Wrong Number

The film starts with, presumably, a stock shot of an express train passing through a station. Lightened to assist any railway buffs. Peter Brown recognised this as "stolen" footage from the opening of "Brief Encounter", a Stanier 'Coronation' streamliner followed by a 'Royal Scot' Class steaming in the opposite direction through Carnforth. See March 2017 Blog for "discussion" regarding the location which also pops up in 'Joey Boy'.

After Maria (Lisa Gastoni) swaps a filled mail bag for a false one in the guards compartment of the train the scene moves to her home and that of Dr Pole (Peter Elliott) No 8 ...........No 8 Carlyle Square, SW3 says Dave W, adding "where the scenery remains largely unchanged."

Captured in crepuscular glow. SJ

The gang agree to another robbery and the targeted mail van is speeding on its way. The Broadway, Wimbledon with the van passing what was Victoria Crescent. Now heavily re-developed.

A daytime shot of the re-developed scene.

The Post Office van stops as a “drunken cyclist” stops their path. Near to Moly’s Café if you have Kelly’s. Peter Brown, didn't need Kelly's, this is Kingston Road, Merton facing The Rush (which was just opposite to entrance to Merton Park Studios) and what is now Nelson Health Centre. At the time of filming it was the Nelson Hospital an appropriate picture of which can be seen on Lost Hospital of London (http://ezitis.myzen.co.uk/nelson.html). Peter also points out that it is only a few yards from the café seen in 'The Dark Man' while The Rush can be seen in 'Dead Man's Chest', ‘The Partner’, ‘Dial 999’ and ‘Egghead's Robot’.

More or less the correct spot given the dark screen capture.

Having “jumped” the van whilst they stopped for the “drunk” the gang take control of the van’s drivers. The Broadway, Wimbledon with the Public Toilets in the middle of the road.

The toilets have since been “flushed” away in the re-development.

Further capture for historic purposes.

And now.

Having forced the van to stop they escape with the one mail bag that they are after and the scene switches to the home of Miss Crystal (Olive Sloane).

Paultons Square, London SW3 (RL)

With the death of one of the Post Office workers the importance of Miss Crystal dialling a wrong number and hearing the name “Angelo” becomes significant and attention returns to her. Another view of her home to aid location. Those curved windows are very distinctive.

In the end it was the curved windows that came to my rescue, Paultons Square, London SW3 The reason why some angles are not quite right is clearly evident. (RL)

Miss Crystal opens her door to collect the morning newspaper.

In fact 51 Paultons Square, London SW3 (RL)

She telephones the Police with her “valuable information”. Scotland Yard, Victoria Embankment, London SW1

Fortunately some things remain the same.

Supt. Blake (John Horsley) in charge of the case returns to his own station with the other Post Office van worker. His car exits Charlwood Road entering Felsham Road, London SW15

The adverts have gone but evidence of their existence remains.

Supt Blake and Saunders (Arthur Lovegrove) enter the Station. Felsham Road, London SW15

No longer a police station.

Angelo (Peter Reynolds) is expecting a call from his mother but when she doesn’t call he telephones her….in Brighton. But this is Verulam Place, Hastings, East Sussex. The White Rock Pavilion on the left and the promenade with Hastings Pier immediately on the right of the shot and opposite to the Pavilion. In the distance on the hill is the remains of Hastings Castle.

They appear to have re-used the footage shot for 'The Dark Man'. (SD) Ian Millington adds to the description 'The White Rock Pavilion on the left and the promenade with Hastings Pier immediately on the right of the shot and opposite to the Pavilion. In the distance on the hill is the remains of Hastings Castle. (RL)

Is this the street where mother is supposed to live? It seems familiar! Familiar or not, the distinctive lamp post led Stephen Dean to Montpelier Road, Brighton.

Found and photographed. SD

Dr Pole, the leader of the gang, is taken away by the Police. Identified as Carlyle Square, SW3 by Dave W with No 9 visible top centre.

A late afternoon shot from the pavement, as parking was in the way. SJ

Miss Crystal and Supt Blake leave Dr Pole's house and make their way to the Police car from No 8 Carlyle Square, London SW3 identified by Dave.

Nos. 8 & 9 are unchanged. SJ