Les bicyclettes de Belsize

Saw this film a the British Film institute recently and was entranced by it. I live in Belsize Park, and recognise so many of the little streets and lanes such as New End Road and Pilgrims Lane.

I can't make them all out though...does anyone know if a 'Byclettes De Belsize' walking or cycling route exists? I want to follow his exact journey through modern day hampstead to see what's changed. It's quite haunting..all these years later I was walking down a path behind the Holly Bush and suddenly realised I was walking where he first bumped into the little girl! If anybody knows where it all starts and finishes though that would be great!

Bogie and Bacall, Fred and Ginger, The Boy and The Girl - undoubtedly three of the great romances of 20th century cinema. Did ever a film hero have to contend with as much as The Boy to win The Girl? I mean, he had to search half of north London for her on a bicycle which was far too small and what about that huge Rolls with three bruisers on board, slamming the door in his face? Les Bicyclettes is a double romance, firstly of The Boy and The Girl, and secondly of beautiful Hampstead. I was in London last September with my bike and I cycled down the High Street (the King of Bohemia is sadly all too modern but happily, Chic is still a clothes shop) and along those other picturesque streets and stairways. Forget Star Wars et al and their hunger for special effects. This delightful Sixties short cinema has a magical, innocent and honest appeal. A simple script, minimal words and haunting music.Above all, it has charm. I think I saw The Boy and The Girl sitting in a cafe on the High Street, both now in their early 60s but still as fashionable and still in love. But why Belsize which is a good half mile down the road?

This lovely little film, a 30 minute short film features a boy in search for the love of his life who he had just crashed through on his bike. She was the model on a advertising poster.

It's all very quaint, that's not a put down but a big compliment featuring a score written by Les Reed and Bart Mason and a wonderful theme song sung by Englerbert Humperdinck (?) On yes I forgot to mention it's a silent movie with what little dialogue sung by the cast, that makes it a musical I guess lol .

No-one,that I know,has seen or heard of this beautiful film.It has been in my all-time favourites since I first saw it.I have only seen it once,on TV,but I have never forgotten it.A short film,yes,but a stunning evocation of late sixties attitude,love and London.Whoever has the rights to this film,please show it somewhere,anywhere!or even better bring it out on DVD.

Bar the slapstick and the redundant bus stop scene, this poignant love story has stayed with me since I first saw it as a child on ITV then C4 in the 80's. Lucklily my VHS copy is still fine taped from C4 sometime in 1989. The music, magic and romance is much more than most movie musicals ever achieve. Has anyone ever wondered where the two stars are now? Best song in my opinion is the one Julie sings "All I Want is Love?" I could marry her if I was so inclined! I will look out for that soundtrack and am so glad to see others have enjoyed this simple masterpiece. Email me if you love this film too! Wouldn't it be amazing to have a screening in North London at a cinema for all lovers of this. We could all arrive on bikes and wear 60's bohemian gear!