Fourth Protocol, The

Date: 1987
Director: John Mackenzie
Production Company: Fourth Protocol

Stars: Michael Caine, Pierce Brosnan, Joanna Cassidy, Ian Richardson
Location(s): Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Finland, Kent, London, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, West Midlands

Region(s): , ,

Storyline:

At the request of the KGB Chairman, an agent is sent to Britain on a secret mission with the aim of exploding a nuclear device near an American airbase.

Additional Information:

Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson

Sarah H who has provided some “now” shots for us has advised that some of the scenes in what was (at the time) her aunt and uncles house in Milton Keynes. Situated on the corner of where Coleshill Place and Downley Avenue meet. The road side frontage was never seen in the film, only the rear glass-fronted side that cannot now be seen from the road because of the trees. It was called the “Ideal Home Solar House” and was one of a number of energy-efficient show homes commissioned to be built around Milton Keynes in 1981 with a view to the future of housing. The house is the one that Preston (Michael Caine) takes over in order to spy on the house of Petrofsky (Pierce Brosnan). Even though it looks as if the two houses overlook one another, they are streets apart in real life. The interior shots were definitely taken from inside their house. Sarah admits that she might be wrong, but for the purposes of the record seems to remember a mock-up of the Solar House being built.

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A car is driven through a checkpoint in Soviet Russia.

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British defector Kim Philby arrives for a meeting with the Chairman of the KGB. Juha advises that this building is Paattio Manor House in Kemi, Finland.

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Kim Philby (Michael Bilton) lies in the snow after being shot by Major Pavlov (Michael J. Jackson) on the orders of KGB Chairman, Govershin. Paattio Manor House in Kemi located by Juha.

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Sir Nigel Irvine (Ian Richardson) meets with the ailing head of MI5, Sir Bernard Hemmings (Michael Gough). Lisa N. advises that this is her house in Goudhurst, Kent.

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Sir Nigel and Sir Bernard discuss John Preston's recent discovery of George Berenson passing secrets. Lisa N.'s house in Goudhurst, about ten miles east of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

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After New Year celebrations in Yorkshire, Berenson leaves his Wife behind and heads back to London. Chicheley Hall, Chicheley Road, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire.

George Berenson returns home to find that his safe has been blown open and jewels and documents taken. Chesham Court, Chesham Close off Lyall Street in London SW1.

Now. SJ

Traitor to his country, George Berenson (Anton Rodgers), leaves home and walks onto Lyall Street.

Lucky timing with the sun catching the balcony. SJ

On the way to make contact with his Controller, Berenson crosses the entrance to Lyall Mews. Lyall Street in SW1.

Ugh, more scaffolding in the news. SJ

Berenson is followed as he descends into Hyde Park Corner station. Apsley House and the Grand Entrance Screen of Hyde Park stand in the background. London SW1.

Now. SJ

Suspecting that he may be being followed, Berenson waits for a train at Hyde Park Corner station. The disused Jubilee Line platforms at Charing Cross underground station in London WC2, also seen in 'London Has Fallen', 'Creep', '28 Weeks Later', 'The Escapist', 'Three and Out' and 'Skyfall'.

The same platform that closed in 1999. With thanks to David Boyce of London Underground. (PW)

After doubling back on the journey because of his suspicions, Berenson arrives at High Street Kensington station in London W8.

Goodness knows what lens was originally used for this shot, but it looks like the camera was positioned on Kensington High Street. SJ

Berenson heads to a pizza restaurant. Phillimore Court on Campden Hill Road at the corner of Phillimore Walk in Kensington W8.

Now a Carluccio's. SJ

MI5 agent John Preston and his surveillance team pull up across the road from the restaurant. Phillimore Walk, London W8.

Kensington Central Library. SJ

The team watch as Berenson departs, leaving a rolled newspaper behind. The junction of Campden Hill Road and Phillimore Walk.

The junction now. SJ

William (Stephen Persaud) is tasked to follow a customer leaving the restaurant with pizza boxes. Phillimore Walk in Kensington.

Now: details of the library. SJ

Preston spots another customer carrying take away pizza's. Kensington High Street from Campden Hill Road, London W8.

