The scenes with the Pianola were filmed in an annex of the famous
Caird Hall in Dundee's City Square.  The Square and the Great Hall
itself, inside and out, were swathed in Soviet banners to emulate
Moscow.  Dundee Council was apparently receptive to this as it then
had the reputation of being one of the most left-wing in Britain.

I happened to be driving up to Aberdeen on a diving job and dropped
in to meet up with Rex Lawson who had been contracted to provide the
Pianola (a nice Gotha Steck, I think).  I met the cast and crew and
spent the late afternoon and evening watching the filming.  Coral
Browne played herself: she was a huge character -- very direct!

Guy Burgess was apparently a keen pianolist, having rolls sent from
Harrods whenever possible.  The Moskowski "Spanish Dance" suggested
by Rex seemed a likely and appropriate piece.

Alan Bates couldn't get the hang of pedalling the Pianola convincingly
while delivering his lines, so Rex somehow sat on the floor between
his legs and pedalled and worked the tempo lever during the takes --
obviously with great success -- which caused a good deal of mirth!

Patrick Handscombe
Wivenhoe, Essex, UK