Compo's Glory Hole Siren

theatrically_inclined

theatrically_inclined

Dedicated Member
In "The Glory Hole" episode (series 16) broadcast today on UKTV channel "Gold", Compo finds a portable hand operated (air raid) siren. It looks authentic, but what makes me suspicious is the mesh covering the middle part does look like plasticised wire fencing. I know authentic sirens were made as portable hand operated models, but I'm not able to find an image that matches the one Compo has. I know some of our members are a bit older than me and might be able to verify if this siren looks like a real model - even if the one in the show was a mock-up.

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I think many times the real looking items were just props, especially heavy items, a bit like to mangle, we are probably all aware that this cast iron mangle would of smashed to bits when it went down the steps outside Nora's
 
I always wonder when I watch that scene how many times did they have to do that scene with the mangle down the steps before they got the picture that was broadcast?.
Also was that a real sound when they shot the scenes when Compo wound up the siren or was it put in later during the editing?.
 
It looks genuine to me, as the antiques people say it has 'patina'. If it's not the real thing it's a great prop.
 
I can't speak for LOTSW but I did watch a scene being filmed for Heartbeat when Sgt Blakton (retired) wound up an air raid siren on the green outside the shops & it didn't make a noise, so that one was definitely dubbed in later. I think the episode was when an unexploded bomb was discovered. Our very own Tony Capstick appeared in it aswell.
 
Graham said:
I can't speak for LOTSW but I did watch a scene being filmed for Heartbeat when Sgt Blakton (retired) wound up an air raid siren on the green outside the shops & it didn't make a noise, so that one was definitely dubbed in later. I think the episode was when an unexploded bomb was discovered. Our very own Tony Capstick appeared in it aswell.
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Generally sound effects would be added later, as live sounds cannot be controlled very well. So the volume and timing can be adjusted in editing rather than be stuck with whatever was recorded on location. Background chatter in a bar and even footsteps are likely to be added in editing, so the sound is continuous and controllable, even if the camera angle changes. Incidentally, Metropolitan Police rules for using fake police livery vehicles on roads allow for using blue lights, but sirens are not allowed. It's likely to be the same for other police authorities.
 
Adrian Morris said:
I always wonder when I watch that scene how many times did they have to do that scene with the mangle down the steps before they got the picture that was broadcast?.
Also was that a real sound when they shot the scenes when Compo wound up the siren or was it put in later during the editing?.
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I would imagine the siren sound was put on during editing. They won't have been allowed, or didn't want to, make a noise like that for real at the time of filming to save scaring members of the public in the area.
 
imitation700mb said:
I would imagine the siren sound was put on during editing. They won't have been allowed, or didn't want to, make a noise like that for real at the time of filming to save scaring members of the public in the area.
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It would have been quite painful and possibly damaging to the ears if a real siren was operated in such a confined space.
 
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