This Happy Breed
Date: 1944
Director: David Lean
Production Company: Noel Coward-Cineguild, Two Cities Films
Stars: Robert Newton, Celia Johnson, Stanley Holloway, John Mills
Location(s): Buckinghamshire, London
Region(s): London T-Z, South East R-Z
Storyline:
Based on the Noel Coward play about the trials and tribulations of a London family between the wars.
Additional Information:
Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson
Jimmy Snow, special effects technician, for whom we have a fulsome summary of his career written by his granddaughter Brigitte, together with her memories of him, worked on this film. All that she has shared with us can be read here.
The photograph referred to in Captures 8 and 9 can be viewed by clicking on this link.
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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.
- Capture 1
- 'Now' required
This is the story of a London family from 1919 to 1939. Facing east along the River Thames with, to the right, Nine Elms Lane snaking towards the 1936 Southern Railway grain warehouse which was seen in 'Soapbox Derby'.
- Capture 2
- 'Now' required
After four long years of war, the men are coming home. Panning southward brings more of SW8 into view including Battersea Gas Works and Nine Elms Goods Depot.
- Capture 3
- 05 May 2023
Hundreds and hundreds of houses are becoming homes once more. A reversed view, looking northward on Alderbrook Road in SW12.
John Harwood and his drone did well to get this aerial shot. (SJ)
- Capture 4
- 'Now' required
The shot moves in on one such house on the film's Sycamore Road where the Gibbons family are about to take up residence. Another reversed image, this time of the backs of houses on Bellamy Street with buildings on Temperley Road to the top right.
- Capture 5
- 'Now' required
Frank Gibbons (Robert Newton) meets the removal men as they arrive. Looking onto Alderbrook Road in Balham, identified by Ray Simmons.
- Capture 6
- 'Now' required
Soon after moving in, the Gibbons family attend a military parade along Whitehall. A look at the hatched road surface reveals that this is likely to be a studio set.
- Capture 7
- 05 Aug 2005
It's 1924 and the Gibbons have been living on Sycamore Road for five years. Ray Simmons recognised Alderbrook Road SW12.
A more up to date view of Alderbrook Road off Balham Hill.
- Capture 8
- 05 May 2023
Ethel Gibbons (Celia Johnson) leads Queenie Gibbons (Kay Walsh) and her husband from the house. The house still stands on Alderbrook Road. Denis Hoare found a photograph taken during filming at this location that can be viewed via the link in the Header Section of this film.
Taken by John H. (SJ)
- Capture 9
- 05 Aug 2005
Joining the younger children Vi (Eileen Erskine) and Reg (John Blythe), the family set off to visit the British Empire Exhibition held at Wembley. Denis Hoare found a photograph taken during filming at this location that can be viewed via the link in the Header Section of this film.
Alderbrook Road, London SW12.
- Capture 10
- 'Now' required
Frank and Ethel take a rest. In the background stands a replica of the Indian Pavilion at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley.
- Capture 11
- 'Now' required
1926 brings the General Strike and Reg is injured during a brawl in Whitechapel Road.
- Capture 12
- 04 Oct 2017
Trains are still and stations quiet as the country comes to a stand. Royal Oak station in London W2 with Lord Hills Bridge crossing the railway in the background. Richard Elsner points out that this footage/still also appears in "I'm All Right Jack" but in Black and White. (RL)
Taken from Harrow Road over a wall - the best view possible without encroaching on railway property. (PW)
- Capture 13
- 'Now' required
A Strike Breaker helps to get the trains moving while Frank volunteers as a bus driver. This is the northbound platform at Denham station in Buckinghamshire. The station appears in several films including 'The Chiltern Hundreds', 'Dark Places', 'No Smoking' and 'Man in the Moon'.
- Capture 14
- 05 Jun 2018
It's not long before Sam and Vi get married. Ronnie Hackston tells us that this is St Thomas' Church, Telford Avenue, Telford Park in SW2.
Yes, facing south. SJ
- Capture 15
- 05 Jun 2018
The bride and groom pause for their picture to be taken. Telford Avenue, Telford Park in Streatham Hill located by Ronnie Hackston.
Where Tenham Avenue meets Telford Avenue in the south-west corner of SW2 with the church behind me. SJ
- Capture 16
- 05 Jun 2018
Outside St.Thomas' Church in Telford Park. Identified by Ronnie Hackston.
The pillars have gone, probably to widen the entrance. SJ
- Capture 17
- 05 Aug 2005
Billy Mitchell (John Mills) opens the door for Reg as the young man heads off to marry Phyllis Blake. Alderbrook Road located by Ray Simmons.
The same road in Balham.
- Capture 18
- 05 Aug 2005
The car returns to take the rest of the family to church. Looking south on Alderbrook Road with Oldridge Road Board School in the background.
Confirmed by the distinctive building of the currently named Alderbrook Primary School. Picture from Ray Simmons.
- Capture 19
- 05 Aug 2005
Frank and Ethel sit in Hyde Park after the death of Reg and his wife. Stanhope Gate on Park Lane with the Dorchester Hotel in the left background. The ivy covered lodge appears in 'Spring in Park Lane', 'Keep It Clean' and 'Maytime in Mayfair' but was demolished in 1959 to make way for the Park Lane Improvement Scheme.
A wider Park Lane now.
- Capture 20
- 08 Mar 2009
For a few seconds, the couple listen to a Fascist as they pass Speaker's Corner on the way to get a cup of tea. The location features in 'Two Gentlemen Sharing', 'Nothing Barred', 'Portrait from Life', 'Major Barbara' and 'Monsieur Ripois' amongst a number of other productions.
Speaker's Corner at the corner of Cumberland Gate and Park Lane. SJ.
- Capture 21
- 11 Dec 2012
As war looms once again, Queenie and her mother take a walk in the park. Clapham Common with Eagle Pond and a tram running along Clapham Common South Side in the background recognised by Elizabeth Moore.
A modern comparison.
- Capture 22
- 05 May 2023
Frank Gibbons watches the removal van depart as the family move out of Sycamore Road. The property stands almost opposite Bellamy Street on Alderbrook Road, London SW12.
John replaces Michael Garfield's google shot from December 16. (SJ)