Filming locations for the movie, based on the 1959 novel by former YEP reporter Keith Waterhouse and directed by John Schlesinger, included The Headrow and Leeds Town Hall and Green Lane in Wortley. It starred Tom Courtenay in the lead role and Julie Christie as Liz, one of his three girlfriends. The movie tells the story of Billy Fisher who lives in Yorkshire with his parents and grandmother. He wished to get away from his stifling job and family life and to escape the boredom of his humdrum existence, he constantly daydreamed and fantasized, often picturing himself as the ruler and military hero of an imaginary country called Ambrosia. These made up stories about himself and his family, caused him to be nicknamed 'Billy Liar'. In reality, he lived in a lower-middle-class home with parents who constantly scold and nag him about his behaviour. Released in 1963 the film would go on to be ranked 76 in the British Film Institute's list of the top 100 British films. These behind the scenes photos are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: Memories of the cobbled streets of Leeds LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
1. Billy Liar
A scene being shot on location at a site off Green Lane, with Green Lane Primary School in the background. This scene, which shows a group of women marching under a banner proclaiming 'Viva Ambrosia', is part of a dream world imagined by the character Billy Fisher. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Billy Liar
The camera crew and continuity girl taking a break during the shooting of the film on Green Lane Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Billy Liar
Film director John Schlesinger (facing camera) during the shooting of his film 'Billy Liar'. This scene was shot on a cleared area off Green Lane where old terraced houses had recently been demolished. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Billy Liar
Actors taking a break during the shooting of the filmon a cleared area just off Green Lane. They are playing soldiers in the fictional land of Ambrosia, part of a dream experienced by the title character. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Billy Liar
The set of the film on a cleared site off Green Lane. On the right is director John Schlesinger. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Billy Liar
Actor Tom Courtenay during shooting in which he played the title role. This scene, shot at a site off Green Lane, shows Billy's dream of being the head of the state of Ambrosia, where he is preparing to take the salute at the victory parade. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net