Screen legend Julie Christie was in north Norfolk this week, filming a £4m Stephen Poliakoff movie.The 67-year-old award-winning actress hugged a hot-water bottle between takes as she filmed a scene inside St Nicholas' Church at Salthouse in freezing temperatures.

SCREEN legend Julie Christie was in north Norfolk this week, filming a £4m Stephen Poliakoff movie.

The 67-year-old award-winning actress hugged a hot-water bottle between takes as she filmed a scene inside St Nicholas' Church at Salthouse in chilly temperatures.

Later production crews filmed a night scene in Little Walsingham's High Street, and filming has also taken place at Holkham Hall.

Ironically the wartime thriller 1939 is set during summer, so the cast had to be filmed in lightweight clothing. It is due for release in the middle of next year to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the start of the second world war.

Miss Christie's role, as the formidable Aunt Elizabeth, brings her back to Norfolk where she starred in the 1971 film The Go-Between, filmed extensively on location at Melton Constable Hall.

Also wrapped up against the biting wind was award-winning British actress Romola Garai, who is playing the lead role of Anne, alongside BAFTA-winning actor Bill Nighy, who plays her father, Alexander.

Dr Who star David Tennant appears in the role of family friend Hector, with the legendary Christopher Lee as Walter.

Choristers from Gresham's Preparatory School, Holt, have a part in the film and were recorded singing In Dulci Jubilo and pieces by Elgar inside Salthouse church.

Poliakoff said of his latest film: "I'm very excited to be making this film about a period that has always fascinated me, the extraordinary machinations that went on in British society on the eve of war. It is truly thrilling to be making it with such a tremendous cast."

The film is being produced by Emmy winner Barney Reisz, who was responsible for the widely-acclaimed BBC series Elizabeth I.

Mr Reisz said of the film: "It is a privilege to be working with Stephen Poliakoff on his long-awaited return to the big screen. First and foremost we are making a thriller, a classic British period thriller with the cream of British acting talent, set during the outbreak of the second world war, a fascinating, unique moment in British history."

The story of 1939 is set between the present-day London and the Norfolk countryside in the lead-up to the war. The story centres on the Keyes family, who are keen to uphold and preserve their very traditional English way of life.