'Tenko', the BBC drama series is currently being shown on television in the UK. It was so popular that Andy Priestner of Classic TV Press published a book containing stories from behind-the-scenes. I provided him with photographs taken on location near Bournmouth in the early 1980's. He had already typeset the paperback, but these shots are included in the Kindle edition, which is available worldwide.
We were there when the set was literally blown up. The re-creation of a real fire that had taken place in a WWII internement camp demanded a huge amount from costume and make-up departments.
Women emerged from the make-up rooms covered in wounds.
Preparation took some time but the effect was pitifully realistic.
It was a horrible event to reproduce.
The visual effects designer was also busy that day.
The results looked devestating, with both internees and the guards injured by the blast.
But morale on the day was high and everyone kept their spirits up.
It was hot on set and dirty with the smell of smoke
but everyone on the crew pulled together.
The cast was of some size with notable actors taking part in the long-running series. This shot shows the wonderful actress Jean Anderson, who has sadly since passed away, with Daphne Neville and writer, Anne Varley.
My sister stopped at a fuel station as she was driving home. The attendant was terrified by her appearance. Although she seemed to be well and behaving normally, her face was covered in burns. She was still in full make-up, waiting to take it off in a proper bathroom.
You can find Andy Priestner's book 'Remembering Tenko' from Classic TV Press at online stores and to order from all good bookshops. These photographs are included in the Kindle edition, available in the USA here.
Further stories of our adventures appearing in film and television can be read in Funnily Enough
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