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Swansea On Film

"Only Two Can Play" (1962)

Swansea has attracted film crews on a number of occasions. In the summer of 1961 "Only Two Can Play" was filmed extensively in the city. The film starred Peter Sellers and was the first film to be given an "X" certificate by the British Board Of Film Censors. It was adapted from the book "That Uncertain Feeling" written by Sir Kingsley Amis who co-incidentally had lectured at Swansea University for 13 years, Bryan Forbes, the father of the Television presenter Emma Forbes, wrote the screenplay.
Only Two Can Play Picture 1
The two pictures above are taken at the same spot 47 years apart. The black and white one is taken from the film "Only Two Can Play" which was filmed in Swansea in the summer and autumn of 1961. Today it is the Mayhill Stores. It is Interesting that the garage has been knocked down and the shop has been extended.
Only Two Can Play Picture 2
The two pictures above are taken at the same spot 47 years apart. The black and white one is taken from the film "Only Two Can Play" which was filmed in Swansea in the summer and autumn of 1961.  This scene was filmed in Sketty, to the left of the picture is the tennis courts
Only Two Can Play Picture 3
The two pictures above are taken at the same spot 47 years apart. The black and white one is taken from the film "Only Two Can Play" which was filmed in Swansea in the summer and autumn of 1961. It was filmed on the corner of Mayhill Road
Only Two Can Play Picture 4
The two pictures above are taken at the same spot 47 years apart. The black and white one is taken from the film "Only Two Can Play" which was filmed in Swansea in the summer and autumn of 1961. It shows the entrance to Glynn Vivian Art Gallery on Alexandra Road. In the film it was depicted as Aberdarcy Library, where the character played by Peter Sellers worked. It is actually directly opposite Swansea Library which for some reason was not used in the film. However "That Uncertain Feeling" was adapted for television in 1985 this time starring Denis Lawson in the Sellers role. This was filmed at Swansea Library.
Only Two Can Play Picture 5
The two pictures above are taken at the same spot 47 years apart. The black and white one is taken from the film "Only Two Can Play" which was filmed in Swansea in the summer and autumn of 1961. It shows the Kingsway directly opposite the new Oceana Nightclub
Only Two Can Play Picture 6
This scene was filmed on Alexander Road, about 100 yards away from Glynn Vivian Art Gallery
Only Two Can Play Picture 7
This is a close up of the very ornate doorway to Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.
depicted as Aberdarcy Library in the film
Only Two Can Play Picture 8
This scene was filmed at the Tennis courts opposite Bishop Gore School. It is still marked out as a tennis court today, although no longer used
Only Two Can Play Picture 9
Peter Sellers filmed from inside Glynn Vivian Art Gallery looking through the window out toward Swansea Library in Alexander Road

Peter Sellers as John Lewis

Richard Attenborough as Probert

Mai Zetterling as Liz

Lindy Cope as Bridget (uncredited)

Virginia Maskell as Jean

Howell Evans as Library Policeman (uncredited)

Kenneth Griffith as Jenkins 

Howarde Greene as Chauffeur (uncredited)

Raymond Huntley as Vernon

Ronnie Harries as Night Porter (uncredited)

David Davies as Beynon

Margaret Lacey as 1st Pianist (uncredited)

Maudie Edwards as Mrs. Davies

Marjie Lawrence as Girl in Bus (uncredited)


Meredith Edwards as Clergyman

Desmond Llewelyn as Clergyman on Bus (uncredited). He went on to achieve fame as gadget man "Q" in the James Bond Films

John Le Mesurier as Salter

Meg Wynn Owen as Dilys (uncredited)

Frederick Piper as Mr. Davies

John Rees as Bus Conductor (uncredited)

Graham Stark as Hyman

Hazel Squires as 2nd Pianist (uncredited)

Eynon Evans as Town Hall Clerk

Gillian Vaughan as Maureen (uncredited)

John Arnatt as Bill

Joanna Vogel as Pretty Girl in Library (uncredited)

Sheila Manahan as Mrs. Jenkins

George Woodbridge as Farmer (uncredited

The Cast is listed below