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Help! movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Help! filmed

1965

City Locations

London and Twickenham (UK), Obertauern (Austria), Nassau (Bahamas)

Location Types

House, Restaurant, Clubs/Bars, Hotels/Motels

Location Styles

Dated/50's-60's-70's, Foreign, Mid-century Modern, Classic Car, Luxury

About Help!

Help! is a 1965 British musical comedy-adventure film starring The Beatles and featuring a cast of eclectic characters. In the movie, Ringo Starr finds himself pursued by a sinister cult and two mad scientists who are determined to gain possession of a sacrificial ring that was sent to him by a fan.

The cult is led by Clang (Leo McKern), while the scientists both want the ring for their own devious purposes. The Beatles must protect Ringo from these threats and use their own wits and humor in order to survive as they travel through London, Austria, and the Bahamas. They also enlist the help of two bumbling Scotland Yard detectives as they try to outwit their adversaries.

Along with its humorous storyline, Help! features some great musical numbers from The Beatles, including “Ticket to Ride” and “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away”. The soundtrack was released as the band's fifth studio album under the same name.

Help! is an enjoyable mix of comedy and adventure that appeals to fans of all ages today thanks to its timeless storyline and classic soundtrack. It remains one of The Beatles' most beloved films fifty-five years later!

On July 29, 1965, Help! premiered at the London Pavilion Theatre in London's West End with members of the royal family in attendance. Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, and the Earl of Snowdon were present at the screening. Although not initially acclaimed with the same level of admiration as their previous film, Help! is now recognized for its significant contribution to the evolution of music videos.

Help! Locations

The filming of Help! began in the Bahamas on 23 February 1965, utilizing locations on the beautiful New Providence Island and Paradise Island for the majority of its scenes. The backdrop of these islands is one of pristine white beaches interspersed with lush greenery and rocky coves, affording spectacular views of crystal-blue waters and the surrounding archipelagos.

Tourists interested in traveling to the sites made famous by this classic British comedy may find the experience worthwhile, as they can explore local landmarks such as The Cloisters and Nassau's historic fortresses, or take boat trips to nearby Rose Island or Blue Lagoon Island. Furthermore, visitors can experience a unique culture that blends British colonial traditions with Caribbean vibrancy.

In addition to filming in the Bahamas, parts of Help! were shot in London as well as Salisbury Plain and Twickenham Film Studios in England, and the Austrian Alps. For those seeking a mix of natural beauty with bustling city life, London makes for an ideal destination, where one can wander along the picturesque Thames Embankment before heading out to explore iconic sites such as Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey. Meanwhile, Salisbury Plain offers some remarkable sights including Stonehenge and Old Sarum—both ancient monuments that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites—while hiking enthusiasts may enjoy admiring sprawling hillsides covered with purple heather during their trip to the Austrian Alps.

Did you know?

This was also the first color film released by The Beatles where they played themselves instead of comedic characters.

Ahme biting Ringo's finger scene in Help!

11 Ailsa Ave, Twickenham TW1 1NF, UK

The Beatles' drummer, Ringo Starr, unexpectedly receives a ring from a fan who is the intended victim of a cult's human sacrifice. The cult's leader, Clang, along with multiple members and the high priestess, Ahme (Eleanor Bron), travel to London to retrieve the ring and proceed with the sacrifice. Ahme attempts to forcibly remove the ring from Ringo's finger with her teeth but is ultimately unsuccessful.

This scene was filmed on Ailsa Avenue, a picturesque residential street located in the heart of Twickenham, a leafy suburban town in southwest London. The street is known for its charming rows of elegant Victorian and Edwardian houses, which are characterized by their distinctive architecture and well-manicured gardens. One of the most notable features of Ailsa Avenue is its peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, which is enhanced by the absence of noisy traffic or other disturbances.

To get to 11 Ailsa Avenue, Twickenham, you can take the A316 towards Richmond from London. It’s a journey of around 10 miles and should take approximately half an hour in light traffic.

Indian restaurant scene in Help!

Daylesford Organic, 6-8 Blandford St, London W1U 4AU, United Kingdom

Despite their numerous attempts to steal the ring from Ringo without his knowledge, the cult members eventually confront him in an Indian restaurant. There, Ringo discovers that he will be the cult's next human sacrifice if he does not surrender the ring. Unfortunately for them, the ring is firmly stuck on Ringo's finger and they are unable to remove it.

The Indian restaurant named Rajahama is actually the former Dolphin Restaurant, which has now been renovated into the Daylesford Organic Farm Deli. Daylesford Organic London is a flagship store and café located in the heart of Marylebone, a vibrant and bustling neighborhood in central London. The store brings Daylesford's commitment to organic and sustainable farming to the city, offering a range of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and wellness products. In addition to the store, Daylesford Organic London also features a café and restaurant, where customers can enjoy a range of healthy dishes made with organic ingredients.