Goodness that tree has sprouted. SJ

The surveillance team follow the second customer to the South African Embassy. Duncannon Street in WC2 with the National Gallery in the background.

Bit of street rearrangement. SJ

The customer is identified as Jan Marais (Peter Cartwright), a Soviet Agent working within the South African Foreign Service. Duncannon Street, London WC2.

And it really is a side entrance to the South African Embassy. SJ

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Behind the 'Iron Curtain', General Borisov calls General Karpov. Unidentified location.

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General Yevgeni Sergeivitch Karpov (Ray McAnally) meets with his old friend Pavel Petrovic Borisov (Ned Beatty) and finds out that Govershin has utilised Major Petrofsky for an undercover mission. Unknown location.

Estate agent Jill Dunkley (Julia Verdin) meets with Valeri Petrofsky (Pierce Brosnan), masquerading as James Edward Ross, outside the house in Suffolk he is about to rent. Tranlands Brigg, Milton Keynes MK13.

A new front door and a more mature hedge was found by Antony Blair.

Petrofsky is shown around the house that stands near RAF Baywaters. Tranlands Brigg, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

Sarah H provides an up to date photo of the same property now with considerably more greenery around it. She has also provided additional background information that is included in the Header Section. (RL)

A Courier arrives at Birmingham Airport, Coventry Road, Birmingham, West Midlands.

Unfortunately a suitable comparison shot isn't possible as a deck was constructed above the check in hall. (PW)

The Courier (Steve Halliwell) brings the first part of an atomic bomb, concealed in a plaster cast. Chris Meek tells us that this is the top floor of the multi storey car park above the Arndale Centre in Luton town, Bedfordshire. The building in the background is the BT Exchange building between Dunstall Place and Peel Street. (RL)

Featuring an almost passable stand in, Ross Forbes provides this comparison.

Petrofsky takes the delivery back to the house. It was this view of the 'tunnel' going under an office block that drew Chris to identifying Capture 25, the Arndale Centre in Luton, Bedfordshire. (RL)

Ross Forbes returned to the location.

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American airman Tom McWhirter (Matt Frewer) greets his new neighbour, 'Jim Ross'. Tranlands Brigg in Milton Keynes.

Petrofsky arrives at a transport cafe to pick up the next consignment from a Lorry Driver. Andrew Fisher advises that this is where the Langham slip road joins the southbound carriageway of the A12 in north-east Essex. John Wilson confirms that the building is the New Birchwood Hotel which was demolished and replaced by a petrol station.

Battling against the sun, Philip Bacon captured the location now with the only real link to the past being the grass bank in the foreground.

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A Russian Seaman (Roy Alon) is challenged by a Policeman (John Murtagh) at Glasgow Docks. IMDB suggests Ipswich docks in Suffolk and John Wilson confirms that it is close to the entrance of Cliff Quay in the Port of Ipswich with the background ship moored at the oil terminal.

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When the Seaman is killed in an accident, he, and the detonator part that he was carrying, comes to the attention of Preston. Cliff Quay in the Port of Ipswich located by John Wilson. The building for Port Security is still there although a little shabbier than when filmed.

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Tom McWhirter and his Wife drive 'Jim' past the air base en route to an evening out. IMDB states RAF Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire.

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The trio pass the main entrance to RAF Baywaters. Steve Cook advises that this is the entrance to the former USAF base at Upper Heyford on Camp Road.

John Preston (Michael Caine) and his son Timmy (James Older) are flying a model plane when Sir Nigel Irvine arrives. Primrose Hill in London NW3. Identified by Simon James.

A very popular location. Also seen in The Tall Guy, Breaking and Entering, The Wedding Date and many others: see London Movie Guide. SJ

Sir Nigel talks to Preston about his report, theorising that an atomic bomb is being assembled in Britain, and offers help. Primrose Hill, London NW3. Located in London Movie Guide by Simon James.

This plaque has to be changed most years as London's skyline becomes more Manhattan. SJ

A Townsend Thoresen ferry enters Dover Harbour bringing another Courier. Dover, Kent.

