This week I am taking us back to the period between October 1962 to October 1963 to see what they were filming at the late great MGM British Studios that once fronted Elstree Way. MGM was ten times larger than the current Elstree Studios and sadly closed in 1970; the extensive backlot is now occupied by the 'Studio Way' estate. I helped name all the roads on the housing estate after film stars and other studios. As we only used surnames I suspect many inhabitants have no idea who some of the names refer to, although we have two heritage boards at the bottom of Studio Way to remind residents and visitors alike.

One of the films shot at MGM was a classic ghost film called The Haunting and it starred Julie Harris, Richard Johnson and Russ Tamblyn. I had the pleasure to meet Richard years later at Elstree, where he was picking up a quick paycheck on a low budget film called The Monster Club. He apologised as when we met he had a stake sticking out of his heart, as required by his role. I will return to that film sometime in the future as I was allowed to interview some great stars, because in those days columnists like me were welcome on the set to get some advance publicity.

The Haunting also starred Russ, who found fame at MGM in Hollywood, especially as a dance star in such movies as Seven Brides For Seven Brothers and West Side Story. I am glad to hear that Russ is still acting at the grand age of 83.

A big glossy production was The VIPs starring Richard Burton and Liz Taylor, fresh from their romance while making Cleopatra. It was one of those all star films and is still fun to watch today especially with a supporting cast of the likes of Maggie Smith, Margaret Rutherford, Dennis Price and Richard Wattis.

I love the in-joke scene in which Orson Welles' character is asked where his accountant is and replies "in a wood called Boreham". From memory I think Margaret won an Oscar for her supporting role and it was well deserved.

Some locals may recall that Liz and Richard could be spotted dining at the old Thatched Barn by the A1, now the Holiday Inn, and at the Kings Arms at Stirling Corner, which is currently now a Harvester but I hear that is about to change.

The war picture 633 Squadron was another great movie, produced at MGM this time, and I still love its memorable musical score, which I am sure you would recognise. The studio often liked to use local locations and the pub in one scene is still there under its real name of The Three Compasses, just outside Aldenham. The star of the film was Cliff Robertson, who went on to win a best actor Oscar in 1968 for his role in Charly. Many years later I was at a charity awards event at the Dominion Theatre in London. They flew over many old Hollywood stars but forgot to inform the young stewards who these old timers were. I ended up helping Cliff and Gene Barry finding their seats. The bonus was that I got to say hello to the likes of Robert Wagner, Anthony Quinn, Ginger Rogers and Van Johnson, to name a few. As a film buff it was a marvellous occasion, but sadly - believe it or not - I did not take one photo or get a single autograph, which I now regret.

I am running out of words for this column so one last memory of what was shooting at MGM, albeit I have not mentioned several productions. It was a long forgotten television series called Espionage, but it is available on DVD and is worth watching. I recall one episode in which Hollywood star Dennis Hopper is seen running away from a farm behind the present day Toby Carvery, down a field and is caught by an old tree. That tree still survives in Studio Way!

I must end by once again thanking readers who for some reason recognise me and come up and say they enjoy these rambles. It is very kind and I am flattered. Until next week, cling onto the wreckage!