You can take public transport to reach this location. The nearest tube station is Baker Street (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Circle, and Hammersmith & City lines), which is just a short walk away from Blandford Street. You can also take a bus to Marylebone Road or Baker Street Station and then walk to Blandford Street.

Performing scene in Help!

B3086, Shrewton, Salisbury, UK

The Beatles find themselves performing in the middle of a circle of Chieftain tanks at Knighton Down. As they play their hit song "Ticket to Ride", the tanks rev their engines and drive around the band, creating a surreal and exhilarating atmosphere. The band members are dressed in their trademark black suits and have their instruments strapped on as they try to keep up with the thundering sound of the tanks.

Nestled in the heart of Wiltshire, England, lies the picturesque village of Shrewton. With its scenic countryside and rolling hills, the village boasts a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. A must-see attraction in Shrewton is the renowned Stonehenge monument, located just a few miles from the village center. This iconic prehistoric stone circle draws visitors from all corners of the globe and is acclaimed as one of the UK's most significant archaeological sites.

If you want to reach this filming location from London, drive on the M3 towards Winchester and continue on the A303 towards Andover. It’s a journey of around 90 miles in total, and should take approximately two hours.

Ski scene in Help!

Obertauern, 5562, Austria

The band members get fitted for their ski gear, with John Lennon wearing a comically oversized hat and George Harrison donning a pair of sunglasses. As they make their way to the ski lift, they are pursued by a group of villains who try to capture them. However, the Beatles manage to outwit their pursuers and escape onto the slopes.

Obertauern is a picturesque skiing village located near the Austrian city of Salzburg. Known for its breathtaking alpine scenery and world-class skiing facilities, Obertauern is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts from around the globe. With over 100 kilometers of ski slopes and 26 modern lifts, Obertauern offers skiers and snowboarders of all levels a variety of terrains to explore.

If you prefer to travel by public transport, there are regular train and bus services that run from Salzburg to Obertauern. You can take a train from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof to Radstadt Station, and then take a bus from there to Obertauern. The journey takes around two hours in total.

If you are driving to Obertauern, take the A10 Tauern Autobahn and exit at the Radstadt junction. Continue on the B99 towards Obertauern, with the journey taking approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

Hiding in Buckingham Palace scene in Help!

Cliveden House, Taplow, BERKSHIRE SL6 0JF, United Kingdom

To remain safe, The Beatles request protection from Scotland Yard and take refuge in Buckingham Palace. They narrowly evade capture by the scientists, and The Beatles are seen dashing through ornate hallways, past suits of armor and priceless artwork hanging on the walls. They run up a grand staircase and hide behind a velvet curtain as royal servants bustle about their duties. The scene is punctuated by quick cuts and comedic moments as the band members struggle to remain undetected.

These scenes were filmed at Cliveden House, a magnificent, stately home located in the village of Taplow, Buckinghamshire, England. Built in 1666, this grand mansion has a rich history and has been home to some of Britain's most notable personalities. Cliveden House has also played host to numerous significant events throughout its history. Today, Cliveden House is a luxury hotel and spa, and visitors can indulge in spa treatments, fine dining, and luxurious accommodations.

If you are driving to Cliveden House, it is located just off the A4094, which runs between Maidenhead and Cookham. From London, the 30-mile journey should take around one hour.

Clang setting a trap scene in Help!

The City Barge, 27 Strand-on-the-Green, Chiswick, London W4 3PH, UK

At a pub later, Clang prepares a trap for Ringo using a trap door and a tiger. Clang lures Ringo into a room by pretending to be his friend, and then activates a trap door beneath Ringo's feet. Ringo falls into a cage containing a live tiger, which begins to prowl around him menacingly.

The City Barge is a historic riverside pub located in the charming London suburb of Chiswick. Originally built in 1780, the pub has been recently refurbished and offers visitors a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. One of the most striking features of The City Barge is its stunning location on the banks of the River Thames. The pub's outdoor seating area provides breathtaking views of the river and is the perfect spot for a relaxing drink or meal with friends and family.

The nearest tube station to Strand-on-the-Green is Gunnersbury Station, which is on the District Line and the London Overground. From Gunnersbury Station, it is approximately a 15-minute walk to 27 Strand-on-the-Green.

If you are driving to 27 Strand-on-the-Green, there is limited on-street parking available in the area. However, there are several pay and display parking spaces located on nearby streets. It is recommended to check local parking restrictions before leaving your car.

Conclusion

Help! was a thrilling adventure, filmed across multiple continents and locations. The movie began its filming journey in the Bahamas, heading to locations such as London, Salisbury Plain, the Austrian Alps, and Paradise Island before concluding at Twickenham Film Studios. Throughout these varied and exotic locations, viewers were able to watch as Ringo Starr faced off against a cult that sought to make him their sacrificial victim. His fellow Beatles put up a valiant fight to protect him from the cult’s evil plans, ensuring that by the end of the movie he was safe.

Help! showcases the unique locations used for filming and how they can add an element of depth and excitement to the story being told. With five different countries on display throughout this film, it's no surprise that Help! remains a popular classic today.