At Harrow Online, we’ve previously covered some of the more famous movies filmed in our borough. Harrow School, for example, has become a go-to location for major productions like Harry Potter and The Crown.
However, today we’re taking a closer look at some of the rarer, lesser-known films and TV shows that have been filmed in and around Harrow. You might be surprised by what’s been captured on camera right here in our local area!
One such hidden gem is The Confessions of Thomas Quick (2015), a documentary-drama about a notorious Swedish serial killer. Harrow School’s historic buildings provided the perfect backdrop for some of the film’s more intense scenes. While it may not be as well-known as other true crime documentaries, it’s an intriguing watch for fans of the genre—and it’s always exciting to spot familiar local sites on screen.
Another example is Suburbicon (2017), a dark comedy-drama directed by George Clooney and starring Matt Damon. Parts of the film, set in 1950s suburban America, were actually filmed right here in Harrow. The production team found the perfect retro look in our area, with some exterior shots showing off Harrow’s characterful streets. Though the movie itself is set thousands of miles away, Harrow’s influence is subtly woven into the film.
For fans of gothic drama, Our Mother’s House (1967) might be of interest. This older but rare film, directed by Jack Clayton, used Harrow-on-the-Hill as a key location. The story revolves around a group of siblings who hide their mother’s death to avoid being sent to an orphanage. The historic and atmospheric backdrop of Harrow-on-the-Hill helped create the eerie, suspenseful mood of the film—a perfect setting for this haunting narrative.
Another rare find is The Pleasure Garden (1925), one of Alfred Hitchcock’s earliest films. While not as famous as his later works, this silent movie was partially shot in Harrow, making it a fascinating piece of local cinema history. It’s incredible to think that one of Hitchcock’s early masterpieces has a connection to our borough.
In more recent years, Starter for Ten (2006), starring James McAvoy, also filmed some scenes at Harrow School. This British comedy-drama follows a university student competing on a quiz show, and Harrow’s grand educational setting fit the story perfectly. Although the movie isn’t as widely remembered as other McAvoy films, it’s still a great watch, and spotting Harrow in the background adds an extra layer of fun.
Other rare examples include I Give It a Year (2013), a British romantic comedy that has a few suburban scenes shot in and around Harrow-on-the-Hill. The Theory of Everything (2014), the biographical film about Stephen Hawking, also filmed some scenes in nearby Stanmore, just a stone’s throw from Harrow. Both films used local settings to capture a quintessentially British suburban feel.
For action lovers, Wild Geese II (1985) featured Harrow in some of its key sequences. As the rare sequel to the original The Wild Geese, this film about mercenaries and political prisoners may not be as well-remembered, but its connection to Harrow gives it a unique place in our local film history.
Finally, a mention must go to the 1983 classic Educating Rita, starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. Some of its scenes were filmed around Harrow-on-the-Hill, with its academic setting playing a vital role in the film’s story about education and self-discovery.
Harrow may not always be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about film locations, but these rarer productions prove that our borough has more than its fair share of cinema connections. From gothic dramas to romantic comedies, our streets and schools have provided the backdrop for a variety of stories, and it’s always exciting to see familiar locations on the screen.
We hope you enjoyed this dive into Harrow’s hidden film history. Next time you’re watching one of these rarities, keep an eye out—you might just spot a little piece of Harrow!
Seamus Donaghy is a freelance writer with a strong interest in Harrow’s local history. Originally from Sligo in the Republic of Ireland, Seamus moved to Harrow with his family when he was seven years old and grew up in Wealdstone. He has lived in the borough for more than 30 years and writes about the people, places and stories that have shaped Harrow over the years.
