Missionary, The
Date: 1982
Director: Richard Loncraine
Production Company: HandMade Films
Stars: Michael Palin, Maggie Smith, Trevor Howard, Denholm Elliott, Michael Hordern, Graham Crowden, David Suchet, Phoebe Nicholls
Location(s): Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Inverness-shire, Kenya, London, Wiltshire
Region(s): London M-N, Rest Of The World, Scotland, South East M-Q, South West
Storyline:
After ten years of missionary work in Africa, the Reverend Charles Fortesque returns to England to wed his sweetheart and minister to London’s prostitutes.
Additional Information:
Screen captures and uncredited now images uploaded by Phil Wilkinson
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- Capture 1
- 23 Jun 2023
The Reverend Charles Fortescue arrives at the home of the Reverend Fitzbanks and his daughter Deborah. Jonathan J advises that this is Dorney Court on Court Lane in Dorney, Buckinghamshire.
The view today, with added film equipment. (SR)
- Capture 2
- 05 Aug 2024
Charles (Michael Palin) and Deborah (Phoebe Nicholls) take a walk. Alex White identifies this as Boveney, Berkshire with the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in the centre distance is. Alex adds "In another shot, they are on a tandem bicycle travelling along the avenue of trees that leads to the church".
The view today. St Mary Magdalene is a 12th century flint and clunch church that was built to serve the bargees on the Thames. (SR)
- Capture 3
- 24 Jul 2012
Charles visits the fictional Church & Universities Club in London. Simon James identifies the location as Salisbury House on Circus Place, London EC2.
Roadworks spoil today's view.
- Capture 4
- 24 Jul 2012
Charles sees Lady Isabel Ames across the street.
The post box still lives on Circus Place, London EC2.
- Capture 5
- 24 Jul 2012
Lady Isabel Ames drives away in a carriage. Circus Place looking towards London Wall in EC2.
More roadworks and no carriages.
- Capture 6
- 23 Jun 2023
Charles arrives home and Deborah meets him. Dorney Court identified by Jonathan J. The Grade I listed property also appears in 'Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels', 'Father Came Too', 'Number 13', 'Sliding Doors', 'The Black Cat' and 'Norbert Smith: A Life'.
A more modern form of clutter adorns the house. (SR)
- Capture 7
- 'Now' required
Charles arrives at the stately home of Lord and Lady Fermleigh to canvas for support. Highclere Castle in Hampshire. Probably better recognised as television's 'Downton Abbey'.
- Capture 8
- 22 May 2016
Charles calls at the stately home of Lord and Lady Ames. Longleat House in Wiltshire which was also seen in 'Jubilee', 'Scandal', 'Blue Blood' and 'Libel'.
Robin Wareham also calls but prefers to stay behind the camera. (RL)
- Capture 9
- 05 Dec 2013
Ezra Street, E2. The building on the right is the Royal Oak public house which fronts Columbia Road. The pub was seen in 'The Krays', 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels', 'Mr. Jolly Lives Next Door', 'Pierrepoint' and 'Legend'.
The same location now.
- Capture 10
- 05 Dec 2013
Ezra Street again. Bethnal Green, London E2.
Not quite as quaint now. Just around the corner from the Royal Oak public house.
- Capture 11
- 05 Dec 2013
Outside the new Church of England Mission for Fallen Women. Ezra Street E2 identified by John Tunstill . . . . .
. . . . and captured for posterity by PW.
- Capture 12
- 05 Dec 2013
Just along the street from the Mission.
Ezra Street, London E2.
- Capture 13
- 05 Dec 2013
Shipton Street, London E2 looking across the road into Ezra Street opposite The Nelsons Head public house.
The same location now, minus the quaint shop front.
- Capture 14
- 14 May 2026
Charles gathers women for the Mission. Cheney Street with Clarence Passage and Stanley Passage off to the left identified by Richard Lovejoy. The area was also seen in 'Nuns on the Run', 'High Hopes', 'Backbeat', 'Chaplin' and 1995's 'Richard III'.
The German Gymnasium, to the left of the capture, was London's first Olympic gym, and now hosts a German-themed bar and restaurant as part of Kings Boulevard. (SR)
- Capture 15
- 'Now' required
Charles and the Bishop (Denholm Elliott) discuss the future of the mission with St. Pancras station in the background.
- Capture 16
- 'Now' required
Lord and Lady Ames go shooting at Carnoustie House. Ardverikie House, Kinlochlaggan, by Newtonmore, Inverness-shire.
- Capture 17
- 05 Dec 2013
Outside the Mission.
Ezra Street E2.
- Capture 18
- 30 Jun 2025
After the Mission is closed Charles and Lady Ames help the poor of London. King Henry Wharves near Wapping Pier, London E1.
This replaces RL's high tide Sep '17 shot from a boat, with his blessing. Access here is limited and, of course, tide dependent. SJ