Wicked as They Come

Date: 1956
Director: Ken Hughes
Production Company: Frankovich Productions

Stars: Arlene Dahl, Philip Carey, Herbert Marshall, Michael Goodliffe
Location(s): London

Region(s):

Storyline:

A poor but beautiful woman sets her sights on rising to the top and lets nothing stand in her way.

Additional Information:

Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson

Also known as ‘Portrait in Smoke’ (US Title)

 

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If you have any information regarding this production, the locations or, even better, some comparison shots please contact us. Images submitted must be in Landscape orientation, as would be seen on the cinema screen, not Portrait.

We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.

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A montage of stock shots establish the setting for this film.

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The montage ends in the back street slums of New York.

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Posters advertising a beauty contest greet workers as they leave the Dreamline factory.

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As Katherine Allenbourg passes through the gates, Mike Lewis (Marvin Kane) from 'Stylewear' spots the beautiful young woman.

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After winning the contest, Kathleen is flown to Europe. Stock footage of New York International Airport, Anderson Field, which became John F. Kennedy International Airport in 1963.

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Arriving at London Airport, the contest winner is driven into the City. This could well be the entrance to London Airport on Bath Road opposite the junction of Sipson Road.

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  • 20 Jan 2017

Buckingham Palace is passed. The London SW1 location has been seen a few times before.

A rather touristy type shot by Peter.

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  • 20 Dec 2016

The Bentley arrives at The May Fair hotel in Berkeley Square. Stratton Street, London W1.

Peter grabbed this picture of the hotel entrance from ground level.

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After being given jewellery by admirer Larry Buckham, Kathy checks out of the hotel where he expects to meet her. Kensington Church Street, London W8 almost opposite Peel Street, looking north and confirmed by Dave W. (RL)

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And the jewels are taken to a pawn broker. Panning up to the distinctive pawnbroker sign of 'D. C. Monk at 132/134 Kensington Church Street, London W8 (RL)

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  • 29 Apr 2020

Soon after landing a job as a secretary at an advertising agency Kathy drives home with Tim O'Bannion, one of the firm's managers. 1 St Albans Grove, London W8 now know as Atlantic House. (RL)

1 Dt Albans Grove, London W8

A Google Earth View to support until we are free to roam once again. (RL)

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  • 29 Apr 2020

The car comes to an abrupt halt outside Kathy’s apartment block and Tim is asked in for a drink. 1 St Albans Grove, London W8 now know as Atlantic House. (RL)

1 St Albans Grove, London W8

A further Google Earth View to fill a temporary gap. (RL)

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Only looking out for herself, Kathy is transferred to the agency's Paris headquarters. The Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris, but likely to be a stock shot.

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Now married to the agency owner, Kathy and her husband John Dowling arrive home one evening. This is Drummers Yard, Amersham Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, also seen in 'No Kidding'. (SR)

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The Chauffeur opens the door and the couple enter the house. Drummers Yard, Beaconsfield. (SR)

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Kathy is arrested and taken into custody after shooting her husband, mistaking him for a prowler.

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  • 20 Dec 2016

The case is brought to trial. The Wilkins Building of University College London.

Peter took this slightly more colourful shot.

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  • 20 Dec 2016

Reporters and photographers stand outside the court as a cab pulls up. University College London on Gower Street WC1.

Tilting down, Peter finds a similar view.

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  • 20 Dec 2016

Paying the driver, Tim O'Bannion (Philip Carey) gets out of the taxi.

Peter provides this shot of the same location.

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  • 20 Dec 2016

Tim climbs the steps and sees Larry Buckham amongst the waiting press. University College London on Gower Street.

The same steps now from Peter.

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  • 20 Dec 2016

Becoming suspicious, Tim follows Larry Buckham (Michael Goodliffe) from the building. The location was seen in the 'Doctor' film series as well as 'The Lost Language of Cranes', 'K', 'Raising the Wind', 'Thunderbirds', 'The Idol’, ‘The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu’, ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ and ‘The Man Who Never Was'.

Peter provides this further view of the steps to the Wilkins Building.

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  • 20 Dec 2016

Kathy is driven from the court where she has been sentenced to death for murder. Outside the Wilkins Building of UCL, London WC1.

A final comparison from Peter.

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In her prison, Tim visits Kathy after Larry admits that he was in the house on the night of John Dowling’s death.