Taken from the lower level of the White Cliffs walk. SJ

Petrofsky watches the Courier's minibus approach with another part of the bomb. Castle Hill Road, Dover with Dover Castle in the left background.

Taken in the morning rather than the then's afternoon. SJ

After collecting the package, Petrofsky rides off. The car park at the junction of Dover Road and Castle Hill Road, Dover, Kent.

Now with a French coach instead of a combi. SJ

Winkler arrives in Britain after a watch for Eastern Bloc travellers is placed on ports and airports. Dover Harbour. Dover, Kent. From ground level the location appears in 'Johnny English', 'Contraband - Spain', 'Calling All Cars', 'Bond of Fear', 'Diamonds are Forever' and 'San Ferry Ann'.

Now on a sombre day. SJ

Travelling as Mrs Vatenan, Irina Vassilievna arrives in London on the bus from Heathrow airport. Jay Mews SW7. The area appears in ‘The IPCRESS File’, ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’, ‘The X Files’, ‘Quest for Love’ and ‘Interlude’. amongst others.

More the south-east corner of Kesnington Gore, now pedestrianised. SJ

After alighting from the bus, Irina Vassilievn (Joanna Cassidy) meets Petrofsky. Facing the Royal Albert Hall from Prince Consort Road, London SW7.

Now. SJ

The Soviet specialist in atomic bomb design gets into Petrofsky's car. Jay Mews, London SW7.

This is the east side of Kensington Gore looking north to Albert Hall Mansions. SJ

The pair arrive at Petrofsky's rented house. Tranlands Brigg, Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire.

A rather less stark scene now as shown by Sarah H. (RL)

Irina surveys the building in which she will construct an atomic bomb from the components collected by Petrofsky. Tranlands Brigg, Milton Keynes.

With this shot from Sarah H it looks as though the wooden structure didn't last the course. (RL)

Barry Banks arrives to collect Preston after Winkler's details are checked and he is found to be Czech KGB agent Ivan Komishenko. Looking south east on Eastbourne Mews in W2.

Looking south. SJ

Preston leaves his home to follow Winkler. Eastbourne Mews, London W2.

101, Eastbourne Mews. SJ

Winkler (Jiri Stanislav) catches the 1830hrs train to Colchester. St Pancras Station, Euston Road, London N1. Various other aspects of the station also feature in ‘Smashing Time’, ‘The Servant’, ‘The Ladykillers’, ‘Shirley Valentine’, ‘Wings of Mystery’, ‘McVicar’, ‘The Comedy Man’, ‘‘Mona Lisa’, ‘A Cry from the Streets’, ‘The Painted Smile’, ‘Voyage of the Damned’, ‘Nuns on the Run’ and ‘Simon and Laura’.

The same location in 2007, during systems testing prior to the start of Eurostar services. (PW)

Departure time. St Pancras Station.

Same clock, different time. (PW)

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Barry drives Preston into the station as the train starts to leave. St Pancras Station, London. The location was seen in 'Smashing Time', 'Shirley Valentine' and many more.

The car screeches to a halt as the train speeds up and Preston manages to get on board. The train is a visitor to the station for filming as this type never usually ran into St Pancras. London NW1.

Not quite the same angle but certainly the same station. (PW)

Winkler alights from the train. Colchester North station, North Station Road, Colchester in Essex.

A view of Platform 2 Colchester North railway Station looking along the platform with the lines to the left.

Joe Sales provides an up to date shot of the platform at Colchester North reminding us that trains to this station depart from Liverpool Street not St. Pancras. (RL)

John Preston also got off the train. Colchester station, Colchester.

Looking across the lines at Colchester North railway station from one platform to another.

In providing us with this equivalent shot of the platform Joe advises that Michael Caine would have alighted the train on the non-platform side, oh for the days of slam doors and non-central locking! (RL)

That evening, Preston makes his way to the café where a device is being constructed. Saltcote sailing club in Heybridge, Essex identified by Richard Coghill.

Richard provides this view of the location now.

