 Malta Story (Brian Desmond Hurst, 1953) starred Alec Guinness as RAF reconnaissance photographer Peter Ross. Set in 1942, the film tells the story of the defence of Malta from Axis power attacks, it being a critical link for Allied supply lines. It features realistic reenactments and use of archival combat footage. Against this background, there is a love story between Ross and a local girl, Maria (Muriel Pavlow) who works in the RAF operations room. Thanks to research by Allan Smith (administrator of the Brian Desmond Hurst Estate) and his various contacts, we now have positive identification of some Malta location photos. Grateful thanks are also due to Muriel Pavlow (annotated MP in photo notes) for identifying some of the photos in a meeting with Allan. Some photos are still pending further detail and any information would be gratefully received. Click on the images to see larger versions. The first two photos below depict a Victory Kitchen (VK) - set up by the government during 1941-43 due to severe food shortages. Each person with a ration card was entitled to one cooked meal per day. The two women are Maltese extras, the sisters Mary Ann and Nadia Kissaun. Theirs was a musical family and Mary Ann subsequently became a professional concert pianist. Grateful thanks to the publisher of "Treasures of Malta" and Allan Smith for the identification of the two ladies. This picture was used in an article about Malta Story by Allan in issue 48 (Summer 2010), vol. XVI no. 3 of "Treasures of Malta". |
 Malta Story location photo, confirmed by MP - William Creighton centre in white apron |
 Malta Story location photo, confirmed by MP. The two girls were Maltese extras on the film, Mary Ann and Nadia Kissaun. William Creighton far left |
 Malta Story location photo, confirmed by MP. The cars are believed to be taxis taking the actors to and from set. William Creighton second from right in white apron |
 Malta Story location photo, confirmed by MP. The cars are believed to be taxis taking the actors to and from set. |
 Malta Story location photo - William Creighton second from left |
 Malta Story location photo, confirmed by MP. William Creighton at centre - annotated "The Mob" |
 Battleship at Malta, MP confirmed this was in the bay during filming. |
 Battleship at Malta, MP confirmed this was in the bay during filming. |
Not corroborated but appears to be same location as above photos.
Postcard titled "Malta Opera House Blitzed"
Copyright Azzopardi's Laboratory, Sliema, Malta
From William Creighton's collection - click for larger version
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