The film, Huckleberry Finn, was all the rage at the time and was being shown at cinemas throughout the country.

But Oxford film buffs could see the popular musical show not only on screen but on stage.

Young actors and actresses were putting on their own version of Mark Twain’s classic at Wolvercote village hall.

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Pictured above are Julian Millard, centre, playing the star of the show, Huckleberry Finn, with his adventurous companions, Tom, left, alias Duncan Stoddart, and Jim, alias James Finnemore.

They were just three of the 37 cast members and 20-strong back-stage crew who were putting the final touches to the show at a rehearsal when the Oxford Mail photographer arrived.

All were members of the North Oxford Junior Dramatic Society and they had been rehearsing for several months in 1974 to make sure the musical went with a swing.

Three performances were planned at the village hall, with an audience of local pensioners invited to enjoy the final rehearsal.

Members of the cast were all aged between nine and 16.

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The producer of the show was Peter Bridges, who adapted the book for the stage.

Music was provided by a quintet of piano, clarinet, drums, harmonica and guitar, directed by Viv Banks.

The Oxford Mail published the picture and details of the show in a story headlined ‘Tearaway trio go live’.

Huckleberry Finn is a 1974 musical film version of Mark Twain’s 1884 novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

The movie featured Jeff East as Huckleberry Finn and Paul Winfield as Jim. The film contains original music and songs, such as Freedom and Cairo, Illinois.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.