The following morning, Barry Banks (Matthew Marsh) arrives to continue surveillance after Preston followed Winkler to the Dolphin Café in Maldon. Steve Cook identifies this as Saltcote Sailing Club on Wharf Road, Heybridge near Maldon, Essex.

The sailing club was closed on the day Andrew Price visited, so this was the best shot possible.

When Petrofsky is seen at the Dolphin Café, Preston runs to the van where George is on duty. Located by Richard Coghill, this is adjacent to the Millbeach public house in Heybridge, Essex, now sadly now demolished.

Richard returned to the scene.

Winkler leaves the waterside café after servicing the secret Soviet transmitter inside. Saltcote Sailing Club near Maldon found by Steve Cook.

Zooming in, this was the nearest that Andrew could get to the now veranda-less building.

Preston stays on watch after Winkler departs. Steve Cook advises Saltcote Sailing Club. More information at http://www.saltcotesailingclub.co.uk/Fourth%20Protocol.html

Andrew advises that the building in the centre background is Saltcote Maltings, now a residential development.

Petrofsky soon leaves after sending a message from the transmitter at the café. Saltcote Sailing Club located by Steve.

With the sailing club closed, this picture was taken with the club house behind Andrew Price but facing the same direction.

Preston and Banks follow after a homing device is attached to Petrofsky's motorbike. Philip Bacon advises that this the now closed Mill Beach public house on Goldhanger Road, Heybridge in Maldon, Essex, along the sea wall path not far from Salcott Sailing Club.

Philip provides this view of the location adding that the pub closed several years ago and has become derelict.

At high speed, Petrofsky rides over a flyover towards Ipswich. Kevin Bailey says that this is the A505 in Luton as it approaches a roundabout with the bike subsequently turning left into St Mary's Road.

Bettering a previous Google image, Richard DeDomenici provides this more accurate comparison for the hard to reach location. Image copyright Google.

A roundabout is negotiated as Petrofsky heads into town.

Kevin provides this Google capture of the roundabout and the view along St Mary's Road, Luton saying that the brick building on the left is the university. He promises that the church is really hiding behind the trees. (RL)

When the homing device shows that the motorcycle has stopped, Preston and Banks close in. Simon Harvey identifies this as Goldlay Road at the junction with Manor Road (on the left of the picture) in Old Moulsham, Chelmsford.

Simon took this picture of the same location now from ground level.

The two slowly make their way through the streets towards their target.

Goldlay Road with the van turning left into Parker Road located and captured by Simon Harvey.

Guns are drawn ready as Preston drives towards a likely building. Marlborough Road at the junction of Queen Street in Old Moulsham, Chelmsford.

The commercial/garage yard buildings have gone but the old cottages visible to the centre still exist. Information and image from Simon Harvey.

The two agents enter a garage yard. Simon advises that the yard buildings stood in Queen Street but the area has been redeveloped.

Simon noticed that the tall apartment block matches very closely in design with the commercial building that it replaced.

As Preston and Banks find Petrofsky's discarded bike, emergency services speed past the garage. Simon tells us that this is Queen Street and that the large victorian building visible to the extreme left stands on New London Road.

The same street now from Simon.

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The pair leave the premises and, after learning of an accident on the main road, realise that they may be able to catch up with their prey. Queen Street, Chelmsford identified by Simon Harvey.

Preston and Banks join the traffic queue that Petrofsky is caught in. Chelmer Valley Road, Chelmsford identified on IMDb.

Richard Coghill found a clearer road on his visit.

When Petrofsky is waved past the accident site, Preston and Banks follow via an unconventional route. This is the underpass beneath Chelmer Valley Road in Chelmsford in Essex recognised by Richard Coghill.

The underpass survives as Richard discovered.

Preston and Banks appear from beneath the roadway. Chelmer Valley Road in Chelmsford.

Philip Bacon's comparison shows that considerable plant growth has obscured the footpath beneath Chelmer Valley Way but he assures us that it is still there and adds that the curved road in the background is now called Fell Christy.

Anti nuclear protestors assemble for a march at RAF Baywaters. Almost simultaneously, both Nigel Coupe and Hazel Simpson identified this as Temple Place in London WC2.

