Guinea Pig, The

Date: 1948
Director: Roy Boulting
Production Company: Pilgrim Pictures, Boulting Brothers

Stars: Richard Attenborough, Sheila Sim, Bernard Miles, Cecil Trouncer, Robert Flemyng, Edith Sharpe, Joan Hickson
Location(s): Dorset

Region(s):

Storyline:

A working-class boy has difficulty fitting in after being granted a public school scholarship as part of a post-war experiment to bring boys of different social classes together.

Additional Information:

Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson

Can you help:

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
  • 06 Jul 2018

The film opens with views of Saintbury School. The south aspect of the Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin, Abbey Court in Sherborne, Dorset.

The south aspect of the Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin, Abbey Court in Sherborne, Dorset.

The same angle shot captured by Clive Rideout but minus the flag. (RL)

  • Capture 2
  • 06 Jul 2018
The south aspect of the Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin, Abbey Court in Sherborne, Dorset.

The camera tilts and pans to find Jack Read (Richard Attenborough) looking up at the statue of King Henry VIII before the titles roll. In reality, he's facing the Digby Memorial in front of Sherborne Abbey.

The south aspect of the Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin, Abbey Court in Sherborne, Dorset.

Clive tilted his camera ti capture the same scene, this time minus a person. (RL)

  • Capture 3
  • 06 Jul 2018

The train from London arrives at fictional Saintbury station in Hampshire. Facing the level crossing and signalbox at Sherborne station in Dorset. In 1960 the signalbox was replaced by another on the opposite side of the line.

Clive found more lineside "clutter". (RL)

  • Capture 4
  • 'Now' required

On the platform, Peck (Hay Petrie) waits to unload the pupils' luggage. Sherborne station on Station Road, Sherborne.

  • Capture 5
  • 06 Jul 2018

Doors begin to swing open as the train comes to a stand. Looking towards the north-east from the Down platform at Sherborne station.

The only real change that Clive found was the new platform roof. (RL)

  • Capture 6
  • 06 Jul 2018

Jack Read, the son of a Walthamstow tobacconist, walks from the station. Outside Sherborne station on Station Road.

Outside Sherborne station on Station Road.

Taken in 2017 by Clive Rideout. (RL)

  • Capture 7
  • 06 Jul 2018

The 14-year-old looks towards Saintbury School. The view of Sherborne Abbey from Station Road.

The view of Sherborne Abbey from Station Road.

At least Clive was able to line up on the tower of the Abbey. (RL)

  • Capture 8
  • 06 Jul 2018

On his way through town, Jack asks Nigel Lorraine (Robert Flemyng) for directions. Long Street in Sherborne.

A close up of two period windows in the town of Sherborne, Dorset

Clive points out that Jack was already going in the right direction. (RL)

  • Capture 9
  • 'Now' required

When Nigel explains that he's a house tutor, the two walk to the school together. Looking out onto Abbey Road from the entrance of Sherborne School with Hospital Lane to the right.

  • Capture 10
  • 'Now' required

The tutor walks with Jack into Cloisters House where he meets Mr. Hartley, the Housemaster.

  • Capture 11
  • 'Now' required

An establishing shot of the school is accompanied by the sound of a choir singing in the chapel. The rest of the locations featured in the film feature the buildings and grounds of Sherborne School on Abbey Road in Sherborne, Dorset.

  • Capture 12
  • 'Now' required

The school was also seen in 'The Browning Version' and the 1969 version of 'Goodbye Mr. Chips'.

  • Capture 13
  • 'Now' required

The pupils file out of the chapel at the end of the service. Sherborne School on Abbey Road in Sherborne, Dorset.

  • Capture 14
  • 'Now' required

As a bell chimes the hour, staff and pupils head to the hall for dinner. Sherborne School in Sherborne.

  • Capture 15
  • 15 Feb 2024

Gregory (Clive Baxter) calls on Jack to take part in the Founder's Day horseplay. Sherborne School on Abbey Road in Sherborne, Dorset.

Mark Alford zoomed in for a closer look at he doorway.

  • Capture 16
  • 'Now' required

The new girl's school passes beneath the common room window. Sherborne School on Abbey Road, Sherborne.

  • Capture 17
  • 'Now' required

Lloyd Hartley (Cecil Trouncer) turns from talking with Grimmett (Peter Reynolds) when he hears Jack's whistle.

  • Capture 18
  • 06 Jul 2018

The Housemaster calls Jack back to the window, ordering him to his study.

Clive did the right thing and called up for Jack but the window was closed. (RL)

  • Capture 19
  • 'Now' required

The following term, Jack becomes more involved with rugby and cricket and he's entered for Cambridge by Nigel Lorraine.

  • Capture 20
  • 'Now' required

Mr. Stringer (Anthony Nicholls) offers Lorraine the Housemasters position as Mr. Hartley is retiring due to poor health.

  • Capture 21
  • 'Now' required

Mr. Read (Bernard Miles) and Lloyd Hartley get along as they discus Jack and the school.

  • Capture 22
  • 'Now' required

Jack's father tells Mr. Hartley that Cloisters House has meant a great deal to his son.