Wall, Chamberlin family and Hoveton and Wroxham Pictures and Memories Facebook Group, British Film Institute.