Replacing the Nov '20 Google shot with one of a building site. SJ

Petrofsky drives through protestors towards the now completed bomb. Facing Gibsons Green from Dansteed Way in Milton Keynes.

Sarah H took this shot for us at the stated location, from ground level, and admits that with all the trees having grown so much it is hard to decide that it is a match. There seems little reason to doubt. (RL)

John Preston makes his way towards Petrofsky's house. Looking from Gibsons Green into Tranlands Brigg, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

Sarah H's photo shows that not only did the timber structure not survive neither did that little window above it. (RL)

Petrofsky is located. Tranlands Brigg in Milton Keynes MK13.

Another photo from Sarah H of that prolific greenery. (RL)

An assault team is flown in. Orwell Bridge spanning the River Orwell just south of Ipswich in Suffolk.

Mark Cheadle took this view from ground level.

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The helicopters approach their landing site. Orwell Bridge, Suffolk. At the time of filming, the road over the bridge was designated the A45 but has since been renumbered to the A14. Rob Beckwith advises that the three chimney building was the Cliff Quay power station demolished in 1994.

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The SAS helicopters land. Rob Beckwith advises that this is Ipswich Docks and John Wilson adds "This scene shows Cliff Quay in the Port of Ipswich. I was with Suffolk Constabulary on night shift at the time of filming and the helicopter kept me awake during the day".

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The assault team meet with local police. John Wilson advises that this is the defunct roll on/roll off berth in the wet dock at Ipswich. The mobile Police incident cabin was owned by Suffolk Constabulary and was still in use at the time of his retirement in 2011.

Captain Julian Lyndhurst (Sean Chapman) directs his men before they head off to join Preston. Rob Beckwith tells us that this is Ipswich Docks. John Wilson confirms that this is also the defunct roll on/roll off berth and adds "In the background can be seen the old R and W Paul Ltd maltings at the bottom of Felaw Street, where scenes for 'The Angry Silence' were filmed".

Ipswich Docks and the maltings now, captured by Mark Cheadle.

After Major Petrofsky is killed and the bomb is made safe, Preston drives to find Sir Nigel Irvine. High Street, Eton, Berkshire. Also seen, from the opposite direction, in 'No Sex Please, We're British'.

Malcolm Tinnelly found the traffic a little less frantic.

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Sir Nigel is attending Sir Bernard Hemmings' funeral. Eton College in Eton, Berkshire. The college can also be seen in ‘The Madness of King George’, ‘Cloudburst’, ‘Fun at St. Fanny's', 'Shakespeare in Love' and ‘Chariots of Fire’.

Preston leaves his Son in the car and heads off to find out why Petrofsky was ordered to be shot during the operation. High Street in Eton.

The Scene in Eton High Street today. (SR)

As Preston nears, Sir Nigel leaves the graveside. Looking towards Eton College Memorial Hall on High Street in Eton, Berkshire.

Eton College Library and Hall have emerged from hoardings that were hiding them this winter. (SR)

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A group of foreign agents stand near a doorway. Eton College.

Preston walks through a cloister. Eton College.

The doorway and two lamps in front of the quadrangle help to pinpoint this. SJ

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Sir Nigel makes his way inside. Eton College.

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More of Eton College as Preston climbs steps from the quad.

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In the shadows, Preston spots Sir Nigel walking with someone. Eton College.

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Preston finds Sir Nigel with General Karpov. Eton College.

After finding that Petrofsky was 'executed' and that the operation was used to destroy Govershin, Preston leaves the two leaders. Eton College, Berkshire.

Malcolm Tinnelly obeyed the signs as he didn't need access for this comparison.

When he reaches the car, Preston sees that his Son is missing. Facing Durnford House on High Street in Eton, Berkshire.

In the Spring of 2022 there was still a great amount of building and renovation work being undertaken in Eton. However a small patch had been finished, which allowed Malcolm Tinnelly to capture this shot.

Preston is relieved to find Timmy playing nearby. Outside Eton College on High Street, Eton.

Nobody playing there today. (SR)

Father and Son are reunited and head for home. The forecourt of Eton College, Eton, Berkshire.

Antony Blair provides this comparison.