The story about a shoe maker was set in Salford in 1880 and the outdoor scenes were all filmed in Salford , including Peel Park. The film won the BAFTA for Best British Film in 1954 , as well as the Gold Berlin Bear in the same year. The film was a huge blockbuster and It had a star cast including Charles Laughton, John Mills and Brenda De Banzie. And it was also a debut role for Prunella Scales, who went on to play Cybil Fawlty in the hilarious comedy , Fawlty Towers The Friends of Peel Park with support from the Salford Ranger Team successfully applied for an Arts Council grant (facilitated by Salford CVS) to celebrate the film and this will all be held in Peel Park Salford on Sunday 19th May. The name for the event is “By Gum, Hobsons Choice is 70” On the day there will be 2 screenings on a giant video screen of the classic film in a 300 seater marquee. Local groups along with artist Paul Pickford have been engaged in creating a mural commemorating the film which will be unveiled on the day and will be a lasting legacy about the film. As the theme of the film was about a shoe shop, the park will be adorned with an art installation using 100s of pairs of shoes which will be donated to local charity Loaves & Fishes after the event. Salford Museum and Art gallery who overlook the park have also curated a special display of photos from the production of the film for the day along with a small event in their Victorian Street, Lark Hill Place. A live brass band will provide entertainment on the day , along with cinema style catering The funded tickets are available for free on this site www.linktr.ee/foppsalford but are limited and going fast. It’s a great way to commemorate a film which is such an important part of Salford history and has a special place in the hearts of many Salfordians!
